5 Days Tarangire, Lake Natron & Ngorongoro Crater Safar

5 Days Tarangire, Lake Natron & Ngorongoro Crater Safar Tour

Safari National Parks : Tarangire, Lake Natron &Ngorongoro Crater

For those seeking adventure, this 3-day itinerary offers an exciting exploration of Tanzania’s most diverse landscapes. The tour covers Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Lake Natron, providing an unforgettable experience in a short time. Each park offers a unique environment: Tarangire introduces you to the untamed Tarangire River and its wildlife, while Ngorongoro’s vast crater showcases an incredible concentration of animals on the expansive savannahs. The journey continues through the Great Rift Valley, leading to the striking alkaline waters of Lake Natron, where you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. This program is perfect for travelers eager to experience the full spectrum of Africa’s natural beauty.

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Day 1: Arrival

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), the group will be welcomed by an Wild wave Adventures representative and transferred to a hotel in Arusha.

Please note: The hotel rate includes breakfast only. Check-in is available from 2:00 PM.

Day 2 : Tarangire National Park

In this park, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter a wide array of Tanzanian wildlife, including lions, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and more. However, the park is particularly renowned for its impressive elephant population, who are often found near the Tarangire River, their primary water source.

It’s important to remember that this is a wild environment, and while the guide can’t guarantee sightings of specific animals, they will certainly do everything possible to help you spot your desired wildlife.our team stays connected via their own radio channel, allowing drivers to communicate and collaborate on finding rarer species.

At midday, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, after which your safari will resume. In the evening, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a restful night.

Important Information:

Since this is your first day on safari, we kindly ask that you pay close attention to both the national park regulations and our company guidelines.

Vehicle Safety: Exiting the vehicle is strictly prohibited except in designated areas. Violating this rule may lead to substantial fines and could jeopardize our safari license.
Off-road Restrictions: To protect the fragile ecosystem, off-road driving is not allowed.
Smoking Guidelines: Smoking is allowed, but please dispose of cigarette butts responsibly to avoid fire risks in the savanna.

Thank you for your cooperation in preserving the safety and beauty of the environment.

Day 3 : Tarangire National Park

On your second day in Tarangire National Park, your Wild Wave Adventures guide will take you to explore new sections of the park that you may have missed the day before. With a wealth of breathtaking viewpoints and even more wildlife to discover, this day promises to deepen your connection with Tanzania’s incredible nature. Tarangire is home to some rare species not commonly found even in the Serengeti, such as the long-necked gerenuk and the striking oryx.

You’ll also encounter hyraxes—small, charming creatures that are surprisingly the closest relatives of elephants, despite their much smaller size. They’re quite photogenic and often allow visitors to get close for pictures (just remember: no touching the wildlife!).

Birdwatchers will be delighted by the more than 550 bird species in the park, making it a paradise for avian enthusiasts. With high-quality binoculars provided in the vehicle, you’ll have a clear view of these remarkable birds up close.

Day 4: Lake Natron

Today’s adventure takes you to the stunning and remote Lake Natron, a true hidden gem often featured in wildlife magazines. This unique lake is famous for its striking red-hued waters, a result of special bacteria that thrive in the alkaline environment, giving the lake its otherworldly color. However, the best way to fully appreciate this vivid sight is from above, as it’s best photographed from a bird’s-eye view. The surrounding African landscape is equally captivating, with wildlife like ostriches, antelopes, zebras, and giraffes roaming freely in this tranquil and less-visited area. Lake Natron makes for an excellent stop to either begin or conclude your safari in Tanzania’s northern parks.

Due to the heat during the day, you’ll have the opportunity to cool off in nearby natural springs, which are fed by fresh water flowing from the Ngorongoro Crater slopes. This water, rich in sulfur, is believed by some to promote bone health—whether or not that’s true, it’s definitely refreshing and safe for a dip.

Additionally, the area is home to several indigenous African tribes, including the Maasai. You’ll have the chance to visit their villages, gaining insight into their traditional way of life in this remote part of the world.

Day 5: Lake Natron

Lake Natron is home to a stunning array of birdlife, including both large and small flamingos, which can number in the tens of thousands at any given time. Watching these vibrant pink birds take flight is a truly mesmerizing sight. Flamingos are particularly drawn to Lake Natron because its high alkaline waters offer a safe haven, free from predators. From September to April, the lake serves as a crucial breeding ground for more than three-quarters of the world’s Lesser Flamingos. They lay their eggs in the shallow mud of the lake, and you can often spot newly hatched chicks along the shore. Through binoculars, you may even catch a glimpse of the tiny, gray chicks taking their first steps, soon to grow into their iconic pink plumage.

In addition to the flamingos, Lake Natron is also home to pelicans and other bird species. Unlike the more docile zoo counterparts, these wild birds are lively and playful, adding to the dynamic atmosphere of the lake. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, where the natural behaviors of the animals can be observed in their undisturbed habitat.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Consevation Area

To maximize your chance of spotting early-morning wildlife, we recommend leaving the hotel as early as possible. Breakfast will be provided in lunchboxes for this purpose. At 6:30 AM, you’ll depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, reaching the crater floor in about an hour.

Ngorongoro is one of Tanzania’s most renowned parks, home to an incredible density of wildlife across a variety of species. Here, you’ll have opportunities to see buffalo, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, hippos, and rare feline species like caracals and servals. With a bit of luck, you may even spot a rhinoceros, one of the most endangered species in the region.

By midday, you’ll arrive at the lakeside for lunch, enjoying your packed meal before continuing your safari. In the evening, you’ll return to your hotel in Arusha for a well-deserved rest.

Day 7: Departure

Enjoy some leisure time at the hotel before your transfer to the airport.

Please note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. If you have an evening flight and require a late check-out, you can extend your stay until 6:00 PM for an additional fee.

Inclusive $ Exclusives

Safari Cost Includes

Transfers

All transfers as outlined in the itinerary.

Accommodation & Meals

Hotels and lodges as mentioned in the program.
Meals as specified in the itinerary.
Bottled water, soft drinks, coffee, and tea provided in the safari jeep.

Guiding & Game-Driving

Certified, experienced, English-speaking safari guide.
Comfortable Land Cruiser 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs, refrigerators, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
National park fees covering park entry and concession fees for the entire tour.
Complimentary Wi-Fi, available in 60-75% of the areas visited due to limited cell coverage in remote regions.
24/7 phone support.
First aid kit.

Safari Cost Excludes

Not Included in the Price:

Air tickets
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Gratuities for your safari guide (suggested $30-50 per day per vehicle).

Please Note:

Our tours generally include shared accommodations in twin/double rooms, unless specified otherwise. Single supplement options are available upon request. Refer to your program for specific accommodation details.
Accommodations in Moshi and Arusha typically include breakfast only, unless otherwise requested. Please check your program for meal plans for each night.
Most safari lodges do not include tea, coffee, soft drinks, or alcohol in the package to help you avoid overpaying for unnecessary beverages. Drinks can be purchased at the hotel’s restaurant.
Tented lodges are common in the savannah and often run on solar energy, which may result in bucket showers, limited Wi-Fi, and no hair dryers, as part of efforts to minimize environmental impact. We encourage you to research the accommodations in your itinerary to ensure they align with your travel preferences.