Make own way to Arusha. Lunch is on own arrangements. Afternoon 1400hrs join seat in vehicle safaris and depart Arusha passing through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations. At the town of Makuyuni turn North West and continue the journey through a scenic escarpment that brings you to your lodge, perched on the edge of the Rift Valley with stunning views over the distant Lake Manyara.
Overnight at Lake Manyara Serena on full board basis
Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
Standing high on the edge of a towering terracotta escarpment with panoramic views over the glittering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge offers a unique blend of tranquillity, wildlife discovery, and ornithological richness. The unprecedented range of high-adventure sports, include mountain biking, canoeing, forest walks and treetop walkway, while cultural choices include tours of the neighbouring villages and traditional lunch (all at additional costs).
Grouped around a central ‘vanishing horizon' pool, this highly unusual lodge features a simple timbered reception area, built in traditional African style, which is accessed via a bridge over a small stream. Beyond reception, lies the central dining room, bar and veranda, below which lies the pool. Perched on the very edge of the cliffs, with stunning views over the lake is the pool bar and observation point. Dotted around the grounds, all with views over the lake, are a series of circular two-story ‘rondavels', which house the rooms.
Designed to reflect the brilliance of Lake Manyara's unique birdlife, the architectural motif melds swooping avian curves with the gentle concentric patterns of traditional Maasai ‘Bomas' , while the vibrantly coloured wall frescoes depict the colourful intricacy of bird migratory patterns.
After breakfast there is a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park that returns to the lodge for lunch. Leaving Lake Manyara behind, the journey continues North West across the stunning hilly countryside of the highlands which is filled with wheat and coffee plantations, and then into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From here lie the vast plains of the Serengeti, where you begin spotting wildlife as you approach the entrance gate. Complete the formalities and enter the park with game viewing en route to the lodge arriving for dinner
Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Serengeti Serena Lodge
Set high on the saddle of a tree-clad ridge, commanding panoramic views across the Serengeti, this lodge is the ultimate fusion of traditional African architecture and world-class style. Centrally located adjacent to the famous Western Corridor and Grumeti River, the lodge has been designed to blend completely into the living landscape. A series of traditional domed ‘rondavels' are widely spaced throughout the grounds, which are cooled by groves of acacia trees and watered by sparkling streams. On the very edge of the ridge is a ‘vanishing horizon' pool, which looks out over the ‘endless plains' after which the Serengeti is named.
The lodge has been styled to offer a showcase of cultural performance, heritage and traditional art, which is best illustrated by the lavish Makonde carvings which decorate both the rooms and the stunning domed dining room.
As for wildlife, the Serengeti National Park offers not only all the members of ‘The Big Five' (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo), but also the annual ‘migration' of over one million wildebeest and their attendant cast of predators.
Morning and afternoon game drives in Serengeti National Park. It is possible to book an optional Balloon Safari at a supplementary cost.
Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a full board basis
After breakfast you depart for Ngorongoro with a picnic lunch viewing game across the vast Serengeti plains, stopping en route for a picnic lunch. Continue to your lodge, set high on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater arriving for dinner
Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Regularly voted one of the best hotels in the world, this unique lodge clings to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the largest and most perfect volcanic crater on Earth. Long and low, the lodge is built from local river stone and camouflaged with indigenous vines. Designed to blend completely into the landscape, it is entirely invisible from the floor of the Crater 600 metres below.
Hugging the contours of the jagged Crater rim, the lodge takes its inspiration from the so-called ‘Cradle of Mankind', the prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge, which lies close by. Linked by arched stone passages and timbered decks, its walls are decorated with stylised prehistoric cave paintings and lit by flaring torches. At the stone heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight. Decorated with cave paintings, the rooms are strung around the Crater rim. Each has its own rock- enclosed balcony, and all enjoy completely uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheatre far below.
Known as ‘The eighth wonder of the world' the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's best-known wildlife arenas. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a unique biosphere, which has remained virtually unchanged since the dawn of time. Deep within the Crater, enclosed by towering walls, some 25,000 large mammals wander the plains, lakes and forests of ‘The land that time forgot', dominated by enormous bull elephants, rhinos and lions.
A highlight awaits you this morning as you depart to explore what is commonly referred to as the World’s largest natural wildlife arena. After breakfast, you descend with a picnic lunch through the early morning mists and 2,000 feet into the crater. Ngorongoro Crater is the World’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor is comprised of several distinct areas, ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs, to open grassland and some sandy dunes. A truly unique wildlife experience. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Depart Ngorongoro Crater after breakfast, head south east past Lake Manyara and Mto wa Mbu Village. Through the highlands and the Karatu district, you’ll view the scenic wheat plains and coffee plantations here before journeying down the spectacular escarpment before turning on to the main Arusha – Dodoma road towards Arusha. On arrival in Arusha you are dropped off at the city centre for onward arrangements.
END OF OUR SERVICES
Inclusion
Meet and greet services
Exclusive 4x4 vehicle with photo roof (maximum 7 clients per vehicle)
Services of a bilingual English speaking driver-guide
Guaranteed window seat
Game drives and crater tour
All accommodation and meals as specified
All park fees and government taxes
Mineral water provided during game drives
Exclusion
International flights
Visas
Airport tax (pay direct)
Driver guide or local escort gratuities
Drinks and dining rooms tips, porterage, personal travel and baggage insurance
Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
Medical insurance, evacuation cover and travel insurance
Note
Additional remarks
We may have to reroute the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability.
Prices for domestic flights, airport taxes or park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.
Passenger Information
Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris.
All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them for internal flights.
Baggage on internal flights is strictly limited to 15kgs per person (including hand luggage). Any excess baggage will be charged by the airline at check-in.
Passengers arriving to Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
Transfers may be in a two-wheel drive 7 passenger minibus or 24 passenger coach.
**Luggage
Due to limited luggage space in vehicles, suitcases are unsuitable for scheduled road safaris. We recommend luggage packed in inexpensive barrel/sausage bags or soft sided bags not exceeding 15kgs and 65x46 cm.
Excess luggage can be handed over to the representative at time of briefing for storage in Arusha. Additional cost per booking will apply to handle excess luggage until your return to Arusha from the safari. This service can be pre-booked alternatively clients can pay for this directly on the ground.
Supplements - prices on Request
Easter Supplement [10 April to 13 April inclusive]
Festive and New Year Supplement [24 Dec to 01 Jan inclusive]
Child Rates on Request- Maximum 7 clients in a vehicle (adult, child or infant)
• One child aged 0-2 years sharing with 2 adults are FOC
• One child aged 3-11 years sharing with 2 adults pays 55% of safari cost based on number of adults travelling
• Two children aged 3-11 years sharing their own room pay 75% of adult rate based on number of adults travelling
