14 Day Africa Overland Tours & Vacations.

Fascinating 14-day overland African Safari Tours: Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro crater, and Serengeti National Park. This 14-day overland African safari is designed to provide an incredibly comprehensive and immersive experience of Tanzania’s most spectacular national parks. From the vast elephant herds of Tarangire to the dramatic plains of the Serengeti and the unique Ngorongoro Crater, this journey offers unparalleled wildlife viewing complemented by comfortable lodge and tented camp stays.

Embark on an epic 14-day Overland African Safari Tours through Tanzania, a journey that promises to unveil the continent’s most captivating wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. This meticulously planned itinerary takes you through the heart of Tarangire National Park, the stunning Lake Manyara, the legendary Serengeti, and the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, offering deep immersion and unforgettable encounters.

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Arusha’s Serene Welcome

As your flight touches down at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the warm Tanzanian air will greet you, signaling the start of your grand adventure. After clearing customs, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your dedicated safari guide. A comfortable transfer will whisk you away to the elegant Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha. Settle into your room, relax after your journey, and enjoy a delicious dinner, allowing the excitement of your upcoming safari to truly begin.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephant Kingdom

After a hearty breakfast, your overland safari truly commences. You’ll embark on a scenic drive south towards Tarangire National Park. The journey itself offers fascinating glimpses of local life and the changing landscapes. Upon entering Tarangire, prepare to be captivated by its majestic beauty. This park is renowned for its colossal elephant herds, and you’ll likely witness multi-generational families moving gracefully amidst the iconic baobab trees. Your game drive will reveal a symphony of wildlife. As dusk settles, you’ll check into the comfortable Tarangire Safari Lodge for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay, perfectly positioned to absorb the park’s atmosphere.

Day 3: Tarangire National Park – Deep Immersion

Awaken to the sounds of the African bush and enjoy a delicious breakfast at Tarangire Safari Lodge. Today is dedicated to a full day of extensive game drives within Tarangire National Park. Your expert guide will lead you to various corners of the park, seeking out lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the vast array of antelopes that thrive here. The Tarangire River is a magnet for wildlife, especially during the dry season, offering incredible viewing opportunities. Every moment promises a new discovery. You’ll return to the Tarangire Safari Lodge for dinner and another relaxing night under the stars, relishing the day’s encounters.

Day 4: Tarangire National Park – Continuing the Discovery

Another exciting day awaits in Tarangire National Park. With another full day of game drives, you’ll have the chance to explore different sections of the park or revisit areas that yielded interesting sightings. Your guide will leverage their extensive knowledge to track specific animals or lead you to hidden gems, ensuring a deeper connection with the wilderness. This extended stay allows for more relaxed viewing and photography, soaking in the unique ambiance of Tarangire. As the sun sets, you’ll once again enjoy dinner and overnight at the Tarangire Safari Lodge, truly feeling at home in the wild.

Day 5: Tarangire to Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Highlands – Rift Valley Beauty

After a final, invigorating breakfast at Tarangire Safari Lodge, you’ll embark on a scenic drive towards the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara National Park. This park, nestled at the base of the towering escarpment, offers a striking contrast with its lush groundwater forests and diverse habitats. Enjoy a captivating game drive, keeping an eye out for Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions (though sightings require luck!). You’ll also encounter large troops of baboons, graceful giraffes, and a myriad of colorful birdlife, including thousands of flamingos that often create a pink spectacle on the lake’s shores. After soaking in the beauty of Lake Manyara, you’ll continue your journey to the cooler highlands, checking into the charming Ngorongoro Farm House (or a similar comfortable lodge near Karatu) for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – Descent into Paradise

Today promises one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural spectacles. After an early breakfast, your journey takes you towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ascending the lush slopes that lead to the crater rim. Prepare for an exhilarating descent into the Ngorongoro Crater. Often hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” For 5-6 hours, you’ll explore this immense, intact volcanic caldera, a veritable Garden of Eden teeming with an incredible concentration of wildlife. Witness a high likelihood of spotting the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – all thriving within this compact natural arena. After a truly unforgettable game drive on the crater floor. You’ll ascend back to the crater rim, checking into the luxurious Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge for dinner and an opulent overnight stay with stunning panoramic views.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – Extended Crater Exploration

Enjoy another full day dedicated to the wonders of the Ngorongoro Crater. This extended time allows for deeper exploration of different ecosystems within the caldera, providing more opportunities for unique sightings and photography. Your expert guide will lead you to various corners, searching for elusive predators, vast herds of grazers, and the incredible array of birdlife that flourishes here. The second day in the crater allows for a more relaxed pace, ensuring you truly absorb the magnificent atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll return to the exceptional Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge for another evening of gourmet dining and unparalleled comfort.

Day 8: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park – Journey to the Endless Plains

After a final, spectacular view over the Ngorongoro Crater, your grand journey continues towards the legendary Serengeti National Park. This isn’t just a transfer; it’s an en-route game drive as you traverse the vast plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, occasionally spotting wildlife along the way. The landscape gradually opens up, revealing the seemingly endless grasslands that define the Serengeti. As you venture deeper into the park, the anticipation of encountering its famous inhabitants will build. Arrive at your chosen luxurious tented camp – either Kati Kati Tented Camp or Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge – in the Central Serengeti, where you’ll settle into your comfortable tent, enjoy a delicious dinner, and let the sounds of the African night envelop you.

Day 9: Serengeti National Park – Full Day of Wild Wonders

Today is dedicated to a full day of exhilarating game drives within the heart of the Central Serengeti. This region is a hotbed of year-round wildlife activity, making it a prime location for thrilling predator-prey interactions. Your expert guide will lead you through the plains, searching for formidable lion prides, swift cheetahs on the hunt, and elusive leopards. You’ll witness vast herds of zebras, wildebeest, and various antelopes, thriving in this incredible ecosystem. Every turn offers a new photographic opportunity and a deeper appreciation for the raw beauty of the African wilderness. Return to the comfort and luxury of your chosen Kati Kati Tented Camp. Or Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge for another evening of exquisite dining and sophisticated relaxation.

Day 10: Central Serengeti National Park – Unveiling More Secrets

Another glorious morning dawns in the Central Serengeti. Offering a third full day to delve even deeper into its wonders. Your guide, with their intimate knowledge of the area, will tailor the day’s game drive to maximize your chances of encountering specific wildlife or exploring different sections of the park. The beauty of the Serengeti lies in its ever-changing nature, and each day brings new surprises and unforgettable moments. Witness playful interactions between young animals, observe unique bird species, or simply bask in the vastness of the plains, truly immersing yourself in this iconic wilderness. Return to your comfortable Kati Kati Tented Camp. Or Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge for your final night amidst this vibrant ecosystem.

Day 11: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti – Following the Great Migration

After a final, invigorating morning game drive in the Central Serengeti, your journey continues northward towards the remote and pristine Northern Serengeti. This drive offers a distinct change in landscape, characterized by rolling hills and vital riverine areas. Depending on the season (roughly July to October), this move positions you perfectly to witness the awe-inspiring movements of the Great Migration. Enjoy an en-route game drive, absorbing the vastness and the changing ecosystems. You’ll arrive at your chosen ultra-luxury mobile camp in the Northern Serengeti, such as Mara Under Canvas Tented Camp. Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp. Or other select accommodations, where a delightful dinner awaits.

Day 12: Northern Serengeti – Mara River Dramas and Exclusive Wilderness

Today is dedicated to exploring the unparalleled wonders of the Northern Serengeti. This region, particularly during the dry season, is renowned for the dramatic Mara River crossings. Your expert guide will position you for the best chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring spectacle – hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras bravely navigating crocodile-infested waters. Even outside the migration window, the Northern Serengeti offers exceptional year-round game viewing, with resident lion prides, elephants, and a profound sense of untouched wilderness. Return to the secluded luxury of your chosen Mara Under Canvas Tented Camp. Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp. Or other select accommodations, for another evening of gourmet dining and the exclusive sounds of the Northern Serengeti.

Day 13: Northern Serengeti – Last Full Day of Safari Excellence

Enjoy your final full day of incredible game viewing in the pristine Northern Serengeti. With an entire day at your disposal, you can delve even deeper into this remote and wild corner of the park. Your guide will take you to explore different territories, perhaps focusing on specific big cat sightings or observing the unique birdlife. This extended time allows for truly immersive experiences, providing ample opportunities for photography and quiet contemplation of nature’s grandeur. Savor your last bush dinner and overnight at Mara Under Canvas Tented Camp. Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp. Or similar, soaking in every moment of this extraordinary wilderness.

Day 14: Farewell to the Serengeti – Scenic Flight & Departure

After a final, memorable morning activity or a leisurely breakfast amidst the sounds of the Northern Serengeti, you’ll bid a fond farewell to this incredible wilderness. Your private transfer will whisk you to the nearby Lobo Airstrip for a scenic domestic flight back to Arusha. As you soar above the vast plains, you’ll reflect on the extraordinary journey you’ve experienced. Upon arrival in Arusha, you’ll be directly transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your international flight back home. Carrying with you a treasure trove of unforgettable memories from your fascinating overland African safari.