After breakfast you will be transferred to Arusha Airport 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.

After your breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the Lake Manyara Airstrip for your journey to Seronera airstrip. Your destination is the serene Dunia Camp, where you’ll be spending three unforgettable nights. Dunia is a haven of peace, offering just eight spacious tented suites. Each suite boasts a large private veranda with sweeping views of the untouched wilderness and the wildlife-rich plains. The camp’s design is a perfect blend of meticulous attention to detail and a simple elegance that complements its tranquil surroundings.

Your safari experience at Dunia Camp is exclusive and remarkable, with excellent opportunities to witness the resident wildlife and the awe-inspiring migration, which graces the area twice a year. The camp is deeply committed to eco-conscious practices, striving to leave the smallest footprint possible on the natural world. The mess tent is a blend of rustic charm and elegant comfort, featuring weathered wood, robust canvas, and fine linens. As evening falls, traditional brass hurricane lanterns cast a soft, nostalgic glow. Sink into one of the vintage leather armchairs and let the beauty of the setting sun over the iconic granite outcrops take your breath away. Dinner is an event in itself, whether served in the ambient mess tent or under the vast, starry African sky.

Wildlife-viewing and birdwatching game drives are offered twice a day from Dunia, allowing you to explore the hidden corners of the central and southern Serengeti with an expert guide. Dunia utilises open vehicles (with canvas roof and canvas sides that can be rolled down if it rains). Rain ponchos and Maasai shuka blankets are available to keep you comfortable if it is wet or cold. All vehicles have power points where you can recharge your devices, and are fitted with fridges to keep your drinks deliciously frosty.

Other options can be prebooked such as a Balloon Safari over the Serengeti.

With breakfast savoured and bags packed, you’ll head to the Seronera airstrip for your morning flight towards a new adventure. Arriving at Tarime Airfield, a road transfer will guide you across the border, where the rich tapestry of Kenya begins to unfold. Immigration procedures mark this transition, as landscapes and cultures subtly shift.

Continuing to Migori airstrip, a flight to the Mara welcomes you into one of the world’s most iconic wildernesses. You are met on arrival and transferred to Encounter Mara Camp for the next four nights in the heart of the Naboisho Conservancy. 

Naboisho Conservancy offers an exclusive and intimate safari experience, limited to a small number of guests. This ensures a sense of privacy and tranquility while exploring the vast savannah plains, acacia woodlands, and seasonal riverbeds that make up the conservancy. The conservancy is celebrated for its thriving wildlife population, including the iconic African Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceros. Naboisho is also home to numerous other species, such as cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and a wide variety of birdlife. The conservancy’s commitment to conservation, wildlife protection, and low-impact tourism practices has resulted in a flourishing ecosystem and extraordinary game-viewing opportunities.

Accommodation at Encounter Mara consists of spacious and elegantly designed safari tents, carefully positioned to offer privacy and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The tents are thoughtfully appointed with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas where guests can relax and soak in the sights and sounds of the Maasai Mara.

Game drives are a highlight of any safari, and Encounter Mara Camp ensures exceptional wildlife encounters. Led by expert Maasai guides, these game drives take place in custom-designed 4×4 safari vehicles, allowing guests to explore the Maasai Mara’s vast plains and witness the incredible diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five and other iconic species. Night drives provide a unique opportunity to observe nocturnal wildlife in action. Led by knowledgeable guides, these drives venture out after sunset, when predators become more active and many fascinating creatures emerge under the cover of darkness. It’s a chance to spot elusive species such as leopards, hyenas, and bushbabies.

Other options can be prebooked such as visits to a Masai Village and a Balloon Safari over the Mara.

Depart for the airstrip after your final breakfast in camp from where you will take the late morning flight back to Nairobi. An Asilia guide will transfer you from here by private vehicle to the international airport, Jomo Kenyatta, where you can check in for your international flight home or alternatively we can book you a day room. Consider extending your experience by booking a flight onward to the Kenyan Coast or Zanzibar for some sun and relaxation.