6 days / 5 nights

Lake Natron & Northern Tanzania Safari Adventure

Arusha · Tarangire · Lake Natron · Ngorongoro · Serengeti

Discover a less-traveled side of Northern Tanzania on this 6-day adventure combining classic safari destinations with the dramatic landscapes of Lake Natron. From Tarangire's elephant-rich wilderness to the volcanic scenery and flamingo-filled waters of Lake Natron, followed by Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, this itinerary offers an excellent mix of wildlife, nature and adventure.

Safari highlights

See flamingos and other waterbirds at Lake Natron
Experience Lake Natron's dramatic volcanic landscape
Optional guided walk to the Engare Sero Waterfalls
Search for large elephant herds in Tarangire
Look for lions, cheetahs, leopards and other predators
Opportunity to see black rhino in Ngorongoro Crater
Explore the legendary Serengeti plains
Experience the Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Highlands
Exceptional opportunities for wildlife, bird and landscape photography
Combine famous safari parks with a unique off-the-beaten-path destination

Out on safari

Lake Natron & Northern Tanzania Safari Adventure, photo 1

Lake Natron & Northern Tanzania Safari Adventure, photo 2

Day by day

6 days, 5 nights

The route below is the standard version. Game drives follow the wildlife rather than a timetable, and your guide adjusts as the animals move.

1
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Depart Arusha after breakfast and drive to Tarangire National Park.
Enjoy a game drive through landscapes of ancient baobabs, open grasslands and seasonal wetlands. Tarangire is particularly famous for its elephants, while lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and buffalo can also be encountered.
2
Tarangire to Lake Natron
Enjoy an early morning game drive before travelling toward Lake Natron through the scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes.
Arrive at Lake Natron and explore the surrounding area. The shallow alkaline lake is an important breeding area for lesser flamingos, particularly when water and food conditions are favourable.
Enjoy the spectacular views of Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania's active volcanic mountain.
3
Lake Natron: Nature & Waterfall Adventure
Spend the morning exploring Lake Natron and its surroundings with a local guide.
Depending on conditions and your interests, enjoy a guided walk to Engare Sero Waterfalls, passing through the dramatic Rift Valley landscape. Alternatively, focus on birdwatching and exploring the lake's shoreline and surrounding environment.
Return to camp and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this remote region.
4
Lake Natron to Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, depart Lake Natron and travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Enjoy spectacular scenery as the landscape changes from the dry Rift Valley floor to the cooler, greener Ngorongoro Highlands.
Arrive at your accommodation and relax for the evening.
5
Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an early game drive.
Explore the crater floor in search of lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and, with luck, black rhino.
After the crater experience, continue toward Serengeti National Park with wildlife viewing en route.
6
Serengeti to Arusha
Enjoy an early morning game drive in the Serengeti for a final opportunity to see wildlife.
After the game drive, begin the journey back to Arusha, arriving later in the day.

Included

What the price covers

Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Local Lake Natron guide
Private game drives throughout the safari
5 nights of accommodation
Tarangire National Park entry fees
Serengeti National Park entry fees
Ngorongoro Conservation Area and crater fees
Lake Natron area and applicable conservation fees
Engare Sero Waterfalls guided walk, where included in the confirmed itinerary
Meals as specified
Drinking water during game drives
Arusha transfers as specified
All applicable government taxes and tourism fees

Accommodation options: Your accommodation will be selected according to your preferred comfort level, travel dates, availability and safari route. Exact properties will be confirmed in your personalised quotation

Not included

What you arrange yourself

International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Tips for safari guide, local guides and lodge staff
Alcoholic and premium beverages
Laundry and personal expenses
Ol Doinyo Lengai climbing
Optional activities not specifically listed
Souvenirs and personal purchases
Any service not specifically mentioned under Included

Important Lake Natron Note

Lake Natron is a remote and environmentally sensitive destination. Flamingo numbers and water conditions vary seasonally, so flamingo sightings cannot be guaranteed. The road to Lake Natron can also be rough, making this experience particularly suited to travellers looking for an adventurous and less-commercial safari route.

The Ol Doinyo Lengai summit climb is a separate strenuous activity and is not included in this itinerary.

Best for

Ideal for adventure travellers, photographers, birdwatchers, couples and repeat visitors to Tanzania who want to combine the classic Northern Circuit with a more remote and unusual destination.

Accommodation levels

Choose the level, and we build the trip around it

The same route can be run four ways. The level you pick decides where you sleep, how far you drive to the wildlife each morning, and most of what the safari costs.

Budget

Clean, simple camps and small lodges. Everything you need after a day in the park, and nothing you do not.

Mid-range

Comfortable lodges and permanent tented camps with en-suite bathrooms, pools and full service. Where most safaris sit.

Luxury

High-end lodges and luxury tented camps in prime locations, with the shorter drives to the wildlife that come with them.

Premium

The best addresses in each park. Exclusive-use camps, private guiding and the quietest corners of the reserves.

Why there is no price on the page

A safari price that fits everyone fits nobody. Two people in a premium camp in August and a family of four in a mid-range lodge in April are different trips at different costs, on the same itinerary. Rather than publish a figure that would be wrong for most people reading it, we price each trip properly.

Tell us your dates, your group and the level you want, and you get an accurate quote back with the accommodation named.

Request my quote