Overview & Summary
Experience a powerful northern Tanzania journey with BMC TOURS & SAFARIS through the scenic Lake Manyara National Park, the lush Ngorongoro Highlands, and the iconic Serengeti National Park. This safari combines dramatic Rift Valley landscapes, cultural village experiences, and the world famous Central Serengeti migration ecosystem. Begin with tree climbing lions and immersive biking experiences around local communities, then travel through Ngorongoro's elevated viewpoints into the vast Serengeti plains where wildebeest and zebra dominate the horizon. The highlight is Central Serengeti's high density predator zone, where lions, cheetahs, and elephants follow migrating herds across open savannahs. This safari is designed for strong destination flow, cultural connection, and intense wildlife viewing across Tanzania's most iconic regions.
Full Itinerary
Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport, followed by a scenic drive into the Great Rift Valley toward Lake Manyara National Park. This compact yet diverse park is known for its lush groundwater forest, soda lake filled with flamingos, and its rare tree climbing lions often seen resting in acacia branches. Enjoy a game drive exploring elephants, giraffes, baboons, and rich birdlife within this unique ecosystem. Continue with an optional biking or walking experience around nearby villages, offering authentic cultural interaction and insight into local life along the Rift Valley. Lunch is taken during the day at a scenic picnic or lodge stop. In the evening, transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Dinner and overnight at Marera Valley Lodge
Lake Manyara to Central Serengeti via Ngorongoro Crater Viewpoint
After breakfast, depart Lake Manyara and drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands, a region of rolling hills, volcanic landscapes, and Maasai pastoral lands. Stop at the famous Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint for panoramic views and a brief introduction to the ecosystem below. Continue your journey into Serengeti National Park via Naabi Hill Gate. Enjoy lunch at the gate area before entering Central Serengeti (Seronera), the core of the Great Migration ecosystem. This region supports year round wildlife due to its permanent water sources, where wildebeest and zebra herds begin forming large migration concentrations. Your afternoon game drive focuses on kopjes and river valleys, prime areas for spotting lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Later, arrive at your camp for dinner and overnight stay in the wild.
Dinner and overnight at Osinon Serengeti Camp
Central Serengeti Migration Zone Full Day Game Drive Experience
Spend a full day exploring the Central Serengeti migration zone, where vast herds of wildebeest and zebra move continuously across open plains in search of fresh grazing. This movement drives one of nature's most dramatic predator prey interactions, as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas closely follow the herds. The Seronera River system attracts high concentrations of wildlife, making this one of Africa's most active predator regions. Enjoy lunch during your game drive in a scenic bush setting surrounded by migration activity. Continue tracking herd movement and resident wildlife across kopjes and savannah landscapes before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Dinner and overnight at Osinon Serengeti Camp
Sunrise Game Drive and Return to Arusha
Begin your final morning with an optional early hot air balloon safari over the Central Serengeti migration plains, offering a unique aerial perspective of the vast herds and surrounding landscapes, followed by a bush breakfast in the wild. For those not taking the balloon safari, enjoy breakfast at the camp before starting your morning game drive, focusing on early predator activity and remaining herds moving across the savannah. After the game drive, begin your journey back through the Ngorongoro Highlands with scenic views along the route. Lunch is taken during the drive at a designated stop. Continue to Arusha where you will be dropped off at your hotel or airport, marking the end of your Rift Valley and Serengeti migration safari with BMC TOURS & SAFARIS.
END OF OUR SERVICESInclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Park fees (Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti)
- 3 nights accommodation (Lake Manyara/Karatu, Serengeti)
- All meals as per itinerary (including daily lunch)
- 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional safari guide
- Game drives and migration tracking
- Cultural village/biking experience near Lake Manyara
- Bottled drinking water
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Arusha
- Government taxes
Excluded
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
- Tips for guide and lodge staff
- Optional activities (balloon safari, extra village experiences)
Optional Activities
