7-day Lake Natron – Offbeat Safari in Northern Tanzania
Tarangire, Lake Natron, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
This safari is perfect for travelers who want to travel off-the-beaten track away from the heavily tracked tourist routes. Only a few travelers visit Lake Natron – East Africa’s primary breeding site for more than 2.5 million lesser flamingos. As you enter Serengeti via its Northern gate you will avoid to travel in and out of Serengeti via the same route. The safari is best done during the dry season.
Tour Style
private safari with unlimited mileage
Tour Duration
7 days, 6 nights (start: day of your choice)
Expectations
herds of elephants in Tarangire with ancient baobab trees
phenomenal scenery at Lake Natron & the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai
Big Cats, Birds, Mammals & more in Serengeti National Park
Africa’s legendary “Big Five” inside the Ngorongoro Crater
National Parks
Tarangire National Park
Lake Natron
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Activities
mainly game drives and walking at Lake Natron, more activities available
Physical Rating
Moderate – various walking options at Lake Natron
Interested? Talk to an expert!
Sandra
As an adventurous European travel is in my blood! Tanzania is a fascinating country with so much to explore! It’s a pleasure to share my insider knowledge and offer first-hand advise. I take the time to listen to your ideas and create a unique safari adventure out of these – tailored to your indivudal requirements and designed just for you!
Not sure if this itinerary is suitable for you? You have questions or missing a particular activity? Don’t worry we are here to assist!
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Not sure – Talk to an expert
Michael
Let me show you my stunning home country and discover the true Tanzania – authentic and first-hand with a native at your side! As a Tanzanian myself, I am intimately familiar with the local conditions. With my experience in the bush and my passioan for wildlife, I will happily design an itinerary based on your travel interests.
You have any questions or are unsure if Tanzania is the right travel destination for you? Get in touch for a first chat to discuss your requirements!
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Phone/Whats App +255 787 298 159
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival Day
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). After you have passed the passport control, you will be met by your professional safari guide outside the terminal and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha town (driving distance depending on your overnight choice between 45 minutes to 1 hour). Enjoy a welcome dinner and a relaxing evening before starting your Tanzania adventure on the next morning.
Day 1: Tarangire National Park
Meet & greet with your specialized guide. Departure to Tarangire which boasts a rich biodiversity. Wildlife includes cats like leopards and lions, but also mammals such as buffaloes, elands, gazelles, giraffes, hyraxes, impalas, jackals, kudus, mongooses, wildebeest and zebras. Furthermore, Tarangire offers the largest concentration of elephants in Northern Tanzania. Included meals: picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 2: Lake Natron
Follow the Rift Valley Escarpment off-the-beaten path northwards to Lake Natron. You pass through typical Maasai land until you reach the small village of Ngare Sero. Enjoy a guided bush walk to lake shore to get a closer look of the lesser flamingos who come to breed here. Alternatively, wander to the nearby waterfall for a refreshing bath. Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Serengeti National Park – North (Lobo Area)
Enjoy a last view onto Lake Natron before continuing to the northern entrance gate of Serengeti. Lobo supports a vast diversity of resident game that includes leopards, lions, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes and zebras. Between October and December, it is possible to encounter the Great Wildebeest Migration as they cross back to the southern plains. Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 4 + 5: Serengeti National Park – Central
Spend the next two days observing animals in Central Serengeti. The Seronera Valley offers lots of wildlife throughout the year including carnivores like cheetahs, hyenas, leopards and lions as well as ungulates including buffalos, giraffes, hippopotami, impalas, topi, warthogs, zebras and many more. You may also come across various bird species. Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
Road journey to Ngorongoro Crater – follow an adventurous path down to the crater floor and enjoy the impressive view! The Ngorongoro Crater is home to a vast amount of wildlife because of its reliable water availability. Search for Africa’s legendary “Big Five” – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and the highly threatened black rhinoceros. Proceed to your overnight stay afterwards. Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 7: Return to Arusha
Depending on your departure time, you can add in some optional activities in the morning. Afterwards return to Arusha with drop-off according to your onwards travel journey – either in Arusha Town with the possibility to overnight, or at Arusha Airport (ARK) / Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Included meals: breakfast and picnic-lunch.
Beach Extensions
Would you like to extend your safari on the mainland of Tanzania with a beach holiday? Tanzania offers some fantastic beach stays directly on the Indian Ocean.
Mafia Island
Mafia Island is a sleepy island located just south of Zanzibar – an exclusive hideaway if you wish to escape the crowds. It is a diver’s paradise, and the marine park offers a large variety of dive options. From September the March is whale shark season – a great adventure to be experienced by snorkeling or scuba diving. Accommodations are limited but provide you with everything you need – excellent quality and service!
Pemba Island
Pemba Island is located just north of Zanzibar. A completely off-the-beaten-track getaway awaits you – quiet and easy-going. It is well known for its diving – incredible dive walls, drop-offs and rich coral gardens. If beach-lounging was what you had in mind, take note that the beaches are not as perfect as in Zanzibar, but there are sandbanks nearby. Only a few scattered properties are found here – simple and rustic, but with a fantastic service!
Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is everything you imagine of an Indian Ocean Island – beautiful white beaches lined with palm trees and azure-blue waters. It is the most easily accessible island with a short flight from the main land. Various activities apart from sunbathing are available including the historic Stone Town and Spice Tour, Kitesurfing or Dhow Cruises. A large variety of accommodation options that suit every style, budget and desire!