7 DAYS
Drive & fly back safari Serengeti
- Drive & Fly-back safari
- Tarangire's elephants and baobab trees
- Manyara’s tree-climbing lions
- Ngorongoro, the ultimate wildlife experience
- Lake Natron
- Pololeti Game Reserve
- Serengeti with her endless plains
Any question?
Drive & Fly back safari
Arusha City is the starting point for your coming days on the road. Leaving the busy city, passing locals going about their day as you venture into more remote village territory. Over the countryside the brightly coloured Maasai can be seen herding their cattle. In the coming days of your journey you will cover many kilometres and vastly varying terrains.
There is no shortage of wildlife on your safari adventure and you are in safe hands with our aptly experienced, highly knowledgeable driver guide.
When your African road trip comes to an end and you board the plane on your way back to Arusha, you can peer out over the wings of the plane and see the Serengeti from a different angle. The perfect time to reflect on some of what will be sure to be your greatest memories in life.
Trip summary
- Day 1: Pick up in Arusha area – Transfer to Tarangire National Park for safari game drive – Overnight Africa Safari Rift Valley.
- Day 2: Full-day safari game drive Lake Manyara National Park – Overnight Africa Safari Lake Manyara.
- Day 3: Safari game drive Ngorongoro Crater – Overnight Africa Safari Karatu.
- Day 4: Safari transfer drive to Africa Safari Lake Natron for overnight.
- Day 5: Alkaline lake and flocks of flamingos. Flamingo lake walk – Road trip and half day Game Drive Pololeti Game Reserve – Overnight Africa Safari Maasai Boma.
- Day 6: Full-day game drive Serengeti National Park – Overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
- Day 7: Early morning safari transfer to Seronera Airstrip – domestic flight back to Arusha Airport
Package: 315b
Day 1
Pick up in Arusha area – Transfer to Tarangire National Park for safari game drive – Overnight Africa Safari Rift Valley
Let’s go on a safari!
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 Tarangire National Park to start your private safari game drive. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River, which crosses the park and is the main source of fresh water for the abundant wildlife. This quiet park is famous for its elephant migration, birdlife 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 Rift Valley. On arrival, you will have time to refresh 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 Rift Valley
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 2
Full-day safari game drive Lake Manyara National Park – Overnight Africa Safari Lake Manyara
Lakes and lookouts, hippos and happy adventuring
You only need to open your eyes and walk to the restaurant to enjoy the expansive views of Lake Manyara; the national park you will be exploring for the day. After breakfast, your driver-guide will take you to the entry gates of Lake Manyara N.P., an underestimated gem as far as game parks are concerned. The park offers a big ecological variety in a more condensed area. From the entrance of the park, the road winds through a groundwater forest area where baboons can be seen lounging in the trees and hanging out roadside. 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. As you make your way out of the dense bushland into the open grassy banks of the lake you will be able to see wildebeest, giraffe, zebra and large buffalo in abundance, grazing away. The lake itself is home to a large number of birds thriving at the water’s edge. More than 400 species have been identified and one of the highlights is the thousands of strolling flamingos. Between all this beauty you have a lunch break at midday and at the end of the afternoon you drive back to Africa Safari Lake Manyara for dinner and a night of peaceful sleep with sweet dreams.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Manyara
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 3
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 arrive at the lodge, Africa Safari Karatu, for a well deserved nights’ sleep.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Karatu
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 4
Safari transfer drive to Africa Safari Lake Natron for overnight
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 5
Flamingo lake walk – Road trip and half day Game Drive Pololeti Game Reserve – Overnight Africa Safari Maasai Boma.
Alkaline lake and flocks of flamingos
This morning, put on your walking shoes and let a Maasai tribesman guide you along the shores of Lake Natron in search of the lesser flamingo. Lake Natron is the most important and regular breeding area for lesser flamingos in East Africa. During the breeding season, up to 2.5 million flamingos live at Lake Natron. Most eggs are laid and hatched between September and April, with a peak between October and (early) December. While long-legged waterfowl thrive here, these conditions are challenging for most other creatures, including small birds; however, the Lake Flats provide a variety of habitats for birds that thrive in the alkali oasis. Before noon, depart for a road trip towards the Serengeti. A short game drive in Pololeti Game Reserve. The reserve borders the Serengeti, and fortunately the animals do not mind the borders. You will spend the night at the Africa Safari Maasai Boma, where you will get an insight into traditional Maasai life.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Maasai Boma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 6
Full-day game drive Serengeti National Park – Overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
Following the movement of resident wildlife
After a good breakfast at Africa Safari Maasai Boma, you will depart on your adventure back towards Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma. Your driver-guide will take you exploring, following the movement of resident wildlife, while heading towards your accommodation in Ikoma. There will be a stop for a nice picnic lunch along the way. In the afternoon you will reach the border of the park and just 2 km further you will find the staff of Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma welcoming you. This is your place to relax, and a beautiful ‘canvas home’ for a good night of sleep is awaiting you.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 7
Early morning safari transfer to Seronera Airstrip – Domestic flight back to Arusha Airport.
Bush planes and aerial goodbyes
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!
Africa Safari Rift Valley
Relax and watch the wildlife around Lake Manyara
Africa Safari Rift Valley is located in the village Mayoka, on the south of Lake Manyara with the famous Great Rift Valley as its surrounding. It’s the perfect location to relax before or after visiting Tanzania’s northern National Parks, conveniently located between Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Africa Safari Rift Valley is a remote location and very quiet. At this location, we offer different tent categories, from Safari Luxury Accommodation to basic Safari Tents. The Safari Luxury accommodations are complete with raised wooden deck, living room with a comfortable sofa and beautiful rustic wooden interior. Safari Comfort accommodations are spacious and comfortable, with exterior canvas walls, a concrete floor and a permanent bathroom. The swimming pool and restaurant is embedded in the surrounding landscape and offers a beautiful view of the Rift Valley and Lake Manyara.
The southern entrance of Lake Manyara National Park, Lyambi Gate, is only a short distance away, this national park has a variety of wildlife including the famous tree climbing lions. Lake Manyara National Park is a sanctuary for the hippo, giraffe, impala and zebra, and the lake of Manyara a magnet for birdlife. The west of Tarangire National Park is less than an hour drive away. Tarangire National Park is known for its high number of scenic baobab trees, and is home to the largest population of elephants in Northern Tanzania.
Tanzania is the third largest sugar producer in East Africa. Just a 30 minute ride away from Africa Safari Rift Valley you will find the Manyara Sugar Factory, one of the factories contributing in producing sugar.
The accommodation owes its name to the famous Rift Valley, which is one of the Natural Wonders of the World.
Africa Safari Lake Manyara
Located between the foothills of Ngorongoro crater and Lake Manyara
Africa Safari Lake Manyara is a luxury safari lodge, looking out over the lake and the Jangwani corridor and located between the foot of the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara.
You will enjoy a spacious complex with different accommodation types, like Premium Bungalows, Luxury Glamping Safari Accommodations, Safari Comfort Accommodations with en suite bathroom and 1 to 14 person Safari Tents.
We also offer a swimming pool with sun terrace, Lounge bar, Restaurant, Fitness & Massage Centre, Free WiFi, 24-hour reception and a Guest Relation Desk for all your questions, excursions or last-minute Safari trips.
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.
Africa Safari Maasai Boma
The best location to spot the annual “Wildebeest Migration”
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 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.
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 hours drive from Arusha and in close proximity to Lake Manyara. It 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, warthog, impala, python, lion, leopard and over 50 species of birds.
Lake Manyara 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Central / Seronera area
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.
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
- Drive-in and fly-back safari
- Can start any day
- Accommodation level: Comfort
- Tour activity level: Moderate
- Game drives in 4×4 vehicle with pop-up roof
- Optional extension Zanzibar available
INCLUDED
- 1 Domestic flight and all transfers
- 6 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
