Safari in National Parks: Tarangire National Park, Lake Natron and Ngorongoro Crater
This unique program is perfect for adventure seekers eager to explore the most diverse national parks in northern Tanzania in just five days. You’ll tour Tarangire and Ngorongoro Parks, followed by a visit to the extraordinary Lake Natron.
Each destination offers a distinct landscape, flora, and fauna, giving you a comprehensive glimpse of Africa’s incredible natural diversity. Discover the wild Tarangire River and its abundant wildlife, experience the rich animal populations and vast savannahs of Ngorongoro, then journey along the Great Rift Valley to the striking alkaline waters of Lake Natron. Here, you’ll also have the chance to visit Ol Doinyo Lengai — Africa’s only active stratovolcano.
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The group arrives at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). Participants are met by a representative of PK Adventure and transferred to a hotel in Arusha.
Note: The hotel cost only includes breakfast. Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Today’s safari takes you to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most fascinating wildlife destinations. The Tarangire River, which runs through the park, serves as a vital watering hole for giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and buffaloes. These herbivores, in turn, attract predators—especially lions, making Tarangire a prime spot for lion sightings during your adventure.
During the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes the only reliable source of water for miles around. As a result, large herds of elephants gather here, giving Tarangire the distinction of hosting the largest elephant population in Northern Tanzania for much of the year (particularly from June to October and December to March). These majestic elephants are remarkably unafraid of visitors and often approach vehicles closely. This natural curiosity is completely safe, as elephants have no natural predators and are at ease in their environment.
On your second day in Tarangire National Park, your knowledgeable Altezza guide will take you to explore parts of the park you didn’t get to see yesterday. Tarangire is full of stunning viewpoints and even more incredible wildlife to discover.
This park is home to some rare species you won’t often find in the Serengeti, such as the elegant long-necked gerenuks and the striking oryx. Keep an eye out for these unique animals as you drive through the diverse landscapes.
You’ll also have the chance to spot hyraxes—small, charming creatures that, despite their size, are surprisingly the closest living relatives of elephants. They are curious and often allow visitors to approach fairly closely for photos (but remember: admire wildlife from a safe distance and never touch).
Bird lovers will be thrilled too, as Tarangire boasts over 550 bird species! To enhance your experience, we provide high-quality binoculars in the safari vehicle so you can get a closer look at the incredible birdlife.
Today’s adventure takes you to the stunning and remote Lake Natron, a truly unique natural wonder often featured in wildlife magazines. This lake is famous for its rare red-hued waters, caused by special bacteria that thrive here and give the water a striking blood-red color—visible only from above, making it a spectacular sight for aerial photography.
Lake Natron is surrounded by breathtaking African landscapes and is home to diverse wildlife including ostriches, antelopes, zebras, and giraffes. Thanks to its remote location, this serene spot sees far fewer tourists, offering a peaceful and authentic experience. It’s an excellent place to begin or conclude your safari journey through northern Tanzania’s national parks.
The daytime temperatures can get quite warm, but you’ll have the chance to cool off in nearby springs. These springs receive pure water flowing directly from the slopes of the Ngorongoro Reserve and are rich in sulfur. Some believe the waters have benefits for bone health—while we can’t confirm that, a refreshing dip here is definitely a rejuvenating experience.
Lake Natron is home to a spectacular variety of birds, including vast flocks of large and small flamingos that can number in the tens of thousands at once! Watching these brilliant pink birds take flight is truly a breathtaking sight. Flamingos are especially drawn to Lake Natron because its highly alkaline waters protect them from predators, offering a safe haven.
Remarkably, from September through April each year, more than three-quarters of the world’s Lesser Flamingos are born right here. They lay their eggs in the shallow mud along the lake’s edge, where tiny chicks hatch and begin their first tentative steps. With binoculars, you can spot these chicks — still gray in color at first — soon to develop the signature pink plumage that makes them so iconic.
Beyond flamingos, pelicans and a variety of other birds thrive around Lake Natron. In the wild, their behavior is lively and playful — a sharp contrast to the quiet stillness of zoo birds — offering a wonderful opportunity to witness nature’s vibrancy up close.
Today, you’re off to the legendary Ngorongoro Crater!
Your adventure begins early in the morning as your guide picks you up for a journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Often likened to The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the crater is a breathtaking natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. Formed by a massive ancient volcano, this caldera boasts the highest concentration of animal species per square kilometer anywhere on Earth.
The descent into the crater takes about 30 minutes by car, winding through lush highland forests with scenic views. Along the way, your guide will stop at a famous lookout point where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the entire crater — a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Despite common myths, animals can and do leave the crater. However, the fertile grasslands and permanent water sources inside make it an ideal habitat. As a result, most animals choose to stay within its safe and food-rich environment.
Inside the crater, you’ll encounter elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, cheetahs, zebras, and more. Ngorongoro is also one of the last places in Tanzania where you might spot a critically endangered black rhino. But don’t expect to see giraffes here — their tall legs and long necks make the steep descent into the crater too difficult.
Midday, you’ll stop for a break at the Lake Magadi picnic site, a lovely spot frequented by a variety of birds — including cheeky kites known for trying to snatch unattended snacks. Nearby, hippos wallow in the water, surfacing regularly for air and occasionally venturing out to graze. It’s a great moment to enjoy your lunch with a view.
Thanks to its rich biodiversity and geological importance, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site — a place of true natural wonder that will leave a lasting impression.
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out before your evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee. Let your manager know in advance if you need a late check-out.
Please Note:
- By default our tours include shared accommodation in twin/double rooms, unless requested and agreed otherwise. Single supplement is available upon request. Please refer to the program to see your accommodation arrangements
- Moshi and Arusha-based accommodations usually include breakfast only, unless requested and agreed otherwise. Please refer to the program to see your meal plans on each night
- Most safari lodges usually do not include tea, coffee, soft and alcoholic drinks not to have you overpay for beverages you don’t need. You will be able to order and pay for drinks at the hotels’ restaurants
- Tented lodges are the most common type of accommodation in savannah. Many of them work on solar energy. This sometimes means bucket showers, limited wi-fi and no hair dryers, all in an effort to reduce environmental impact. We encourage you to do some basic research on the accommodations in your program to ensure the safari matches your travel style
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What's Included
Transfers
Accommodation & Meals
Guiding & Game-Driving
What's Excluded
Departure Dates
Apart from grouped scheduled safaris, tour starting dates are flexible. You can choose when to start and how long to spend on each park depending on your interest.
Our team is available to provide assistance on scheduling, advice and suggestions.