After breakfast you will be transferred to Kuro airstrip for your flight to Manyara. On arrival at Manyara airstrip you are met and transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater area and check in to the Ngorongoro Highlands Camp for three nights. The Highlands, an exclusive eco-lodge nestled on the slopes of the Olmoti Volcano, overlooking the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. This unique retreat offers an immersive and authentic experience, combining luxury accommodations, breathtaking scenery, and close proximity to one of Africa’s most renowned natural wonders.

The lodge’s elevated location offers a sense of seclusion and tranquility, allowing you to fully appreciate the stunning beauty of the surrounding area. From your suite, you can gaze upon the vast grasslands, ancient volcanic peaks, and the distant silhouette of wildlife roaming freely in the conservation area.

The Highlands also offers a range of unique activities to further immerse yourself in the surrounding landscapes. Take a guided walk to the Empakaai Crater, a deep volcanic caldera adorned with a picturesque soda lake and flamingo-filled waters. Explore the beautiful forests, encounter Maasai communities, and learn about the local culture and traditions. You can also embark on scenic hikes to the Olmoti Crater, discovering hidden waterfalls and enjoying breathtaking views along the way.

Back at the lodge, you can relax and unwind in the cozy lounge area, where a crackling fireplace and comfortable seating invite you to gather and share stories of the day’s adventures. Alternatively, take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool while soaking in the captivating vistas that surround you.

This afternoon you have a visit with the local Maasai in one of the neighbouring villages to learn about the traditional way of life that has defined this corner of Africa for centuries. School visits may be possible depending on the time of year.

This morning you depart the camp for a half-day excursion to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder that boasts an incredible concentration of wildlife within its massive volcanic caldera. As you embark on a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. The crater’s walls create a natural enclosure, forming a unique ecosystem that supports an astonishing array of wildlife. From the moment you enter the crater, you’ll be immersed in a world teeming with biodiversity and natural beauty.

The vast grassy plains, freshwater lakes, and dense forests of the Ngorongoro Crater provide a habitat for an incredible diversity of animals, including the famous Big Five – elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos. As your expert guide navigates the rugged terrain, you’ll have the opportunity to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Watch in awe as elephants gracefully roam the grasslands, lions laze under acacia trees, and rhinos graze in the distance.

The crater is also home to a multitude of other wildlife, from wildebeests and zebras to cheetahs, hyenas, and an abundance of bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for giraffes gracefully munching on leaves, warthogs scurrying through the plains, and colorful birdlife filling the skies. The diverse ecosystems within the crater offer a constant spectacle of animal interactions and fascinating wildlife behaviors.

Your guide, who possesses expert knowledge of the area, will share insights about the wildlife, their behaviours, and the intricacies of the ecosystem. They’ll skillfully navigate the terrain, ensuring that you have the best opportunities to observe and photograph the incredible wildlife moments. Feel free to ask questions and soak up the wealth of information they have to offer.

During your game drive, you’ll also have the chance to take in the awe-inspiring scenery of the Ngorongoro Crater. The panoramic vistas from the crater rim provide breathtaking views of the vast expanse below, with its rich greenery, shimmering lakes, and the sheer magnitude of the crater walls. As you descend into the crater, you’ll witness the landscape transform before your eyes, revealing a world of wonders.

After an exciting day, climb back up the Crater wall and back to the Highlands.

You will again rise early to return to Ngorongoro Crater for a second day where you’ll have the opportunity to delve deeper into this incredible ecosystem and discover even more of its wonders. Building upon the experiences of the previous day, this game drive promises new sightings, memorable encounters, and a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds you.

As you set out on your second game drive, you may choose to explore different areas within the crater, seeking out specific wildlife sightings or focusing on particular habitats. The vast expanse of the crater ensures that there are always new discoveries to be made and hidden corners to be explored.

During the early morning hours, the crisp air and soft light create an enchanting ambiance. Wildlife is often more active at this time, offering prime opportunities to witness predators on the hunt or catch glimpses of elusive species. The rising sun paints the landscape with warm hues, adding to the magic of the experience.

Your expert guide will once again lead the way, utilizing their vast knowledge and experience to navigate the terrain and track wildlife. They are attuned to the behaviours and movements of the animals, increasing the chances of remarkable sightings. Be prepared for surprises as you traverse the crater floor, encountering both familiar and new species along the way.

As you venture deeper into the crater, keep an eye out for unique sightings that you may have missed on the previous day. Perhaps you’ll spot a pride of lions on the move, a family of elephants playing by a waterhole, or even catch a glimpse of the rare black rhino. The diverse landscapes within the crater, ranging from open grasslands to lush forests and serene lakes, provide a range of habitats for different species, ensuring that each game drive offers a distinct experience.

Take advantage of the varied birdlife present in the crater, keeping your binoculars handy to spot colourful avian species perched on branches or soaring overhead. Marvel at the grace of the crowned cranes, the vibrancy of the lilac-breasted rollers, or the majesty of the African fish eagles.

Throughout your second day of game driving, take the time to appreciate the natural splendour of the Ngorongoro Crater. Its dramatic vistas, expansive plains, and reflective lakes offer a stunning backdrop for wildlife encounters. Pause to absorb the sights, sounds, and scents of the African wilderness, allowing yourself to become fully immersed in this extraordinary ecosystem.

After an exciting day, climb back up the Crater wall and back to the Highlands.

Following your breakfast, you’ll be transported from the Lake Manyara Airstrip to the Seronera airstrip, setting the stage for your journey to the enchanting Namiri Plains Camp. Here, you will spend three nights immersed in the untouched beauty of the Serengeti. Namiri Plains Camp, renowned for its exclusivity, offers a secluded oasis with just a handful of elegantly designed tented suites. Each suite, a sanctuary of tranquility, features a spacious private veranda, offering expansive views of the rolling plains and the abundant wildlife that inhabits them. The camp’s architecture harmoniously blends refined simplicity with an understated elegance, perfectly complementing the serene landscape of the Serengeti.

Your safari experience at Namiri Plains Camp is both intimate and extraordinary. The camp is situated in a region known for its high density of big cats, providing unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. Namiri Plains is also deeply committed to environmental sustainability, ensuring its presence is in harmony with nature. The communal tent melds rustic allure with sophisticated comfort, showcasing elements like weather-beaten wood, sturdy canvas, and luxurious linens. As dusk approaches, the glow from classic hurricane lanterns creates a warm, inviting ambiance. Whether you dine in the atmospheric communal tent or under the expansive African night sky, meals at Namiri Plains are a celebration of both cuisine and setting.

Namiri Plains offers twice-daily wildlife-viewing game drives, allowing you to delve into the diverse ecosystems of the eastern Serengeti with expert guides. The camp utilizes open vehicles equipped with canvas roofs and sides for protection against the elements. To ensure your comfort, rain ponchos and traditional Maasai shuka blankets are provided, along with power points for device charging and fridges to keep your beverages cool.

For an additional, unforgettable experience, you can prebook options such as a Balloon Safari, offering a majestic aerial view of the Serengeti’s sprawling landscapes and teeming wildlife.

After enjoying your breakfast, you will depart for the Seronera airstrip for your flight to the Northern Serengeti. Upon arrival at Kogatende, your next destination awaits: the exquisite Sayari Camp, where you will spend the following three nights in an unparalleled setting.

Situated in the remote northern reaches of the Serengeti, Sayari Camp offers a luxurious and immersive safari experience in one of Africa’s most pristine landscapes. The camp is renowned for its proximity to the Mara River, providing front-row seats to the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration, especially the dramatic river crossings.

Sayari Camp comprises opulent and well-appointed tents that harmoniously blend into the natural surroundings. Each tent is a sanctuary of comfort, featuring plush beds, sophisticated en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, and private verandas that command stunning views of the Serengeti plains. The tents are tastefully decorated with elegant furnishings, infusing a sense of luxury amidst the wild.

The camp’s strategic location makes it an ideal base for witnessing the Great Migration’s incredible river crossings, where countless wildebeest and zebras navigate treacherous waters, brimming with predators. This natural marvel highlights the raw beauty and sheer power of nature’s cycles.

Game drives from Sayari Camp are nothing short of spectacular. Expert guides lead these excursions, taking guests deep into the heart of wildlife activity. These drives are tailored to provide the most thrilling and intimate encounters with the Serengeti’s diverse wildlife, offering ample opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime photography.

Beyond game drives, Sayari Camp offers an array of additional activities. Guests can partake in guided walking safaris for a more intimate exploration of the Serengeti, visit local communities to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region, or embark on an unforgettable Hot Air Balloon adventure, soaring over the vast plains at dawn.

Enjoy a final breakfast in camp before a short drive to the airstrip for your late-morning flight back to Kilimanjaro Airport in Arusha. You will land at the international airport so you can simply collect your luggage and check in for your international flight home.  Alternatively, you can also ask us about adding on some time for beach and relaxation in Zanzibar.