Arusha
Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha
Ausha - Lake Manyara National Park
Depart for Lake Manyara with picnic lunch, driving via Makuyuni and Mto wa Mbu village. Apart from its abundant bird life, Lake Manyara National Park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Game viewing with picnic lunch.
Lake Manyara National Park - Serengeti National Park
Depart for the Serengeti National Park with picnic lunch, famed for its annual migration, when some six million hooves pound the open plains, as more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson's gazelle join the wildebeest's trek for fresh grazing. Yet even when the migration is quiet, the Serengeti offers arguably the most scintillating game-viewing in Africa: great herds of buffalo, elephant and giraffe, and thousands upon thousands of eland, topi, kongoni, impala and Grant's gazelle.
Golden-maned lion prides feast on the abundance of plain grazers. Solitary leopards haunt the acacia trees lining the Seronera River, while a high density of cheetahs prowl the southeastern plains.
There is more to Serengeti than large mammals. There are over 500 species of birds, and your guide will also introduce you to the small five'. Enroute to Serengeti, you will drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Ndutu Plains.
Afternoon game drive.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti Balloon Safaris: This morning, you will be amongst the privileged few who will float majestically in a hot air balloon over the famous Serengeti National Park with its enchanting scenery and amazing wildlife. This may be the most beautiful area in the world for a balloon flight. There are no power lines, fences and few roads.
This is an exclusive excursion over the Serengeti plains, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the awe-inspiring landscape. A very popular excursion for those of our clients willing to spend that little bit extra, and can be added on to any safari that includes a night in the Serengeti, at any of the lodges. Only two balloons fly each day, each with a capacity of only 16 people.
Your balloon safari adventure starts early morning when you depart your lodge or camp at 0500. It is still dark and you may be fortunate to see nocturnal animals on the way to the launch site. When you arrive, you will meet your pilot and witness your balloon being inflated and prepared for launch. After a thorough safety briefing and demonstration of boarding and landing position you board your balloon and lift off for a one hour flight! Rising as the sun rises your balloon floats in whatever direction the winds of the day are heading over this wonderful area.
As you float over the plains in the increasing light, the pilot will take you up to at least 1,000 foot altitude for a breathtaking panoramic view of the plains. Much of the remainder of the flight will be at a tree-top or even grass-top level for some close up views of the wildlife, flora and fauna below.
On landing, you are met by the ground support team with a bottle of champagne. Then its off to a special 'Out of Africa' breakfast, which will have been set up under a fine umbrella tree close to the landing spot. You are served a full cooked English breakfast with some tropical additions - a fine spread served on bone china with silver cutlery and crystal glasses making a memorable finale to your adventure. The balloon safari is complete at around 0900am, and you are returned to the meeting point to be met by our driver-guide to continue with further activities.
In case of cancellation by the operating company due to climatic conditions or any other reason, you will have the option of a flight the following morning if this fits into your itinerary, or a full refund.
Enjoy a full day safari with a picnic lunch in the Serengeti exploring the local ecosystem.
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater
Morning game drive in Serengeti National Park with picnic lunch.
Afternoon depart for Karatu, transit through Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Overnight in Karatu
Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, depart for Ngorongoro and descend into the crater for game viewing with picnic lunch. Here you can see a spectacular concentration of wildlife, including the big five. Drive across the dense forest and near the soda lake and enjoy viewing a variety of bird life. Ascend to the lodge from the 2000ft. deep crater.
Overnight in Karatu town
Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha - Zanzibar
Depart for Arusha with an optional stop over at the Cultural Heritage center souvenir shop and art gallery. On a clear day you will see Mt. Meru standing tall over the city of Arusha.
Arrive at the Arusha Coffee Lodge where you will enjoy a meal in the lush green gardens. After lunch you may have some time to visit Shanga, an uplifting local community social enterprise which employs people with disabilities to create unique handmade gifts.
Transfer from Arusha to Arusha Airport
FLIGHT TO ZANZIBAR NOT INCLUDED
FLIGHT TO ZANZIBAR NOT INCLUDED
