Origins – 6 Days

Trip Overview

Number of days: 6
Destinations: Lake Manyara, Lake Natron, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire
Travel category: wildlife focus, human history, walking safaris, adventure

The ancient volcanic lakes of Manyara, Magadi in the Ngorongoro Crater, and Natron link this tour in the discovery of the original Garden of Eden. Mankind’s oldest footsteps are here along the Rift Valley Escarpment. Imagine life of the earliest humans in this uniquely challenging yet giving geographic environment.

  • In Ngorongoro Crater the acacia forest is the only home to black rhinoceros in Tanzania. See the large, flightless ostrich strolling nearby – or perhaps running at speeds to out-distance your safari land rover.
  • See the thousands of Lake Natron migrating flamingos flocking in the shadows of the Mountain of the Gods, Oldonyo Lengai. This is a sight you don’t want to miss.
  • Rest and relax in private secluded camps at the base of the mountain.
  • With your mountain guide, have the opportunity to reach the summit of the volcanic peak at daybreak to look down upon what many call the footprints of God.

Itinerary

DAY DESCRIPTION
Day 1 Arusha – Lake Manyara Depart early from Arusha town to reach Lake Manyara by mid-morning. Enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of the lake and its animals, including the unique tree climbing lions. Before evening arrive at camp or hotel for overnighting.
Day 2 Ngorongoro Crater Explore the Ngorongoro Crater beginning from early morning to catch a glimpse of the elusive Black Rhino. Enjoy breathtaking views of the crater from the floor, and see a microenvironment of elephants, zebras, wildebeest, and lions.
Day 3 Olmoti or Empakai Crater Go off the beaten track to explore on foot the enchantingly emerald sister craters to Ngorongoro. Watch for leopards and cheetahs in their natural habitat though a guided walking safari.
Day 4 Lake Natron Feel in awe of the vastness of solitude as you enter the basin between Oldonyo Lengai and Lake Natron. The escarpment guards the lake to the end of the horizon. Take a hike to explore the scenery or into the escarpment toward the source of water.
Day 5 Lake Natron – walking safaris To catch the flamingos close to the lake shore, awaken at dawn to walk past roaming zebras and wildebeest to reach a pool of pink. Be prepared to wade out into the salinic waters to observe the flamingos feeding and courting in the thousands. Leave by early afternoon to overnight at Mto wa Mbu.
Day 6 Tarangire – return to Arusha Journey further west to enter into the second largest park in Tanzania, home to more than 30 elephant herds that migrate between Tarangire to Lake Manyara. Look out for pythons and lions in trees. Return to Arusha by late evening.

Pricing estimates

Listed prices are estimates in USD per person.
Prices can vary depending by season. Please submit a booking request for accurate prices reflecting your travel dates.

ACCOMMODATION TYPE 1 PERSON 2 PERSONS 4 PERSONS 6 PERSONS
STANDARD CAMPING 3210 1935 1335 1270
SELECT LODGING 3550 2290 1550 1420
LUXURY LODGING 3765 2325 1735 1640
BOOK NOW