Experience the ultimate 9-day safari across northern Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Journey through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater, then venture into the lesser-explored landscapes of Lake Natron on a guided walking safari. This adventure-packed tour is perfect for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts, offering a mix of thrilling game drives, breathtaking scenery, and the unique beauty of Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems.
Day 1: Arrival:
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport, or at the shuttle bus terminal, you will be greeted by one of our office representatives. They will then transfer you to your lodge/hotel, where your safari adventure begins. Here, you’ll spend the night on a bed, and breakfast basis.
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Non-game-viewing travel time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 152.7 km
We’ll collect you from your lodge at 9:00 am and embark on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park for a thrilling game viewing experience. The park’s unique landscape, featuring low-lying hills on the Great Rift Valley floor, is dominated by Acacia woodlands and giant African Baobab trees, with expansive swamp areas in the south. The Tarangire River and swamps attract a high concentration of wild animals during Tanzania’s dry season, making it an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts. This park is renowned for its large elephant herds and is also home to three rare species: the Greater Kudu, Fringed-eared Oryx, and Ashy Starlings. After a fascinating day, we’ll return to your lodge/tented camp/hotel/campsite for dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 3: Tarangire National Park – Lake Manyara National Park
Non-game-viewing travel time: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours,
Distance: 70 kilometers
Following breakfast, we’ll drive to Lake Manyara National Park, one of Tanzania’s most spectacularly located wildlife areas. The park’s stunning landscape features a massive yet shallow soda lake, covering two-thirds of the park, at the foot of the Great Rift Valley’s western escarpment. The varied habitat attracts a diverse range of animals, including one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants. Manyara is also famous for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos, drawn to the lake’s algae-rich waters. Later in the afternoon, we’ll drive to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim and spend the night at a tented camp/lodge/campsite, where dinner will be served.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Tour
We’ll rise early and start the day with a picnic lunch, before descending 2,000 feet down to the Ngorongoro Crater floor in our 4×4-wheel drive vehicle for an unforgettable, game viewing experience. Let’s explore this Garden of Eden, a vast and deep volcanic crater. The crater’s floor is teeming with rich pastures, swamps, forests, and permanent water sources, supporting an incredible array of wildlife. With up to 25,000 larger animals calling the crater home, this is a prime opportunity to spot the elusive Black Rhino and other rare species, such as the black-manned lion. We’ll have a fantastic day, witnessing wildlife at its best. Late in the afternoon, we’ll drive back to the lodge/tented camp/hotel/campsite for dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 5: Ngorongoro – Olmoti and Empakai Crater
The walking distance from Ngorongoro Crater to Olmoti Crater is about 14 kilometers.
The trek from Ngorongoro Crater to Empakai Crater is around 20 kilometers.
Both hikes offer stunning scenery and a chance to experience the unique landscapes of the area.
Following breakfast, we’ll embark on a half-day walk to Olmoti Crater. Along the way, we may encounter Maasai herders on their way to the Crater’s waterfalls. In the afternoon, we’ll proceed to our base camp at Empakai Crater, where we’ll experience the tranquility and unspoiled beauty of this remote wilderness area. The area surrounding the lake is home to numerous springs, where we’re likely to spot a variety of wildlife. The lake itself is a haven for flamingos. We’ll spend the night at the special campsite at Empakai Crater, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature.
Day 6: Empakai Crater to Lake Natron
The walking distance from Empakai Crater to Lake Natron is approximately 22 kilometers.
The trek takes you through beautiful landscapes, offering stunning views along the way.
Today, we’ll embark on a scenic walk from Empakai Crater to Lake Natron, descending the outer hills of the Great Rift Valley and traversing the open plains of the Embulbul depression. We’ll pass through the vibrant Naiyobi village and have a unique opportunity to interact with the local Maasai community. Along the way, we’ll take in the breathtaking views of Ol Doinyo Lengai and Mount Meru. Our luggage will be transported by donkeys, allowing us to focus on the stunning scenery. We’ll arrive at the Acacia Campsite in the evening, where we’ll enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the special campsite.
Day 7: Walking to Ol Doinyo Lengai
The walking distance from Lake Natron to the base of Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai is about 12 kilometers. The hike to the summit itself is more challenging and typically involves a steep ascent, so the total trek can vary depending on your route and pace.
Today, we’ll undertake a thrilling walk to Ol Doinyo Lengai, the only active volcano in Tanzania, revered as ‘the holy mountain of the Maasai’. The trail will lead us down into the Rift Valley escarpment, with some steep sections along the way. After 5-6 hours of walking, we’ll reach the foot of this awe-inspiring mountain. Here, you can choose to camp at the Chini Ya Mlima Campsite or proceed to the more comfortable Ngarasero Campsite, which offers showers and a cooler climate. Alternatively, we can arrange for a car to pick you up from the mountain and drive you back to the Ngarasero Tented Campsite.
Day 8: Lake Natron to Arusha
The driving distance from Lake Natron to Arusha is approximately 180 kilometers.
The journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
Today, we’ll delve into the rich culture and traditions of the local Maasai at Lake Natron. Your local guide will take you on a tour of a Maasai Boma, where you’ll gain insight into their way of life. You may also opt to visit the nearby waterfalls. After a short visit to the Boma and waterfalls, we’ll embark on the drive back to Arusha, passing through the Engaruka Encampments along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll be dropped off at your lodge/hotel in Arusha, marking the end of our tour.
Day 9: Departure
At your request, we can arrange for transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, where you’ll catch your flight back home or to your next destination.
Price Includes:
– All park entry fees
– Concession fees
– Flying Doctor Service for emergency evacuation
– All park camping fees
– Airport pickup
– Ngorongoro Crater service fees
– Accommodation at hotels, lodges, tented camps, or campsites as per the safari program
– Chef services
– Ranger and guide for walking tours
– Meals as per the itinerary
– English-speaking driver/guide
– Transport in a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof
– Bottled drinking water (1.5 liters per person per day during the safari)
– One-night complimentary hotel accommodation in Arusha upon arrival, including breakfast
– Camping equipment, including tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, chairs and tables
Price Does Not Include:
– International and domestic flights
– Fees for passports, visas, immunizations, and insurance
– Tips for staff, including driver-guides, chefs, and porters
– Personal expenses such as souvenirs
“Please note that these are sample itineraries. We will tailor your safari according to your preferences.”
“Book your trip today and experience an unforgettable safari adventure”
