Safari Overview
Lake Manyara – Lake Natron – Serengeti – Ngorongoro
A fascinating tour that jumps from wide open plains to the haunting beauty of isolated lakes and wildlife filled volcanic craters. Three distinct ecologies, each with its own atmosphere and its own magic.
We begin with the stunning Lakes Manyara and Natron, before heading to the famous Serengeti with its migrating herds of wildebeest and zebra, then move on to Ngorongoro and the 20,000 animals that crowd its crater floor.
Itinerary
Day 1: Lake Manyara
The tour departs Arusha for the splendid Lake Manyara. Set in acacia woods, grasslands and dense forest, the shallow lake provides a splendid backdrop as we embark on a game drive. Elephant, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra and warthog are regularly seen, as well as Manyara’s spectacular birdlife.
Other highlights include huge troops of baboon (said to be the largest in Africa), giant fig and mahogany trees and numerous pelicans and pink flamingos.
Day 2: Lake Natron
After breakfast we drive to Lake Natron. It is a hard journey through rough and dusty road (track) but worth the effort and made easier by the beautiful scenery en route. In particular, the Ngaresero Escarpment with its water falls and gorge is breath taking.
Natron is a remote location with a real sense of isolation and serenity. The lake itself is exceptionally alkaline, beautiful and home to thousands of flamingos.
Day 3: Serengeti
We continue on to Tanzania’s oldest and most famous national park, the Serengeti. Passing through the Ngorongoro highlands en route, there are chances to see large game and superb scenery and we arrive around lunch time.
In the afternoon we take a game drive, where there will be chances to see elephant, wildebeest, zebra, lion and if you’re lucky, a cheetah or two. In addition to hosting the big five, the Serengeti is home to almost every species of large mammal found throughout Tanzania and its fame is well deserved.
Day 4: Serengeti
A second day in the mighty Serengeti with game drives and guided walks. If your visit coincides with the migrations (around October and April), you could see the greatest wildlife show on earth. 1.2 million wildebeest, 300 000 antelope and 200 000 zebras follow the rains across the plains of Kenya and Tanzania.
Day 5: Serengeti
Another day in the spectacular Serengeti.
Day 6: Ngorongoro
We rise early and make the short drive to Ngorongoro Crater through the splendid highland scenery. After lunch we descend to the crater floor for another extraordinary game drive. Compared to the open plains and large herds of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro is a very small park. Its wildlife however is perhaps more prolific and easier to spot. With a higher chance of spotting the big five, you will not be disappointed. Expect a slightly more domesticated feel than the previous days.
Day 7: Ngorongoro – Arusha
Our last day is divided between a final view of Ngorongoro and then the drive back to Arusha, where the tour ends.