15-Day Safari to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Gombe Stream
This 15-Day Chimpanzee Trek and Tanzania Safari takes you on an unforgettable journey through some of Africa’s most celebrated landscapes and wildlife havens. From elephant-rich Tarangire and the vast Serengeti plains to the wildlife-dense Ngorongoro Crater, each destination offers a deep connection to nature. The experience concludes with chimpanzee trekking in Gombe Stream, along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. You’ll enjoy immersive game drives, cultural moments, and serene lake views. With comfortable lodges, expert guides, and seamless logistics, this adventure blends discovery, wildlife, and relaxation into a well-paced itinerary suited for those seeking depth and diversity in their African travel experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your safari guide and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. This day is reserved for rest after your international flight and safari briefing. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a short city tour or relax at the lodge.
- MEALS: Bed and Breakfast BB
- ACCOMMODATION: Mount Meru Hotel
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park (Drive: ~2.5 hours / 120 km)
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, known for its giant baobabs and large herds of elephants. Enjoy a full-day game drive exploring the park’s diverse habitats and wildlife including lions, leopards, and over 500 bird species. Overnight in a tented lodge or camp near the park.
- MEALS: Breakfast | Lunch |Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Tarangire Safari Lodge
Day 3: Full Day in Tarangire National Park
Spend another full day exploring deeper into Tarangire. This park is quieter and less crowded, providing intimate wildlife encounters. Explore the Tarangire River ecosystem and Silale Swamp areas, especially rich in wildlife. Optional sundowner experiences available.
- MEALS: Breakfast | Lunch |Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Tarangire Safari Lodge
Day 4: Tarangire – Serengeti National Park via Ngorongoro (Drive: ~6–7 hours / 300 km)
Leave early for Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Highlands with a brief stop at a scenic viewpoint. Enter the Serengeti via the Naabi Hill Gate and begin your game drive en route to your camp. Expect to see wildebeests, zebras, big cats, and endless plains.
- MEALS: Breakfast | Lunch |Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Signature Serengeti Luxury
Day 5: Central Serengeti – Full Day Game Drive
Spend a full day exploring the wildlife-rich Seronera region, famous for predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Enjoy picnic lunch in the bush or return to camp for a hot lunch and siesta before a late afternoon game drive.
- MEALS: Breakfast | Lunch |Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Signature Serengeti Luxury
Day 6: Serengeti (Optional: Northern or Southern Extension)
Depending on the season, you may head north toward the Mara River for the Great Migration (July–October) or south to Ndutu (December–March) for the calving season. Game drives continue in search of action-packed wildlife interactions and scenic beauty.
- MEALS: Breakfast | Lunch |Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Signature Serengeti Luxury
Day 7: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Drive: ~5–6 hours / 180 km)
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before slowly making your way to Ngorongoro. Optional visit to a Maasai village en route. Arrive at your lodge set on the crater rim with stunning views. Prepare for an early descent the next day.
- MEALS: Breakfast | Lunch |Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater is home to the Big Five, including black rhinos and large lion prides. Enjoy a packed lunch at the hippo pool picnic site before ascending in the late afternoon.
- MEALS: Breakfast | Lunch |Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Marera Valley Lodge
Day 9: Ngorongoro – Arusha (Drive: ~4 hours / 180 km)
After breakfast, begin your drive back to Arusha, with a cultural stop at a Maasai village along the way. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the Maasai people, learn about their traditions, and experience their unique way of life. Arrive in Arusha by afternoon and enjoy a relaxed day at your lodge or hotel. Depending on timing, you may opt to visit a local craft market or cultural center.
- MEALS: Bed and Breakfast BB
- ACCOMMODATION: Mount Meru Hotel
Day 10: Arusha – Fly to Kigoma (Flight: ~3–4 hours with stop)
Take a scheduled or charter flight from Arusha Airport to Kigoma, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Kigoma town to prepare for your chimpanzee adventure.
- MEALS: Breakfast | Lunch |Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Kigoma Hilltop Lodge
Day 11: Kigoma – Gombe Stream National Park (Boat: ~2 hours)
After breakfast, transfer by boat along the scenic Lake Tanganyika to Gombe Stream National Park. Check in at your lakeside camp or lodge. In the afternoon, enjoy a short forest walk or swim in the lake, known for its crystal-clear waters.
- MEALS: Breakfast | Lunch |Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Kasekela Luxury Campsite
Day 12: Gombe Stream – Chimpanzee Trekking
Today is dedicated to chimpanzee trekking in the forested slopes of Gombe. Follow experienced trackers into the jungle in search of the resident chimp families, observing their behavior in the wild. Spend up to one hour with the chimps, then return to camp for lunch and rest.
- MEALS: Breakfast | Lunch |Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Kasekela Luxury Campsite
Day 13: Gombe Stream – Optional Forest Walk or Second Trek
Enjoy a second trek to see more chimpanzees or explore the Kakombe or Mkenke Waterfalls and Jane Goodall’s original research site. Birdlife is abundant, and you might spot red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, and other forest creatures.
- MEALS: Breakfast | Lunch |Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Kasekela Luxury Campsite
Day 14: Gombe – Kigoma (Boat: ~2 hours) – Fly to Arusha
Depart Gombe by boat back to Kigoma. Catch your return flight to Arusha where you’ll be met and transferred to your lodge for your final night in Tanzania. Celebrate your safari adventure with a farewell dinner.
- MEALS: Bed and Breakfast
- ACCOMMODATION: Mount Meru Hotel
Day 15: Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam International Airport for your journey home or onward travels. End of safari.
Includes:
- Airport Pick up and drop off
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle and professional driver-guide
- All national park and crater fees
- Drinking water 1.5 Ltr per person per day
- Domestic flights (Arusha – Kigoma – Arusha)
- Crater tour services
- Chimpanzee trekking permits
- Full board safari accommodation
- Boat transfers to/from Gombe
Excludes:
- Personal & baggage insurance
- Balloon Safari
- laundry services
- Optional travel insurance
- Health requirements
- Medical and trip cancellation insurance
- Shuttle Bus Transfer apart from Airport pick up / drop off
- Excess baggage or shipping charges
- Tips or Gratitude
- Personal Toiletries and items of a personal nature
- Beverages/Drinks (Available upon request)
- International flights
- Visas
- Optional activities/excursions
- Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary
What you need to bring:-
- Personal spending money
- Additional toiletries if allergic
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent.
- Enough film for your cameras and chargers for type G Sockets as they are widely used in Tanzania.
- Light clothes for day wear
- Warm jacket/pullover/sweat-shirt/fleece for the chilly evenings and mornings
- Sneakers, walking boots or sandals.
