Tanzania · Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Natron

7-Day Northern Safari with Lake Natron

7 Days / 6 Nights·Gosheni SafarisVerified Operator

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.

This adventurous 7-day safari adds a unique twist to the classic northern circuit by including Lake Natron — one of Tanzania's most remote and spectacular landscapes. After exploring Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, venture east to Lake Natron at the foot of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. The lake's soda-rich waters attract millions of flamingos during breeding season, and the stark, lunar landscape is unlike anything else in Tanzania. This tour is ideal for travellers who want classic Big Five wildlife plus genuine off-the-beaten-path adventure.

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

1

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

Transfer to TarangireFull-day game driveElephant watching
2

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

Morning Tarangire driveScenic highland transferAfternoon Serengeti drive
3

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

Dawn game driveSeronera ValleyBig cat trackingPlains exploration
4

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

Morning Serengeti driveTransfer to NgorongoroCrater rim sunset views
5

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

Crater descentBig Five game driveLake MagadiHippo pool picnic
6

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

Scenic drive through Maasai landsOl Doinyo Lengai viewsNgare Sero waterfall hikeFlamingo viewing
7

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)

Lakeshore flamingo walkMaasai village visitScenic Rift Valley driveReturn to Arusha

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
From

$1,100

per person sharing

Duration7 Days
CountryTanzania
DestinationTarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Natron
Difficultymoderate
Group Size112

Group Pricing

Solo Traveller$1,430
2 People$1,100
4-6 People$935
Book This Safari

Secured by Inspiration Africa

Tour Operator

Gosheni Safaris

Verified Operator

Need Help Planning?

Our Africa-based experts can tailor this journey to your preferences.

Get in Touch →
7-Day Northern Safari with Lake Natron | Exclusive Africa Safaris