Africa Safaris

ROAD SAFARI FROM ARUSHA
7 Days
Lake Manyara, Seregeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire

DAY 1
ARUSHA - LAKE MANYARA

Depart from Arusha after lunch, driving to Lake Manyara National Park. Overnight at the spectacularly located Manyara Serena hotel.

Lying in a shallow depression at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, the scenic Lake Manyara National Park. Most famous for its tree-climbing lions, which drape themselves over branches of umbrella-shaped thorn trees to catch cool breezes, the reserve boasts over 40 species of large mammals and some 380 birds. There are several different types of forests with a variety of fauna - hippopotamuses, giraffes, elephants, zebras, and monkeys just to name a few. From Arusha it is a 3-hour drive to Lake Manyara.

The Lake Manyara Serena Lodge has a dramatic setting overlooking the Great Rift Valley and the beautiful soda lake of Manyara Park. The area is rich in birdlife and from them much of the lodge decoration has been inspired. The Lodge facilities include a swimming pool; spacious, comfortable public areas and a restaurant and bar - all which take advantage of the breath-taking view.
   

    
DAY 2
LAKE MANYARA - SERENGETI

Morning game viewing around Lake Manyara. After lunch continue West, to the Serengeti plains with superb views all the way. Two nights at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a full board basis.

The Serengeti National Park is arguably the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world. "Serengeti" means "endless plains" in the Masai language, and within its boundaries are more than three million large mammals. About 35 species of plains animals can be seen here including the so called "big five" - elephant, rhino, lion (more than 2,000 of them), leopard and buffalo. During the wet season, November to May, most of the plains game congregate in Southern Serengeti, followed by their attendant predators. Some time in May or June the herds migrate North and West in search of water. They remain in North Serengeti and the western corridor during the dry season, July-October, returning South again as the November rains approach. The Wildebeest calving takes place on the short grass plains during late December - early February. In their wake follow the predators; lion cheetah and hunting dogs with vultures circling overhead. Other common species found here include hippo, giraffe, eland, impala and other antelope types, baboons, monkeys and a profusion of almost 500 bird species.

Serengeti Serena Lodge is set high on a hill with breathtaking vistas of a landscape teeming with game. The wildlife defines the Serengeti - countless zebra, buffalo, gazelle, wildebeest, and other species make it their home. Big game feed in full view of the lodge itself. The terrain is the main stage for the great wildebeest migrations, an awesome spectacle involving millions of these beasts. The lodge design is simple but stunning. Inspired by a traditional African village, separate rondavel "huts" house the luxury guest rooms. From the overall impression to the smallest detail, the lodge is rich in local atmosphere created by indigenous handicrafts and art.
    

   
DAY 3
SERENGETI

A full day game viewing, either along riverine forest or on the grassy plains amongst the Wildebeest herds.
    

   
DAY 4
SERENGETI - NGORONGORO

Drive to Ngorongoro stopping at Olduvai Gorge to see the famous archeological remains. Spend two nights at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, overlooking the crater on a full board basis.

Located within the Ngorongoro Conservation area is the Olduvai Gorge, 180 kilometres from Arusha. It was here that Dr Louis Leakey discovered the remains of Homo habis or "Handy man" regarded as mankind's first step on the ladder of human evolution. But many more fossils have been discovered here including those of prehistoric elephants, giant horned sheep and enormous ostriches. Guides operate lecture tours of the sites.

Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the incomparable Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest "caldera". A caldera is the broad, crater-like basin of a volcano formed by the collapse of the central cone. Dominated by cliffs standing some 600 meters high and presenting a sheer drop down to a wide open space of some 264 square km, the crater is one of the most amazing sights seen anywhere. The Crater is home to 25,000 larger mammals, almost half of them zebra and wildebeest. There are also gazelle, buffalo, eland, hartebeest and wart hog. Such vast numbers attract predators a plenty, mainly lion and hyena but also cheetah and leopard. More than 100 species of birds not found in the Serengeti have been spotted here. Countless flamingos form a pink blanket over the soda lakes.

The road around the Ngorongoro Crater sits at 2250 metres above sea level and offers breath-taking views. Just as overwhelming is the view from the private terrace of most of the guest and public rooms at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. The Ngorongoro Serena is built of local stone and is molded to the contours of the site on the rim of the Crater. The lodge consists of 75 luxury en suite rooms most with private terraces. Cultural events include Masai dancing and celebratory presentations. In the evenings a choir or guitarist performs for the guests' pleasure. At Ngorongoro Serena Lodge visitors co-exist in perfect harmony with the natural environment and the wildlife that inhabits it.
   

    
DAY 5
NGORONGORO

A full day game viewing in Ngorongoro Crater with picnic lunch. A wildlife paradise unequaled in its splendor.
    

   
DAY 6
TARANGIRE

Morning drive to Tarangire. After lunch game viewing along the Tarangire river, which attracts Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard. Overnight at the Tarangire Sopa Lodge on a full board basis.

Situated 114km from Arusha, Tarangire National Park boasts magnificent herds of wildlife. The park gets its name from the river that threads its way through the length of the reserve. It is famous for its dense wildlife population. Thousands of animals - wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and fringe-eared oryx - migrate from the dry Masai Mara steppe to the Tarangire River looking for water. Lion and other predators follow the herds.

The Tarangire Sopa Lodge is built as a "low profile" structure, nestling into a wooded hill side valley overlooking Tarangire Hill. Opened in January 1995 the lodge has 75 suites all enjoying extensive views. Each suite has two queen-sized beds, a fully equipped en suite bathroom and floor to ceiling sliding doors which open on to a private balcony or verandah. A small, comfortably furnished lounge with drinks refrigerator provides extra privacy to each suite.
   

    
DAY 7
TARANGIRE - ARUSHA

Morning drive to Arusha, arriving before lunch.
    

    
PRICES:
Call for pricing 1 877 941 8955