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 drive
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 viewing
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 spotting
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 views
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 Tulip
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.
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.
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.