This 7-days safari offers an unique combination of getting close to all of Africa’s big game in the famous Serengeti and discovering remote places like Lake Natron. Explore Africa’s richest and most diverse wildlife site and witness the Great Migration of millions of wildebeest and zebras. Or be awestruck by the amazing colors of Lake Natron which is a flamingo paradise.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, your driver will meet you at the exit of the arrivals area, to transfer you to the luxurious Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha. This hotel is located on the foothills of Mount Meru. Settle into your accommodation, relax and enjoy dinner, before your safari starts in the morning.
Day 2: Arusha – Lake Natron
After breakfast we head towards Lake Natron, located in the Great Rift Valley. On the way you can see beautiful landscapes, traditional Maasai and the only active volcano in East Africa, Oldonyo Lengai. Lake Natron is a highly salty lake, famous for the huge flocks of pink flamingos. More than 75% of the world’s flamingos breeds here since it is peaceful, remote and there is plenty of food. These Lesser Flamingos are one of the few animals that can survive these extreme conditions. The microorganisms that live in Lake Natron’s shallow waters give the lake stunning colors, varying from red to orange to pink. Finally, in the afternoon, we drive to the luxury Lake Natron Tented Lodge, on the edge of the lake, for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Serengeti National Park (north)
Today it’s time to explore the north-east of Serengeti National Park, also known as the Lobo area. This is one of the richest wildlife spots in the park, where you can see big cats (lion, cheetah and leopard) and herds of elephants. The prime wildlife viewing time is from September to December when animals gather around the Lobo Springs and rivers. Also the Great Wildebeest Migration passes this area two times each year; in July/August and September/October. Watch millions of mammals thunder across the plains in search of fresh grass and water. In the afternoon we arrive at Lobo Wildlife Lodge, which is built into a rocky outcrops with beautiful views over the vast plains.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park (central)
Early morning we set off to the central area Serengeti National Park, also called Seronera. Due this unique ecosystem, Seronera supports a greater diversity of wildlife than anywhere else in the Serengeti. The large amount of prey also draws the highest population of predators. This is certainly one of the best places in Africa to spot large predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. You can see elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and many other species on any given day. Dinner and overnight will be at the remote Serengeti Heritage Camp, where you stay close to nature.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park ( central)
Another day of spectacular game drives in the central part of the Serengeti. Although wildlife viewing is good here all year-round, the best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in Seronera is around April and May. At this time the Seronera is really crowded and you can see huge columns of hundreds of thousands wildebeest, zebras and gazelles. It’s truly an impressive sight to witness millions of mammals thunder across the plains in search of fresh grass and water. In the afternoon we return to Serengeti Sopa lodge for dinner and overnight. This lodge is located on the edge of the Rift Valley Escarpment with great views across the Serengeti plains.
Day 6: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast we drive to the Ngorongoro Crater. Explore one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders today on a full day game viewing. This collapsed volcano is home to all of Africa’s famous wildlife and has its own unique ecosystem. The view from the rim into the crater floor is simply unreal with its pastel-coloured landscape and wildlife roaming the floor. Animals spotting is easy in this largely flat and open crater floor. Leopards, lions, hyenas and jackals can be found on the savannah as well as elephants, buffaloes, wildebeest, zebras, ostriches and rhinos. Lunch will be served at a lovely lakeshore in the crater. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa lodge. It is set high on the crater rim.
Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park – Arusha
You can enjoy your last safari day in Lake Manyara National Park. This park is not dominated by savannah, but by an enormous soda lake with huge flocks of flamingos. You can spot hundreds of olive baboons, elephants, hippos and if you are lucky Manyara’s tree climbing lions. It is also a perfect place to see the spectacular 400 meter high Rift Valley Escarpment. After this memorable game drive, your safari adventure has come to an end. We drive back to Arusha and bring you to Kilimanjaro Airport for you flight home.
Note. We can create a customized itinerary exactly the way you wish. You like to add other parks or extend your safari with a beach holiday on Zanzibar? Contact us to design your ideal safari.
Check our Travel Tips:
What to wear on safari in Africa
Best things to see and do in Serengeti National Park
Best time to see the Serengeti Migration
Fun things to do in Zanzibar