After breakfast, we will head to Lake Natron, famous for its flamingos. Along the way, passing through Longido, we will be able to see spectacular escarpments, Rift Valley volcanoes such as Ol’Donyo Lengai, the only active volcano in Tanzania, and Maasai villages. In the afternoon, we will arrive at Lake Natron to a magnificent sunset.
SAFARI TANZANIA AND ZANZIBAR 2025
11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS
LAKE NATRON, NORTHERN AND CENTRAL SERENGETI, NGORONGORO AND ZANZIBAR
Itinerary summary:
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Arusha - Lake Natron
Day 3: Lake Natron
Day 4: Lake Natron. - Serengeti N.P. North
Day 5 Serengeti N.P. North
Day 6: Serengeti N.P. Center
Day 7: Serengeti N.P. - Descent to the Ngorongoro Crater
Day 8: Zanzibar
Day 9 and 10: Zanzibar free day
Day 11 : Return
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by one of our experienced guides/drivers who will escort you to Arusha for a rest at the hotel. He will introduce you to this wonderful city and country.
After your long flight, you will be pleased to know that Arusha, the undisputed safari capital of East Africa, is perched 1,400 metres above sea level, keeping temperatures and humidity relatively low. Surrounding this major city are some of Tanzania’s greatest delights. Mount Meru rises behind Arusha, and on a clear day, you can even see Kilimanjaro. Arusha offers the ideal base for safari lovers, within reach of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Arusha is a busy agricultural area, administrative and tourist centre, the perfect place to relax after a long journey and before heading out on safari on the holiday of a lifetime.
DAY 2: ARUSHA - LAGO NATRON
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 3: LAKE NATRON
In the morning, we will go on a walking tour near Lake Natron accompanied by a Maasai guide, where we will be able to observe pelicans, flamingos and other birds in a privileged setting. Upon returning to camp, you will discover the traditional life of the Maasai, their culture, their traditions, and you will visit their bomas (a group of huts belonging to an extended family). You will be able to participate in the milking of the animals when they return from the pastures. The Maasai women will show you their handmade jewelry workshop, and the children will be delighted to accompany you.
In the afternoon, we will do a short trek of about 45 minutes to the Ngare Sero waterfalls, where you will enjoy a relaxing bath in one of the most remote areas of Tanzania.
Optional: Night climb to the summit of Ol’Donyo Lengai, with a magnificent sunrise from the volcano (high difficulty).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 4: LAKE NATRON - NORTH SERENGETI NP
After breakfast, our journey will take us northeast to the iconic Serengeti National Park. Along the way, the sheer scale of the land and the natural beauty of the landscapes will be revealed, and your driver-guide will help you identify the animals and birds you encounter along the way.
After enjoying a picnic lunch, you will immerse yourself in some of the greatest wildlife opportunities in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. These endless plains are home to elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos and crocodiles. In the late afternoon, exhausted and elated, we will head back to camp for dinner and to discuss the many fantastic experiences of the day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 5: NORTH SERENGETI NP
Waking up in the Serengeti is something truly special. Surrounded by the sounds and smells of Africa, you will have a day full of adventure in the most famous national park in the world. After breakfast, we will begin the game drive through the northern area, in search of the Great Migration in and around the Mara River. At sunset, we will return to the camp for dinner and rest.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 6: P.N. NORTH SERENGETI - P.N. SERENGETI CENTER
We will continue our safari in the Serengeti National Park, from the north to the centre, visiting the Kopjes area, known for being home to prides of lionesses with their cubs and the dominant male.
The wonders of the Serengeti evolve subtly throughout the day. With more than 1.6 million herbivores and thousands of predators, there is always something new and interesting to see. The changing seasons and natural light add even more to the diversity. At the end of the day, we will return to camp for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Optional: Balloon safari.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Note: If you have booked the balloon safari, you will be picked up at 05:00 in the morning for a flight at 06:00. After 90 minutes of aerial adventure, you will enjoy a breakfast in the bush with champagne.
DAY 7: P.N. SERENGETI - NGORONGORO CRATER
The exciting sounds of Africa will awaken you. We will continue our safari to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s natural icons. You will descend into the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, home to an incredible density of wildlife. Here, you will be able to see lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, flamingos, black rhinos and many other species.
The Masai tribe shares this impressive space with animals, grazing their cattle in this conservation area since 1956 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
In the late afternoon, we will return to the lodge to rest after the safari in the crater.
Optional: Visit to Olduvai Gorge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 8: KARATU – MTO WA MBU – AIRPORT - ZANZIBAR
In the morning, we will visit the village of Mto Wa Mbu and its colorful market. We will visit a local farm to learn more about the coffee industry in Tanzania, and then you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Zanzibar, where a Lilac Safari correspondent will meet you and transfer you to the hotel on the island.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 9 and 10: FREE DAYS ON THE ISLAND
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner.
DAY 11: RETURN
At the agreed time, transfer to the airport to take the return flight.
Meals included: Breakfast.
ACCOMMODATION
CAMPING OPTION
Arusha: Outpost Lodge or similar
Natron: Camping in Masaai Giraffe Eco Lodge
Northern Serengeti: Lobo public campsite
Central Serengeti: Seronera Public Campsite
Ngorongoro: Simba Campsite
Zanzibar Beach: Paradise Beach Resort or similar
LODGE OPTION
Arusha: Planet Lodge or similar
Natron: Masaai Giraffe Eco Lodge or Similar
Northern Serengeti: Baobab Mara Luxury Camp, Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar
Serengeti Center: Baobab Tented Camp, Kon Tiki Tented camp, Dreams of Africa or similar
Ngorongoro: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge or similar
Zanzibar Beach: Blue Oyster Hotel or similar
INCLUDED / NOT INCLUDED
Included
- Transfers Airport - Hotel - Airport
- All accommodations on the tour with full board. B&B accommodation in Arusha and half board in Zanzibar
- PRIVATE Safari in 4×4 Land Cruisers - with folding roof, prepared for safari
- Flexible Safari schedules, stops and nature observation
- Entrance to National Parks and Reserves
- Accommodation fees within National Parks and Reserves
- Bottled mineral water during the Safari
- Visit to the Masai village in Lake Natron
- Trekking in Lake Natron and to the Engaresero waterfalls
- Spanish-speaking driver-guide throughout the Safari
- Flight Arusha – Zanzibar
Not Included
- International flight ticket
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- FLYING DOCTORS insurance
- Visa ($50) to be arranged at the airport of arrival
- Mandatory insurance for entry to Zanzibar from October 1, 2024 (US$44)
- Tips to the guide-driver
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Personal extras
- Personal medical kit
- In general, any service not specified as included
