This route can be done in a minimum of 7 days, but ideally a few extra days in the Serengeti is recommended.
I was on an educational, so did a very quick circuit: 2 nights in Tarangire National Park, 1 night at Ngorongoro Crater (stopping in Lake Manyara on the way) and 2 nights in the Grumeti Reserve. This was too rushed and would not be recommended for someone going on holiday.
I drove from Arusha to Tarangire with my guide. I was meant to fly, but due to the floods the previous month, the river crossing from the airstrip to the camp was impassable. Driving to the northern lodges in Tarangire is a comfortable 2-3 hour trip, but we were heading to the south eastern part of the park. This was 7 hour trip, but fortunately 5 hours of this is in the park and we were able to experience some superb game viewing, including the closest encounter I have had with an elephant - 1 meter in an open 4x4. This solitary male was very curious, but calm, unlike me.
We stayed at Nomad Tarangire which is a eco-friendly camp on the edge of a swamp. Despite its remote location, all the necessary luxuries were catered for. Bird watching is excellent at the camp and I spent a few hours just reading and spotting birds from the open-sided reception tent.
On our way out of the park we met some lions. We were heading for Ngorongoro Crater. Again, this is normally a comfortable 3 hour journey from Tarangire, but due to the previous flooding, it was a 5 hour journey for us.
I stayed at Gibbs' Farm on the outer slopes of Ngorongoro. This working coffee farm has recently completely updated the guest rooms, including hardwood floors, inside/outside showers and lush gardens providing complete privacy for each suite.
We used Gibb's Farm as a base to visit Lake Manyara and the Crater. Both are only an hours drive from Gibb's Farm. We did a morning in the crater and an evening game drive to Lake Manyara (including a picnic at one of the watering holes filled with hippo).
I flew from Lake Manyara airstrip to the Grumeti Reserve. This provides a breathtaking aerial view of Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. Taking off from Manyara airstrip is also spectacular as the rift valley escarpment is about 200 meters from the end of the runway and you immediately see the valley and Lake Manyara below.
In the Grumeti Reserve I was spoilt to be able to stay at Sabora Tented Camp and Sasakwa Lodge. These two exceptional camps are run by Singita and owned by American financier and environmental philanthropist Paul Tudor Jones. These camps take the luxury safari experience to a new level! No comfort is overlooked and the staff and guides include some of the best in East Africa.
We were lucky to experience 2 young male lions resting in a tree - finally doing away with the mirth that Lake Manyara is the only place to see tree climbing lions. The Grumeti is really special as it is completely private and you are unlikely to see another vehicle. Off-road game-viewing adds to the experience.
From the Grumeti Reserve, I flew back to Arusha and on to Nairobi for the Kenyan leg of my trip.