Drive & fly back safari

DAY 1: Pick up in Arusha area (JRO, ARK, Town hotel or City centre) – Transfer to Africa Safari Arusha for overnight .

Arusha is the safari capital of the country and a bustling ‘tourism driven’ city. You will be met by your driver-guide at the airport and be brought to Africa Safari Arusha for your first overnight. Africa Safari Arusha is quietly located, offering comfortable accommodation in the secluded area of Sakina. This property occupies a hill, the Ngateu, which offers views of Arusha town and the environment. An excellent location to recover from your flight and prepare for the upcoming journey.

DAY 2: Road trip to Lake Natron – Overnight Africa Safari Lake Natron.

This day brings you a road trip through northern Tanzania with the destination Lake Natron. You depart from Africa Safari Arusha after breakfast. The drive can take up to 6 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.

DAY 3: Flamingo lake walk – Road trip to Africa Safari Lake Manyara for overnight.

This morning, put your walking shoes on as a Maasai tribesman guides you on a walk around the shores of Lake Natron on the lookout for the Lesser flamingo. Lake Natron is the most important and regular breeding site for Lesser Flamingos in East Africa and during the breeding season, Lake Natron hosts up to 2.5 million flamingos. The majority of egg-laying and hatching takes place from September to January although the peak occurs between October & (early) December. Besides the waterfowl, there are limited other bird species due to the lake’s steeply alkaline waters. Around midday, you will depart Natron for Lake Manyara. The drive can take up to 4 hours and it’s the perfect way to see different shades of Tanzania’s ever-changing landscapes. The arid and dry scenery will slowly be exchanged for the lusher and greener surroundings of the Rift Valley. At the end of the afternoon, you will arrive at Africa Safari Lake Manyara for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

DAY 4: Safari game drive Ngorongoro Crater – Safari transfer Serengeti National Park – Overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.

A long day ahead full of chances and new animals to be spotted as you are headed to the Ngorongoro Crater! A visit to this breathtaking natural wonder of the world is an absolute must on any northern circuit safari itinerary. The Ngorongoro Crater is around 3 million years old and it is the world’s largest inactive, intact and unfilled caldera. Inside the 20 square kilometre volcano is a variety of wildlife which includes the rare and endangered black rhino. Lions, elephants, zebra’s, hyena’s and many others keep him company. Your safari continues through Tanzania’s oldest and most popular park, Serengeti which is always filled with adventure and discoveries. Late afternoon you will arrive at Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma for your overnight.

DAY 5: Full-day safari game drive Serengeti National Park – Overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.

Nothing beats waking up from a restful sleep to the sounds of the Serengeti. Once you have enjoyed your breakfast, the acacia-studded savannah welcomes you to start exploring its wildlife. Another day filled with safari adventuring on African soil and by the end of this day you probably understand the meaning of the name ‘Serengeti’ to be ‘Endless plains’. Late afternoon you return to Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.

DAY 6: Early morning safari transfer to Seronera Airstrip – Domestic flight back to Arusha Airport.

After a good night’s sleep, this morning it is departure time. After the last game drive, your vehicle will be taking you to the Seronera airstrip for your flight back to Arusha Airport. After boarding the aircraft, your trip nears the end, but you can still peer out over the wings of the plane and enjoy the magnificent views while flying over Serengeti National Park and admire the changing scenery of the Great Rift Valley. You will land at Arusha Airport with a camera full of pictures to share with friends and family and look back on the amazing memories created on your African endeavour!