Grants 5 days safari from
Safari in national parks: Tarangire, Lake Natron and Ngorongoro National Parks
This unique 3-day adventure is ideal for travelers looking to experience the full range of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes and wildlife in a short time. The tour includes visits to Tarangire and Ngorongoro national parks, as well as the remote and otherworldly Lake Natron.
Each destination offers something entirely different: Tarangire, with its vast valleys and elephant herds along the Tarangire River; Ngorongoro Crater, famous for its stunning views and unmatched density of wildlife; and Lake Natron, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley and known for its alkaline waters, flocks of flamingos, and views of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano.
This route is perfect for those who want to explore everything from rich savannahs to volcanic highlands—an unforgettable snapshot of African nature in just three days.
| 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$4,601 |
$2,885 |
$2,619 |
$2,286 |
$2,245 |
Contact us. Our team is always here to help.
"Grants" Safari Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), a company representative will meet the group and arrange your transfer to a hotel in Arusha. Note: Hotel accommodation includes breakfast only. Check-in is available starting from 2:00 PM.
Accommodation
Gran Melia Arusha
Meal Plan: Breakfast included
DAY 2
Tarangire National Park
Today’s adventure takes you to Tarangire National Park — one of the most captivating wildlife destinations in Tanzania. The Tarangire River, which runs through the park, is a vital water source that attracts a wide range of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and buffaloes. These grazing animals, in turn, draw predators such as lions, making Tarangire an excellent spot for sightings. During the dry season (June–October and December–March), the river becomes the only major water source for miles, drawing impressive herds of elephants. In fact, Tarangire is home to the largest population of elephants in Northern Tanzania for most of the year. These majestic animals are often seen up close, as they are generally unbothered by vehicles and curious about their visitors — offering incredible photographic opportunities. Note: Tarangire is also famous for its towering, ancient baobab trees — some of the oldest and largest on the continent. These iconic trees create a breathtaking backdrop to an already unforgettable landscape.
Accommodation
TWC Maramboi Tented Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 3
Tarangire National Park
Today, you'll continue exploring Tarangire National Park, this time visiting areas you didn’t have time to see yesterday. Your Altezza safari guide will lead you through new sections of the park that offer stunning scenery and more incredible opportunities to encounter African wildlife. Tarangire is home to some unique and rare species not commonly seen even in the Serengeti — including the elegant, long-necked gerenuk and the impressive oryx. Keep your camera ready, as these sightings are a real treat for wildlife enthusiasts. You may also spot the rock hyrax — a small, curious mammal that often surprises visitors by being the closest living relative to the elephant! These little creatures can usually be seen sunbathing on rocks and are quite photogenic, though of course, it's important to respect their space and avoid touching any wildlife. Bird lovers are in for a real treat: with over 550 bird species recorded in Tarangire, it’s one of the best places in East Africa for birdwatching. Our safari vehicles come equipped with high-resolution binoculars to help you get a closer look at some of these beautiful birds in their natural habitat.
Accommodation
Mawe Mawe Manyara Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 4
Lake Natron
Today’s journey takes you to Lake Natron — one of Tanzania’s most remote and visually striking destinations. Often featured in nature documentaries and wildlife magazines, this unique lake is famous for its surreal, red-tinged waters. The vivid color comes from specialized bacteria that thrive in the lake’s high-salinity environment, giving it a dramatic blood-red hue — visible and most striking when viewed from above. Lake Natron’s surrounding landscapes are equally breathtaking. The area is a photographer’s dream, with wide open plains, volcanic formations, and a backdrop of Ol Doinyo Lengai — the only active carbonatite volcano in the world. Though wildlife here is more sparse compared to the larger parks, you may still encounter ostriches, antelopes, zebras, and giraffes roaming through this quiet wilderness. Due to its remote location, Lake Natron remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, offering a peaceful and authentic safari experience. Temperatures can rise during the day, but a visit to the nearby natural springs offers the perfect way to cool down. These warm, clear waters flow directly from the slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands and are believed by some scientists to have benefits for bone development due to their rich sulfur content. While we can’t promise medical miracles, a refreshing dip here is always a welcome treat. Note: Several traditional African tribes inhabit the Lake Natron area, including the iconic Maasai. If you’d like, you can visit one of their bomas (villages) to learn more about their unique customs, dress, and daily way of life — a truly enriching cultural experience.
Accommodation
Lake Natron Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 5
Lake Natron
Lake Natron is home to an incredible variety of birdlife, most notably vast flocks of both Greater and Lesser Flamingos. At times, their numbers can reach into the tens of thousands, creating a breathtaking display as the vivid pink birds take flight across the lake’s vibrant backdrop. These flamingos thrive at Lake Natron thanks to its highly alkaline waters, which create a safe breeding environment free from natural predators. Between September and April, this remote lake becomes the world’s primary nesting site for Lesser Flamingos—over 75% of the global population is born right here. Their eggs are carefully laid in the shallow, muddy edges of the lake, and soon after, tiny gray chicks begin to emerge and explore the shoreline. With the help of binoculars, you can witness these young birds taking their first steps, gradually developing the signature pink feathers flamingos are known for. Beyond flamingos, the area is also inhabited by pelicans and a variety of other bird species. In the wild, their behavior is far more lively and expressive than in captivity—offering a truly authentic glimpse into their natural world. With Velam Tours, you'll have the chance to witness this spectacular scene in one of Tanzania's most unique and serene locations.
Accommodation
Mawe Mawe Manyara Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 6
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Today’s adventure takes you to one of Tanzania’s most iconic destinations—the Ngorongoro Crater! Your day begins early as your safari guide picks you up and drives you into the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Often compared to a real-life version of The Lost World, this immense caldera is home to an astonishing number of wild animals, all living within the ancient walls of a collapsed volcano. Despite the crater’s compact size, it holds the highest density of wildlife per square kilometer in the world. Here, you’re almost guaranteed to see an incredible variety of animals all gathered in close quarters—elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, buffalo, antelopes, and more. Your descent into the crater will take about 30 minutes, along a scenic route that winds through lush highland forest. Before heading in, your guide will make a stop at a viewpoint offering a stunning panoramic look over the crater floor—an ideal photo opportunity. While animals are free to roam in and out of the crater, most choose to remain inside due to the abundance of food and shelter. The crater’s fertile grasslands and year-round water supply make it an ideal habitat for grazers and, in turn, predators. Although giraffes are found in the surrounding conservation area, they are absent from the crater itself—the steep terrain doesn’t suit their tall, lanky build. However, you might spot one of Africa’s most elusive creatures here: the critically endangered black rhinoceros. Sightings are rare but always special. By late morning, you’ll take a break for lunch at the picnic site by Lake Magadi. This area is popular among birds like kites, who have been known to swoop in and try to steal snacks—so keep your food close! While you enjoy your meal, keep an eye out for hippos lounging in the lake or surfacing to breathe. They may even step out of the water to graze nearby, so be sure to give them plenty of space. Due to its ecological richness and significance, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—protected and celebrated as one of the world’s natural wonders. Important Reminder: Please do not feed any animals, no matter how harmless they may seem. Feeding wildlife is illegal and harmful—it disrupts their natural diet and can lead to illness or premature death. Park rangers strictly enforce this rule, and violators may face hefty fines. Thank you for helping preserve the balance of this precious ecosystem.
Accommodation
Gran Melia Arusha
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 7
Departure
Enjoy a restful morning at the hotel before your transfer to the airport. Note: Standard check-out time is 11:00 AM. If your flight is scheduled for later in the day and you'd prefer a bit more comfort, you have the option to extend your stay until 6:00 PM for an additional fee.
- 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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