January Tanzania Itinerary - feedback/ recommendations?
Hi all,
We are planning a safari in Tanzania at the end of January 2027, during the calving season. Our trip is 10 days and 9 nights. After some back-and-forth, we have a rough itinerary, but would still like opinions from those with safari experience.
Day 1: Arrive at JRO @ 7:25 am
Day 2: Game drive @ Tarangire National Park, with an option to add in a night game drive @ Lake Manyara
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park, with an option to add in a walking safari
Day 4: Lake Natron (Nature walk, Engare Sero Waterfalls, see the hominid footprints)
Day 5-6: Game drives @ Serengeti National Park
Day 7-9: Last morning drive at Central Serengeti on Day 7, then transfer to Ndutu for game drives on Days 7–9.
Day 10: Morning game drive at Ngorongoro Crater, transfer to airport for flight @ 6:10 pm
Just some questions I have:
- Regarding Lake Manyara, I have read that there is some flooding in the area, which has led to the tree-climbing lions and flamingos that the park is known for moving elsewhere. Is the flooding seasonal, or will it still be flooded in January? Would it still be worth spending a full day there, considering we have the option of doing a night drive? If anyone has been there recently and can share their experience, that would be great.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Is it doable to do a morning game drive and then transfer to the airport? Does anyone have any advice from doing something similar?
Any other advice or recommendations would be much appreciated! Thanks