11 DAYS
11 Day · Round trip northern Tanzania
- Classic drive safari
- Spot the Big Five in Tanzania
- The Great Serengeti Migration
- Ngorongoro, the ultimate wildlife experience
Any question?
Classic drive safari
Explore all the wondrous terrain and animals on offer throughout the parks of the northern Circuit from the open rooftop of a 4×4 safari vehicle.
Experience the best of the open road on this once in a lifetime adventure into the Tanzanian wilderness. The journey in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof can be tailored to your liking as the options are endless. Starting and ending in Arusha, you can design your dream adventure or let one of our safari consultants create the perfect 4×4 safari itinerary according to your specification.
Package: 475
Day 1
Transfer: Arusha area - Africa Safari Lake Manyara
Let’s go!
Arusha is the safari capital of the country and a bustling ‘tourism driven’ city. You will be met by your driver-guide guide in Arusha and together you will begin the transfer to Africa Safari Lake Manyara. Without stops, the drive will take approximately 2 hours. On arrival you will have time to refresh and explore the expansive surroundings of the accommodation before finishing the day with dinner under the stars and a good night’s sleep in one of our comfy canvas accommodations.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Manyara
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 2
Safari game drive Tarangire National Park
Countryside transit and Tarangire discovery
Today you will be met at the airport by our driver-guide where you will begin your transit to Tarangire National Park, a peaceful 3 hour drive allowing you to take in some of the beauty of the varying Tanzanian landscapes. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire river, which crosses through the park and is the main source of f reshwater for its resident wildlife. This quiet park is famous for its elephant migration, the mystical Baobab tree, birding and authentic safari atmosphere. You will enjoy a packed lunch at midday and at the end of the afternoon’s game drive you will make your way to Africa Safari Lake Manyara. On arrival you will have time to refresh before finishing the day with dinner under the stars and a good night’s sleep in on of our comfy canvas accommodations or lakeside bungalow.
Day 3
Safari tour / game drive
Lake Manyara - Lake Natron
Salt lakes and over 2.5 million Flamingos
This day brings you a road trip through northern Tanzania with destination Lake Natron. You depart from Africa Safari Lake Manyara after breakfast. The drive can take up to 4 hours and it’s the perfect way to see different sides of Tanzania’s ever-changing landscapes. As you pass the Rift Valley and drive further towards Lake Natron, you will notice the lush green vegetation slowly exchanging for dry, arid and dusty landscapes. The occasional Maasai villages passed en route become dots in the distant scenery. The further north you reach, the more remains of old volcanoes rise around you. Among them is Ol Doinyo Lengai, meaning ‘Mountain of God’ in Maasai dialect. This volcano is one of the few that are still active. When you eventually reach Lake Natron, you might perhaps catch its smoke disappearing in the sky. The night is spent in a comfortable bed at Africa Safari Lake Natron.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Natron
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 4
A full day of excursions in Lake Natron
Hominid footprints, Waterfall and Village Walk
Waking up at the foot of the Ol Doinyo Lengai is a magical feeling. The day will start with a Flamingo lake walk including bird watching around the lake. The Rift Valley’s Lake Natron is the chosen mating ground of the Lesser flamingo. Long-legged waterfowl may flourish in this region, but to any other species Lake Natron lacks appeal due to its steeply alkaline waters. You will enjoy a nice lunch and then it is time for the next activity: a visit to the Engare Sero Footprint Site. This area has been reported to host one of the best- preserved sets of fossilized hominid footprints in the world. However, until now there has been no detailed characterization and age determination of the footprint-bearing strata (the Footprint Tuff). To complete your day of exploring lake Natron venture out on a moderate two-hour hike along the western edge of Lake Natron leading to a series of narrow gorges and waterfalls, where you can swim in slot canyons and walk behind the falling water. Quite a refreshing activity after a hot day at Lake Natron.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Natron
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 5
Safari tour / Game drive
Lake Natron - Serengeti Bologonja
Follow the Wildebeest Migration
Nothing feels better than waking up at the foot of Ol Doinyo Lengai (Gods Mountain). After breakfast you will start your safari transfer towards Africa Safari Serengeti Bologonja. The mineral rich hot springs en route from Lake Natron to Serengeti are loved by many birds, so a visit there is well worth your while. Before the sun has set you will arrive in Serengeti National Park to spend the night at Africa Safari Serengeti Bologonja and get ready for another adventurous day in this world-renowned park.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Serengeti Bologonja
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 6
Safari game drive Serengeti
Northern area & Mara river
Stunning Serengeti and the miracle of the great migration
Today is a good day for an early rise, because you will head north from Ikoma before crossing into the Serengeti National Park. It’s going to be an action packed day, with the sighting of the great migration as the ultimate reward. Today you head to the Mara river, approximately 3 hours drive from the camp. The Mara river is well known for the Wildebeest crossing. With a bit of luck you will be witness to this spectacle! Around 2 million animals gather in search of fresh grazing pastures, and the sights and sounds are sure to leave a lasting impression. After a full day adventuring through the Serengeti you will be able to enjoy a satisfying meal at the lodge before enjoying a nightcap or heading to bed for some well deserved sleep.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 7
Safari game drive
Grumeti Game Reserve (WMA)
Get your Grumeti game on!
Today provides a unique opportunity to explore the Grumeti Game Reserve area, situated just outside the Serengeti National Park. From May to July the wildebeest migration passes through the Grumeti Game Reserve on their way to northern Serengeti, so a perfect time to see the migration in action. During other times of the year this area has amazing wildlife on show, as it is situated on the Serengeti National Park border and has the Grumeti river running alongside. Here you will have a good chance to spot the black rhino as this area is home to 11 of these majestic but endangered creatures. Late afternoon you return to Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 8
Grumeti walking safari &
Village tour
These boots were made for walking….
Enjoy a bit of a sleep-in and an easy morning around the camp grounds. Take a dip in the pool, read a book on the patio or simply make the most of having some downtime. Today you will head off in a safari jeep on a 20 minute drive to reach the area where your walking safari will begin. A truly unique experience, where you will have the opportunity to explore new territory and follow the animals on foot, accompanied by your very own armed ranger. The walking safari takes approximately 2 hours and is finished in one of the nearby local villages, allowing for an insight into the life of some of Tanzania’s local tribes. There are approximately 120 different tribes throughout Tanzania, all speaking their own dialect and living in complete harmony with one another. To complete this day, you may wish to book a (optional) night game drive. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight at Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 9
Safari tour/game drive: Serengeti - Lake Manyara
& Visit Maasai boma Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Maasai
New day, new possibilities and endless new animals to be spotted across Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park. Serengeti is always filled with adventure and new discoveries; no two days are the same in this massive park. Today you will cross these famous plains and pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation area. Here you are invited to visit a very special Maasai Boma – a ‘village’ of the Maasai tribe in the middle of nowhere. The Nomadic Maasai are the only humans permitted to reside inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and a visit is like stepping back in time. With your heart and camera filled with spectacular images you make your way onwards to Africa Safari Lake Manyara for dinner and overnight.
Day 10
Safari game drive Ngorongoro crater
Nothing but nature – Ngorongoro Crater Magic!
Be sure to wake up early today, so there is no delay on your descent into the famous Ngorongoro Crater. As soon as you arrive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area you will be amazed by the beauty around you. Even more so when you arrive at the edge of the crater and take in the amazing view over one of the natural wonders of this world. The crater of this inactive volcano is approximately 3 million years old, 20 square km in size and the largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world. Due to its natural borders, the wildlife in the crater is amazing. The crater is home to the Big Five and offers a good chance to spot the rare black rhino. Throw hyena, zebra, buffalo and elephants into the mix, and you have the perfect canvas for a pretty awesome safari experience. At the end of the afternoon you head back to the lodge, Africa Safari Lake Manyara, for a well deserved nights’ sleep.
Day 11
Transfer: Africa Safari Lake Manyara - Arusha area
Don’t do it! Departure day…
All good things end! Enjoy your last meal at Africa Safari Lake Manyara prior to checking out, ready for your journey to Arsuha. After meeting your driver-guide at the reception, you will head off on an easy two-hour drive back to where it all started; heart and camera filled with memories of your African safari adventure.
Africa Safari Lake Manyara
Top location, between Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro
Africa Safari Lake Manyara is located between the foothills of Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara however far more distinguished is its position that could easily be mistaken for being right in the middle of the National Park. The accommodation site is a safari in and of itself with various room types scattered throughout the diverse grounds. The Luxury accommodations can be reached by walking through subtle bushland to reach one’s very own private ‘safari cabin’ complete with hammock, raised wooden deck, living room and beautifully rustic interior. The premium bungalows share the same view as the restaurant/bar & dining area and you couldn’t find yourself in closer proximity to wildlife. While you sip on a cool refreshing beverage at the end of your safari day, looking out over the expanse of Lake Manyara dappled with an array of pink from the flamingoes in the distance you almost feel as though you are sharing a meal with the herds of zebra and wildebeest that neighbour the border of the grounds. The grounds also offer a swimming pool with sun terrace, lounge bar, restaurant, fitness & massage centre, free WiFi, 24- hour reception and an excursion desk for all your questions, excursions or last-minute Safari trips.
Africa Safari Lake Natron
Located between the most important safari parks in northern Tanzania
Africa Safari Lake Natron is a luxury safari lodge, accessible to the northern Circuit National parks and conservation areas. It’s idyllic location close to the shores of the sometimes striking red waters of the mineral rich ‘soda’ lake set the very tone for the accommodation base. The grounds are spacious and home to a variety of accommodation options, from Bell tents to the ultimate in Glamping Luxury. The property boasts a charming wood and culture inspired bar/ restaurant, reception and information desk, campfire and has a swimming pool that is embedded in its surrounding landscapes and comes complete with stunning views of neighbouring Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai, a still-active volcano. There are few places in the country that provide such a unique and aesthetically appealing setting, a true nature escape and beautiful resting place for the road-trip loving adventurous souls of the world.
Africa Safari Serengeti Bologonja
The best location to spot the annual “Wildebeest Migration”
Africa Safari Serengeti Bologonja is a comfortable, mobile safari accommodation, located near the northern border of Serengeti National Park. The lodging grounds are situated inside the National Park close to where the Kenyan Maasai Mara Game Reserve begins. This area is beautiful throughout the year with its hilly landscapes and meandering rivers and it’s greatest spectacle is the annual passing of the wildebeest migration. The accommodation is named after the Bologonja Springs; a natural stream of water that seeps from the nearby Kuka hills forming the start of the Bologonja river that feeds the famous Mara river not much further north. We offer 10 comfortable canvas lodgings each with an en suite bathroom and king size bed.
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma
In the Serengeti ecosystem for travellers seeking an exclusive safari experience
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma is a comfortable safari accommodation situated within the Serengeti Ecosystem and just 300 metres from the National Park border. Located between Serengeti Seronera, Grumeti and Ikorongo Game Reserves the location is perfect for exploring the Serengeti and all that is on offer in one of the country’s largest national parks. As the lodge is just outside the National Park there are no mandatory Government park or concession fees applicable on overnights, simply the cost of the accommodation itself. The annual migration is at your doorstep for several months of the year and the rarest of the Big Five – the Black rhino can often be sighted grazing nearby. Being in such close proximity to the Grumeti river, Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma has a backyard full of animals. With spacious, comfortable lodgings and welcoming service, Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma guarantees the finest combination of comfort and nature.
LAKE MAYARA NATIONAL PARK
Tree-climbing lions and over 400 species of birds
Large ecological variety in a small area
Lake Manyara National Park, an underestimated gem of the safari parks, offers a large ecological variety in a small area. The alkaline soda of the lake appeals to impressive numbers of birds thriving on its water. More than 400 species have been identified and one of the highlights are the thousands of strolling flamingo’s. From the entrance of the park, the road winds through a groundwater forest area where baboon troops can be seen hanging about on the roadside and in the trees. On the grassy banks of the lake the wildebeest, giraffe, zebra and the large buffalo can be seen grazing the day away. The mahogany and acacia trees are inhabited by the famous tree-climbing lions, if you’re lucky you might spot them lazing on a tree branch.
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Home of the elephants
The highest concentration of wildlife outside Serengeti
Tarangire National Park is a fun and easy park to explore. Wildlife is abundant and exposed due to the park’s more compact and open terrain making it easier to see wildlife both up close and from a distance. The park is only a short 2 hour drive from Arusha and in close proximity to Lake Manyara. It is is 2850 square kilometres making it the sixth largest park in Tanzania and offering the highest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti. Tarangire is known for its large herds of elephants, which can be viewed at close range. Other animals likely to be seen throughout Tarangire are; wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, gazelle, rhino, warthog, impala, python, lion, leopard and over 50 species of birds.
LAKE NATRON NATIONAL PARK
The main breeding site for 2.5 million lesser flamingos
Fabulous flamingos
Shimmering amid the sun-scorched Kenyan border northeast of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this 58 km-long but just 50cm-deep alkaline lake should be on every adventurer’s itinerary. The drives from Mto wa Mbu or the northern Serengeti are remote, with a desolate, other-worldly beauty and an incomparable feeling of space and antiquity. The roads pass through untravelled Maasai land, with small bomas and big mountains often in view in a wild, cauterised landscape. From June to November at the lake itself, around two million flamingos gather – it’s one of East Africa’s most stirring wildlife spectacles. And close to the southern end of the lake, the views of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano are splendid.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
The best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world
Endless plains and stunning savannah
With vast open plains and an abundance of wildlife as far as the eye can see, the Serengeti is a safari maker’s dreamland. As the park is so expansive, it is ideally recommended to spend several days exploring. Serengeti National Park spans across 14,763 square kilometres and is easily the largest and arguably most popular of the Northern Circuit National Parks. The Serengeti is host to the annual Wildebeest migration, when some six million hooves pound the open plains, as more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelle join the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing. Buffalo, elephant, giraffe, lion, hippo and hyena are also frequently sighted throughout the Serengeti.
GRUMETI GAME RESERVE (WMA)
Serengeti ecosystem
Path of the wildebeests
From May to July the wildebeest migration passes through the Grumeti Game Reserve on their way to northern Serengeti so a perfect time to see the migration in action. During other times of the year this area has amazing wildlife on show, as it is situated on the Serengeti National Park border and has the Grumeti river running alongside. Here you will have a good chance to spot the Black rhino as this area is home to 11!! of these majestic but endangered creatures.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Northern area & Mara river
Northern Serengeti is where the great migration crosses the Mara river
Witness the most amazing wildlife spectacle in Africa at the Mara River. The Mara river is most famous for the legendary wildebeest crossing, a dramatic event, which is featured in countless wildlife documentaries. One of Tanzania’s best kept secrets is the fact that nearly half of the Mara river is situated in the northern Serengeti versus the Masai Mara’s segment in Kenya. While there are hordes of vehicles just a few miles upriver in the Masai Mara, the Serengeti side is virtually devoid of tourists. Not only the Mara river is a special part of this part of Serengeti, Bologonja is a lush and idyllic spot hidden away in the remote reaches of the north. Many varieties of colorful birds can be found here including kingfishers, hoopoes and rollers. Bologonja’s flourishing resources support some unusual antelope species including Mountain reedbuck and Steenbok. The nearby Larelemangi salt lick is a haven for wildlife and large herds of buffalo and elephant are regular visitors.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Central area / Seronera
Big cat capital
Serengeti’s Seronera area is located in the south-central region of the park and is well known for the large number of big cats; the lion, leopard and cheetah are often spotted here. However, the elephant, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, buffalo and impala are also well known inhabitants. The area is very popular as it is one of the most likely spots to watch a kill. The landscape is dotted with ‘’kopjes’’, rocky granite or Gneiss outcrops, over 550 million years old and in high favour by some of the cats as look-out points while hunting.
NGORONGORO CRATER
The world’s largest, inactive, intact and unfilled caldera
Is commonly referred to as the 8th wonder of the world
Nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking beauty that is the Ngorongoro Crater. As you stand at the viewpoint looking out over the crater, clouds hovering around the tip of the rim with the cool mountainous breeze in the air, there is no mistaking the divinity of mother nature. The Ngorongoro Crater is a world heritage site, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and is commonly referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. Due to its natural borders, there is an abundance of wildlife throughout the conservation area which is home to the Big Five including the African Black Rhino as well as hyena, zebra and elephants to name a few. The Ngorongoro Crater is an absolute must on any northern circuit itinerary.
ZANZIBAR
The jewel of the Indian Ocean
Enjoy the ultimate Beach & Safari Holiday
There is no better way to end your safari than by spending a few days/week relaxing on the pristine beaches of the exotic Zanzibar Island. Zanzibar is an island of culture, history and art. Stroll through the cobbled alleyways of the historic Stone town and as you pass by one of the many palace ruins and persian baths it is impossible not to be captivated by the strong arabian influence and romanticism of the Island. The coastal regions are the perfect places to relax and rejuvenate. Spend some lazy days along stretches of white sandy beaches, dive into the clear blue waters of the Indian ocean or explore the underwater world surrounding the island by taking a dive or snorkelling tour. Allow time to stand still as you sip a cool beverage, enjoy the finest of fresh seafood and watch one of the many spectacular sunsets on display
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TOUR FEATURES
- Classic drive safari
- Can start any day
- Accommodation level: Comfort
- Tour activity level: Light / moderate
- Game drives in 4×4 vehicle with pop-up roof
- Optional extension Zanzibar available
INCLUDED
- All transfers
- All nights in Africa Safari Accommodation
- Full board meal plan
- Safari game drives
- All park fees included
- Other activities as described in the itinerary
EXCLUDED
- International flights
- Tourist Visa: 50 USD
- Tourist tax: 1,50 USD p.p.p.d.
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance)
- Tips (not mandatory but greatly appreciated