Tanzania · Private or group · Mid-range safari
The northern parks and Lake Natron
A mid-range safari that adds remote Lake Natron to Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and two nights in the Serengeti.
Price on request
The journey in brief
The experience
Most northern-circuit safaris return to Arusha the way they came. This one leaves the Serengeti through its north-eastern edge to Lake Natron, a soda lake beneath the volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai.
Lake Natron is a breeding site for lesser flamingos, and its landscape is unlike anywhere else on the route. Fit and adventurous travellers can arrange a night climb of Ol Doinyo Lengai.
Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater
Two nights in the Serengeti
Lake Natron's soda flats and flamingos
Optional night climb of Ol Doinyo Lengai
The route
Arusha
Lake Manyara
Karatu
Ngorongoro
Serengeti
Lake Natron
Arusha
Arusha → Lake Manyara → Karatu → Ngorongoro → Serengeti → Lake Natron → Arusha
Day by day
Timings are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day around road and wildlife conditions.
Day 1 / Arusha → Lake Manyara National Park → Karatu
Meet your Tanzanian driver-guide in Arusha for a briefing, then a day of game viewing in Lake Manyara National Park. Overnight near Karatu.
Day 2 / Karatu → Ngorongoro Crater → Karatu
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for about six hours of game viewing on the crater floor, then return to Karatu.
Day 3 / Karatu → Serengeti
Drive to the Serengeti, reaching the gate around midday, then game drive to your lodge in the central Serengeti.
Day 4 / Serengeti National Park
A full day with packed lunches, planned around where the herds are that season.
Day 5 / Serengeti → Lake Natron
Game drive out of the Serengeti and continue to Lake Natron, arriving in the late afternoon. Those planning the optional climb rest before a midnight start.
Day 6 / Lake Natron
After the optional climb, or a relaxed morning, visit the lakeshore, where lesser flamingos are often present, and the surrounding landscape.
Day 7 / Lake Natron → Arusha
Drive back to Arusha through Maasai country, arriving in the late afternoon.
Where you stay
Lodges for this safari are agreed with you after you enquire, based on your dates, preferences and availability.
Karatu · 2 nights
Central Serengeti · 2 nights
Lake Natron · 2 nights
Accommodation pattern: Mid-range · Overnight at the lodge.
This safari is priced for your exact dates. Lodge rates, park fees and availability vary through the year, so we confirm a written price once we know your dates and party size.
Prices can depend on travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and changes to park fees. All terms are confirmed in writing before you book.
The details
On your terms
A steep, demanding climb of an active volcano, starting around midnight to reach the summit at dawn. Suitable only for fit, experienced walkers.
Before you travel
Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.
Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.
A soft bag is easiest in safari vehicles. If any part of your trip includes light-aircraft flights, baggage limits apply.
Weather and wildlife movement change through the year. Tell us your dates and we will explain what to expect.
Questions travellers ask
Often, yes. Tell us what you would like to change and we will confirm what is possible for your dates.
Prices for this safari depend on your dates, party size and accommodation availability, so we quote for your exact trip.
We reply with availability, any suggestions for your dates and a written quote. Nothing is booked until you have agreed the quote and booking terms.
No. Wildlife is free-ranging and sightings vary. Your guide will plan each day around conditions to give you the best chances.
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The next step
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability and send a written quote; nothing is booked until you agree.
Use Plan My Safari to send your dates, travellers and preferences for this safari. It takes about two minutes.
Still deciding?
If this safari is close but not quite right, describe your ideal trip and we will suggest a route.
7 days · Tanzania
Price on request
