Hidden Treasures

Day 1: From Moshi/Arusha to Lake Natron – Waterfalls and spectacular landscapes

Your adventure begins in the morning with a drive from Moshi or Arusha towards Lake Natron. The journey itself is part of the experience, as the landscapes gradually become more remote and untouched, taking you far away from the classic safari routes. Upon arrival at Lake Natron, you settle into your accommodation before heading out in the afternoon for a guided walk to the waterfalls. Accompanied by a local guide, you explore the dramatic scenery around the waterfalls, with its rocky gorges, natural pools and rugged volcanic landscape. Depending on the season and water levels, there may also be an opportunity to cool off in the refreshing pools. After the excursion, return to your accommodation and enjoy the spectacular sunset over the vast landscape of Lake Natron – a peaceful first evening far away from the crowds.

Day 2: Sunrise walk at Lake Natron and onward to the Central Serengeti‍

Today starts early, as sunrise at Lake Natron is a truly memorable experience. During a morning walk along the shores of the lake, you watch as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the surrounding volcanic landscape and the impressive Ol Doinyo Lengai. With some luck, you may encounter flamingos and other bird species that use the lake and its surroundings as their habitat. After the walk, you return for breakfast before continuing your journey. You then drive directly towards the Central Serengeti. The scenery gradually changes as you enter increasingly wild and open landscapes, eventually reaching the endless plains of the Serengeti. Wildlife sightings can already begin along the way. In the afternoon, you enjoy your first game drive in the Central Serengeti, searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and zebras, with the possibility of spotting cheetahs or leopards as well.

Day 3: Walking safari with a ranger and further game drives in the Serengeti‍

Today offers a completely different way of experiencing the Serengeti. After breakfast, you set out on a walking safari with an experienced ranger. Exploring the wilderness on foot allows you to experience the landscape on a much more intimate level. Rather than simply looking for large animals, you learn to read the smaller signs of the ecosystem – footprints, droppings, plants, sounds and other traces left behind by wildlife. Your ranger explains how to move safely through the bush and introduces you to the fascinating details that are often missed from a safari vehicle. After the walk, continue exploring the Central Serengeti by vehicle. This area is renowned for its excellent year-round wildlife viewing and particularly strong predator populations. In the late afternoon, head out again for another game drive, making the most of the cooler hours before sunset.

Day 4: A full day in the Central Serengeti – pure wilderness‍

Today is dedicated entirely to the Serengeti. With no long transfers, you can concentrate fully on wildlife and explore different areas according to the conditions and recent sightings. An early morning game drive allows you to experience the Serengeti when temperatures are cooler and many animals are at their most active. You may encounter a pride of lions, a leopard resting in a tree or elephants moving slowly across the plains. Huge herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle create the quintessential Serengeti landscape. After a break around midday, continue your exploration in the afternoon. The hours before sunset are often particularly beautiful, as the soft golden light transforms the plains and gives the landscape an almost dreamlike atmosphere. Enjoy your final evening and dinner in the Serengeti, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Day 5: Sunrise in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and overnight in Karatu‍

Rise early for one final game drive at sunrise and take your last look at the endless Serengeti plains. The early morning offers another excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing before you begin your journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As you leave the Serengeti behind, the landscape changes once again as you approach the highlands of Ngorongoro. One of the highlights of the day follows: descending into the Ngorongoro Crater. This extraordinary natural amphitheatre is home to an exceptional concentration of wildlife. On the crater floor, you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and large predators. With luck, you may also spot one of the area's rare black rhinos. After your extensive game drive, ascend from the crater and continue to Karatu for your final overnight stay.

Day 6: Tarangire National Park and return to Moshi/Arusha‍

After breakfast, you continue towards Tarangire National Park. Famous for its enormous baobab trees, large elephant herds and the wildlife-rich Tarangire River, the park offers a wonderful final safari experience. During your game drive, keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes and an impressive variety of birdlife. The contrast between the endless plains of the Serengeti, the unique Ngorongoro landscape and Tarangire's distinctive baobab scenery makes this a particularly diverse final day. After the game drive, leave the park and drive back to Moshi or Arusha, bringing your journey through some of northern Tanzania's lesser-known treasures to an end.

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This safari can also be booked in combination with the Northern Serengeti (for an additional fee) from July through the end of October; otherwise, it is available year-round.

For guests who wish to climb Oldonyo Lengai, we can extend the trip by one day at Lake Natron.

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