Detailed Tour Description
Drive from Arusha to the
world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater with its incredible density of wildlife that
is unique to East Africa. From Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, you are treated to the
spectacle of one of the greatest views on the planet. Continue to Lake Manyara,
famed for its dense concentrations of flamingos and other water birds, as well
as its tree-climbing lions. From the vantage point of Lake Manyara Serena
Safari Lodge, take in the panoramic view of Lake Manyara National Park which,
although small by Tanzanian standards, has a wonderful diversity of habitats.
With the open road before you, set out to discover two
of Africa’s ‘unmissable’ highlights in the comfort and privacy of your own
safari vehicle, lingering at the unforgettable sight of cheetahs sleeping in
the midday shade of an acacia tree or spending precious moments watching a baby
giraffe learn the ropes of drinking from Lake Manyara.
§ Tour duration: 4
days
§ Start: Arusha
§ End: Arusha
§ Destinations:
Ngorongoro Crater,
Lake Manyara,
Arusha
Ngorongoro Crater,
Lake Manyara,
Arusha
§ Accommodation:
1 night at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
1 night at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
1 night at Mount Meru Hotel
1 night at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
1 night at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
1 night at Mount Meru Hotel
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
- Private vehicle & guide
- Excellent Big 5 viewing in Ngorongoro Crater
- Fantastic wildlife viewing & birding in Lake Manyara
- Game drives & safari walks
- Drive through the Great Rift Valley
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1
Jambo Tanzania
The journey begins in Arusha, in the shadow of mighty
Mount Kilimanjaro. Your guide meets you in the morning and you board your
safari vehicle for the drive to Ngorongoro Crater. Driving through spectacular
Great Rift Valley scenery, the landscape rolls past the windows as you leave
the fragrant coffee plantations of Arusha behind. Stopping en route for a
delicious picnic lunch in a scenic spot, you then continue towards the famous
crater.
The Ngorongoro Crater ranks as one of the most
spectacular wildlife destinations on Earth. This long-extinct volcano is the
world’s largest intact caldera and its walls contain an incredible array of
habitats, which in turn support an astonishing population of game. With springs
and streams to support their water needs, the animals need never leave the
crater, and the natural barricades of its walls have protected a population of
elephants with enormous tusks, black rhinos and black-maned lions, among
others.
With a density of game rarely seen elsewhere, combined
with breathtaking scenery, the magic of Ngorongoro will begin to work on your
senses. One of the few places in Africa where the Big 5 can often be seen
during the course of one game drive, there is also so much more to absorb.
Herds of gazelle, wildebeest and zebra are resident here, while smaller
predators like caracal and serval are also seen, along with the lions’ main
competitor, the spotted hyaena. The Lerai forest and the marshes below it are
the domain of enormous tuskers, where sightings of these beautiful animals are
enhanced by spectacular scenery as a backdrop.
After a thrilling afternoon, you ascend the crater
walls and arrive at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, just in time to view a spectacular
sunset view over the caldera. Enjoy a delicious dinner in the expansive dining
room with its enormous windows overlooking the crater before slipping off to
your suite for a well-earned rest.
DAY 2
Drink in Lake Manyara
Enjoy a delicious cup of Tanzanian coffee with your
early breakfast before departing on your game drive to Lake Manyara National
Park. This small but important park is incredibly diverse in habitat, making it
a home to a great variety of species and famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra congregate on the grassy plains, while
the forests are home to impressively-tusked elephants. The birdlife on the lake
is spectacularly prolific and sometimes huge flocks of flamingos turn the
shores pink with their plumage.
Drive through huge stands of fig, mahogany and acacia
trees where monkeys shriek and chatter above; drift out into the open plains,
where the lake shimmers blue in the haze of the African heat. Elephants moving
toward the water take on a dreamlike quality as they shift in and out of focus
in the distance. Moving closer, you watch as they plunge into the water to
drink and bathe. Their sense of enjoyment is almost palpable as they splash
water over their huge bodies, slurp up great trunkful’s to drink and watch the
youngsters cavorting in the shallows.
As the afternoon wears on, you ascend the towering
escarpment to where Lake Manyara Sopa Lodge sits perched like an eagle’s nest.
Strolling out in front of the lodge, you take in the sweeping panoramic view of
the lake, glistening in the light of the setting sun.
Taking some time to settle in and freshen up before
dinner, you emerge from your suite as the first stars are lighting up the sky.
A hearty meal in the dining room awaits, and the tales of adventure and marvel
drift around the room in the soft candlelight. Taking a final hot drink out on
to the terrace, you stand a few moments, gazing out at the lake shining in the moonlight,
and the shimmering expanse of the Milky Way above.
DAY 3
Return to Arusha
Leaving Lake Manyara National Park in the distance,
wend your way back to Arusha to spend the night under the soaring peak of Mount
Meru, sister to Mount Kilimanjaro. Clean-lined and contemporary, Mount Meru
Hotel is the perfect place to unwind after your Tanzanian road-trip, its
comfortable rooming offering tranquil views of the distant mountains. Spend the
day lazing at the pool or preparing the next leg of your journey.
DAY 4
Homeward bound
After a delicious alfresco breakfast, you decide the
next part of your travels. Watching the scenery roll past the windows, you feel
a new connection with this landscape, a familiarity, a fascination; it will
urge you to one day return.
Items
included:
Transportation in 4×4 safari vehicle
Professional, English speaking guide
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch 7 Dinner
Mineral water
Overnight stays in Luxury Safari Lodges / Luxury Tented Camps
All national park fees
Items not included:
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Visa fees
Tips
Personal spending monies for souvenirs etc.
Travel insurance
Transportation in 4×4 safari vehicle
Professional, English speaking guide
Meals :Breakfast, Lunch 7 Dinner
Mineral water
Overnight stays in Luxury Safari Lodges / Luxury Tented Camps
All national park fees
Items not included:
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Visa fees
Tips
Personal spending monies for souvenirs etc.
Travel insurance