Tanzania Horizon Safaris offers 9 days Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire National Park tour. A stunning Nine days of wildlife wonders, beginning in Arusha and taking in the ‘classic’ destinations of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Lion and cheetah, elephants and buffalo, as well as fascinating birdlife, all in incredible environments, provide the highlights. With your own private vehicle to enjoy your wonderful experiences, your accommodation on this ‘Basic’ category trip is at public campsites in Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. You can read more about the Great Migration in Tanzania & Kenya.
Accomodation: Travelers will be sleeping on public campsites; bathroom facilities are shared with fellow travelers at the camp. Travelers travel together in our own vehicle, with our own driver-guide and a chef who prepares all food.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will be met by our driver and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. You will meet your guide for a briefing to make sure that you are perfectly prepared for your safari. Please find a safari gear list here.
Upon arrival to the hotel you will check into your rooms then you are at leisure.
Accommodation: Rivertrees Inn or similar
Meal Plan: No meal included
Journey time and Distance: 1 hour, 55 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha
Meet our professional tours guide/driver in Arusha town, who will deliver a short safari info briefing, after which, we travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation area. We arrive in time for lunch at the lodge and after lunch we will descend over 600 meters into the Ngorongoro crater to view wildlife for an afternoon game drive.
Supported by a year round water supply and fodder, the Ngorongoro Crater supports a vast variety of animals, which include herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and giant African elephants. Another big draw card to this picturesque national park, is it’s dense population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-elusive leopard, which sometimes requires a trained eye to spot.
We will visit Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake in the southwestern corner, which is one of the main features of the crater.
A large number of flamingos, hippos and other water birds can usually been seen here.
Dinner and overnight as per the standard and type of accommodation option requested.
Accommodation: Maramboi Tented Lodge OR Similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic lunch box and Dinner
Journey time and Distance: 2 hours, 120 km from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
Today we are heading to one of the most iconic national parks in all Africa: the magical Serengeti.
Central Serengeti (Seronera Region)
The Serengeti has some of East Africa’s finest game areas. Besides being known for the great migration, the Serengeti is also famous for its abundant large predators. The ecosystem is home to over 3,000 Lions, 1,000 African leopards and the East African cheetah is also present here.
The name “Serengeti” refers to the word “seringit” in the Maasai language, meaning “endless plains”. The Serengeti is one of the best places to observe prides in their natural environment. Approximately 70 large mammal and 500 bird species are found there. This high diversity is a function of diverse habitats, including riverine forests, swamps, kopjes, grasslands, and woodlands. Blue wildebeest, gazelles, zebras, and buffalos are some of the commonly found large mammals in the region.
Highlights of the Serengeti
Accommodation: Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic lunch box and Dinner
The landscape in the western part of the Serengeti is characterized by a hilly, open savannah. It is covered by woodlands, floodplains and riverine forests which serves as a perfect habitat for all kind if wildlife. Wildlife viewing in the Western Corridor is consistent throughout the year. The savannah south of the Grumeti River supports substantial resident populations of giraffe, wildebeest, elephant, zebra and other typical plains animals, and lion. The little-visited open grasslands north of the river are good for cheetahs. Serengeti balloon safaris are offered during the Great Migration season (from the beginning of June to the end of October).
Accommodation: Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic lunch box and Dinner
As you awake for a second day in Northern Serengeti, you can contemplate that parts of this northern area can easily match the Southern Serengeti for the abundance of wildlife viewing, especially between July and September.
After your breakfast, you will embark with your driver-guide on a full-day game drive, looking out for elephant and buffalo, eland and gazelle. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to spot something really special: perhaps a cheetah, or even a rare black rhino, of which a small population are resident here. Of course, during these months the Great Migration remains the real focus, with the mighty Mara river proving the obstacle for wildebeest as they seek to cross to and from the Maasai Mara in neighboring Kenya.
Accommodation: Kimondo Great Migration Camp or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic lunch box and Dinner
Today we will be crossing the border to the northern edge of the Serengeti which is located on the Kenyan side of the border at the Masai Triangle.
Masai Mara
The Maasai Mara is a world-renowned wildlife reserve situated in southwestern Kenya, extending over 1,500 square kilometers. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa, and for a good reason. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the famous “Big Five” – lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and Cape buffalos. Additionally, visitors can witness the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate across the Mara River to reach greener pastures.
Apart from the wildlife, the Maasai Mara is known for its stunning landscapes, characterized by vast grasslands, rolling hills, and acacia trees. The park is also home to the Maasai people, a semi-nomadic tribe known for their unique culture and traditional way of life. Visitors can also experience the Maasai culture by visiting one of their many villages within the Masai Triangle.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic lunch box and Dinner
Our day starts early in the morning as we wake up before sunrise to have a cup of coffee or tea and a light breakfast before embarking on a morning game drive. The morning game drive is the best time to spot wildlife as the animals are most active during the cooler hours of the day. After the morning game drive, we return to our accommodation for a late breakfast or brunch. This is followed by some downtime to relax or participate in other activities such as nature walks, bird watching, or cultural visits to a nearby Maasai village.
In the afternoon, we set out on another game drive to explore a different part of the park. During the game drive, we have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. Our guide will stop at strategic points to allow you to take the best photos or observe the wildlife up close.
As the sun begins to set, we will head back to our accommodation for dinner. Many lodges and camps offer a variety of dining options, including traditional African cuisine and international dishes. After dinner, you can relax around a campfire or return to your rooms for a good night’s rest.
Optional activities at the Masai Mara
Accommodation: Mara Serena Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic lunch box and Dinner
The distance between Maasai Mara and Lake Natron is approximately 340 kilometers, and it takes about 7 to 8 hours to drive between the two destinations. The journey is long, but it is absolutely worth it, as Lake Natron is a unique and stunning destination with a lot to offer.
To get to Lake Natron from the Maasai Mara, visitors must first cross the Kenya-Tanzania border. Once back in Tanzania, we can stop at the Shifting Sands, a unique phenomenon where a large dune of black volcanic ash moves slowly across the landscape due to prevailing winds.
Finally, we will reach Lake Natron, which is known for its stunning scenery, including a pinkish-red color due to the presence of salt-loving microorganisms. The lake is also home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and cormorants. Visitors can take guided walks to explore the lake and its surroundings or climb nearby Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Accommodation: Lake Natron Camp or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic lunch box and Dinner
Lake Natron:
Here we have the chance to go on a night hike to the holy mountain of the Maasai tribe: Mount Ol’ Doinyo Lengai. The spectacular and active volcano can be reached by a 4-5 hours night hike. You will arrive at sunrise and enjoy the incredible view over the Serengeti and Lake Natron from the volcano top.
After your hike or as an alternative, we can take you to the beautiful Ngare Sero Waterfalls where you can swim the waterfalls and the small gorge.
After our morning hike we will continue our safari to the last highlight on our journey: The Ngorongoro Crater.
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro is a crater in Tanzania on the edge of the Serengeti. It was formed when a volcano collapsed at this point. The crater floor is at about 1700 m and the side walls are between 400 and 600 meters high, so that the crater rim is at about 2300 m. The diameter of the crater is about 20 kilometers.
About 25.000 wild animals populate the crater. It also offers the highest density of predators in Africa. The number of zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, antelopes and gazelles is particularly large. They are hunted by lions, hyenas and leopards. There are also elephants in the crater and, unusually in this area, hippos. Between 10 and 15 endangered black rhinos remain. The great herd migration in the Serengeti also passes through the Ngorongoro Crater.
Highlights of the Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Rhino Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic lunch box and Dinner
Crater Rim Walk (optional)
Today, before sunrise, we set out on foot along the rim of the crater. Together with our guide we hike for some time until the Ngorongoro Crater is in front of us at sunrise. We can watch the animals as they migrate over the crater rim towards the waterholes in the crater at daybreak. You can’t get any closer to nature in Tanzania before we head back to Arusha.
The remaining day is left free to wind down after your safari and before your flight back home. Depending on flight times you could explore Arusha town, have a good cup of coffee or buy some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania
Meals: Breakfast & lunch included
Travel time from Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha: 3-4 hours
Travel time from Ngorongoro Crater to Kilimanjaro Airport: 4-5 hours
Camping safari according to the itinerary
Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Professional, English-speaking guide
Professional, English-speaking safari cook
Overnight stays in safari tents
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)
Meals according to the itinerary
Mineral water
All mentioned activities
All national park fees
Flights
Optional activities
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Visa fees
Tips
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Travel insurance
| Group Size | Price per person per day |
| 1 person | USD 400/person |
| 2- 4 person | USD 300/person |
| 5- 9 people | USD 250/person |
| 10 people & ABOVE | USD 230/person |
Absolutely yes. We will arrange all airport transfers for you from and to the airport so that you don’t have to worry about how to get to your hotel. One of our drivers or guides will come to pick you up and take you back to the airport. This is already included in our offers and services.
Absolutely yes. Our handpicked hotels all offer you to safely store your luggage during your climb. In this way you can leave all gear that you won’t need during your climb at the hotel. That is very convenient if you are planning to go on a safari or to Zanzibar after your hike.
Tanzania Horizon Safaris has worked out a very transparent cancellation policy. In most cases we can offer a voucher if you have to postpone your travel. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Please note that deposits are non-refundable as they have to be used for making reservations for your hotel and transport.
*If a booking is cancelled the client is subject to a cancellation fee as follows:
