Itinerary
Overview
Are you looking to see the best of Tanzania in 5 days? This luxury safari allows you to experience the highlights of the Northern Safari Circuit, in style! Travel to Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti for diverse landscapes, over 500 species of birds and the possibility of seeing the Big 5 in their natural habitat. You will stay at some of the best accommodations Tanzania has to offer and experience first class service and amenities after an adventurous day in the bush.
PRICE
- One Pax U$D
- Two Pax U$D 1,880
- Three Pax U$D 1,595
- Four- Six Pax U$D 1,375
Itinerary
Day to day
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha.
You will be picked up from the airport by our representative and driven to your accommodation in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you will hopefully have time to relax and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Arusha is nestled into the foothills of Mt. Meru, Africa’s 5th highest mountain. The altitude gives the city a comfortable climate and lush green environment for many months of the year. Arusha is known as the safari capital of Tanzania. Its streets are full of hustle and bustle and the surrounding villages offer opportunities to meander around coffee plantations, meet local people and more.
Accommodations:
- Gran Melia Hotel
- The African Tulip
- Lake Duluti Safari Lodge
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
Your Safari guide will collect you from your accommodation after breakfast. You will then drive to Tarangire National Park, your first taste of the wilderness on your luxury safari. This transit drive is approximately two and a half hours on good tarmac roads. The Park is named after the Tarangire River which runs through it. This ‘river of warthogs’ is the only source of water for wildlife in the region during the dry season. The Park is famous for its herds of elephant that you may see meandering through the bush. During the dry season, you may see them congregating at the river to enjoy a drink or just to cool off from the hot sun. Apart from elephants, Tarangire is also a paradise for bird lovers. From parrots, hornbills, lovebirds and lilac breasted rollers to kori bustards, eagles and vultures. Lunch will be at a picnic site inside the Park. After your game drive, you will transit to your luxury accommodation in Karatu.
Accommodations:
- Kitela Lodge
- Nyota Rift Valley
- Acacia Farm Lodge
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti.
After breakfast, you will drive up into the cooler regions of Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). NCA covers more than 8,000 km² (3,200 square miles) and includes Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu, Olduvai Gorge, Empakaai & Olmoti Craters and Oldoinyo Lengai Mountain. The spectacular Ngorongoro Crater is the main feature of this area. Around 3 million years ago a volcano (estimated to be larger than Kilimanjaro) exploded and collapsed in on itself, forming what is technically known as a ‘Caldera’. It created a unique ecosystem with a wide variety of habitats and potable water. This special habitat means that today, Ngorongoro Crater is home to some of the densest large mammal populations in Africa. The Crater also offers the best chance of seeing the endangered black Rhino. The Crater is approximately 20km (12.5 miles in diameter) so viewing opportunities are plentiful and regular. Most guests find that 4 hours is normally enough inside the Crater. You will then transit through Ngorongoro Conservation Area, to the Serengeti, entering at the Southern edge of the Park. Dinner and overnight will be in Central Serengeti.
Accommodations:
- Nyota Luxury Camp
- Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
- Serengeti Sametu Luxury Camp
- Malaika Serengeti Luxury Camp
Day 4: Serengeti to Karatu.
The Serengeti is truly spectacular. It is famous for its vast open grasslands which allow for excellent sightings of wildlife. The Serengeti’s climate and vegetation have remained largely untouched for millions of years. Whilst it boasts abundant wildlife, it is perhaps best known for the annual Great Migration. Vast numbers of wildebeest; accompanied by large numbers of zebra and antelope move in an annual pattern, constantly seeking fresh grazing. The migration can be found during any given month; you just need to know where to look! The question should really be about the ‘best places’ to see the animals during a certain time of year. In addition to the iconic landscapes, you have a good chance of encountering predators, and you may see lion, cheetah and leopard. It is a truly life-changing experience.
In the afternoon, you will start your journey back to Karatu, hopefully enjoying more wonder on the way!
Accommodations:
- Kitela Lodge
- Nyota Rift Valley
- Acacia Farm Lodge
Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha.
After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a small but diverse park 120km west of Arusha. Manyara will be the last Park you visit on your luxury safari. Everything you’ll see here is on a different scale. It is both compact (this is one of the narrowest parks in Africa) and epic (the Great Rift Escarpment towers over Lake Manyara’s western boundary). The park’s namesake is a shallow, salt lake. It covers a large area of the park, flooding and drying with the seasons and is home to thousands of wading birds (including flamingos and over 500 other bird species). You may see baboon and elephant in the park’s thick evergreen forest and watch for the tree-climbing lions that have become famous throughout Africa.
Picnic lunch in the park. After your game drive, you will say farewell to your Guide and will be dropped off at a place of your choosing e.g. Arusha, Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport. We hope you have enjoyed your adventure with Natural Serenity!
Accommodation
No accommodation included on the final day.
What's Included?
- Accommodation: 4 nights in luxury tented camps and lodges.
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the safari.
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing, including airport transfers.
- Professional Guide: Services of an experienced, English-speaking safari guide.
- Park Fees: All national park entrance fees, including the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Game Drives: Daily game drives as per the itinerary.
Drinking Water: Bottled water during game drives. - Maasai Village Visit: A cultural visit to a Maasai village (if time permits on Day 7).
- Internal Flights: Domestic flight from Arusha to Serengeti (if applicable).
What's Excluded?
- International Flights: Flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Visas: Entry visas for Tanzania.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
- Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, additional beverages, and laundry services.
- Optional Activities: Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., hot air balloon safari).
- Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic drinks at lodges and camps unless otherwise stated.