Arusha
Arusha
Mid range
Wildlife, Birdlife, Photography
Families, Couples, Friends
Drive in and drive out
Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
This short safari links two of northern Tanzania’s wildlife areas in a practical route from Arusha. Tarangire brings a different atmosphere from the Serengeti circuit, with old baobab trees, dry seasonal riverbeds, and large elephant groups that often remain active near the Tarangire River during much of the year.
The Ngorongoro Crater, on the other hand, shifts the pace entirely. The descent onto the crater floor places you inside one of Africa’s most concentrated wildlife setting, with a chance of seeing large number of animals within a single game drive. This safari works well if you have limited time but still want a good safari without rushing through unnecessary distances.
The road west of Arusha leads into the Rift Valley, where Lake Manyara National Park stretches along the base of the escarpment within an area measuring 325 sq km. Much of the morning is spent driving through Mto wa Mbu before entering the park for the first game drive of the safari. Manyara holds a healthy concentration of wildlife in a relatively compact area, making it possible to cover different habitats within a single afternoon.
The groundwater forest often offers sightings of baboons, elephants, and blue monkeys, while the lakeshore attracts flamingos and other water birds depending on the season. A packed lunch is served at one of the designated picnic sites before continuing with game viewing into the late afternoon. By early evening, the drive continues toward Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Lunch and Dinner
Lodge in Karatu
Today Involves The Longest Drive Of The Tour, Though The Changing Scenery Keeps The Journey Interesting. The Road Passes Through The Ngorongoro Highlands Before Opening Into The Southern Plains Of Serengeti, Which Covers Roughly 14,763 Sq Km. Wildlife Sightings Often Begin Well Before Reaching The Central Part Of The Park, Particularly Around Seronera Where Permanent Water Sources Attract Animals Throughout The Year.
A Picnic Lunch Is Enjoyed En Route Near The Naabi Hill Area Before Continuing Deeper Into Central Serengeti For An Afternoon Game Drive. The Region Is Known For Strong Predator Activity, Especially Lions, Leopards, And Spotted Hyenas Commonly Seen Around Kopjes And River Valleys. As Daylight Softens, The Drive Heads Toward Camp Where The Evening Slows Down Around Dinner And A Campfire Under Open Skies.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Camp Or Lodge In Central Serengeti
An Early Start Gives The Best Chance To Follow Wildlife Activity Before Temperatures Rise. Central Serengeti Remains Active Throughout The Year Due To Its Permanent Water Supply And Balanced Mix Of Woodland, Grassland, And Rocky Outcrops. The Morning Game Drive May Follow River Channels Where Predators Tend To Remain Hidden During Cooler Hours. Travellers Interested In A Hot Air Balloon Safari Can Depart Before Sunrise For A Flight Over The Plains, Followed By A Bush Breakfast.
Advance Booking Is Required For This Activity. The Main Safari Continues Afterward With A Packed Lunch Carried For Flexibility During The Day. Large Herds, Scattered Acacia Trees, And Frequent Predator Sightings Shape Much Of The Experience Here, Though Each Game Drive Unfolds Differently Depending On Season And Wildlife Movement. The Evening Returns To Camp For Dinner And Overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Camp Or Lodge In Central Serengeti
The Morning Begins With Another Game Drive While Travelling Out Of Central Serengeti Toward The Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Early Hours Often Offers Some Of The Strongest Sightings Of The Safari, Particularly Around Open Plains Where Predators Remain Active Before The Heat Settles In. A Packed Lunch Is Served Along The Route Before Continuing Through The Highland Roads Surrounding Ngorongoro.
The Shift In Altitude Changes The Atmosphere Noticeably, With Cooler Temperatures And Dense Vegetation Replacing The Dry Plains Left Behind Earlier In The Day. Depending On Timing, There May Be Opportunities To Stop At One Of The Crater Viewpoints Overlooking The Caldera Floor Nearly 600 Metres Below. Arrival At The Lodge Takes Place In The Late Afternoon, Leaving Enough Time To Settle In Before Dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Lodge In Ngorongoro Or Karatu
The Final Morning Starts Early With A Descent Into The Ngorongoro Crater, One Of The Most Concentrated Wildlife Areas In East Africa. The Crater Floor Spreads Over Roughly 260 Sq Km And Supports Wildlife Year Round Due To Permanent Water Availability And Fertile Grazing Grounds. The Game Drive Moves Through Open Grassland, Swamps, Acacia Woodland, And Soda Lake Sections Where Animal Activity Changes Between Habitats.
Morning Hours Are Usually Productive Before Vehicle Traffic Increases Later In The Day. A Picnic Lunch Is Served Near The Hippo Pool Before Continuing With The Last Wildlife Viewing Session Of The Safari. By Early Afternoon, The Drive Exits The Crater And Continues Back Toward Arusha Through The Highlands And Farming Villages Surrounding Karatu, Arriving In The City By Late Afternoon Or Early Evening.
Breakfast,And Lunch
Not Included
