6 Day Safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Ndutu & Manyara with Mt. Meru Climb, Hot Springs & Arusha Town Tour
This safari itinerary is recommended from December to March when we expect the Migration to be in the southern Serengeti / Ndutu area of northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Arrival
5th December 2025: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on flight (TBA).
Once you have completed customs formalities and collected your luggage, please exit the airport building and then look out for our driver who should be wearing a black Team Kilimanjaro t-shirt and carrying a placard with your name on it, who will be waiting under a shelter for you at the meeting point outside. Our driver will transfer you to Gran Meliá Arusha for your first night stay.
6th December 2025: Day at leisure and overnight at Gran Meliá Arusha. Your safari guide will come to your accommodation in Arusha for your pre-safari briefing at approximately 1800 (after sunset), during which he will introduce himself, brief you on everything that will be happening during the safari, and answer any questions you may have.
Safari
7th December 2025: Your safari guide will collect you from your hotel in Arusha at approximately 0830 to commence your journey. We will transfer to Tarangire National Park, where we will embark on an exciting game drive.
The Tarangire National Park is known as a wonderful birding destination and also features large numbers of game, particularly during the dry season, when the Tarangire River is the only source of water in the area. The landscape is of particular interest too, due to the high number of scenic baobab trees.
In the late afternoon, transfer to TWC Maramboi Luxury Lodge for your overnight stay.
8th December 2025: Enjoy a morning game drive within Tarangire National Park, exploring its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Later in the afternoon, we will transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim, where we will check in at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge for your overnight stay.
9th December 2025: Early morning descent into Crater for game drives in hopes of witnessing the Big 5. In Africa, the Big Five is made up of the lion, rhinoceros, leopard, elephant and Cape buffalo. All of these animals are viewable within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including the crater and are protected thanks to the wildlife conservation efforts of Tanzania.
In the afternoon, we will transfer to the Lake Ndutu region, with visits en route to a Maasai boma, the historic Olduvai Gorge, and the fascinating Shifting Sands.
Later in the afternoon, check in at TNS Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge for your overnight stay.
10th December 2025: Depart early in the morning for a hot air balloon safari, offering a breathtaking aerial perspective of the Great Migration as vast herds move across the Serengeti plains.
Spend the afternoon exploring southern Serengeti, taking in the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
In the late afternoon, return to TNS Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Camp for dinner and your overnight stay.
11th December 2025: Embark on a morning game drive in the heart of the Great Migration, with the possibility of witnessing the birth of a newborn calf during the birthing season.
In the late afternoon, transfer to Lake Manyara, enjoying game drives en route. Upon arrival, check in at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge for your overnight stay.
12th December 2025: Enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, known for its unique tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife.
In the afternoon, transfer to Arusha, where you will check in for your overnight stay at Gran Meliá Arusha.
Safari route map
This map is not a comprehensive description of movements and shows only a selection of approximate landmarks along the safari's intended route.
13th December 2025: Day at leisure and overnight at Gran Meliá Arusha.
Your chief guide will come to Gran Meliá Arusha for your pre-climb briefing at approximately 1800 (after sunset), during which he will introduce himself, brief you on everything that will be happening throughout the duration of the climb, check any kit that you may have concerns over, issue any kit hire items that have been requested and he will also deal with any final pre-climb administration and answer any questions you may have.
Mt Meru Climb
14th December 2025: At 0730, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Arusha National Park for registration. After completing the necessary formalities and collecting a park ranger, you will commence a scenic trek from Momella Gate, ascending through the lush rainforest and into the heart of the collapsed crater.
Following lunch, 4 climbers will descend to the exit gate, where they will be transferred back to Arusha for an overnight stay at Gran Meliá Arusha.
Meanwhile, the remaining climbers and crew will continue their ascent to Miriakamba Hut, located at 2,541m for overnight stay.
15th December 2025: After breakfast, morning ascent of Little Meru 3,820m for acclimatisation. Descend to Saddle Hut for overnight at 3,564m.
After breakfast, you will embark on a morning ascent of Little Meru at 3,820m to aid acclimatisation. Following the climb, you will descend to Saddle Hut at 3,564m for overnight in preparation for the summit attempt.
***Continued itinerary below.
16th December 2025: At midnight, we will commence the final ascent to the summit of Mount Meru 4,566m. After reaching the peak and celebrating your achievement, you will descend to Miriakamba Hut for refreshments. The descent continues to the vehicle collection point, where we will transfer back to Arusha for an overnight stay at your hotel.
***Continued itinerary below.
Route map
This map is not a comprehensive description of movements and shows only a selection of approximate landmarks along the safari's intended route.
***Continuation of the itinerary from 15th December 2025 for 4 climbers.
Hot Springs
15th December 2025: Morning transfer to the Hot Springs, one of the best locations for a refreshing swim. The geo-thermally heated water, originating from underground springs, is continuously renewed, ensuring crystal-clear, fresh, and clean conditions. This serene setting provides a perfect opportunity to relax and unwind, whether before or after a climb.
In the late afternoon, you will return to Arusha for an overnight stay at Gran Meliá Arusha.
Arusha Town and Coffee Tour
16th December 2025: Early in the morning, a TK driver will collect you for a guided Arusha town tour, offering insight into the local culture and history. The tour will conclude with a Bean to Cup coffee plantation experience at Onesmo’s Coffee Plantation, where you will learn about the coffee cultivation process and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of locally grown coffee.
In the afternoon, you will return to Gran Meliá Arusha for your overnight stay, where you will be reunited with the rest of the group after their Mount Meru climb.
Departure
17th December 2025: Spend the morning at leisure at your hotel. Check-out is required by late morning, but if you wish to explore Arusha, you may leave your bags with reception and continue to use the hotel’s facilities. Should you require a guide or wish to arrange any additional activities, please let us know in advance.
For your departure, kindly ensure you are ready for collection at least 3 hours before your flight (TBA) to allow ample time for airport check-in at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Images of accommodation featured on this page are representative of the hotel / camp / lodge generally, and do not necessarily reflect the room you will be allocated.
This itinerary is recommended throughout the year.
This safari itinerary is recommended for the discerning traveller visiting in the month of June - as this is when the migration is expected to be in the Grumeti Corridor - and who wants to minimise wasted transiting time in the vehicle.
This safari itinerary is recommended for the discerning traveller visiting from July to October - as this is when the migration is expected to be in the Mara Region - and who wants to minimise wasted transiting time in the vehicle.