9 Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari Including Lake Natron and Lake Manyara 2025

9 Day Wildlife Safari Including Lake Natron and Lake Manyara

Tour Highlights

• Scenic game drives in Lake Manyara National Park
• Visit Lake Natron and see flamingos and alkaline landscapes
• Explore the vast Serengeti Plains and witness the Big Five
• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Optional waterfall hike and ancient footprint visit in Natron
• Cultural interaction with the Maasai tribe
• Stunning sunrises and sunsets over the Great Rift Valley

Destinations Covered

• Arusha
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Lake Natron
• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. You will receive a pre-safari briefing, followed by leisure time to recover from your journey. Optional Arusha city tour depending on your arrival time.

Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park. This compact park is home to diverse landscapes and habitats — including groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and the alkaline Lake Manyara itself. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, hippos, baboons, and possibly tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the game drive. Overnight stay near the park boundary.

Day 3: Lake Manyara to Lake Natron

After an early breakfast, travel through the rough and dramatic terrain of the Great Rift Valley toward Lake Natron, located near the Kenyan border. You’ll pass Maasai villages, active volcanic hills, and panoramic views. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk to a nearby waterfall, visit the flamingo-breeding lake, and see ancient hominin footprints preserved in volcanic ash. Overnight at a Natron eco-lodge or camp.

Day 4: Full Day at Lake Natron

Today is dedicated to exploring the remote and surreal environment of Lake Natron. Wake up early to see the sunrise over the lake, home to thousands of flamingos. Optional hike to Ngare Sero Waterfalls, guided nature walks, and visits to local Maasai communities are included. Learn about the geology and ecology of this harsh but beautiful landscape. Overnight in the same lodge/camp.

Day 5: Lake Natron to Northern Serengeti

Depart Lake Natron after breakfast and head toward the northern part of Serengeti National Park via Klein’s Gate. En route, keep an eye out for wildlife and scenic landscapes. The Northern Serengeti is famous for wildebeest crossings (seasonal), open plains, and fewer crowds. Enjoy a game drive as you enter the park. Overnight at a tented camp in the northern Serengeti.

Day 6: Full Day Game Drive in Serengeti

Spend a full day exploring Serengeti’s rich wildlife ecosystem. Search for predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and gazelles. Depending on the season, you might witness the Great Migration or predator activity. Picnic lunch in the bush and optional sundowner drive. Overnight at your Serengeti camp or lodge.

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy a morning game drive in Serengeti before heading southeast toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, you may stop at Olduvai Gorge (optional), an important archaeological site. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim or in the surrounding highlands by evening. Relax and prepare for your crater descent the next day.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Return to Karatu

After an early breakfast, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. This caldera is a haven for wildlife, including rhinos, hippos, lions, hyenas, and massive herds of ungulates. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pool. After the safari, ascend and drive to Karatu for your overnight stay.

Day 9: Return to Arusha – Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Arusha. You’ll be dropped off at Kilimanjaro International Airport or your hotel in Arusha, marking the end of your 9-day adventure. Optional stop for souvenir shopping at local markets depending on your schedule.

Why Choose This Safari?

• Combines iconic parks with hidden gems like Lake Natron
• In-depth wildlife viewing and unique geological features
• Cultural interaction with the Maasai people
• Expert guides and quality accommodations
• Flexible and customizable private safari

Inclusions

• All park entrance and conservation fees
• 8 nights accommodation (lodges/tented camps)
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Meals as specified in the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water during safari
• Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
• All listed activities including guided walks and cultural visits

Exclusions

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Tips for guides, cooks, and staff
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is the best time to do this safari?

June to October is ideal for wildlife viewing. For flamingos at Lake Natron, July to September is best.

What kind of accommodations are used?

Comfortable mid-range or luxury lodges and tented camps, depending on your preferences and budget.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, but some areas like Natron require longer drives, so children should be comfortable with travel time.

How physically demanding is the itinerary?

Moderate. Most of the safari involves vehicle travel, but Natron may involve walking to waterfalls and visiting local sites.

Can I customize this itinerary?

Absolutely. It can be adjusted to include more days, different routes, or specific accommodation levels.