7-Day Cradle of Nature Safari

>> Your driver will pick you up in the Arusha area, and you will head on to Arusha National Park. It is one of the smaller national parks in the Northern Circuit and is located at the foot of Mount Meru in Arusha. This beautiful park is mainly known for the rare black and white Colobus monkeys often seen here as this gracious animal swirls between the trees with its long arms and long black and white fur. The park consists of mountain areas combined with rainforests and lakes. It is a paradise for bird watchers since you can find many tropical species here that are rarely seen anywhere else. After your game drive, you will head to Africa Safari Lake Manyara, where you will stay overnight.

• Time: 8-10 hours
• Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Manyara (Safari Comfort) > Mid-range tented camp located in Mto wa Mbu (Town)

>> Time to take it easy—African style! One of the favourite Swahili expressions is ”pole-pole” (slowly-slowly), which is precisely how today will go! Take the opportunity to sleep in, read a book, enjoy the fantastic views and simply switch off from the world for the day, indulging in the rare pleasure of having no responsibilities. This is an excellent way to prepare yourself for the upcoming days filled with safari adventures. Overnight and all meals at Africa Safari Lake Manyara.

• Time: 8-10 hours
• Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Manyara (Safari Comfort) > Mid-range tented camp located just outside Lake Manyara NP

>> You will go on a safari game drive to Lake Manyara National Park from north to south. Lake Manyara National Park is an underestimated gem of safari parks and offers a sizeable ecological variety in a small area. The alkaline soda lake appeals to impressive numbers of birds thriving on its water. Over 400 species have been identified, and one of the highlights is the thousands of strolling flamingoes. From the park's entrance, the road winds through a groundwater forest area where baboon troops can be seen hanging about on the roadside and in the trees. On the grassy banks of the lake, the wildebeest, giraffe, zebra and large buffalo can be seen grazing the day away. The famous tree-climbing lions inhabit the mahogany and acacia trees, and if you are lucky, you might spot them lazing on a tree branch. After your game drive, you will drive to Africa Safari Rift Valley for an overnight stay.

• Time: 8-10 hours
• Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Africa Safari Rift Valley (Safari Luxury Accommodation) > Mid-range tented camp located on the escarpment above Lake Manyara NP

>> On this day, you will go on a safari game drive in Tarangire National Park. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River, which crosses the park and is the primary source of fresh water for the abundant wildlife here. This quiet park is famous for its elephant migration, baobab trees, birdlife and authentic safari atmosphere. You will enjoy a packed lunch at midday, and at the end of the afternoon’s game drive, you will make your way back to Africa Safari Rift Valley.

• Time: 8-10 hours
• Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Africa Safari Rift Valley (Safari Luxury Accommodation) > Mid-range tented camp located on the escarpment above Lake Manyara NP

>> You will start your day with a scenic morning drive up the escarpment to Karatu. Located on Mount Magara, you will find the most winding road in Tanzania! This road leads to/via Mbulu in the Manyara region to Karatu, about 100 km. The road with 150 corners was established during colonial times by the Germans and was used to pass through on horseback. As the name suggests, the road starts with a climb of about 10km and makes 150 corners! After reaching the peak, you will drive through breathtaking African landscapes. You will see intriguing farming techniques from the Iraqw community, such as cultivating terraces at stair step width! The environment is very fertile. The landscapes and vegetation vary along the way, and you will see many honey logs and beehives.

In the afternoon, choose from optional activities, such as a visit to one of the many coffee plantations in the area. You will spend the night at Africa Safari Karatu, overlooking the Ngorongoro Highlands.

• Time: 8-10 hours
• Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Africa Safari Karatu (Safari Comfort Bungalow) > Mid-range lodge located in Karatu (Town)

>> Be sure to wake up early today so there is no delay on your descent into the famous Ngorongoro Crater. As soon as you arrive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will be amazed by the beauty around you. Even more so when you arrive at the edge of the crater and take in the amazing view over one of the natural wonders of this world. The crater of this inactive volcano is approximately 3 million years old, 20km² in size and the largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world. Due to its natural borders, the wildlife in the crater is amazing. The crater is home to the Big Five and offers an excellent chance to spot the rare black rhino. Throw in hyenas, zebras, buffalos and elephants into the mix, and you have the perfect canvas for a pretty awesome safari experience! At the end of the afternoon, you head back to Africa Safari Karatu for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

• Time: 8-10 hours
• Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Africa Safari Karatu (Safari Comfort Bungalow) > Mid-range lodge located 1-2hr drive from Ngorongoro Crater

>> All good things end! Enjoy your breakfast at Africa Safari Karatu before checking out, ready for your journey to Arusha. After meeting your driver-guide at the reception, you will head off on an easy two-hour drive back to where it all started, heart and camera filled with memories of your African safari adventure. You can choose to be dropped off in Arusha Town, at Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport.

• Time: 8-10 hours
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)