Itinerary
Overview
Explore Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater
Embark on a thrilling 5-day safari adventure through some of Tanzania’s most breathtaking landscapes. From the diverse habitats of Lake Manyara National Park to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, this journey offers an immersive experience in East Africa’s finest wildlife regions. With luxurious accommodations at Serena Lodges, you’ll enjoy world-class comfort while witnessing incredible wildlife, vibrant local cultures, and the unparalleled beauty of Tanzania’s natural wonders. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, this safari guarantees unforgettable moments.
Highlights & Activities
What's on offer during this trip?
- Exclusive Game Drives: Explore Lake Manyara’s lush forests and Ngorongoro Crater’s diverse wildlife.
- Cultural Insights: Visit Mto wa Mbu village to experience authentic Tanzanian life.
- Luxury Accommodations: Stay in top-tier Serena Lodges with exceptional amenities.
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunities to see elephants, lions, black rhinos, wildebeest, zebras, flamingos, and more.
- Scenic Drives: Travel through some of Tanzania’s most stunning landscapes, including the famous Ngorongoro Highlands.
- All-Inclusive Experience: Enjoy full-board meals, expert guides, and seamless transfers.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: For an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, consider booking an optional hot air balloon ride.
- Photography Sessions: Capture stunning wildlife moments with a professional photographer, available upon request.
- Maasai Village Visit: Delve deeper into Tanzanian culture with a visit to a traditional Maasai village, learning about their way of life, rituals, and traditions
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1: Arrival & Lake Manyara National Park
Begin your adventure with a scenic drive from Arusha, passing through Makuyuni en route to Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant village where you’ll enjoy a cultural tour. This two-hour experience includes visiting local markets, farms, artisan shops, and traditional huts, offering you a glimpse of northern Tanzanian life. After a local lunch, continue to Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, where you’ll unwind and enjoy panoramic views of the park.
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena LodgeActivities: Cultural village tour, traditional lunch, scenic driveDay 2: Explore Lake Manyara National Park
Today, dive deep into the natural beauty of Lake Manyara National Park. Known for its rich diversity, you’ll enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch. The park's underground water sources nourish dense forests, home to elephants, blue monkeys, and baboons. As you move south, you’ll encounter drier bushlands where zebras, impalas, and giraffes roam freely, while the lakeshore provides habitat for flamingos and other bird species.
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena LodgeActivities: Full-day game drive, picnic lunch, wildlife viewingDay 3: Journey to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, head to the stunning Ngorongoro Crater. Known as one of the best places in Tanzania for viewing wildlife, especially the rare black rhino, the crater is home to lions, zebras, wildebeest, and more. Descend 2,000 feet to the crater floor for an exciting day of wildlife watching, including visits to the alkaline lake where flamingos gather. Return to Ngorongoro Serena Lodge in the evening for a delicious dinner.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena LodgeActivities: Full-day game drive, crater exploration, wildlife spottingDay 4: Full Day in Ngorongoro Crater
Spend another full day exploring the unique ecosystems of Ngorongoro Crater. The crater’s floor is a haven for wildlife, including large herds of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and elephants. Your expert guide will take you through different sections of the crater, ensuring you spot as many species as possible, including predators like lions and hyenas. In the afternoon, return to your lodge for a relaxed evening.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena LodgeActivities: Full-day game drive, wildlife photography, scenic viewsDay 5: Departure to Arusha
After breakfast, it’s time to journey back to Arusha, with a final stop for lunch at The African Tulip. A day-use room will be available for you to freshen up before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.
Activities: Scenic drive, lunch at The African TulipDay 5: Full Day in Central Serengeti
Spend the day exploring the heart of the Serengeti, where you'll encounter a diverse array of wildlife. Morning and afternoon game drives will take you to the best spots for viewing the migration and resident animals. Between drives, enjoy the amenities of your lodge, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or unwinding with a good book on your private deck.
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Depart for the Ngorongoro Crater, descending into this UNESCO World Heritage site in the afternoon. The crater's enclosed ecosystem is home to a staggering variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. After a game drive on the crater floor, you'll ascend to your lodge on the crater rim, where you'll enjoy dinner with panoramic views of this natural wonder.
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha and Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, you'll have one last game drive in the crater before heading back to Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a visit to a Maasai village to learn about their rich culture. Your safari concludes with a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey, taking with you memories of an unforgettable adventure.
What's Included?
- Accommodation: 4 nights in luxurious Serena Lodges.
- Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at all lodges.
- Transport: All transfers and transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing.
- Game Drives: Full-day game drives as per the itinerary.
- Professional Guide: Services of an experienced, English-speaking guide.
- Park & Crater Fees: Entrance fees to Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
- Cultural Tour: Mto wa Mbu village tour.
- Drinking Water: Bottled water during game drives.
- Day-Use Room: Day-use room in Arusha before your departure.
What's Excluded?
- International Flights: To and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Visas: Entry visa for Tanzania.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
- Personal Expenses: Additional beverages, laundry services, souvenirs.
- Optional Activities: Hot air balloon safaris, additional excursions not listed in the itinerary.
- Covid-19 Related Expenses: Any costs related to testing or quarantine.
Insider Insight
We know because we've been there.
Discover the perfect blend of luxury and adventure on this bucket list African safari, featuring breathtaking highlights and serene sanctuaries.
Hamisi Mnaro
Africa Safari Specialist
