Lake Manyara Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti Fly-in Safari

Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti are three iconic national parks in northern Tanzania, forming a popular safari circuit known for diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the famous “Big Five”. Lake Manyara features diverse habitats, including woodland and a soda lake, and is known for its tree-climbing lions. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact caldera, offering a breathtaking setting with high wildlife density, while the Serengeti is famous for its vast plains, high density of big cats, and the Great Migration.

This 9-day fly-in itinerary guides you through Tanzania’s unparalleled wildlife locales — Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the legendary Serengeti – offering a spectacular and varied big game safari experience.

Commence with the allure of Lake Manyara, renowned for its many flamingos and iconic tree-climbing lions, before proceeding to experience the grandeur of the Ngorongoro Crater floor, habitat of Africa’s Big Five. The expansive grasslands of the Serengeti serve as the setting for the tour’s climactic conclusion. Wildlife observation is exceptional throughout the year; however, if your safari coincides with the wildebeest migration, anticipate large herds and significant predator activity.

This voyage, with a collection of sophisticated resorts, is perfect for both first-time travellers to Tanzania and returning visitors enchanted by this remarkable nation. Incorporate this tour into a honeymoon plan alongside a retreat to the enchanting spice island of Zanzibar for an unparalleled beach and safari experience.

Lake Manyara Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti Fly-in Safari: $10,580 – $14,970 Per Person Sharing

A Complete Lake Manyara Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti Fly-in Safari

Day 1: A Warm Welcome to Tanzania | 1 Nights

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will meet your guide for the transfer to Arusha Coffee Lodge. Situated on a scenic coffee farm, this delightful resort offers stunning vistas of Mount Meru and serves as the perfect location for acclimatisation to Africa. Upon settling into your home, enjoy a leisurely walk through the plantations, explore the markets of nearby Arusha, or simply unwind in the poolside gardens with a refreshing beverage. On brisk winter evenings, nestle behind a fireplace and savour one of the finest coffees you will ever experience.

Days 2-3: The Magic of Lake Manyara | 2 Nights

Following a relaxed breakfast, proceed to the airport where a chartered aircraft awaits to transport you to Lake Manyara. Upon your arrival at the airstrip, your guide transports you into Lake Manyara National Park, stimulating your anticipation for the forthcoming adventures. Shortly, you reach the grove of mahogany trees that encompasses Lake Manyara Tree Lodge.

Residing at the sole lodge within the park offers a unique and intimate experience, enhanced by the lodge’s tranquil atmosphere. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge comprises ten charming tree-house suites emanating from a sophisticated central lounge, bar and dining area. Open the sliding doors of your thatched chalet and allow the African sunlight to illuminate the space while you enjoy the vistas.

Accommodate for two nights, partaking in morning and afternoon game drives, along with exhilarating night excursions. Lake Manyara, a remarkable segment of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, boasts a diverse array of natural habitats surrounding the soda lake, which serves as a sanctuary for flocks of flamingos and various waterfowl. This is an ideal location for avian aficionados! The wooded valleys and expansive savannah plains sustain a substantial population of elephants, along with giraffes, buffalo, and numerous antelope species. The number of predators is diminished, with Lake Manyara’s lions, renowned for their arboreal behaviour, in the forefront.

Days 4-5: Magnificent Ngorongoro | 2 Nights

This long-extinct volcano, recognised as one of the most remarkable wildlife locations globally, is the largest preserved caldera in the world. Enclosed by its sheer walls are several habitats, including permanent wetlands that sustain remarkable populations of species. Ngorongoro has always safeguarded a flourishing population of large game species: formidable tusked elephants, resilient black rhinos, and renowned black-maned lions.

You will reside at Lemala Osonjoi Lodge, situated in the verdant foothills of the Crater within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Acclimatise to your opulently adorned suite, admiring the vistas from your private balcony. Engage with your guide at an opulent high tea, providing a chance to converse about your specific interests and the wildlife observation experience at Ngorongoro.

The extraordinary density of wildlife, along with stunning landscapes, makes the allure of Ngorongoro apparent well before one descends to the crater floor. This is one of the rare locations in Africa where the Big Five can be observed during a single game drive, along with numerous other attractions. Gazelle, wildebeest, and zebra herds inhabit this area, while smaller predators such as caracal and serval cats are frequently observed with lions and their perennial adversaries, spotted hyenas. The woodlands and marshes are inhabited by elephants, whereas the wetlands of the crater are home to hippos and numerous flamingos.

Following a day of exploration and a delightful picnic on the crater plains, you return to the lodge’s refined amenities, allowing time to reflect on the marvels encountered and exchange stories with fellow visitors over cocktails by the fire. A lavish dinner is presented in the opulent dining room, concluding the day in a pleasantly indulgent manner.

Days 6-8: Spectacular Serengeti | 3 Nights

Depart Ngorongoro and embark on your charter flight to the Serengeti. From the aerial perspective, the renowned reserve reveals itself beneath, with its expansive plains extending towards a remote horizon. The renowned Great Migration occurs at specific periods of the year, during which over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse an extensive circular course, pursuing rainfall to access fresh pastures and tender grass shoots that sustain their newborn calves and foals. Guided by instincts as primordial as the Serengeti, the herds confront powerful currents and hidden crocodiles to traverse perilous rivers and encounter swarms of formidable predators on the expansive plains.

Your residence in this renowned location is Serengeti Under Canvas, a movable tented camp that tracks the migration. Serengeti Under Canvas, traditionally elegant and as comfortable as a permanent resort, capitalises on its unique location on the Serengeti plains to provide exceptional migration sightings and outstanding year-round Big 5 wildlife viewing.

The three days at Serengeti Under Canvas offer numerous opportunities to understand why Tanzania is one of Africa’s foremost safari destinations. The principal activities of your day consist of morning and afternoon game drives conducted by expert guides, while optional night drives, guided nature walks, and hot-air ballooning provide additional views on your Serengeti experience.

Day 9: Homeward Bound

Following an early morning game drive and a final exquisite meal at the camp, you commence your journey homeward. Soaring above this historic terrain, you contemplate the remarkable experiences you have encountered: the awe-inspiring bravery of wildebeest traversing a crocodile-laden river, the ethereal tranquilly of hot-air ballooning, the exhilaration of observing a lion pride in pursuit, and the playful antics of zebra foals. The sights and sounds of the Serengeti linger in your heart, evoking memories of the expansive sky and boundless plains.

End of the 9 Days Lake Manyara Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti Fly-in Safari