11 DAYS
The best of Tanzania Classic Drive Safari
- Classic drive safari
- Manyara’s tree-climbing lions
- Tarangire's elephants and baobab trees
- Ngorongoro, the ultimate wildlife experience
- Flamingo walk at Lake Natron
- Serengeti with her endless plains
Any question?
Classic drive safari – Round trip northern Tanzania
Explore 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.
Experience the best of the open road on this once in a lifetime adventure into the Tanzanian wilderness. The journey in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof can be tailored to your liking as the options are endless. Starting and ending in Arusha, you can design your dream adventure or let one of our safari consultants create the perfect 4×4 safari itinerary according to your specification.
Trip summary:
Day 1: Pick up in Arusha area – Transfer to Africa Safari Lake Manyara for overnight.
Day 2: Full-day safari game drive Tarangire National Park – Overnight Africa Safari Lake Manyara.
Day 3: Full-day safari game drive Lake Manyara National Park – Overnight Africa Safari Lake Manyara.
Day 4: Safari transfer drive to Africa Safari Lake Natron for overnight.
Day 5: Visit the Hominid Footprint site – Ngare Sero waterfall walk – Overnight Africa Safari Lake Natron.
Day 6: Flamingo lake walk – Road trip to Africa Safari Maasai Boma for overnight.
Day 7: Full-day game drive Serengeti National Park – Overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
Day 8: Full-day game drive Serengeti National Park – Overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
Day 9: Half-day safari game drive Serengeti National Park – Safari transfer through Ngorongoro Conservation Area with an optional stop at a Maasai boma – Overnight Africa Safari Lake Manyara.
Day 10: Safari game drive Ngorongoro Crater – Overnight Africa Safari Lake Manyara.
Day 11: Transfer to Arusha area (JRO, ARK, Town hotel or City centre).
Package: 475
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Day 1
Pick up in Arusha area – Transfer to Africa Safari Lake Manyara for overnight.
Let’s go!
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 Africa Safari Lake Manyara. Without stops, the drive will take approximately 2 hours. On arrival you will have time to refresh and explore the expansive surroundings of the accommodation 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 Lake Manyara
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 2
Full-day safari game drive Tarangire National Park – Overnight Africa Safari Lake Manyara.
Epic elephant adventures
After a good night sleep, today is the ‘day of the elephants’. Tarangire is an hours drive from the lodge and presents quite a different landscape to Lake Manyara. The hilly savannah together with the Tarangire river makes this the favourite park for large herds of elephants. During the dry season (June – October) the Tarangire river is the only source of water available, making it a popular spot not just for the elephants but a variety of small hoofed animals and an abundance of birdlife. Lions, warthogs, giraffe, zebra and monkeys all roam the park, waiting for the ‘perfect picture’ opportunity! The night is spent at Africa Safari Lake Manyara.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Manyara
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 3
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, an underestimated gem as far as game parks are concerned. The park offers a big ecological variety in a more condense 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 the 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 by the waters edge. More than 400 species have been identified and one of the highlights are 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 peaceful sleep with sweet dreams.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Manyara
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
Visit the Hominid Footprint site – Ngare Sero waterfall walk – Overnight Africa Safari Lake Natron.
Hominid Footprint and Waterfall walk
Waking up at the foot of Ol Doinyo Lengai is a magical feeling. Today you will visit the Engare Sero Footprint Site, situated on the south of Lake Natron, 11 km away from Africa Safari Lake Natron. It has been reported to host one of the best-preserved sets of fossilized hominid footprints in the world. However, until now there has been no detailed characterization and age determination of the footprint-bearing strata (the Footprint Tuff). The over 400 foodprints are between 5.000 to 19.000 years old and came to scientist’s attention in 2008. They cover a cordoned off area slightly larger than a tennis court. To complete your day of exploring lake Natron venture out on a moderate two-hour hike along the western edge of Lake Natron leading to a series of narrow gorges and waterfalls, where you can swim in slot canyons and walk behind the falling water. Quite a refreshing activity after a hot day at Lake Natron as the area is both arid and wet at the same time, and lush with wild palms growing above the gorge.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Natron
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 6
Flamingo lake walk – Road trip to Africa Safari Maasai Boma for overnight.
Alkaline lake and flocks of flamingos
This morning, put on your walking shoes as a Maasai tribesman guides you on a walk around the shores of Lake Natron in search of 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 April although the peak occurs between October & (early) December. The long-legged waterfowl may flourish here, but to most other living creatures including small birds, these conditions make survival extremely challenging; however, the Lake Flats do provide a variety of habitats for birds that flourish in the alkali oasis. Around midday, you will depart on a road trip west for an overnight stop in Africa Safari Maasai Boma, where you will have an insight into traditional Maasai life.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Maasai Boma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 7
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 towards Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma. This game drive leads you through Serengeti. 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 8
Full-day game drive Serengeti National Park – Overnight 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’.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 9
Half-day safari game drive Serengeti National Park – Safari transfer through Ngorongoro. Conservation Area with an optional stop at a Maasai boma – overnight Africa Safari Lake Manyara
Ngorongoro Maasai
New day, new possibilities and endless new animals to be spotted across Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park. Serengeti is always filled with adventure and new discoveries; no two days are the same in this massive park. Today you will cross these famous plains and pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation area. Here you are invited to visit a very special Maasai Boma – a ‘village’ of the Maasai tribe in the middle of nowhere (optional activity). The Nomadic Maasai are the only humans permitted to reside inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and a visit is like stepping back in time. With your heart and camera filled with spectacular images you make your way onwards to Africa Safari Lake Manyara for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Manyara
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 10
Safari game drive Ngorongoro Crater – Overnight Africa Safari Lake Manyara.
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 head back to the lodge, Africa Safari Lake Manyara, for a well deserved nights’ sleep.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Manyara
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 11
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 Manyara prior to checking out, ready for your journey to Arsuha. After meeting your driver-guide at the reception, you will head off on an easy two-hour drive back to where it all started; heart and camera filled with memories of your African safari adventure.
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!
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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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 hour drive from Arusha and in close proximity to Lake Manyara. It is 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, rhino, warthog, impala, python, lion, leopard and over 50 species of birds.
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
- Round trip northern Tanzania
- 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
- All transfers
- 10 Nights in Africa Safari Accommodation
- Full board meal plan
- 6 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
