Beyond Lake Manyara, Tanzania’s Rift Valley holds Lake Natron — a remote, caustic soda lake beneath the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, and the primary breeding ground for East Africa’s lesser flamingo population. This itinerary combines both lakes with Tarangire’s classic game viewing.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Your driver-guide meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport for the drive to Lake Manyara, roughly two hours from Arusha, arriving with time for an afternoon game drive through groundwater forest and along the soda lake’s shoreline.
Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeLake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryTarangire Treetops
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
A dramatic drive north to Lake Natron, the road deteriorating to rough track for the final stretch beneath the looming silhouette of Ol Doinyo Lengai, the region’s active volcano. Arrival with time to explore the lake’s striking red-tinged shoreline, the colour coming from salt-loving microorganisms that thrive in the caustic, mineral-rich water.
Transfer to Lake Natron
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeLake Natron Halisi Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A guided hike to the Engare Sero waterfalls, wading through a narrow gorge with the water cool against the surrounding desert heat, plus flamingo viewing at the lake’s breeding grounds — the primary nesting site for East Africa’s entire lesser flamingo population, the caustic water actually protecting their eggs and chicks from most predators.
Lake Natron Waterfall Hike and Flamingos
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
The drive south to Tarangire, arriving with time for an afternoon game drive among its dense elephant population and baobab-studded landscape.
Transfer to Tarangire National Park
Accommodation Options
BudgetTarangire Sopa Lodge
Mid-rangeTarangire River Camp
LuxuryOliver’s Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A final game drive before the return transfer to Arusha.
Morning Game Drive, Return to Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Permits & Costs
| Lake Manyara park entry | ~$53 per person per day |
| Lake Natron conservation fee | ~$50 per person per day |
| Tarangire park entry | ~$60 per person per day |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers with a genuine interest in geology and dramatic landscapes alongside classic wildlife viewing.Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof hatch
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Park entry & hiking fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance