9 DAYS
Fly-in & drive safari Northern Tanzania
- Day fly-in & drive safari
- Serengeti with the Great Wildebeest Migration
- Pololeti Game Reserve
- Spot the Big Five in Tanzania
- Ngorongoro, the ultimate wildlife experience
- Lake Natron
Any question?
The best of both
Combining the best of both worlds, a Fly-in and Drive allows you to experience the vast plains of the Serengeti from the heights above as well as exploring 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. Be flown in across the open plains of the Serengeti, winding your way back by vehicle, adventure doesn’t get much more all encompassing than this.
Trip summary
- Day 1: Transfer to Zanzibar Airport and domestic flight to Seronera Airstrip – Safari game drive Serengeti – Overnight in Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
- Day 2: Full-day safari game drive Serengeti National Park – Overnight in Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
- Day 3: Full-day safari game drive Serengeti National Park – Overnight in Africa Safari Maasai Boma.
- Day 4: Pololeti Game Reserve, a hidden gem Full-day safari game drive in the Pololeti Game Reserve, just outside of Serengeti National Park – Overnight in Africa Safari Maasai Boma.
- Day 5: On the way to South Serengeti Full day safari game drive Serengeti National Park, with Lake Ndutu as destination – Overnight in Africa Safari South Serengeti.
- Day 6: Visit the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater Safari game drive Ngorongoro Crater – Overnight Africa Safari Karatu.
- Day 7: On the way to another world, rugged beauty Road trip to Lake Natron – Overnight Africa Safari Lake Natron
- Day 8: Lazy days and lakeside wandering Flamingo lake walk – Overnight in Africa Safari LakeNatron.
- Day 9: Transfer to Arusha area (JRO, ARK, Town hotel or City centre).
Package: 226c
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Day 1
Transfer to Zanzibar Airport and domestic flight to Seronera Airstrip – Safari game drive Serengeti – Overnight in Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
Let the safari adventure begin
During a 1,5-hour flight departing from Zanzibar Airport, you will fly overhead the Indian Ocean, the hinterland of Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands and the vast expanse of the Serengeti before making your descent to Seronera Airstrip. The views from above are undeniably magnificent. Within half an hour of disembarkation of the aircraft, you will be in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, ready to take all in that Serengeti has on display for you. Around midday, there will be a picnic stop for lunch and a leg stretch, and off you go again. Late afternoon you will be driven to Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma for the night.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 2
Full-day safari game drive Serengeti National Park – Overnight in Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
Endless Plains
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.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 3
Full-day safari game drive Serengeti National Park – Overnight in Africa Safari Maasai Boma.
Stunning Serengeti and the miracle of the great migration
After breakfast at Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma, you will begin your safari for the day, heading north. The drive takes you through a natural wonderland of ever-changing landscapes. The journey begins cruising along dirt tracks lined by shrubby savannah, the habitat of impala and giraffe. After a while, you will reach the Lobo area where the landscape opens up to a mix of grasslands, rivers, hills and forests. Depending on the movement of the migration you might even make your way further north while the plains disappear behind you to give way to forests of acacia trees and dense bush. The area is permanently inhabited by many animals, both herbivores and carnivores, including; buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, eland, cheetah, hyena, oribis, topi, impala, Thomson’s gazelle, giraffe, hippos and the Nile crocodile. This northern section of the Serengeti is less-frequented than the southern and central parts of the Serengeti, allowing for fewer cars on the road and a more ‘exclusive’ safari experience. At the end of the day, you will leave the park through Klein’s gate and after a few kilometres find another surprise; Maasai culture in its full glory. You will spend the night at Africa Safari Maasai Boma in a modern-style version of a traditional Maasai earth house with an en-suite bathroom and king size bed.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Maasai Boma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 4
Full-day safari game drive in the Pololeti Game Reserve, just outside of Serengeti National Park – Overnight in Africa Safari Maasai Boma.
Hidden gem
Finish your breakfast at Africa Safari Maasai Boma and get back in the safari jeep for another day in nature in search of wildlife. You will go on another full day game drive. This time in Pololeti Game Reserve, just outside the Serengeti National Park. This area is truly a hidden gem and is on the route of the Great Migration. The landscape alternates between vast grass fields, forested hills and stone boulders which are regularly used as lookouts by lions and leopards. At the end of the day you will return to Africa Safari Maasai Boma for a delicious dinner and your well-earned night’s rest.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Maasai Boma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 5
Full day safari game drive Serengeti National Park, with Lake Ndutu as destination – Overnight in Africa Safari South Serengeti.
Big cats paradise
Today the alarm goes off early because this whole day is dedicated to Serengeti National Park! You will check out of your accommodation and board the safari jeep with all your gear. During the day you will traverse the entire national park, so there are many chances to spot unique wildlife moments. The park is so vast that the landscape is constantly changing. At the end of the day you will arrive in the south of Serengeti National Park, where you will continue your journey to Ndutu. Here lies the next accommodation where you will spend the night, another gem in the middle of nature. With a little luck, elephants will walk past your tent.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari South Serengeti
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 6
Safari game drive Ngorongoro Crater – Overnight Africa Safari Karatu.
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 will go to Africa Safari Karatu, for a well deserved nights’ sleep.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Karatu
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 7
Road trip to Lake Natron – Overnight Africa Safari Lake Natron.
Rugged beauty
Wake up with the Ngorongoro Highlands in the backdrop and ready for a good breakfast, after which you will depart for Africa Safari Lake Natron. A safari road trip of about 140 kilometres that leads you through different types of landscapes to the place where Ol Doinyo Lengai (the Mountain of God) can be found. The road is rough but the Maasai with their brightly-coloured dress and beadwork ornaments between the many Aleo vera and Candelabra trees will provide plenty of distraction. When the views open up and the vegetation changes to the Whistling-thorn Acacias in dry grassland it won’t be long till you will see the recognizable shape of a volcano in the distance. In the last kilometres, the landscape changes again to a dramatic lava desert with a high alkaline lake in a depression created by the Rift Valley. The staff of Africa Safari Lake Natron eagerly await your arrival to welcome you for a meal and a good night of sleep under the stars of Lake Natron.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Natron
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 8
Flamingo lake walk – Overnight in Africa Safari Lake Natron.
Lazy days and lakeside wandering
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. The remainder of the day is spent at your leisure; have a snooze, or take a dip in the pool, taking in the stunning views of the still-active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai. Meals and overnight at Africa Safari Lake Natron.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Natron
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 9
Transfer to Arusha area (JRO, ARK, Town hotel or City centre).
Don’t do it! Departure day…
All good things end! Enjoy your last meal at Africa Safari Lake Natron before checking out, ready for your journey to Arusha. After meeting your driver-guide at the reception, you will head off on a drive back to where it all started. Keep your eyes open, as the very rare Gerenuk antelope can be spotted next to the road; After a 4 hour drive, you will be back in Arusha; heart and camera filled with memories of your African safari adventure.
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 meters from the National Park border but inside the Tanzanian Wildlife Authority (TAWA) . 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.
The annual migration is at your doorstep for several months of the year. 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.
Africa Safari Maasai Boma
Serengeti Klein’s Gate – Ngorongoro district
Africa Safari Maasai Boma is a unique accommodation. Not only because of its ideal location, with Kenya’s Maasai Mara and situated between Lake Natron to the east, Serengeti National Park to the west and the Ngorongoro to its south, but also due to its design. As the accommodation’s name suggests, it is inspired by a traditional Maasai boma. Look around you and you’ll understand why; you’re in their midst. The circular earth houses with thatched roofs are simple, solid, basic yet comfortable. A spacious bedroom, decorated with traditional Maasai blankets and beadwork, furnished with a kingsize and a single bed, and a bathroom ensuite equipped with a European standard toilet and shower facilities. The village is called Ololosokwan and although not located in an official game reserve or national park, even here you will find game now and then. Wildlife does not know boundaries!
Africa Safari South Serengeti
Just on the border of Serengeti National Park and the shore of Lake Ndutu, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Africa Safari South Serengeti is a comfortable accommodation, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and offers easy access to the crater, while at the same time being on the south side of Lake Ndutu, which is in the Serengeti National Park. The best of both worlds! The nearby airstrip offers connections to the other major airstrips and airports. The area is famous for the calving season of the Great Migration, an absolute highlight of the annual wildebeest migration. The short rains in November and December provide nutritious pastures for the wildebeest, which stay in the area until the end of the long rains. Most calves are born in January and February. The open grassy plains offer them some safety, but these young wildebeest attract hungry predators, such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. Between April and November, the south-eastern plains dry out, but there is still an abundance of game in the area. There are in fact two water sources, Lake Masek and Lake Ndutu, where many wild animals come to drink. The 6 Safari Comfort and 6 Safari Luxury Glamping accommodations form two wings with a restaurant tent and a bar/lounge tent in the middle. The classic safari tents are fully furnished with locally made furniture and have an ensuite bathroom.
Throughout the year there is an abundance of wildlife in the area, which makes it perfect for game drives.
Africa Safari Karatu
Ngorongoro Highlands as your view
Africa Safari Karatu is a luxury safari lodge located on the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The area became popular with early settlers and farmers because of its cool climate, green hills and beautiful views, with coffee being one of the most important crops. The rolling slopes of the extinct Ol Deani volcano are a striking feature of the landscape. The accommodation is located on top of a hill and offers a stunning view of the northern highlands and its surroundings.
Due to the ideal location of Africa Safari Karatu, Lake Manyara National Park and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater are easily accessible.
Africa Safari Karatu has two types of Bungalow Rooms, the Safari Comfort Bungalows and Safari luxury Bungalows, offering you all the luxury you wish for before or after your safari. All bungalows have their own balcony with a 180-degree view. The restaurant, bar and swimming pool will add to the feeling of being home-away-from-home.
Africa safari Lake Natron
A luxury safari lodge, accessible to the Northern Circuit National parks
Africa Safari Lake Natron is a luxury safari lodge, located between the most important safari parks in northern Tanzania. It’s a perfect base for visiting the most important breeding site in the world for Lesser Flamingos or to discover the different salt and soda lakes.
We offer comfortable safari accommodations with an en-suite bathroom and a king-size bed or enjoy the ultimate glamping experience in our Glamping Safari Accommodation with a luxurious bathroom and a great spacious covered veranda.
We also offer a swimming pool, bar & restaurant, campfire, reception & an Information Desk for all your questions, excursions or last-minute Safari trips.
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.
Serengeti North & Mara River
Serengeti National Park
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 an essential part of this area of the Serengeti, but it is also a lush and idyllic spot hidden away in the remote reaches of the north. Many varieties of colourful birds can be found here including kingfishers, hoopoes and rollers. The 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.
Pololeti Game Reserve
The new Pololeti Game Reserve, is part of the Loliondo Game Controlled Area, now operating under the NCAA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority), an important area for breeding wildebeest, and a corridor for the animals coming from the Serengeti NP. Because wildlife knows no boundaries, you will find a wide variety of animals in the game reserve, such as hunting lions, roaming elephants, grazing buffalo, running antelope and more.
South Serengeti / Lake Ndutu
Home of the Great Migration during calving season
Big cat paradise
The south-eastern part of the Serengeti, the Ndutu area, is rich in wildlife all year round, but wildlife numbers reach a peak between December and April. Huge herds of wildebeest and
zebra are attracted by the seasonal rains. In this period, the best area for game viewing is the plains around Lake Ndutu, where the wildebeest herds are concentrated. Most calves are born in January and February, some 8,000 per day. The short grass plains offer them some safety, as predators can be spotted more easily.
Nevertheless, as happens in nature, these young wildebeest attract many hungry predators, such as lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas. Other species such as gazelles and zebras also give birth and use the wildebeest calves as cover to divert attention from
their own young. The area also caters for birdwatchers; the Thorny Tree forests are
the habitat of yet other birds and if you pay attention you may see the fantastically coloured Fischer’s Lovebird.
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.
Lake Natron
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.
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.
Holiday experiences you can rely on with Paradise & Wilderness
Creating culture rich and authentic holiday’s allowing people to discover the wonders and diversity of Africa and her people.
Promoting responsible travel, TATO accredited with membership number FM/2016/000312.
TOUR FEATURES
- Fly-in and drive round
- Can start any day
- Accommodation level: Comfort
- Tour activity level: Light
- Game drives in 4×4 vehicle with pop-up roof
- Optional extension Zanzibar available
INCLUDED
- 1 Domestic flight and all transfers
- 8 Nights in Africa Safari Accommodation
- Full board meal plan
- 5 Safari game drives · All park fees included
- Other activities as described in the itinerary
EXCLUDED
- International flights
- Tourist Visa
- Tourism Development Levy + Village fee
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, drinks)
- Tips (not mandatory but greatly appreciated)
