Every safari in Northern Tanzania should include a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. This place stands as one of the world's most breathtaking destinations for a wildlife safari, offering a remarkable opportunity for engaging with the Maasai tribe. Notably, the Ngorongoro Crater is Tanzania's premier spot for witnessing the Big Five, set against a truly breathtaking landscape. While it is essential to note that the Ngorongoro Crater can get quite crowded, even extremely so, it remains one of the world's most astonishing and renowned natural wonders.
Day 1: Lake Manyara National Park
Following an early breakfast, our team will pick you up from your hotel at 7:00 am. We'll embark on a journey to Lake Manyara, where we aim to arrive by lunchtime. Once we've enjoyed a delicious packed lunch, an afternoon game drive will take us deeper into this magnificent park. Lake Manyara is renowned for its population of lively baboons, impressive elephants, and the captivating sight of tree-climbing lions.
This park encompasses a range of diverse habitats. Flowing rivers from the escarpment and perennial springs beneath the rift wall nurture towering, evergreen groundwater forests, predominantly featuring Trichilia roka, along with Broad-Leaved Croton (Croton macrostachyus), sycamore fig (Ficus sycomorus), quinine tree (Rauvolfia caffra), and forest toad-tree.
Trees are most densely packed in gorges, along the stream edges, and around spring-fed areas. Along the fringes of the groundwater forest, you'll find dense groves of yellow fever trees (Acacia xanthophloea). The flora of Lake Manyara National Park is incredibly diverse, with a documented presence of over 670 flowering plant and fern species. While most of these species are widespread, the park is home to a few rare or endemic botanical treasures
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater
In the morning, after breakfast and equipped with picnic lunch boxes, we embark on a full-day game drive within the vast expanse of the Ngorongoro Crater. This unique setting is where you can witness the extraordinary annual migration of wildebeest, a spectacle that ranks among the world's natural wonders, alongside other remarkable animals such as zebras and gazelles.
The Ngorongoro Crater is an extraordinary geological feature and is recognized as the world's largest caldera. This remarkable habitat houses an exceptionally dense population of wildlife, including several threatened species.
Beyond its wildlife significance, the area holds deep importance in the history of human evolution, with the discovery of early hominid footprints dating back an astonishing 3.6 million years. (Another remarkable location in Africa to delve into early hominid history is the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa.)
In the afternoon, our journey takes us back to Arusha, marking the conclusion of this remarkable trip filled with breathtaking wildlife and geological marvels.
Included in the Safari Package
- Accommodation
- Ground transportation in a robust 4×4 safari Jeep.
- Knowledgeable and fluent English-speaking guide.
- Professional, English-speaking safari cook.
- All Meals Included (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Complimentary Mineral water.
- Round-trip Airport transfer
- Full coverage of National park fees.
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)
Not Included in the Safari Package
- International Airfare: Flights to and from your home country are typically not included.
- Optional excursions and activities e.g Hot Air Balloon
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Visa expenses
- Gratuities (tips)
- Personal funds for souvenirs and additional purchases
- Travel insurance
- Sleeping bags