The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a wide protected area approximately 8.300 square kilo metres of several volcanic mountains and craters within the Great Rift Valley. It embraces the famous Serengeti National Park on the west, Lake Natron in the northeast to Lake Eyasi in the south and Lake Manyara in the east.

This is popularly known as the “Eighth wonder of the world”, Noah’s ark, the Eden of Africa… etc. This is the land of the Maasai pastoralists seen grazing cattle and Buffaloes, calves and Antelopes along side, it is land of the Maasai with their cattle, of their flora, and of their fauna. The protected area is home to over 30,000 Mammals, over 600 Bird species, the gigantic earth fracture, crater floor, volcanoes, plains, lakes, forests, archaeological site of Olduvai gorge, the great Rift valley wall- all combine to form the Ngorongoro conservation Area. Caution! Double check your filming materials before descending to the crater floor, photo taking never seems to end at the Ngorongoro crater floor. floor. The Golden winged Sun bird ,the Tacazze Sun bird and the Living Livingstone’s Turaco, the Endemic Rufous tailed weaver and the Jackson’s Widow bird will be some of the special Bird species of the day to look out for while in the Ngorongoro.

The area is managed by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority with the focus of balancing the requirements of the local Maasai people and their domestic stock, wildlife, the natural environment, and to manage the effects of tourism on the area. This amazing area comprises archaeological sites, extinct and active volcanoes, breathtaking mountains, forests, vast lakes and magnificent wildlife.

The crater area holds a large concentration of wild animals that one can not miss on a Tanzania safari. Close at hand is the crater of Empakaai overflowing by a deep lake, and the recently erupted volcano, Oldonyo Lengai can be viewed. Excavations carried out in the Olduvai Gorge near Ngorongoro, led to the discovery of our ancestors, Homo habilis. Laitoli Site, also lying within the area, is one of the main sites where early hominid footprints where found, 3.6 million years ago.

Due to the varying topography, altitude varies from under 1.500m to 3.648m, and hence climate, a wide scope of habitats are found here ranging from dense montane forests, grassy plains with both fresh and salty water lakes, swamps, undulating plains covered in grass to upland woodlands predominantly made up of Acacia tree species.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT
All year except the rainy April. Come and see for yourself.

ACCESS
4 Hours drive from Arusha in a 4 WD Vehicle

Ngurdoto crater, within the Arusha national Parks (ANAPA) is a thrilling tourist attraction on its own. A caldera of an extinct volcano, Ngurdoto has a ring road that allows fabulous views down into the lush crater interior.

At the moment you can only drive up to the crater rim through the misty forest inhabited by the nimble black and white colobus monkeys that are the mascot of the park, Leopards are the main predator in this area and, strangely, there are no lions apart from the odd visitor.

Driving along the high ridges on the Crater edge provides a stunning view of the forests, glades and animal tracks that abound in this lush habitat.
The good news now is that the crater will be more thrilling to visitors as one would now be able to walk around the rim, half way.

In other words, Tanzania has once again added a new dimension into its already famous tourism industry. It has just introduced a new tourist product a walking safari around the ream of the world famous Ngurdoto Crater - at Arusha National Park.

Indeed, and typically Tanzanian, the tourist Mecca of the world has a further feature in game viewing Safaris and Trekking around the park which also include the Mount Meru.

“We are on the final touches of introducing another added value at the Ngurdoto Crater”, says thrilled ANAPA Chief Park Warden, Mr. Erastus Lufungulo.

He said the crater, known as a ‘mini Ngorongoro’, would start being accessed by walking tourists from July or August this year. Presently visitors can only access the ream half way by driving only.

Mr. Lufunguro said the on going works include clearing the foot paths and placing various guiding signs around the crater, adding that the works are almost complete and, when the walking trips are officially launched, “ANAPA would further be shrouded by its mystery and beauty”.

He said another uniqueness of the walking safari around the crater is that even older people would be able to walk around as the area is not steep. There would be several viewing points, staring at Leitong view point and ending at the highest viewing point known as Vikindu.

The three kilometre wide 400 metres deep volcanic caldera Ngurdoto Crater is famous for large herds of buffaloes, black and white colubus and blue
monkeys, among dozens other features in Arusha National Park.

TANAPA officials say, the additional attraction at ANAPA would further make the park demonstrate an incredible diversity of environments. In addition to preserving Mt. Meru, an extinct volcano of almost 15,000 feet, (4,566 metres) this park is also home to beautiful mountain lakes and craters.

The park has three distinct habitat zones that contribute to the amazing variety of wildlife in the area. From the lush green swamps surrounded by thick forest in the Ngurdoto Crater, up through the scenic beauty of the Momela Lakes, each a startlingly different hue, through to the chilly alpine like tundra on Mount Meru.

In addition to being an excellent park for birders, Arusha is one of the only places to see the black and white colobus monkey, flamingoes in huge congregations in the Momella lake

The remains of a large volcano, the Ngurdoto Crater is a steep sided bowl of lush swamps and riverine forest, home to elephant, buffalo, baboon, reedbuck, colobus monkeys, leopard and duikers.

Mosses, ferns, lichens and orchids thrive in the damp atmosphere of the Crater, giving way to huge mahogany, olive and date palm trees on the drier crater walls.

Descent into the Crater itself is not allowed, in effect creating a sanctuary within a sanctuary and leaving a large area of the park to the wildlife alone.

The Arusha National Park was ‘discovered’ by Sir Julius Huxley. Founded in 1960, it is 33,800 acres in size and consists of three spectacular features: the Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and Mount Meru.

There is a beautiful mountain forest with unique species of plants and wildlife. The park is famous for its 400 species of bird life, both sedentary and migratory, and the black and white colobus monkeys. It is dominated by Mount Meru, an extinct volcano that rises 14,990 feet.

Tourists also have the opportunity to view a snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, weather permitting.

Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s smallest parks, covering an area of 137 sqkm . It is the closest national park to Arusha town – the Capital of northern Tanzania. The town and the Park derive their name from the Warusha people who traditionally lived in this area. However the Park also overlaps into areas where the Maasai lived and most of the place names in the Park are of Maasai origin.

The Park has a wide range of habitats, from the crater lakes where many water native and migratory birds can be viewed, through the highland montane forest, up to the impressive summit of Meru Mountain.

The forests contain a diversity of birds and other animals. The nice looking bushbuck easily glimpsed in the grades between the antique cedar trees, or the black and white colobus monkeys jumping from one branch to another. The appealing scenery of the area is reflected in the extraordinary sight of the ash cone and cliff face leading to the peak of Mount Meru.

Arusha National Park is one of the few in Tanzania where walking safaris take place, mainly because it is small with a few dangerous predators. Hikers pass through wooded savannah where buffalos and giraffes are regularly encountered. The ascent of MountMeru then leads into forests in flames with red-hot pokers and dripping with Spanish moss, before getting to the high open moorland spiked with giant lobelias. The alpine desert presents the ceaseless flowers and delicately-hoofed klipspringers along the trek. On both sides of the rocky summit, Kilimanjaro stands unveiled, withdrawn in the sunrise.

What to see on a Holiday to Arusha
Ngurdoto Crater- a miniature crater about 2 kilometres wide and a few feet deep with forested walls, Momella Lakes, Mt. Meru (4500M), Black & white colobus Monkey, all kinds of Big African game except Lion and Rhino. Hundreds of different species of sedentary birds to include the Silvery cheeked Hornbill, Hertlaub`s Turaco, Giant Kingfisher, a variety of wadders and Divers including Lilly troters, Yellow billed Stork and the Maccoa Duck respectively. Accommodations shall be arranged in Arusha Town.

Access
A 45 Minutes drive from ArushaTown.

Holiday Safari Highlights
Impressive views of Mount.Meru(4566 Metres), Elephants and Buffaloes, Maasai Giraffes, a variety of beautiful Birds most of them endemic to East Africa, Ngurdoto crater.

Best time to visit.
All year around except April and mid May. November.
Best views of Kilimanjaro December-February. To climb Mt Meru, June-February although it may rain in

Our safaris take you to the best of Tanzania s wildlife abundant parks and reserves, as well as areas of cultural richness. We can also customize an itinerary to suit your special interests, budget, and time allowance.

Among the various safari destinations in Tanzania, the national parks provide the best safari attractions and activities for a holiday in Tanzania. These include;

* Arusha National Park
* Ngorongoro Crater
* Lake Manyara National Park
* Tarangire safari Park
* Serengeti wildlife Park
* Mikumi National Park
* Udzungwe Mountains Park
* Usambura Mountains and Amani Nature Reserve
* Olduvai Gorge
* Maserani Snake Park

Itinerary for Tanzania Wildlife Safari- 10 Days with African Safaris Travel

Note: This may be a Luxury, middle range or budget safari depending on the accommodation facilities you want. That is Hotel, safari lodge/tented camp or camp respectively.

Day 1: Arusha – Arusha National Park - Tarangire
Depart Arusha town for Arusha National Park game viewing. At first a few-hour walking safari, where you will mingle with Giraffes, Buffalos, Zebras, various antelopes and fluffy-tailed Black and White Colobus Monkeys. After lunch a game drive to Momela Lakes full of Pink Flamingos and volcanic Ngurdoto Crater. In the afternoon transfer towards Tarangire National Park for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 2: Tarangire National Park
A whole day game drive in Tarangire National Park, where large population of Elephants can be seen all year round. Tarangire is also known for its density of wildlife; thousands of animals including Wildebeests, Zebras, Elands, Elephants, Buffalos, Hartebeests and rare Oryx migrate from Maasai steppe to the Tarangire River looking for water with Lions, Leopards and other predators following them. Unusual ancient Baobab trees are scattered all around the park. Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 3: Tarangire – Lake Manyara
After breakfast depart to the lush Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive. This little park is situated at the footsteps of the Great Rift Valley and provides a home to a wide range of different animals including Elephants, Buffalos, Giraffes, Hippos and more than 400 species of birds, but its most famous feature are the unusual tree-climbing Lions, resting on Acacia branches six to seven meters above the ground. Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 4: Lake Manyara – Lake Eyasi
In the morning a drive to Tanzania’s largest soda lake, Lake Eyasi. After lunch sightseeing around the lake, where large flocks of Pink Flamingos can be observed. Overnight: Tented Camp/Camp (there are no Lodge facilities!)

Day 5: Lake Eyasi – the Real Bushmen - Ngorongoro
After early breakfast transfer to where Haadzabe tribe or the Real Bushmen reside where you will join them on the morning hunt for food and find out how to survive in the wilderness. You will get to know their unique culture and way of living which has not changed for thousands of years! You will be taught how to make fire without matches and a word or two in their unusual Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater - Ngorongoro
After breakfast descend inside the eight wonder of the world or the natural Zoo as the Ngorongoro Crater is also known. You will have the whole day to explore its rich wildlife and search for the Big Five. Picnic lunch. Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 7: Ngorongoro – Maasai Boma - Olduvai Gorge - Serengeti
After breakfast head off to the world’s most famous park, Serengeti National Park, with an optional stop by the colorful Maasai tribe, the pastoral nomads who vigorously resisted change and still live the same as they have for centuries, and/or the cradle of mankind as Olduvai Gorge is also called. After lunch, afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park, with the size equivalent to Ireland, a home to more than four million different animals and also the place, where remarkable annual Great Migration occurs! Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 8: Serengeti wildlife
The whole day is spent searching for Lions, Spotted Hyenas, Leopards, Cheetahs, Servals, Caracals, Giraffes, Buffalos, Topis, Hartebeests, Waterbucks, Impalas, Reedbucks, Bushbucks, Kirk’s Dik-diks, Hippopotamus, Crocodiles, Warthogs and diverse birdlife. Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 9: Serengeti – Lake Natron
Sunrise game drive around north-eastern Endless Plains, as Serengeti was named by Maasai. After lunch a drive to one of the Tanzania’s most beautiful soda lakes, Lake Natron, famous for its population of several hundred thousands of Lesser Flamingos who come to the lake to breed. Dinner and overnight. Overnight: Tented Camp/Camp (there are no Lodge facilities)

Day 10: Ol Doinyo Lengai - Arusha
Early in the morning between 3.00 a.m. and 4.00 a.m. your will be transferred to the foot of “the Mountain of God”, Ol Doinyo Lengai, to start the trek to its peak at 2878 m. Descent from the mountain around noon, with a lunch tour of the Lake Natron. In the afternoon return to Arusha.

Itinerary for Serengeti Migration Safaris 8 Days with African Safaris Travel

This may be a Luxury, middle range or budget safari depending on the accommodation facilities you want. That is Hotel, safari lodge/tented camp and camp respectively.

Day 1: Arusha – Lake Manyara
Depart Arusha for Lake Manyara National Park game drive. This lush little park situated at the footsteps of the Great Rift Valley provides a home to a wide range of different animals including Elephants, Buffalos, Giraffes, Hippos and more than 400 species of birds, but its most famous and unusual inhabitants are the tree-climbing Lions, resting on Acacia branches six to seven meters above the ground! Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 2: Lake Manyara – Olduvai Gorge - Serengeti
Wildebeest MigrationAfter breakfast head off to the world’s most famous park, Serengeti National Park, with an optional stop at the cradle of mankind, as Olduvai Gorge is also called. And here you are in the celebrated Serengeti National Park, with the size equivalent to Ireland, a home to four million different animals and also the place, where yearly Great Migration occurs. Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 3: Serengeti
Cheetah feeding on its preyOne part of the herds of Wildebeest, Zebras and antelopes drift towards the west of Serengeti National Park seeking for permanent waters of Grumeti River and further to the north towards Lake Victoria; they are closely pursued by predators like Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Hyenas and Vultures. Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp in Western Serengeti

Day 4: Serengeti
From the west a transfer to the north of the Serengeti National Park, where the other part of the herds of Wildebeest, Zebras and antelopes races for life in search for the permanent waters of the northern rivers and the Mara. Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp in Northern Serengeti

Day 5: Serengeti
Another day in the northern part of Serengeti National Park observing the Great Migration; animals are prepared to sacrifice their lives when crossing rivers full of hungry Nile Crocodiles just to reach the green Maasai Mara. Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp in Northern Serengeti

Day 6: Serengeti
When the grazing in Mara is exhausted, migrators turn back to the central Serengeti to breed. And predators follow! Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp in Central Serengeti

Day 7: Serengeti – Maasai Boma - Ngorongoro
Sunrise game drive in southern Endless Plains, as Serengeti was named by Maasai. After lunch an optional stop by a colourful Maasai tribe, the pastoral nomads who vigorously resisted change and still live the same as they have for centuries. Dinner and overnight in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha
After breakfast descend into the astonishing Natural Zoo, the Ngorongoro Crater, abundant with wildlife and where you will have a big chance to spot the Big Five Picnic lunch. In the afternoon return to Arusha town.

Itinerary for Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti wildlife a and Lake Manyara safari- 7 Days with African Safaris Travel

Day 1: Nairobi - Tarangire
Depart Nairobi early in the morning crossing the border and arriving in Arusha for Lunch, or join this tour in Arusha. After lunch drive to Tarangire National Park and you will have a chance to look for Elephants, buffalo and other game on the way.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Wildlife park
Leave after breakfast, a game drive through the Park and then drive past lake. Manyara and across Karatu wheat plains to reach Ngorongoro in time for a late Lunch. The afternoon is at Leisure.

Day3: Ngorongoro
0800 hrs ,after breakfast, taking a picnic lunch with you, descend 2,000 ft. (670 M) into the crater floor, for full day game viewing. Break for lunch at Ngoitoktok springs picnic site. Ngorongoro is the only place one would expect for sure to see the endangered rhino. Needless to mention the animal varieties and abundance, the crater also offers colourful bird life of all distribution. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Day 4: Ngorongoro- Serengeti safari
Depart after breakfast and stop first at Olduvai Gorgefor a visit to the museum. Lunch at the Gorge Museum. After Lunch, visit various sites of the Gorge to see where the remains of the pre- historic man were discovered by the famous archeologist Dr. L. S. B. Leakey. Visit an old masai homestead on the way. Proceed to Serengeti plains past Serenora and on to Lobo, with afternoon game viewing ,arriving at your lodge for a late evening. After lunch afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Day 5: Serengeti Tour
Leave Lobo for Ndutu with game viewing in Serengeti and around Ndutu woodlands to locate Leopards and numerous plains games as well as Cheetahs, common species here. Overnight at Ndutu Safari Lodge.

Day 6: Serengeti - L. Manyara
After breakfast, with brief game viewing on your way out of Serengeti drive through Gibbs Farm for a delicious farmhouse lunch. Later, drive on to L. Manyara Lodge. Afternoon game drive, dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Day 7: L. Manyara - Nairobi
After breakfast, drive to Arusha via Mto wa Mbu village for shopping of the Makonde carvings and other souvenirs. After lunch in Arusha drive to Nairobi via Namanga border town, arriving early evening.

Itinerary forNgorongoro crater, Serengeti, Lake Manyara -6 Days in Tanzania with African Safaris Travel

Day 01 - Arusha / Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Safari departs from Arusha in the afternoon at 1400hrs (or from Nairobi at 0800hrs). Pick up from your Arusha Town Hotel (or any other agreed point in Arusha) and depart by road to Ngorongoro Conservation Area to arrive in time for dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. Full Board

Day 02 - Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast descend into the Crater for a spectacular full day’s game-viewing drive with a picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. Full Board

Day 03 - Ngorongoro / Serengeti National Park
After breakfast depart for Serengeti with a stop at Olduvai - the cradle of mankind - to arrive in time for lunch. Afternoon proceed on a game-viewing drive returning for dinner and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge. Full Board

Day 04 - SerengetiNational Park
A full day in the Serengeti with game drives. One before breakfast. Mid morning at leisure or on a further game drive. Afternoon proceed on another game-viewing drive returning for dinner and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge. Full Board

Day 05 - Serengeti / LakeManyara
After breakfast depart for Manyara Serena Lodge to arrive in time for lunch. Afternoon proceed on a game-viewing drive in search of ‘tree-climbing’ lions and other plains game including excellent bird-spotting trail. Dinner and overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge. Full Board

Day 06 - Depart
After breakfast depart by road for Arusha to arrive in time for lunch at the end of the safari.

Day 1: Nairobi - L. Manyara
Arrive Namanga border town at 1000 hrs. After immigration formalities, drive to Arusha for lunch. Drive to L. Manyara National Park famed for its abundant bird life , tree climbing Lions and large herds of Elephants for after noon game viewing. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Day 2: L. Manyara - Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast proceed to Ngorongoro crater in time for lunch. Ngorongoro cater is one of the wonders of the world’s so nicknamed by many visitors on their firs visit. The Ngorongoro conservation Area , 5184 sq. kilometers has three other small craters- Oldeani, Olmoti and Empakaai to the north and contains animal population of varied species. It was once a volcanic mountain which with tremendous force, blew and folded to form a Calders. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Ngorngoro - Tarangire
After breakfast, depart Ngorongoro for Tarangire arriving in time for Lunch. After noon game viewing in the Tarangire Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Tanzania in regard to animal concentration and abundance. Big herds of animals move from Ngorongoro , Manyara and surrounding game reserves to fetch water and food as Tarangire is always full of vegetation. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Day 4: Tarangire - Nairobi
After breakfast, drive to Arusha via Mto wa Mbu village for shopping of the Makonde carvings and other souvenirs. After lunch in Arusha drive to Nairobi via Namanga border town, arriving early evening.

Day 1: Nairobi - Ngorongoro Crater
0800 hrs pick up at your hotel and arrive in Namanga border of Kenya and Tanzania at 1000 hrs. After immigration formalities, continue to Arusha for lunch. Proceed to Ngorongoro for overnight on the crater rim. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Day 2: Ngorongoro
0800 hrs ,after breakfast, taking a picnic lunch with you, descend 2,000 ft. (670 M) into the crater floor, for full day game viewing. Break for lunch at Ngoitoktok springs picnic site. Ngorongoro is the only place one would expect for sure to see the endangered rhino. Needless to mention the animal varieties and abundance, the crater also offers colourful bird life of all distribution. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater - Nairobi
After breakfast at Ngorongoro, proceed to Arusha arriving in time for Lunch. Proceed to Arusha arriving in time for lunch. After continue to Nairobi arriving early evening.