6 DAYS
Drive & fly back safari Serengeti (incl crater)
- Drive & Fly-back safari
- Volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai
- Ngorongoro, the ultimate wildlife experience
- Lake Ndutu/Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- 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 (JRO, ARK, Town hotel or City centre) – Transfer to Africa Safari Arusha for overnight .
- Day 2: Road trip to Lake Natron – Overnight Africa Safari Lake Natron.
- Day 3: Flamingo lake walk – Road trip to Africa Safari Karatu for overnight.
- Day 4: Safari game drive Ngorongoro Crater – Lake Ndutu – Overnight Africa Safari South Serengeti.
- Day 5: Full-day safari game drive Serengeti National Park – Overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
- Day 6: Early morning safari transfer to Seronera Airstrip – Domestic flight back to Arusha Airport.
Package: 312c
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Day 1
Pick up in Arusha area (JRO, ARK, Town hotel or City centre) – Transfer to Africa Safari Arusha for overnight .
The beginning…
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.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Arusha
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 2
Road trip to Lake Natron – Overnight Africa Safari Lake Natron.
Salt lakes and over 2.5 million Flamingos
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.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Natron
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 3
Flamingo lake walk – Road trip to Africa Safari Karatu for overnight.
From Natron to the Ngorongoro Highlands
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 the Ngorongoro Highlands. 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 Karatu for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Karatu
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 4
Safari game drive Ngorongoro Crater – Overnight Africa Safari South Serengeti
The eight wonder of the world
A lovely 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 Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Late afternoon you will arrive at Africa Safari South Serengeti for your overnight.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari South Serengeti
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 5
Full-day safari game drive Serengeti National Park – Overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
Endless Plains
From South Serengeti to North 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 arrive in Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma for your overnight.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 6
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 Arusha
An intimate lodge set in the village of Kiranyi, just outside Arusha’s city centre
Africa Safari Arusha consists of 8 standard rooms and 8 luxury rooms surrounded by lush green gardens, a small plunge pool, open restaurant and the very unique tree bar. Mount Meru is perfectly positioned as the lodge’s backdrop while views from the bedroom balconies span beyond the bright city lights of Arusha to an array of mountainous countryside. As you transit to/from Africa Safari Arusha on a dirt track through the Ngateu hills, there is no mistaking the very real sense of calm and culture. During the daytime, you will pass the vibrantly dressed Maasai herding their cattle to nearby grazing pastures while perhaps taking a moment to appreciate the bright smiles of the neighbouring local children as they wave with excitement on your drive through their village. Africa Safari Arusha promotes a harmonious combination of comfort and culture for an all-encompassing yet authentic experience in Arusha.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
South Serengeti / Lake Ndutu
Home of the Great Migration during calving season
Big cats 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.
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
Serengeti National Park
Big cat capital
Serengeti’s Seronera area is located in the south-central region of the park and is well known for being the habitat of a large number of big cats; the lion, leopard and cheetah are often spotted here. However, the elephant, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, buffalo and impala are also well-known visitors. The area is very popular as it is one of the most likely spots to watch a kill. The landscape is dotted with ‘’kopjes’’, rocky granite or Gneiss outcrops, over 550 million years old and in high favour by some of the cats as look-out points while hunting.
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
- 5 Nights in Africa Safari Accommodation
- Full board meal plan
- 4 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
