Classic Tanzania and Serengeti Safari

This classic adventure is a luxury safari encompassing the ancient wilderness of northern Tanzania - from the river-fed wilds of Manyara to the sweeping grasslands of the Serengeti and, naturally, the great natural wonder that is the Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 1 - Arusha-Lake Manyara
Depart from Arusha after lunch, driving to Lake Manyara National Park. Overnight at the spectacularly located Manyara Serena hotel on a full board basis.

Lying in a shallow depression at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment is scenic Lake Manyara National Park. Most famous for its tree-climbing lions, which drape themselves over branches of umbrella-shaped thorn trees to catch cool breezes, the reserve boasts over 40 species of large mammals and some 380 birds. There are several different types of forests with a variety of fauna - hippopotamuses, giraffes, elephants, zebras, and monkeys just to name a few. From Arusha it is a 3-hour drive to Lake Manyara.

The Lake Manyara Serena Lodge has a dramatic setting overlooking the Great Rift Valley and the beautiful soda lake of Manyara Park. The area is rich in birdlife and from them much of the lodge decoration has been inspired. The Lodge facilities include a swimming pool, spacious, comfortable public areas and a restaurant and bar - all which take advantage of the breath
taking view.

Day 2 - Lake Manyara-Serengeti
Morning game viewing around Lake Manyara. After lunch continue west, to the Serengeti plains with superb views all the way. Two nights at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a full board basis.

Serengeti Serena Lodge is set high on a hill with breathtaking vistas of a landscape teeming with game. The wildlife defines the Serengeti - countless zebra, buffalo, gazelle, wildebeest, and other species make it their home. Big game feed in full view of the lodge itself. The terrain is the main stage for the great wildebeest migrations, an awesome spectacle involving millions of these beasts. The lodge design is simple but stunning. Inspired by a traditional African village, separate rondavel "huts" house the luxury guest rooms. From the overall impression to the smallest detail, the lodge is rich in local atmosphere created by indigenous handicrafts and art.

Serengeti National Park is arguably the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world. "Serengeti" means "endless plains" in the Masai language, and within its boundaries are more than three million large mammals. About 35 species of plains animals can be seen here including the so called "big five" - elephant, rhino, lion (more than 2,000 of them), leopard and buffalo. During the wet season, November to May, most of the plains game congregates in Southern Serengeti, followed by their attendant predators. Some time in May or June the herds migrate North and West in search of water. They remain in North Serengeti and the western corridor during the dry season, July-October, returning South again as the November rains approach. The Wildebeest calving takes place on the short grass plains during late December - early February. In their wake follow the predators; lion cheetah and hunting dogs with vultures circling overhead. Other common species found here include hippo, giraffe, eland, impala and other antelope types, baboons, monkeys and a profusion of almost 500 bird species.

Day 3 - Serengeti
A full day game viewing, either along riverine forest or on the grassy plains amongst the Wildebeest herds.

Day 4 - Serengeti-Ngorongoro
Drive to Ngorongoro stopping en route at Olduvai Gorge to see the famous archeological remains. Spend two nights at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on a full board basis.

The road around the Ngorongoro Crater sits at 2250 metres above sea level and offers breath-taking views. Just as overwhelming is the view from the private terrace of most of the guest and public rooms at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. The Ngorongoro Serena is built of local stone and is molded to the contours of the site on the rim of the Crater. The lodge consists of 75 luxury en suite rooms most with private terraces. Cultural events include Masai dancing and celebratory presentations. In the evenings a choir or guitarist performs for the guests' pleasure. At Ngorongoro Serena Lodge visitors co-exist in perfect harmony with the natural environment and the wildlife that inhabits it.

Dominated by cliffs standing some 600 meters high and presenting a sheer drop down to a wide open space of some 264 square km, Ngorongoro Crater (a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site) is one of the most amazing sights seen anywhere. Home to 25,000 larger mammals, almost half of them are zebra and wildebeest. There are also gazelle, buffalo, eland, hartebeest and wart hog. Such vast numbers attract predators a plenty, mainly lion and hyena but also cheetah and leopard. More than 100 species of birds not found in the Serengeti have been spotted here. At certain times of the year countless flamingos form a pink blanket over the soda lakes.

Day 5 - Ngorongoro
A full day game viewing in Ngorongoro Crater with picnic lunch. A wildlife paradise unequaled in its splendor.

Day 6 - Ngorongoro-Arusha
Return to Arusha for lunch and your onward journey.