Safari in National Parks: Lake Natron, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti
Embark on a captivating seven-day safari adventure packed with diverse wildlife encounters!
Your journey begins at the surreal Lake Natron, home to vibrant pink flamingos and elegant pelicans, all set against the backdrop of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. This remote and rarely explored destination offers a truly off-the-beaten-path experience. You’ll then explore the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder formed within the remnants of a long-collapsed volcano, harboring an extraordinary array of wildlife. Next, you’ll venture into the legendary Serengeti plains, celebrated for the annual migration of wildebeests and zebras, and home to powerful lion prides and swift cheetahs. Every park on this itinerary offers something truly special—prepare yourself for a journey full of awe-inspiring moments!
This itinerary is best experienced between July and October, when Lake Natron becomes a haven for breeding flamingos and the Serengeti comes alive with the world-famous Great Migration. While the outlined itinerary focuses on game drives in Seronera (central Serengeti), we’re happy to customize your route and lodging to match your travel dates. We can even add extra nights in Kogatende (northern Serengeti) to increase your chances of catching the thrilling wildebeest river crossings at the Mara River in late July and August. (Note: Pricing may vary with adjustments—feel free to contact our travel team for details!)
| 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$6,831 |
$4,531 |
$4,196 |
$3,733 |
$3,695 |
Contact us. Our team is always here to help.
Safari Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) Upon arrival, the group will be welcomed by a Velam Tour representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Please note: The hotel stay includes breakfast only. Check-in is available from 2:00 PM onward.
Accommodation
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast included
DAY 2
Lake Natron
This day will be spent discovering Lake Natron—a breathtaking and secluded destination often spotlighted in wildlife and nature publications. Known for its striking red-hued waters, Lake Natron is one of the most unique lakes in the world. The vivid coloration is due to a high concentration of specialized microorganisms that give the water its distinct crimson tint. However, this natural phenomenon is best viewed and photographed from above. Lake Natron is surrounded by dramatic African landscapes and is home to a variety of wildlife including ostriches, antelopes, zebras, and giraffes. Its remote location means it sees few visitors, offering a peaceful and uncrowded experience—making it an ideal place to begin or wrap up a safari across northern Tanzania. Temperatures during the day can get quite high, but nearby natural springs provide a refreshing escape. These pools are fed by water flowing directly from the Ngorongoro Highlands, rich in minerals and sulfur. While some researchers suggest the water may support bone health, what we do know for sure is that it's clean, revitalizing, and perfectly safe for a dip. The area around Lake Natron is also home to several traditional communities, including the renowned Maasai. A visit to one of their villages offers a chance to witness their culture and daily life up close.
Accommodation
Lake Natron Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 3
Lake Natron
Lake Natron is home to an impressive array of birdlife, with both greater and lesser flamingos gathering here in the tens of thousands. Watching these vibrant pink birds take flight is a truly breathtaking experience. Flamingos thrive at Lake Natron thanks to its highly alkaline waters, which act as a natural deterrent to predators, providing a safe breeding ground. From September to April, Lake Natron becomes the most important nesting site for Lesser Flamingos in the world—more than 75% of the global population is born right here. The eggs are laid in the shallow, muddy flats, and tiny chicks begin their lives along the lake’s edge. With a pair of binoculars, you can spot these fluffy, gray hatchlings as they take their first, tentative steps. Before long, their feathers will begin to turn the iconic shade of pink. Beyond flamingos, Lake Natron also attracts pelicans and a variety of other bird species. Observing them in the wild is a completely different experience from seeing them in captivity—they’re full of energy, playful, and entirely in their element.
Accommodation
Lake Natron Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast included
DAY 4
Lake Natron
Today, your guide will lead you on a scenic hike to the beautiful Engaresero Falls. These stunning waterfalls are tucked away and accessible only on foot. The hike takes about an hour and is guided by a member of the local Maasai community, offering both cultural insight and natural beauty along the way. Be sure to wear lightweight shoes that you don’t mind getting wet, as parts of the trail involve walking through water. Don’t forget your swimsuit and a towel—you’ll have the chance to swim in the refreshing natural pools beneath the falls. While wildlife is more sparse here compared to the Serengeti, Lake Natron’s surroundings are still teeming with life. Giraffes, zebras, ostriches, impalas, wildebeests, hyenas, and other savannah dwellers can often be spotted in the area, so keep your camera close—you never know what you’ll encounter. Dominating the landscape is Ol Doinyo Lengai, one of East Africa’s few active volcanoes. Known to the Maasai as the “Mountain of God,” this dramatic peak provides an incredible backdrop for photography, with sweeping views of the African plains.
Accommodation
Mawe Mawe Manyara Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast included
DAY 5
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Today’s journey takes you to the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater—one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders. Your day begins early as your guide picks you up for the drive into the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Often compared to The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this massive volcanic caldera is home to tens of thousands of wild animals, all thriving within the collapsed remains of an ancient volcano. Though the crater might seem small on the map, it boasts the highest concentration of wildlife per square meter anywhere on Earth. Here, you'll witness an extraordinary density and diversity of animals living side by side—making for an unforgettable safari experience. The descent into the crater takes around 30 minutes, winding through lush, scenic forests. Along the way, your guide will stop at a panoramic lookout point, offering a breathtaking view of the entire crater floor—a moment worth savoring with your camera ready. Despite popular belief, animals can leave the crater, but many choose to stay. The caldera’s rich grasslands and steady water supply offer ideal conditions for grazers and predators alike, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that keeps most residents content within its natural walls. Within the crater, you’ll likely see elephants, buffaloes, zebras, lions, antelopes, cheetahs, and more. Ngorongoro is also one of the few places in East Africa where endangered black rhinos can still be spotted—though sightings are rare due to their low numbers. One animal you won’t find here is the giraffe—the steep crater walls are too difficult for their tall, lanky frames to descend safely. After a morning of wildlife viewing, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch at Lake Magadi, located inside the crater. This scenic spot is not only home to hippos but also a variety of birdlife—including cheeky kites, which are known for swooping in to snatch unattended food. While harmless, it’s wise to keep an eye on your snacks! Watching hippos lounge and surface for air while you enjoy lunch is a truly memorable experience. Due to its incredible biodiversity and ecological importance, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Important Reminder: Please do not feed any animals—here or in any other Tanzanian park. While it may be tempting to share a treat with a monkey or bird, doing so disrupts their natural diet and can harm their health. Feeding wildlife is not just discouraged—it is strictly prohibited by law. Park rangers actively enforce this rule, and violations can result in fines.
Accommodation
Sound of Silence
Meal Plan: Breakfast included
DAY 6
Serengeti National Park — Seronera
Today, you’ll head to the legendary Serengeti—arguably the most iconic safari destination on the planet. As one of Tanzania’s largest and most wildlife-rich national parks, the Serengeti promises unforgettable encounters with Africa’s most majestic animals. Expect to see lions, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, and zebras roaming freely across the plains. With a bit of luck, you might also spot elusive predators like cheetahs and serval cats, along with other rare inhabitants of the savannah. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Serengeti is celebrated not only for its breathtaking landscapes and dense wildlife populations, but also for hosting the spectacular Great Migration—an annual journey of millions of wildebeests and zebras in search of greener pastures. Fun fact: the Serengeti served as the inspiration for Disney’s The Lion King, though the real-life version is far more raw and untamed. This is nature in its purest form—wild, beautiful, and utterly captivating. Today’s exploration focuses on the central region of the Serengeti, known as Seronera. This area is especially rich in wildlife due to its year-round water supply and open savannahs, making it an excellent place for game viewing and photography.
Accommodation
Sound of Silence
Meal Plan: Breakfast included
DAY 7
Serengeti National Park — Seronera
Your adventure continues in the central Serengeti, where the vast landscapes of Seronera stretch endlessly, teeming with wildlife. This region is so expansive and rich in biodiversity that a single day is never enough to take it all in. Today, your guide will take you deeper into Seronera, exploring new routes and tracking different animals to give you a broader and more complete view of this extraordinary ecosystem. Seronera is known as a stronghold for some of Africa’s rarest and most elusive species—including black rhinos, leopards, serval cats, and caracals. With a second day of exploration in the Serengeti, your chances of encountering these remarkable creatures in the wild are significantly increased.
Accommodation
Sound of Silence
Meal Plan: Breakfast included
DAY 8
Serengeti National Park — Seronera
Today marks your last day in the heart of the Serengeti, and while it’s your final game drive in Seronera, it certainly won’t be a repeat of the days before. In the savannah, no two days are ever the same—each moment brings something fresh and unexpected. The lions you saw lounging yesterday might be on the move today, elephants that wandered off might approach your vehicle out of curiosity, and if you’re lucky, a cheetah could even hop onto your safari car for a better view of the plains—and you! This day is also perfect for spotting the famous kopjes—ancient, weathered rock formations that dot the Seronera landscape. These volcanic relics are not only visually stunning but also favorite resting spots for big cats and other wildlife, offering fantastic photo opportunities. One highlight not to miss is Simba Rock—the real-life inspiration for the iconic scene in The Lion King where Mufasa holds up baby Simba. Located right here in Seronera, this rocky outcrop closely resembles the one from the movie and offers an unforgettable moment for fans and photographers alike.
Accommodation
gare Sero Mountain Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast included
DAY 9
Serengeti National Park — Seronera
Hotel Rest and Transfer to the Airport After your unforgettable safari adventure, enjoy some well-deserved rest at the hotel before your transfer to the airport. Please note: Standard hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. If you have an evening flight and would like to rest a bit longer, a late check-out option is available until 6:00 PM for an additional fee. Let us know in advance if you'd like to arrange this.
Accommodation
gare Sero Mountain Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast included
- Included in cost
Transfers
All transfers as outlined in the itinerary.
Accommodation & Meals
Stays at the hotels and lodges mentioned in the program.
All meals as specified in the itinerary.
Bottled water, soft drinks, tea, and hot coffee available in the safari vehicle throughout the tour.
Guiding & Game Drives
Services of a certified, professional English-speaking safari guide.
Comfortable 4×4 Land Cruisers equipped with a pop-up roof, refrigerator, power outlets, and onboard Wi-Fi.
All required national park fees, including entrance and concession charges.
Free Wi-Fi in the safari vehicle (please note: signal availability may vary, and coverage is generally limited to 60–75% of the route due to remote locations).
24/7 support via phone during the entire trip.
Emergency medical evacuation coverage provided by AMREF Flying Doctors.
Binoculars provided (one per vehicle).
Onboard first aid kit.
- The price does not include
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International and domestic flight tickets.
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Entry visa costs.
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Personal travel insurance.
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Gratuities for your safari guide (recommended: $30–50 per vehicle per day).
Please Note
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Accommodation is shared in double or twin rooms unless a single room has been specifically requested and confirmed. A single supplement is available on request. Please check your itinerary for specific lodging arrangements.
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Hotels in Moshi and Arusha generally provide breakfast only, unless other meal plans have been confirmed in advance.
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Most safari lodges do not automatically include drinks such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, or alcohol, to avoid unnecessary charges. You’re welcome to order beverages from the lodge restaurants and pay on-site.
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Tented lodges are the standard accommodation type in the savannah. Many rely on solar power, which may mean bucket showers, limited internet access, and no hair dryers. This eco-friendly setup helps preserve the natural environment. We recommend researching the listed accommodations in advance to ensure they match your expectations and comfort preferences.
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