Tarangire, Natron & Serengeti
6 days—Discover Tarangire’s elephants, Lake Natron’s flamingos, Serengeti’s wildlife, and Ngorongoro’s Big 5 on this exciting safari journey.
From
$2000 USD
pp
Safari summary
The journey through Tarangire, Lake Natron, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater offers a diverse exploration of Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes, and unique ecosystems, making it a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park, located in the northern part of Tanzania, is known for its stunning landscapes and remarkable wildlife. The park is named after the Tarangire River, which provides a lifeline to the animals in the park, particularly during the dry season. It is most famous for its large herds of elephants, which are a dominant feature of the park. The baobab trees scattered across the landscape provide iconic views, with their massive trunks and twisted branches forming an unforgettable part of the scenery. These trees, which are among the oldest in the world, dwarf the herds of animals that graze below.
Apart from elephants, Tarangire is home to a wide variety of species, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras. The park is also a haven for bird watchers, with over 500 species of birds, including the endangered species such as the yellow-collared lovebird. Game drives through Tarangire are often focused on the riverbanks, where animals congregate for water, and visitors can observe both predators and prey in their natural behavior. The park offers a serene atmosphere and an excellent opportunity to see animals in a less crowded, more tranquil environment.
Lake Natron
Next on the journey is Lake Natron, located at the base of the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, a truly otherworldly location. This alkaline lake is famous for its striking red hues, which are caused by the high mineral content in the water. It is one of the most extreme environments in Tanzania, and yet it is also one of the most important breeding grounds for the lesser flamingos. The shores of Lake Natron host large flocks of flamingos that come to breed and nest on the salt flats, making it one of the few places in the world where these birds can be seen in large numbers.
Lake Natron’s unique ecosystem also attracts other wildlife, including various bird species, and the surrounding area is home to unique geological formations. A visit to this lake offers a chance to marvel at nature’s stark beauty, from the striking colors of the water to the eerie silence of the surrounding terrain. The nearby volcano adds to the dramatic landscape, and visitors can hike up to the edge of the crater for panoramic views of the lake and the region beyond.
Serengeti National Park
Arguably the most famous safari destination in Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in the world. Known for its vast plains, the Serengeti stretches across a vast area of over 14,000 square kilometers and is best known for its annual wildebeest migration. Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains in search of water and fresh grazing, creating one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles on the planet. This migration is a key highlight for visitors, who can witness dramatic scenes of predators in pursuit, and the challenges the herbivores face as they navigate dangerous rivers and harsh terrain.
Apart from the migration, Serengeti offers incredible year-round wildlife viewing, including prides of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and giraffes. The park’s rich diversity of animals and habitats, from open plains to woodlands and riverbanks, makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience the full range of African wildlife. A safari in Serengeti guarantees sightings of the "Big Five" — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. The park is also home to a wide array of bird species, including vultures, eagles, and ostriches.
Ngorongoro Crater
The final destination on this safari journey is the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as “Africa’s Garden of Eden.” The crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, formed millions of years ago when a massive volcano collapsed. The result is a fertile and lush landscape surrounded by steep crater walls, making it a unique environment where wildlife thrives year-round. The floor of the crater is home to an astonishing concentration of animals, including all members of the "Big Five."
The crater is one of the best places in Africa to see rhinos, particularly black rhinos, in the wild. The area also boasts large populations of elephants, buffaloes, lions, and cheetahs, as well as hundreds of species of birds. The Ngorongoro Crater is a prime location for game drives, and visitors can experience the beauty of a variety of habitats, including lakes, savannahs, and forests. One of the highlights of a visit to Ngorongoro is the chance to see the endangered black rhino in its natural environment, along with flocks of flamingos that gather in the crater’s lakes.
About this tour
Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
Main focus | Game drives | |
Activity level | Moderate activity | |
Best months | All months | |
Countries | ||
Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Walking safari—with armed guard
- Cultural visits—orphanages, markets, schools
- Hot air balloons
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
- Tips and gratuities
What’s not included?
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Arusha to Tarangire
After breakfast, head to Tarangire National Park for a full day of game viewing. Known for its striking baobab trees and large elephant herds, the park offers fantastic wildlife sightings. Along the Tarangire River, you can spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and more. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the game drive, and later return to your lodge for a delicious dinner, reflecting on an unforgettable day in this remarkable park.
Lake Natron
After breakfast, head out with packed lunch toward Lake Natron, a unique and surreal destination about 3.5 hours from Mto wa Mbu. Known for its highly alkaline and shallow waters, Lake Natron is a haven for lesser flamingos, especially during their breeding season from September to January. Take a walk along the lake’s shores with a Maasai guide to spot these majestic birds. After the hike, return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and restful night.
Lake Natron to Central Serengeti
Serengeti
Your day begins early with a light hike to the Ngare Sero waterfalls, guided by a Maasai guide, where you’ll enjoy the cool mist from the cascading water. After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park, passing through towns, villages, and varied landscapes like savannah and forests. Upon entering the Serengeti in the afternoon, enjoy a game drive through its vast plains, spotting wildlife like wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and lions. A picnic lunch is provided, and the day ends.
Central Serengeti
Serengeti
After breakfast, head out for a full-day game drive or start with an early morning drive. Explore the central Serengeti, specifically the Seronera area, known for its rich wildlife, including lion prides, giraffes, zebras, and leopards. The Seronera River attracts diverse species, making it a prime location for wildlife sightings. Enjoy a packed lunch during the drive, and finish the day with dinner and rest at your accommodation after an unforgettable safari.
Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro
Serengeti
After breakfast, depart with a packed lunch for a morning game drive in Serengeti National Park, exploring the various circuits in Central Serengeti. Your guide will choose the best routes based on your interests, increasing your chances of spotting lions and other wildlife. In the afternoon, head to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for the next leg of your journey. The day ends with a delicious dinner and a peaceful rest at your accommodation.
Ngorongoro Crater Tour to Arusha
Ngorongoro Crater
On the final day of your safari, after a quick breakfast, you'll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unfilled volcanic caldera. The game drive offers a chance to see elephants, rhinos, lions, hippos, cheetahs, and more. After a picnic lunch at the Hippo Pool, you’ll ascend the crater and drive back to Arusha. The day ends with a drop-off at your preferred location, marking the end of an unforgettable safari experience.
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