Met on arrival at Kilimanjaro in the morning and away south west without a night in Arusha, which is what makes this a five park day trip rather than a four. Into Tarangire in the early afternoon for the first game drive: the elephant park, its river valley and the baobabs, with the herds along the water through the dry months.
Morning
Arrival, immigration and baggage, then met by the guide and away. The drive skirts Arusha and runs south west across the Maasai Steppe.
Afternoon
Enter Tarangire with a picnic lunch, then a game drive along the river valley on the way to the lodge.
Evening
Check in, a briefing over dinner on the route and the parks, and the first night out.
WildlifeLarge elephant herds along the Tarangire River, giraffe, zebra, impala, waterbuck and warthog, with lion likely along the riverine bush.
SceneryAncient baobabs and the river valley, and Mount Meru behind on the drive out.
A long first day after an overnight flight, which is worth saying to guests before they choose it over a night in Arusha. Confirm the flight number and landing time.