7-Day Northern Safari with Lake Natron
Overview
Off-the-beaten-path 7-day Tanzania budget safari combining the classic northern circuit parks with remote Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano views from $1,100 per person.
Safari Highlights
- Classic northern circuit — Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- Remote Lake Natron flamingo breeding colony
- Views of Ol Doinyo Lengai — Africa's only active carbonatite volcano
- Waterfall hike at Ngare Sero near Lake Natron
- Off-the-beaten-path adventure
- Budget camping throughout
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire for a full day of game drives among elephant herds, baobab forests, and diverse birdlife. Camp near the park.
Accommodation: Budget camping — Tarangire area campsite
Meals: Lunch (packed), Dinner
Tarangire to Serengeti National Park
Morning game drive in Tarangire, then transfer to the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Highlands. Afternoon game drive on the Serengeti plains searching for the Big Five and migration herds.
Accommodation: Budget camping — Serengeti public campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner
Full Day Serengeti Game Drives
Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti. Morning drive to the Seronera Valley for leopard and hippo, then afternoon drive to the open plains for cheetah, giraffe, and lion. Depending on the season, follow the Great Migration herds.
Accommodation: Budget camping — Serengeti public campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Morning game drive in the Serengeti with final wildlife sightings. Transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and camp on the crater rim at Simba Campsite.
Accommodation: Budget camping — Simba Campsite, Ngorongoro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner
Ngorongoro Crater Floor Game Drive
Dawn descent into the Ngorongoro Crater. Spend the morning on the crater floor searching for black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard. Visit Lake Magadi for flamingos. Packed lunch at the hippo pool. Ascend and camp in the Ngorongoro area.
Accommodation: Budget camping — Ngorongoro area campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner
Ngorongoro to Lake Natron
Drive through Maasai territory to remote Lake Natron, passing the towering Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. The soda lake stretches before you in shimmering red and white — home to millions of flamingos during breeding season. Afternoon hike to the Ngare Sero waterfall through a scenic gorge. Camp at the lake with volcano views.
Accommodation: Budget camping — Lake Natron campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner
Lake Natron & Return to Arusha
Morning walk along the lakeshore to see flamingos up close and visit a Maasai boma. Then drive back to Arusha via the scenic route through the Rift Valley, arriving in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: End of tour — Arusha drop-off
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed)
What's Included
- Arusha round-trip transfers
- All park fees and crater service fee
- Professional English-speaking guide
- 4x4 safari vehicle
- Full-board meals
- Camping accommodation
- Lake Natron waterfall hike guide
- Drinking water
What's Excluded
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Beverages
- Sleeping bag rental
- Ol Doinyo Lengai climb (optional extra)
- Personal expenses
$1,100
per person sharing
Group Pricing
Secured by Inspiration Africa
Gosheni Safaris
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