7-DAYS TANZANIA NORTHERN WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS

Safari in Arusha

Tour Price : $2950 Duration : 7 hours Languages: English, Spanish, German, Chinese, French and Russian Discount: 10%

Lake Natron & Serengeti National Park

Embark on a breathtaking 7-day photographic safari through Tanzania’s most renowned northern wildlife areas, including the vast Serengeti National Park and the tranquil, stunning Lake Natron. Experience the dynamic landscapes of the East African Rift Valley, capture unforgettable wildlife moments, and witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti. This adventure offers a unique chance to explore Lake Natron, a Ramsar wetland site, known for its remarkable flamingo breeding grounds, while also encountering Africa’s “Big Five” in Serengeti National Park. In Lake Natron & Serengeti National Park (Special March Visit).

Lake Natron Basin – A Natural Wonderland.

Best Time to Visit: During March (Flamingo Breeding Season)

Lake Natron is a breathtaking alkaline lake situated in the northern Ngorongoro District of the Arusha Region, Tanzania. Nestled in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, this strikingly unique lake is part of a Ramsar site, a wetland of international significance making it a vital ecological haven.

In March, the lake comes alive with the annual flamingo breeding season. Lake Natron provides a critical breeding ground for tens of thousands of lesser flamingos, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts to witness this spectacular phenomenon. The lake’s striking red and orange hues, combined with the shimmering salt flats, create an otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth.

At the base of Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai (the “Mountain of God”), the area around Lake Natron also offers rugged, remote beauty. It’s a perfect location for those looking to capture dramatic landscapes and wildlife. Be sure to experience the majestic waterfalls and take part in a guided flamingo walk, offering unforgettable moments of peace and natural wonder. In March marks the peak of flamingo breeding season, offering a rare opportunity to witness thousands of flamingos nesting and hatching in their natural habitat.

Serengeti National Park – The Heart of Africa’s Wildlife Legacy.

Best Time to Visit: During March (Great Migration Calving Season)

Serengeti National Park is Africa’s crown jewel, renowned globally for its vast, open plains and unrivaled wildlife spectacle. The name “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai word Siringeti, meaning “Endless Plains,” which perfectly captures the park’s expansive beauty. Covering over 15,000 square kilometers, it’s home to the highest concentration of large herbivores on the planet, including millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles.

March is an exceptional time to visit the Serengeti, as it coincides with the Great Wildebeest Migration’s calving season. During this period, over 8,000 wildebeests are born every day, making it one of the most spectacular wildlife events to witness. The Serengeti’s vast plains transform into a stage for the survival drama of Africa, as predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards follow the herds, ensuring that the circle of life plays out before your eyes. The park also boasts extraordinary landscapes, from vast open grasslands to rocky kopjes (outcrops), rolling hills, and meandering rivers, all set against the dramatic backdrop of endless skies. It’s a photographer’s dream and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Serengeti is not just a UNESCO World Heritage Site but a living testament to the raw beauty and power of nature. Whether you’re photographing the migration, observing predator-prey interactions, or simply soaking in the vastness of the plains, Serengeti promises a safari experience like no other.

Serengeti during March, the calving season is in full swing, meaning you’ll witness the dramatic spectacle of thousands of wildebeest being born amidst intense predator action. It’s an unforgettable moment to capture the true essence of Africa’s wild heart.

Both destinations, rich in natural beauty and teeming with wildlife, make March the ideal time for an unparalleled safari experience. Whether you are seeking the vibrant tranquility of Lake Natron or the pulse-pounding drama of the Serengeti, this adventure will offer lasting memories and the perfect opportunity for stunning photography.

Itinerary Overview: Day by Day.

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania

• Accommodation: Gran Melia Hotel, Arusha (Bed & Breakfast)
• Meals: No meals included (arrival day)

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver-guide. After a brief introduction, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha for a restful night. You will meet your guide later for a safari briefing, where you’ll learn about the exciting journey ahead.

Day 2: Arusha to Lake Natron Basin

• Accommodation: Lake Natron Safari Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 200 km | Estimated Travel Time: 5–6 hours

After an early breakfast, you will begin your journey to Lake Natron. This day’s drive takes you off the beaten path through the Longido route, passing through Maasai villages and enjoying views of Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai, the “Mountain of God.” Along the way, you may spot wildlife such as zebras and giraffes. Arriving at Lake Natron, the afternoon will be dedicated to exploring the shores of this alkaline lake. You’ll enjoy a photographic session, capturing the stunning landscape and unique wildlife around the lake, including the thousands of flamingos that use it as a breeding ground. Later, you will have a cultural experience, learning about the Maasai people, their traditions, and lifestyle.

Day 3: Exploration of Lake Natron

• Accommodation: Lake Natron Safari Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities:

• Flamingo Walk
• Waterfall Hike
• Mountain Hike

Start your day early with a scenic drive to Lake Natron Ramsar site, where you’ll engage in a fascinating flamingo walk along the shores of this alkaline lake. The water’s high pH level, which can reach up to 10.5, makes the lake unique and otherworldly. You will also hike to the nearby waterfalls, an oasis that contrasts dramatically with the harsh environment of the lake. In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a game drive around the lake area. After a delicious bush picnic lunch, you will begin your journey toward Serengeti National Park via the Klein’s Gate entrance.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park (Mbuzi Mawe Tented Lodge)

• Accommodation: Mbuzi Mawe Tented Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 200 km | Estimated Travel Time: 4–5 hours

After breakfast, you’ll head to the Serengeti National Park, famous for its incredible wildlife and the Great Wildebeest Migration. As you enter the park, enjoy a thrilling afternoon game drive as you venture into the heart of the Serengeti. This area is rich in wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), as well as countless bird species. You will have a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by the Serengeti’s vast plains. Afterward, continue your game drive and return to the Mbuzi Mawe Tented Lodge for an overnight stay in the heart of the Serengeti.

Day 5: Serengeti National Park (Seronera)

• Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities:

• Full Day Game Drive
• Wildebeest Migration Viewing in Ndutu Area

Today, you’ll embark on a full-day game drive in the central Serengeti, where the abundance of wildlife is remarkable. You will be in prime position to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth. Our expert guide will take you through the migration trails, explaining the behavior of the herds and the predators that stalk them. Expect to encounter hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles, and wildebeests. You’ll also have the chance to photograph dramatic landscapes and capture the raw beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a full day in the bush, I return to Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge for a relaxing evening and dinner under the stars.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park (Seronera)

• Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities:

• Full Day Game Drive
• Wildebeest Migration Viewing in Ndutu Area

After an early breakfast, head out for a full-day game drive in the Serengeti’s central and Ndutu areas. These regions are particularly famous for their concentration of resident wildlife, including the massive herds of wildebeest and zebra. You’ll drive through diverse terrains, from kopjes (rocky outcrops) to riverine vegetation, providing exceptional photographic opportunities. Be on the lookout for big cats, elephants, and the elusive leopard. If you’re lucky, you might witness the dramatic Mara River crossings, where the herds make their perilous journey in search of greener pastures.

Overnight at Seronera Lodge, offering a perfect blend of comfort and adventure.

Day 7: Departure – Fly from Serengeti Seronera to Arusha Airport

• Meals: Breakfast

Distance: 60 km | Estimated Flight Time: 1 hour

After a final morning game drive and breakfast in the Serengeti, you will be transferred to the Seronera Airstrip for your flight back to Arusha. Enjoy your last glimpse of the Serengeti’s vast plains as you fly to Arusha for your onward journey.

Price Includes:

• All accommodations throughout the safari
• Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal viewing and photography
• Services of a professional, English-speaking driver-guide
• All park fees and taxes
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) as outlined in the itinerary
• Mineral bottled water
• Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport - JRO or Arusha Airport - ARK)
• Regional flight from Serengeti to Arusha Airport

Price Excludes:

• Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon rides, cultural experiences)
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Visa fees
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance

This detailed, personalized itinerary offers a comprehensive and unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Whether you’re a passionate photographer or an avid wildlife enthusiast, this safari will allow you to witness the very best of East Africa’s natural wonders.

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