Collection from Backpackers Hotel in Arusha after breakfast, then south west to Tarangire National Park with the Maasai Steppe opening up on either side. Tarangire is the elephant park: the Tarangire River draws very large herds through the dry months, and the valley is studded with baobabs old enough to have been full grown a century ago. A game drive through the afternoon with a picnic lunch under the trees, then out through the gate and up into the highlands to Karatu for the night.
Morning
Pick up at Backpackers Hotel in Arusha and briefing with the guide. Drive south west to the Tarangire gate, roughly two and a half hours, with a stop at a viewpoint over the Maasai Steppe.
Afternoon
Game drive along the Tarangire River valley with a picnic lunch in the park. Elephant, giraffe, zebra, impala and the resident baobabs, with lion and leopard possible along the riverine bush.
Evening
Exit the park in the late afternoon and continue to Karatu. Check in at Sumawe Suites, dinner and an early night before the long drive to the Serengeti.
WildlifeLarge elephant herds along the river, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, warthog, mongoose, and a strong chance of lion. Good dry country birding, including yellow collared lovebird and the ashy starling.
SceneryAncient baobabs, the Tarangire River valley, termite mounds across the plain, and the climb from the rift floor up into the green Karatu highlands.
Two of the four guests are vegetarian. The picnic lunch and dinner both need to reflect that. Park fees are charged per 24 hours from entry.