Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Tour

Overview

We’re riddled and bogged down by so many problems in day-to-day life that we forget to stop and smell the flowers. This Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro tour will be the perfect fit for you. Apart from being in a beautiful place, surrounded by Nature’s elements, you’ll also get a chance to see one of the most beautiful natural phenomena that could bring tears to your eyes- The Great Migration, which witnesses a huge herd of wildebeests and zebras migrating from Serengeti to Masai Reserve; it’s the last major terrestrial migration of its kind. Watching these animals operating in an almost mechanical manner, infused with order and discipline, following the leaders of the herd- it’ll seem like magic coming alive. Nowhere else would you get this kind of holistic experience.

 

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area inhabits the spectacular and infamous Ngorongoro Crater. This area is crucial in maintaining biodiversity-something you’ll observe during your Ngorongoro crater safari. Apart from that, you’ll be visiting Serengeti and Manyara- two wonderful tourist attractions. The Arusha National Park houses Mount Meru- the magnificent volcano. The Lake Manyara National Park is inhabited by the quirky tree-climbing lions. This eight-day tour will have a memory of a lifetime. Relax, and enjoy the journey!



Trip Highlights
  • Witness all the big cats of the African savannahs in Serengeti. Get the chance to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs roaming around.
  • You’ll get a chance to witness the Great Migration during migration season!
  • Ever heard of tree climbing lions? Catch a glimpse or two of these tree-climbing lions in Serengeti itself.
  • The Ngorongoro crater safari will be the experience of a lifetime. Explore the African wilderness and their prized biodiversity.
  • The unique ecological balance opens its arms to many animals- like zebras, hippos, giraffes, rhinos, and the African elephant. You will possibly see these animals.
  • You’ll possibly see Cheetahs in Serengeti and Lions and Leopards in Ngorongoro; the Big Cats are the prime attraction.



ITINERARY - 8 Days
Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro

Once you've arrived at Kilimanjaro, you'll be transported to Arusha. Arusha lies at the heart of a spirited African adventure. Located at the base of the volcanic Mount Meru, Arusha is an interesting place to explore by itself. Check in to your accommodation for the night, and relax.

Day 2

Tanzania

After a scrumptious breakfast at sharp 6 am, you'll be driven down to the beautiful Lake Manyara. Lake Manyara is well known for its breathtaking views and photogenic wildlife. You'll spot tree-climbing lions, flamingos, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, impala, etc. You might even witness a herd of baboons, as you traverse the park. You'll have your lunch inside the park itself, after which you'll reach Ngorongoro Conservation Area through Karatu. Check in to your resort for the night. All three meals will be provided.

flamingos and buffalo near lake manyara, tanzania

 

Day 3

Arusha to Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro

You'll take your breakfast and lunch along in your trip to the Gora Gora crater. You'll start moving before sunrise and reach the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Exploring the Gora Gora crater and its diverse settings will take one complete day of the tour. If you ever wanted to see the Big Five, this is the right place to be. Not only will you witness the crux of African wildlife, but you'll also have lots of fun at the Ngorongoro crater safari. You'll reach the hotel before it's dark, and relax.

a leopard enjoying the wild view from a tree in serengeti national park, tanzania

 

Day 4

Visiting the Ngorongoro crater

After a hearty breakfast, get ready to visit the "Big-Cat capital" of Africa, otherwise known to you as Seronara. Seronera is filled with the quintessential African wildlife, with leopards, cheetahs, and lions sprawling in the wild grounds. You might even pass the Ndutu region on your way to Central Serengeti or Seronera. If the situations are favorable, you might go for game drives and get delayed while coming back. After a nice lunch, you'll be taken on another drive for fun. Relax in the evening and spend the night at the allocated resort.

pride of lions napping on a tree in serengeti national park, tanzania

Day 5

Visiting Serengeti (Seronara region)

You'll get a chance to explore the exotic Seronera, after an early breakfast. Seronera forms a very essential part of Serengeti and it's a popular tourist attraction site because of the tree-climbing lions. After lunch, we'll relax and go for a game drive later. Make good use of your time in Seronera, as it's surely one-of-a-kind. Explore as much as you can and interact with Nature on your coordinated game drives.

a bloat of hippos resting on a water body near ngorongoro crater, tanzania

Day 6

Another day at Serengeti (Seronara Region)

North Serengeti has so much to offer. It's abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes, and the Great Migration. The Great Serengeti Migration is unlike anything you've ever seen before; the scene alone will captivate you and you'll be mesmerized by what's happening in front of your eyes. You'll check in to your camp in North Serengeti, and go for a game drive post-lunch. Relax after your return in the evening.

trees in serengeti savannah plains in tanzania

Day 7

Visiting North Serengeti

Enjoy a day's worth of game drives at the adventurous North Serengeti, while taking in the view. You'll have packed breakfast and lunch to sustain you for the day, and a delicious dinner will await you post your return in the evening. Spend the night at the camp, under a sky full of stars.

Day 8

Another day at North Serengeti

After having a good night's sleep, you'll be transported to the Kogatende airstrip, post-breakfast, for your return flight. It'll be a bittersweet moment as you bid adieu to Tanzania.

 

We're sure that you'll have a gala time, exploring the wilderness and taking those memories home with you, along with a bunch of beautiful photographs.



More Details

If you’re planning a trip to East Africa, Tanzania is the top place to consider. This beautiful country is rich in wildlife, beautiful vistas, and vibrant cultures. A Tanzania safari allows travelers to see nature at its finest. Out of all the itineraries, the Ngorongoro tour is highly recommended.

During this tour, travelers have the opportunity to see the best of African wildlife. This involves witnessing the incredible wildebeest migration. It is among the most majestic wildlife phenomena. Millions of wildebeest and other plain animals migrate together from Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara. This annual migration displays various events such as predator-prey interaction and deadly river crossings.

Along with migration, other wildlife species can also be seen in several national parks and reserves of Tanzania. The African Big Five animals which include the lion, giraffe, elephant, buffalo, and rhino can be spotted during a Ngorongoro tour. Big and small cat species are sighted frequently.

Tanzania is not only popular for its animal species. This country also houses more than 1000 diverse bird species. Some of the notable species are Ostriches, bateleurs, Augur Buzzard, Secretary Birds, and more. Colorful avifauna can be spotted in different natural habitats of Tanzania.

There are lots to see and do during a Ngorongoro tour. From places to visit all the activities available, read on to find out how you can achieve an authentic safari experience.

Destinations to add to your Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari

From cities to lakes and conservation areas, there are many places to explore during your trip to Tanzania. Consider visiting the following safari destinations for an exciting holiday.

Arusha Town

Arusha is also called the Safari Capital of Tanzania, especially for the Northern Safari Circuit. Most of the safari parks, reserves, and protected areas are situated near this modern town. Travelers choose to start their trip from Arusha as it becomes easier to embark on safaris. Arusha is a gateway to some of the spectacular national parks in Africa. Arusha also has domestic and international airports that connect to other main cities of the African continent.

Since the town is located on the foothills of Mount Meru, it offers scenic vistas. There is an interesting mix of cultures and nationalities in the town. It boasts unique architecture, delicious cuisine, historical monuments, local markets, cultural sites, and much more.

There are various places in Arusha that travelers can freely explore. Some of the places are Meserani Snake Park, Ol Doinyo Lengai, Arusha Declaration Museum, hot springs, and much more.

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is a major attraction found in Arusha town. This park is home to varied ecosystems and covers a large portion of Mount Meru. The landscapes of the park are scenic and breathtaking. Travelers can visit Arusha National Park as a short safari trip. This national park is also ideal for a day safari before embarking on Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater safari. Although small, this park includes the Momela lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, lush forests, and much more.

On the Ngurdoto Crater floor reside black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and vivid turacos. On the rocky cliffs of the crater, buffalos and warthogs are spotted. The beautiful Momela Lakes house a large number of flamingos, waterfowl, and waterbucks. Giraffes, zebras, and dik-diks are plentiful. Occasional sightings of hyenas and leopards can be seen.

One of the popular activities of the park is climbing Mount Meru. Canoeing, walking safaris, and treks can also be enjoyed at Arusha National Park.

Lake Manyara National Park

Located underneath the mountains of the Manyara Escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park displays the scenic view of the Great Rift Valley. Varied flora, fauna, and stunning sceneries are part of Lake Manyara National Park’s charm. Its ecological variety includes bush plains, forests, algae-strewn hot springs, and baobab-dotted cliffs. Lake Manyara is a soda ash lake that is centered around the national park. Rich in wildlife and birdlife, the park is a great addition to your Tanzanian tour.

Game viewing in the park is rewarding as herds of elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and wildebeest are seen. The park is also popular for its zebra, warthogs, and impala population. The slopes of the escarpment are home to Kirk’s dik-dik and Klipspringer. One of the attractions of Lake Manyara is the unique tree-climbing lions. Around the world, these exceptional species of lions are seen only in Lake Manyara National Park and Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The alkaline soda lake attracts various bird species found in different habitats. In its brackish waters thrive huge flocks of pink flamingos. Pelicans, egrets, stalks, and other water birds are also seen near the lake. In the park’s woodlands reside crowned eagles, hornbills, crested guinea fowls, and many more. Game drives, birdwatching, and treetop canopy walks can be experienced in the park.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

One of the main attractions in Tanzania is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is also called Africa’s ‘garden of Eden’ due to its spectacular landscapes. The Ngorongoro Conservation area plays a significant role in biodiversity conservation. It is home to some of the globally threatened species. The density of wildlife in this area remains unrivaled. In the conservation area lies the Ngorongoro crater, the largest inactive caldera. The crater was formed million years ago when a volcano exploded and collapsed. A Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater safari is incomplete without visiting this wilderness area.

A Ngorongoro tour offers quality wildlife viewing and camping safari sites. It is here that one can spot the rare black rhino thriving in Ngorongoro’s idyllic environment. Leopards, black-maned lions, hyenas, cheetahs, jackals, serval cats, and other predator species are also seen. All the Big Five animals are easily observed in the area. Flamingos and other water bird species frequent the lakes of the conservation area.

One of the best regions to visit in Ngorongoro is the Ndutu Plains. These plains consist of rolling grasslands and also have alkaline lakes which attract flamingos. The calving season of the wildebeest takes place in the plains. Much of the predator-prey action is witnessed at Ndutu Plains as newborn calves are frequently chased by predators. Many important sites within the crater are a must-visit such as the Empakaai and Olmoti Craters, the Olduvai Gorge, and the Maasai villages.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti is one of the oldest national parks in Tanzania. It is set in the regions of Mara and Simiyu. Safaris at Serengeti National Park are peaceful and gratifying. The park spreads across an area of 5700 sq. miles and comprises different landscapes. Forests, savannahs, plains, and woodlands are some of the habitats found in Serengeti. Due to its abundance of wildlife and biodiversity, it is one of the best parks to visit in the country.

Serengeti’s Seronera region is situated in the heart of the national park. Seronera is popularly referred to as the Big Cat Capital of the world. A good population of big cat species such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and more are spotted in Seronera. The Seronera River and the Kopjes in the area offer good sightings of lions. Leopards are seen napping on umbrella thorns and sausage trees. Seronera is also famous for the wildebeest migration that congregates in this area. Another lush region in the park is the North Serengeti. It is full of unexplored wilderness, beautiful landscapes, and plentiful wildlife. Aside from great migration seen during the dry season, North Serengeti is also home to hippos, elephants, lions, giraffes, and more.

One can enjoy an authentic safari experience by staying in a tented camp in Serengeti. Many tented camps are luxurious yet remain true to the concept of safaris. It is highly suggested to stay more than 2 days in Serengeti to explore the park properly.

Tarangire National Park

Covering an area of 2,600 kilometers, Tarangire is located slightly off the northern Tanzanian safari circuit. It is the ideal park to explore if you’d like to go off the track during your trip. This beautiful park lies between the Great Rift Valley lakes and the meadow of Masai Steepe. The ever-flowing Tarangire river is located north of Tanzania and attracts a plethora of wildlife during the dry season. This park is perfect for a full-day safari. Here, one can avoid crowds and peacefully enjoy a game drive during your Ngorongoro tour.

The key attraction of Tarangire is the incredible elephant population, known to be the highest in the whole country. They are best spotted when the terrain gets drier and the elephant herds begin to dig river beds in search of water. At once, travelers can spot at least 300 individuals per herd. The dry season also attracts wildebeest, zebra, hartebeest, kudus, fringed Onyx, and other smaller mammals. The thick vegetation of Tarangire also hides predators like lions and leopards.

Over 550 different bird species are found in Tarangire. There are mostly spread near the swamps of the park. A unique feature of the park is the giant baobab trees also called the Tree of Life. Baobab trees are an important source of food for many animals that feed on edible seeds.

Adventurous Aactivities to try during your Ngorongoro Tour

 

Witness the great migration

It is highly suggested to plan your Tanzania holiday during the onset of the wildebeest migration. Depending on the season, wildebeest are seen in different parts of Serengeti. In Ngorongoro from December to April, the wildebeest calving ground is found in Seronera. It is in the Ndutu areas and the south-eastern plains that the calving season takes place. From May to July, the herds move towards Serengeti’s western corridor. Remember to consult with a travel expert to personalize your Tanzania tours before booking because migration can be unpredictable.

Horseback safaris

If you are tired of jeep safaris or want to try something unique, horseback safaris are perfect. This unusual type of safari helps travelers get close to the scenery and even have close encounters with wildlife. Without disturbing animals like zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest, one can calmly explore the wild areas and witness them from a new outlook.

Climbing a mountain

Tanzania is known for its peaks and mountains. The highest mountain in the entire African continent, Mount Kilimanjaro is found in Tanzania. Its trails and routes attract several beginners and advanced trekkers to explore its beauty. However, if you’d like to try out an easy hike, consider climbing Mount Meru. This mountain is much more approachable than Kilimanjaro. A trek to Meru can take up to 3 days to reach its summit. Casual hikes and climbs can also be undertaken. Travelers can hike past the diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes of Mount Meru.

Try Tanzanian cuisine

Tanzania’s beautiful culture has introduced delicious foods and cuisines. Native Tanzanian cuisines are heavily inspired by Arab, Indian, European, and even Pakistani cuisines. An abundance of fresh meat loaded with spices is found in the country. The most popular dishes of Tanzania are Nyoma Choma or grilled meat is eaten with Ugali, Wali wa Nazi which is a rice dish, and Sukuma Wiki which contain vegetables.

Boat rides on Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is one of the largest lakes in Africa and also the world’s largest tropical lake. It mostly lies in Tanzania and Uganda but also borders Kenya. This lake has rich cultural history and spectacular wildlife. Various activities can be enjoyed at Lake Victoria. Some of them are walking and boating safaris, fishing, birdwatching, and more. Rubondo Island National Park, one of the two national parks located near the lake, has a sub-tropical ecosystem, perfect for relaxation.

Go chimpanzee tracking

At Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream National Park, four subspecies of chimpanzees reside in these areas. At Gombe, one can try out chimpanzee safaris which are unique experiences on their own. In the Mahale mountains, over 800 wild chimpanzees roam freely, more than in any other park found in Africa.

A Ngorongoro tour is highly suggested during your Tanzanian trip. Reach out to a reputed travel company that specializes in Tanzania all inclusive holidays and vacations. This way, you can enjoy a Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater safari along with other important attractions in the country.






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