Program
An epic journey through Tanzania’s most iconic wildernesses, blending world-class wildlife encounters with cultural and geological wonders. Begin in Tarangire National Park, home to Africa’s densest elephant herds and ancient baobabs, then explore Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions and flamingo-lined shores. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO-listed Eden teeming with the Big Five, before venturing into the Serengeti—renowned for the Great Migration (season-dependent) and endless predator-rich plains.
Program
Journey: Scenic 2.5-hour drive (120km) from Arusha to Tarangire, famed for its ancient baobabs and massive elephant herds—home to 3,000+ elephants, the highest density in Tanzania.
Afternoon Game Drive: Spot lions, leopards, and rare kudus against the backdrop of the Tarangire River, a lifeline in the dry season (June–Oct).
Overnight: Luxury lodge like Tarangire Treetops or Oliver’s Camp—selected for prime wildlife views.
Fact: Tarangire’s baobabs are over 1,000 years old, storing up to 120,000 liters of water to survive droughts.
Picnic Lunch: Dine under baobabs near Silale Swamp, a hotspot for buffalo and migratory birds.
Wildlife Focus: Track cheetahs on the open plains or rare fringe-eared oryx near the southern boundary.
Evening: Sundowner drinks at your lodge, listening to hyenas whoop under starry skies.
Fact: Tarangire hosts 550+ bird species, including the endemic ashy starling.
Transfer: 1.5-hour drive (70km) to Lake Manyara, a biodiverse gem beneath the Rift Valley escarpment.
Afternoon Game Drive: Search for tree-climbing lions (unique to Manyara!), elephants, and thousands of flamingos lining the soda lake.
Overnight: Stay at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge or &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge.
Fact: Ernest Hemingway dubbed Lake Manyara “the loveliest place I had seen in Africa.”
Morning: 1-hour drive to Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
Crater Descent: Explore the 260km² floor teeming with the “Big 5.” Marvel at Ngoitoktok Springs, a hippo-filled oasis.
Overnight: Crater-edge lodges like Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge or &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
Fact: The crater sustains 25,000+ large mammals, including 60+ lions in just 3 prides.
Transfer: 3-hour drive (145km) via Olduvai Gorge, the “Cradle of Mankind,” where the Leakeys discovered 3.6-million-year-old hominid footprints.
Afternoon Game Drive: Enter the Serengeti—Tanzania’s crown jewel—scanning for cheetahs, wildebeest herds (depending on season), and leopard-draped kopjes.
Overnight: Iconic stays like Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti or Serengeti Bushtops.
Fact: The Serengeti hosts the planet’s largest terrestrial mammal migration—1.5 million wildebeest + 400,000 zebras.
Sunrise Safari: Catch predators at dawn. The Seronera Valley is a year-round wildlife hotspot.
Picnic Lunch: Dine in the wild near Retina Hippo Pool or Moru Kopjes.
Evening: Return via the Grumeti River, a crocodile-infested crossing point during the migration (May–July).
Fact: The Serengeti’s name comes from the Maasai “Siringet,” meaning “endless plains.”
Transfer: 4-hour drive (200km) to Lake Natron, a surreal soda lake at the foot of active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai (“Mountain of God” in Maasai).
- Activities:
- Flamingo Walk: 75% of the world’s lesser flamingos breed here (Aug–Oct).
- Waterfall Hike: Swim in cold springs beneath Ngare Sero Falls.
- Cultural Visit: Meet the Maasai at Engaresero Village.
Overnight: Lake Natron Camp or Moivaro Lake Natron Tented Camp.
Fact: Natron’s waters reach 60°C and pH 12—so caustic it can calcify animals, yet flamingos thrive here!
Morning: Optional hike to view Ol Doinyo Lengai’s lava flows (2–3 hours).
Scenic Return: 6-hour drive (270km) through Maasai lands and the Rift Valley’s dramatic escarpments.
Finale: Arrive in Arusha by late afternoon.
Accommodation & Pricing Policy
At Olaibon Safaris, we prioritize clarity and convenience in crafting your dream coastal escape. Below are the essential details for your stay:
Rates & Child Policies
- Adult Rates: All accommodations are priced per adult, per night, based on double/twin sharing.
- Children 0–2 Years: Complimentary stay when sharing a room with adults (meals/exclusions may apply).
- Children 3–12 Years:
- Sharing with Adults: 50% of the adult rate.
- Separate Room: 75% of the adult rate.
- Children 12+ Years: Classified as adults in all lodges and camps.
Adventure Add-Ons: Elevate your escape! Book curated adventures—snorkeling, sunset dhow cruises, kite surfing—directly through your resort for last-minute thrills.
Seamless Transfers: We handle logistics—flights, scenic SGR train rides, or private car services. Contact us to customize your route to paradise (additional cost).
Single Occupancy: Solo traveler? We secure the best rates for private stays (supplements apply).
24/7 Support: Need changes? Our team perfects every detail—day or night.
Important Notes: Itineraries may adjust slightly; we guarantee equal or better alternatives if needed. All experiences follow Oloibon Safaris’ T&Cs.
Included / Excluded
Included
- Park Fees: Full coverage for all parks listed in your itinerary (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, etc.), calculated per person per day as per government rates.
- Private Safari Vehicle: Open-roof 4x4 Land Cruiser with guaranteed window seats, charging ports, and pop-up roof for unobstructed wildlife viewing.
- Expert Guide: A certified, multilingual driver-guide with 10+ years of wildlife tracking experience.
- Full-Board Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your lodge/camp, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- 3-Night Accommodation: Handpicked lodges/camps (e.g., Serengeti Serena, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge) with ensuite facilities and verified quality.
- Unlimited Bottled Water: Stay hydrated with complimentary mineral water in your vehicle daily.
- Seamless Transfers: Airport pick-up/drop-off in Tanzania and 1 night bed & breakfast in Nairobi pre/post-safari.
Excluded
- Optional Cultural Experience: Maasai Village Visit ($20 per person): A 1-hour immersive tour with traditional dances, homestead tours, and artisan craft demonstrations.
- Gratuities: Tips for driver-guide (recommended 15–20 per guest per day).
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees (e-visa: 50–100 depending on nationality).
- Government Fees: Unplanned increases in park fees or taxes (rare but possible; we’ll notify you in advance).
- Premium Activities: Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari ( 505adults/380 kids under 12) with champagne breakfast.
- International Flights: Airfare to/from Tanzania (JRO/DAR) or Kenya (NBO).
