What makes Lake Natron a unique addition to this safari?

Lake Natron is a dramatic, crimson-colored soda lake at the base of an active volcano (Ol Doinyo Lengai). It serves as the primary breeding ground for millions of Lesser Flamingos and features stunning gorge waterfalls.

Is the Engare Sero waterfall hike difficult?It

is a moderate 2-to-3-hour round-trip walk involving stepping across flowing stream water and rocky riverbeds, making water shoes or sturdy sandals recommended.

How does this 4-day itinerary differ from standard park-only tours?

It offers an extraordinary mix of classic big-game wildlife viewing, geological exploration, active waterfall hiking, and remote Rift Valley landscapes without repeating the Serengeti.

4-Day Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro & Natron

Transportation
4X4 Safari Jeep
Group Size
2-12 People
Accomodation
Tented Camps and Lodges
Arrival on
KLM/ARU Airport
Best season
All year around
Departure from
KLM/ARU Airport
Guiding method
Guided Safari
Trip type
Mid-range safari
Language
English, Spanish, French
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, Dinner
Permits
Includes
Minimum Age
4
Maximum Age
80
Destinations
Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Natron & Ol Doinyo Lengai, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park
Activities
Authentic Maasai Cultural Experience, Cultural & Village Tours, Wildlife Game Drives
Trip Type
Wildlife Safaris
Difficulty
Moderate

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

For travelers craving raw geographical drama alongside classic wildlife viewing, this 4-day expedition curated by African Alive Safaris Limited is unmatched. In addition to visiting Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, this itinerary ventures north into the remote, volcanic shadow of Ol Doinyo Lengai (“Mountain of God”) to explore Lake Natron. Walk to hidden waterfalls, marvel at millions of breeding flamingos on a crimson alkaline lake, and experience the stark, breathtaking beauty of the East African Rift Valley.

Trip Highlights

Explore four extraordinary northern Tanzania locations blending wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
Travel in an elite 4x4 modified safari Land Cruiser with an expert African Alive Safaris guide.
Witness massive elephant herds and baobabs in Tarangire National Park.
Discover Lake Manyara's groundwater forests and tree-climbing lions.
Descend over 600 meters into the wildlife caldera of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Journey into the remote Great Rift Valley to explore the crimson pink waters of Lake Natron and cascading Engare Sero waterfalls.

Itinerary

Expand all

Your 4-day adventure begins with a morning pickup in Arusha to Tarangire National Park for game viewing. On Day 2, explore Lake Manyara before driving north through dramatic rift valley landscapes to Lake Natron for an evening sunset walk. Day 3 features a morning hike to the Engare Sero waterfalls, followed by an afternoon journey up to the Karatu highlands. On Day 4, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a wildlife tour before your afternoon return drive to Arusha.

Day 01 :

Arusha to Tarangire National Park & Transfer to Manyara Region

07:00 AM – 09:00 AM: Hotel pickup in Arusha and scenic drive to Tarangire.
09:00 AM – 01:00 PM: Morning game drive tracking massive elephant herds and baobab landscapes.
01:00 PM – 02:00 PM: Picnic lunch at a scenic park site.
02:00 PM – 05:00 PM: Afternoon game drive exploring Tarangire floodplains.
05:00 PM – 06:00 PM: Check-in at your lodge in the Manyara/Karatu region for dinner and overnight.

Day 02 :

Lake Manyara National Park & Rift Valley Drive to Lake Natron

07:30 AM – 08:30 AM: Breakfast and check-out.
08:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park exploring groundwater forests, baboons, and tree-climbing lions.
11:30 AM – 01:00 PM: Picnic lunch and departure northward along the dramatic escarpment road toward Lake Natron.
01:00 PM – 04:30 PM: Scenic transit drive past Maasai bomas and volcanic plains under the watchful eye of Ol Doinyo Lengai.
04:30 PM – 06:30 PM: Arrive at Lake Natron, check into your tented camp, and take a guided sunset walk along the shimmering pink shores of the soda lake.

Day 03 :

Engare Sero Waterfalls Hike & Transfer to Karatu Highlands

07:00 AM – 08:00 AM: Breakfast at camp.
08:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Guided trek through the gorge of Engare Sero, walking along stream beds to reach refreshing cascading waterfalls where you can swim in natural pools.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Return to camp for lunch and check-out.
12:30 PM – 04:30 PM: Scenic afternoon drive ascending from the hot Rift Valley floor up into the green agricultural highlands of Karatu.
04:30 PM – 05:30 PM: Check-in at your Karatu lodge for dinner, relaxation, and overnight.

Day 04 :

Ngorongoro Crater Floor Game Drive & Return to Arusha

06:00 AM – 06:45 AM: Early breakfast and drive to the Ngorongoro crater descent gate.
06:45 AM – 12:30 PM: Descend over 600 meters onto the crater floor. Track black rhinos, big cats, elephants, and buffalos.
12:30 PM – 01:15 PM: Picnic lunch near the Ngoitokitok Hippo Pool.
01:15 PM – 03:00 PM: Ascend the crater wall and begin your return trip.
03:00 PM – 06:00 PM: Return transfer back to Arusha for hotel or airport drop-off by African Alive Safaris.