Stretching for 50km along the base of the rusty-gold 600-metre high Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is a scenic gem, with a setting extolled by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”. The compact game-viewing circuit through Manyara offers a virtual microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience.
From the entrance gate, the road winds through an expanse of lush jungle-like groundwater forest where hundred-strong baboon troops lounge nonchalantly along the roadside, blue monkeys scamper nimbly between the ancient mahogany trees, dainty bushbuck tread warily through the shadows, and outsized forest hornbills honk cacophonously in the high canopy.
Serengeti National Park: A million wildebeest... each one driven by the same ancient rhythm, fulfilling its instinctive role in the inescapable cycle of life: a frenzied three-week bout of territorial conquests and mating; survival of the fittest as 40km (25 mile) long columns plunge through crocodile-infested waters on the annual exodus north; replenishing the species in a brief population explosion that produces more than 8,000 calves daily before the 1,000 km (600 mile) pilgrimage begins again.
Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park, the Serengeti is famed for its annual migration, when some six million hooves pound the open plains, as more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson's gazelle join the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing. Yet even when the migration is quiet, the Serengeti offers arguably the most scintillating game-viewing in Africa.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park
Early breakfast drive to Lake Manyara national park for game drive till lunch time. We hope you'll be lucky to see the tree climbing lions. Lunch is picnic in the park near the lake shore. Followed by more game drive in the park. Picnic lunch. More game drive in the park to Sunset. Dinner and overnight, Kirurumo luxury Tented camp.
Day 2: Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park
Early breakfast, depart for Serengeti via the famous Ngorongoro Crater. Sooner as you enter Ngorongoro Crater you’ll be able to see some wildlife en route. You’ll stop briefly on one of the view points on the rim of the crater to enjoy the magic views of the Crater. Drive on with game drive en route to Central Serengeti. Sunset game drives at Serengeti Serena area. Dinner and overnight, Serena Serengeti lodge.
Day 3: Serengeti
Full day "discover Serengeti" game drive. A day for the big cats – cheetahs, leopards and lions and great wildebeest migration. You will go out for Sunrise game drive at 6.30am followed by breakfast at 8.30am. Short rest after breakfast then depart for a long game into the Kirawira River area where the migration will be situated. Lunch is picnic in the bush. Evening drive back to the lodge for overnight. Serena Serengeti lodge.
Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater
Sunrise game drive at 6.30am followed by breakfast at 8.30am. Short rest at the pool before departing for Ngorongoro with game drive en route. Stop by The Olduvai Gorge – a famous Historical site (optional) for a visit and or drive on to Ngorongoro Crater. Dinner and overnight, Sopa Ngorongoro Lodge.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
Early breakfast, descend into the crater for crater tour. Game drive to discover the secrets of the hidden "Garden of Eden". Game drive in the crater viewing the rare black rhinos and lots of lions and other animals. The crater also has a shallow soda lake which supports thousands of pink flamingos. A magical site for the thirsty eye! In the evening ascend to the rim and drive back to Arusha. Dinner and overnight. Hotel of your choice – not included in the price.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All Park entry fees
- Full Board accommodation in the lodges
- Driver/Guide allowances
- Transport including fuel for the entire safari
- Pick up from the airport/bus station in Arusha
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Tanzania
Wildlife Viewing
National Parks
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