21 days Tanzania wildlife and bird watching

This 21-day safari is designed to offer a comprehensive wildlife and birdwatching experience across Tanzania’s most iconic parks: Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Natron, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Ndutu, Serengeti, and Lobo Valley. With a balance of game drives, birdwatching, and relaxation, the itinerary ensures that you get the most out of your safari, while maintaining a consistent pace.

9 day northern Tanzania self drive safari

Summary itinerary

Day 1: Arusha National Park (Full Game Drive)

Day 2: Arusha National Park (Morning Walk Safari & Afternoon Game Drive)

Day 3: Drive to Tarangire National Park

Day 4-5: Tarangire National Park (Game Drives)

Day 6-7: Lake Natron (Full Days of Birdwatching & Scenic Exploration)

Day 8-9: Lake Manyara National Park (Birdwatching & Game Drive)

Day 10-11: Ngorongoro Crater (Game Drive & Birdwatching)

Day 12-14: Ndutu (Southern Serengeti)

Day 13 & Day 14: Continue game drives

Day 15-16: Central Serengeti
Day 17-18: Lobo Valley (Northern Serengeti)

Day 19: Central Serengeti (Return for Final Game Drive)

Day 20: Serengeti to Arusha

Day 21: Departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arusha National Park (Full Game Drive)

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Transfer to Arusha National Park for a full game drive. Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including the Momella Lakes area, and enjoy opportunities to spot giraffes, buffaloes, and vibrant birdlife like the African Paradise Flycatcher.
Accommodation: Outpost lodge.BB. https://outpost-lodge.com/
Meals: BB

wildebeest at Ngorongoro

Day 2: Arusha National Park (Morning Walk Safari & Afternoon Game Drive)

Breakfast at the lodge.
Morning walk safari in Arusha National Park with a trained guide, walking among giraffes, waterbucks, and various birds.
In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive around Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater, spotting elephants and antelopes.
Accommodation: Outpost lodge. https://outpost-lodge.com/
Meals: BB

Day 3: Drive to Tarangire National Park

Breakfast at the lodge.
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the park to see elephants, giraffes, and birds like the Yellow-collared Lovebird.
Accommodation:Tarangire Sopa. https://www.sopalodges.com/tarangire-sopa-lodge/the-lodge
Meals: FB

Day 4-5: Tarangire National Park (Game Drives)

Breakfast at the lodge.
Spend the next two days exploring Tarangire National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. Search for lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and birds like the African Fish Eagle, Tawny Eagles, and White-headed Vultures.
Explore the park’s river and swamp areas.
Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa. https://www.sopalodges.com/tarangire-sopa-lodge/the-lodge
Meals: FB.

Day 6-7: Lake Natron (Full Days of Birdwatching & Scenic Exploration)

Breakfast at the lodge.
Drive to Lake Natron for birdwatching and scenic exploration.
Spend the next two days observing Greater Flamingos, Pink-backed Pelicans, and White-faced Whistling Ducks around the lake.
Optional visits to Ngare Sero Waterfall and enjoy views of Mount Oldonyo Lengai.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Natron. https://africa-safari.com/africa-safari-lake-natron-accomodation/
Meals: FB

Day 8-9: Lake Manyara National Park (Birdwatching & Game Drive)

Breakfast at the lodge.
Drive to Lake Manyara National Park on Day 8. Spend the day with game drives and birdwatching.
Spot the famous tree-climbing lions and enjoy birdwatching for flamingos, pelicans, and grey crowned cranes.
On Day 9, continue with a morning game drive to see various wildlife and enjoy more birdwatching, spotting species like African Fish Eagles and Yellow-billed Storks.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Rift Valley. https://africa-safari.com/africa-safari-rift-valley/
Meals: FB.

Day 10-11: Ngorongoro Crater (Game Drive & Birdwatching)

Breakfast at the lodge.
On Day 10, drive to Ngorongoro Crater and descend into the crater floor for a game drive. Spot the Big Five, including Black Rhinos, lions, and wildebeests.
Enjoy birdwatching for species like the Crowned Crane, Pel’s Fishing Owl, and Grey Crowned Crane.
Day 11: Explore more of the crater floor, including Lake Magadi, known for its flamingos and other water birds.
Accommodation: Tortilis. https://www.tortiliscamps.com/ngorongoro-tortilis-camp/
Meals: FB

Day 12-14: Ndutu (Southern Serengeti)

Breakfast at the lodge.
Drive to Ndutu in the Southern Serengeti for the next three days.
Day 12: Enjoy a game drive and birdwatching. Ndutu is known for the Great Migration and predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Day 13 & Day 14: Continue game drives to witness the wildebeest calving season, while birdwatching for species such as Secretary Birds, Lilac-breasted Rollers, and African Fish Eagles.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Ndutu. https://africa-safari.com/africa-safari-south-serengeti/
Meals: FB

Day 15-16: Central Serengeti

Breakfast at the lodge.
Drive to Central Serengeti on Day 15.
Spend the day on game drives, exploring the iconic Serengeti plains, home to large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and big cats.Overnight at Thorn Tree.FB.
Day 16: Continue with a morning and afternoon game drive in Central Serengeti to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, and various birds like the Vultures, Golden-breasted Starling, and Lilac-breasted Roller.
Accommodation: Thorn Tree Central Serengeti. https://thorntreecamp.com/
Meals: FB.

buffalo on a 4x4 adventure

Day 17-18: Lobo Valley (Northern Serengeti)

Breakfast at the lodge.
Drive to Lobo Valley on Day 17, known for its remote and tranquil safari experience.
Enjoy game drives and birdwatching in the valley. Watch for elephants, buffaloes, wildebeest, and raptors like the Violet-capped Starling and Secretary Birds.Overnight stay at Lobo Wildelife.FB.
Day 18: Continue exploring the Lobo Valley, with more chances to spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Accommodation: Lobo Wildlife lodge. https://www.hotelsandlodges-tanzania.com/lobo-wildlife-lodge/
Meals: FB.

Day 19: Central Serengeti (Return for Final Game Drive)

Breakfast at the lodge.
Drive back to Central Serengeti for a final game drive. Spot lions, cheetahs, hippos, and more.
Enjoy the scenic views of the Serengeti plains and finish your safari experience with a sunset game drive.
Accommodation: Thorn Tree. https://thorntreecamp.com/
Meals: FB.

Day 20: Serengeti to Arusha

Breakfast at the lodge.
After breakfast, depart for Arusha.
Spend your afternoon in Arusha with free time for shopping or exploring the local markets.
Accommodation: Outpost Lodge. https://outpost-lodge.com/
Meals: BB.

Day 21: Departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation.
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight.

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