14 Days 13 Nights
Tanzania
14-Day Tanzania Self-Drive Safari: Natron, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara & Tarangire
Embark on a 14-day Tanzania self-drive safari through some of the country’s most iconic and diverse landscapes. This itinerary combines epic wildlife, stunning scenery, and cultural experiences across Lake Natron, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire. Perfect for independent travelers seeking freedom and adventure.
Overview
Tarangire, Mto wa Mbu, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Lake Natron,
Lake Manyara is a small but diverse park, known for its tree-climbing lions and over 400 bird species, including flamingos.
Its varied landscape—forest, savannah, and lake—makes it an ideal first stop for easy wildlife viewing.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa’s natural wonders. It hosts a dense concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five, amid lakes, forests, and grasslands. Nearby, visitors can also engage with local Maasai communities.
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is the heart of Tanzania’s safari experience, famous for the Great Migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest. Its vast plains offer exceptional sightings of lions, cheetahs, and leopards, along with unforgettable photo opportunities. For a unique perspective, a hot air balloon safari reveals the landscape from above.
Lake Natron
Lake Natron offers striking scenery and a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere. Its alkaline waters create surreal reflections and support massive flocks of breeding lesser flamingos. Framed by volcanoes like Ol Doinyo Lengai, sacred to the Maasai, the area is perfect for hiking, photography, and cultural encounters.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is a hidden gem often overlooked, yet rich in wildlife and scenery. It’s renowned for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. The Tarangire River serves as a vital water source, drawing animals throughout the year.
Day 1 – Arrival to Tanzania
🏨 Tumbili lodge
🍽️ Dinner
Day 2 – Vehicle Pick up / Resting
🏨 Tumbili lodge
🍽️ Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Tarangire National Park
🏨 Baobab Tented Camp
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Tarangire National Park
🏨 Baobab Tented Camp
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Lake Manyara National Park
🏨 Karatu Tented Lodge
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Ngorongoro National Park
🏨 Karatu Tented Lodge
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Ngorongoro Crater
🏨 Karatu Tented Lodge
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Serengeti National Park
🏨 Mawe Tented Camp
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Serengeti National Park
🏨 Mawe Tented Camp
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Serengeti (Great Migration)
🏨 Gnu Migration Camp
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – Serengeti (Great Migration)
🏨 Gnu Migration Camp
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – Lake Natron
🏨 Masaai Giraffe Eco Lodge
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 – Lake Natron
🏨 Masaai Giraffe Eco Lodge
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 – Return to Arusha
🏨 Mount Meru Hotel (Day Use)
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch
Itinerary
Pick up from Kilimanjaro Airport
First Night in Tanzania
Meet and greet upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight stay at Bed and Breakfast (BB)
Camping: Masaai Camp
Lodge: Tumbili lodge
First Day in Arusha
Guided Tours:
This will be your restful day, and we can offer an Arusha town city tour with one of our guides.
Self-Drive Tours:
Collect car, gears, and paperwork documentation before the expedition
Lodge: Tumbili Lodge
Camping: Maasai Camp
First Safari
From Arusha travel to Tarangire National park, famous for its dense elephant population and iconic baobab trees. Enjoy your first full day of game drive.
Camping: public campsite
Lodge: Baobab Tented Camp
Safari Tarangire
Another day exploring the vast landscapes and wildlife of Tarangire. Spend the night at the same campsite.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Baobab Tented Camp
Safari Lake Manyara
Morning transfer to Lake Manyara National Park. Expect to see tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and beautiful lake scenery.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Karatu Tented Lodge
Safari in Ngorongoro
Drive up towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The day includes scenic views and wildlife en route to the rim.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Karatu Tented Lodge
Safari Ngorongoro
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the densest population of wildlife in Africa
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Karatu Tented Lodge
Safari Central Serengeti
Enter Serengeti National park and spend the rest of the day game driving in the Seronera region.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Mawe Tented Camp
Safari Central Serengeti
Continue game viewing in the Seronera region, known for high predator concentration and big cat sightings.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Mawe Tented Camp
Safari North Serengeti
Head north through the park, following wildlife migration routes and riverine landscapes.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Gnu Migration Camp
Explore the north of Serengeti
Another day in the remote northern Serengeti, where you may witness river crossings if you’re traveling during the migration season.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Gnu Migration Camp
Explore Lake Natron
Leave the Serengeti and drive toward Lake Natron, a dramatic and lesser-known area near the Kenyan border. Visit the lake shore and admire flamingos and volcanic scenery.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Masaai Giraffe Eco Lodge
Explore Lake Natron
Spend a second day at Lake Natron. You can hike to waterfalls, interact with local Maasai communities, or enjoy views of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. Overnight at the same campsite.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Masaai Giraffe Eco Lodge
Drive back to Arusha
Start driving back to Arusha
Cost Info
- Price includes
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Fully equipped 4x4 vehicle for self-drive
- Accommodation as listed: camping/lodges on B&B, Full Board, or Half Board basis
- Park entrance fees for Nairobi National Park, Amboseli, Tsavo West, and Tsavo East
- 24/7 support during your journey
- Pice Excludes
- International airfare and visa fees
- Fuel for the vehicle
- Optional activities in Watamu
- Meals not listed in the itenerary
- Tips, drinks, and personal expenses
We offer well-maintained, fully equipped 4×4 safari Land Cruisers designed for Tanzania’s rugged terrains. They come with pop-up roofs for excellent game viewing, comfortable seats, and plenty of space for gear.
Safari Drifters gives you the choice. You can rent our safari vehicles for a thrilling self-drive adventure or hire a professional guide-driver who knows Tanzania’s parks inside out, ensuring a richer experience.
Our rentals typically include comprehensive insurance, unlimited mileage, a fridge or cooler box, two spare tires, recovery gear, and 24/7 support. We ensure you’re fully prepared for your safari journey.
Yes — with good preparation. Tanzania’s parks are safe and self-driving is popular. We provide detailed briefings, maps, and support to help you navigate confidently. Or opt for our guides for worry-free exploration.
Booking is simple. You can fill out our online form, email us, or call directly. Our team will help customize your safari or car rental to perfectly match your interests, timeline, and budget.
