6-Day Lake Natron and the Serengeti Safari

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Arusha

Arrival in Arusha
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO):

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be greeted by your safari guide or a representative from your tour operator.
They will assist you with immigration, baggage collection, and any customs procedures.
Transfer to Your Lodge in Arusha:

After clearing customs, you'll transfer to your hotel or lodge in Arusha. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
The drive offers your first glimpse of Tanzania’s lush landscapes, farms, and local villages.
Check-in and Welcome:

Upon arrival at your lodge, you'll check in and be welcomed by the friendly staff.
Take some time to relax and freshen up after your journey. Rest & Relaxation: Rest at the lodge to recover from your travel and adjust to the new environment.
Briefing Session: Meet with your guide for a safari briefing, where you'll discuss your upcoming itinerary, safety tips, and any questions.

Main Destination:

Arusha (City)

Accommodation:

Kibo Palace Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Arusha (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Arusha to Lake Natron

Early Morning Departure:
Start early around 6:00 or 7:00 AM to make the most of the day.
Your guide will pick you up from your lodge in Arusha.
The drive usually takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.
Scenic Drive Through the Great Rift Valley:
As you leave Arusha, you'll head southwest towards the Great Rift Valley, one of Africa’s most breathtaking geological features.
Enjoy panoramic views of the valley, with its escarpments, lakes, and Maasai villages.
The route may include a brief stop at a viewpoint for photos and to appreciate the landscape.
Pass through Maasai pastoralist villages, witnessing traditional lifestyles.
Drive through semi-arid plains
The lake is famous for:
Flamingos: Thousands of flamingos nesting on the alkaline shores.
Volcanic Landscapes: Surrounded by the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, known for its natrocarbonatite lava.
Unique Ecosystem: The lake’s high alkalinity supports specialized bird and microbial life.

Main Destination:

Lake Natron

Accommodation:

Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge

• Budget lodge located near Lake Natron

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Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Natron Exploration

Early Morning Bird Watching:

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the lake.
Head to the shoreline for prime birdwatching opportunities.
Observe flamingos—the lake’s most famous residents—numbering in the thousands, along with pelicans, cormorants, and other migratory bird species.
Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake at dawn, ideal for photography and birding enthusiasts.
Visit to Volcanic Mountains & Hot Springs:

After birdwatching, embark on a guided excursion to explore the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
Visit nearby volcanic features, such as:
Oldonyo Lengai (The Mountain of God): An active volcano known for its unique natrocarbonatite lava, which is cooler and more fluid than typical lava.
Hot springs and fumaroles, where you can observe geothermal activity and enjoy a warm soak if available.
The scenery here is surreal, with ash fields, volcanic cones, and colorful mineral deposits.
Optional: Climb Ol Doinyo Lengai:.

Main Destination:

Lake Natron

Accommodation:

Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge

• Budget lodge located near Lake Natron

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Natron to Serengeti National Park

Morning Departure:

Leave Lake Natron early in the morning, around 6:00-7:00 AM.
The drive to the Serengeti typically takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.
Scenic Stops Along the Way:

Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes as you traverse the transition from volcanic terrain to the vast plains of the Serengeti.
Possible stops include:
Oldonyo Lengai volcano viewpoint or nearby volcanic formations.
Photo stops at scenic viewpoints overlooking the Maasai Mara/Serengeti ecosystem.
Break for refreshments and to stretch your legs in Maasai villages or at designated picnic spots.
Embark on your first game drive inside the Serengeti.
Search for wildlife including:
The Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos.
Giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, and wildebeests.
The Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems and abundance of animals make it one of the best safari destinations. Entering Serengeti National Park:
Embark on your first game drive ins.

Main Destination:

Serengeti National Park

Best Time To Visit January to February and June to October (Different areas are best at different times)

High Season July to March (The Seronera area is crowded)

Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall)

Wildlife in Serengeti NP

ElephantCommon

LionCommon

CheetahCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

Show more

GiraffeCommon

HippoCommon

HyenaCommon

LeopardOccasional

Black RhinoVery Rare

Wild DogVery Rare

White RhinoNone

Accommodation:

Mara Mara Tented Lodge

• Luxury tented camp located inside Northern Serengeti NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

Early Morning:
Wake up early for a breakfast box or hot breakfast
Depart around 6:00-6:30 AM to take advantage of the animals' morning activity.
Head into the park with your guide, equipped with binoculars, camera, and plenty of water.
Morning Drive
Explore the southern and central plains, renowned for predator activity and large herds of herbivores.
Look for:
Lions resting in the early sun
Leopards in trees or roving across the plains
Cheetahs hunting
Herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests
Spot the famous Serengeti migration, if timing aligns, with wildebeests and zebras moving across the plains.
Midday Break
Find a shaded spot for a picnic lunch or a rest at a designated picnic area.
Use this time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and review animal sightings.
Afternoon Drive
Continue exploring different areas, such as the Serengeti’s kopjes (rock formations) for predator stalking grounds.
Hyenas and jackals scavenging
More predators like cheetahs or hunting lions.

Main Destination:

Central Serengeti National Park

Accommodation:

Tanzania Bush Camps Central Serengeti

• Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Morning Game Drive & Return to Arusha

Early Morning:
Wake up early for a breakfast box or hot breakfast at your lodge or camp.
Depart around 6:00-6:30 AM to take advantage of the animals' morning activity.
Head into the park with your guide, equipped with binoculars, camera, and plenty of water.
Morning Drive
Explore the southern and central plains, renowned for predator activity and large herds of herbivores.
Look for:
Lions resting in the early sun
Leopards in trees or roving across the plains
Cheetahs hunting
Herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests
Spot the famous Serengeti migration, if timing aligns, with wildebeests and zebras moving across the plains.
Midday Break
Find a shaded spot for a picnic lunch or a rest at a designated picnic area.
Use this time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and review animal sightings.
Afternoon Drive
Continue exploring different areas, such as the Serengeti’s kopjes (rock formations) for predator stalking grounds.
Search for:
Hyenas and jackals scavenging.

Main Destination:

Arusha (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.