1 day Tarangire in a Day
Two hours from Arusha to the biggest elephant population in northern Tanzania, standing among baobabs along a river that never quite dries.
Wildlife
Two Days at Lake Natron
A caustic soda lake at the bottom of the Rift, red from the algae in it, and the only regular breeding site for East Africa’s lesser flamingos.
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At a glance
- Destinations
- Lake Natron · Ol Doinyo Lengai
- Best for
- Wildlife safari, Culture & history, Hiking
- Travel style
- Budget · Drive
- Activity level
- Moderate — walking days on forest and mountain paths
- Best time to travel
- June to October generally gives drier access for the Lake Natron walks. The lake shore is hot even in the dry season, while rain can change waterfall-gorge conditions; arrange early starts and check the paths locally.
- Start and end
- Starts and ends in Arusha
Why this journey
- The flamingo colonies, at the only regular breeding site in the region
- Ngare Sero gorge and its waterfall, walked with a Maasai guide
- Ol Doinyo Lengai standing over the lake — still active
- Sunrise on the lake, which is the reason for the overnight
- A Maasai community visit arranged through the village, not staged for the road
Day by day
Natron is not a game park. It is a shallow, highly alkaline lake below Ol Doinyo Lengai, hot and hard on the eye, and almost the entire lesser flamingo population of East Africa breeds on it. The Ngare Sero gorge behind it runs cold and clear.
Day 1 — Arusha to Lake Natron & Ngarasero Waterfall
Begin your adventure by departing from Arusha early in the morning and taking a scenic drive to Lake Natron, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Arrive at Ngarasero Waterfall, where you'll enjoy a guided hike to the falls, allowing time to relax and explore the vibrant flora and fauna in the area. After your hike, continue your journey to Lake Natron, check into your accommodation, and enjoy lunch overlooking the lake. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Natron, followed by a delicious dinner at your lodge.
Stay budget (price on request), mid-range (Lake Natron Tented Camp) or luxury Meals Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 — Lake Natron sunrise & Maasai visit
Wake up early to experience a sunrise over Lake Natron. Afterwards, take a guided tour to observe the flamingos and other wildlife at the lake. Following breakfast, visit a local Maasai family to learn about their culture and traditions. Engage in activities such as traditional dance or crafts, sharing stories with the family who host you. In the afternoon, depart from Lake Natron and begin your drive back to Arusha, with the opportunity to make scenic stops along the way for photos or exploration. Finally, arrive in Arusha to close the trip.
Meals Breakfast & Lunch
Stay and travel
Camping and simple lodges or park bandas, with a cook travelling with the group.
A 4×4 with a roof hatch and a window seat for everyone, driven by your guide throughout.
Camps fill, and roads change with the rains. Where something has to change we substitute at the same level and tell you before you travel, not after.
Included and excluded
What is included
- Every activity named in the day-by-day
- Accommodation as listed, or a similar alternative if a camp is full
- Meals as noted against each day
- Transfers between the agreed pick-up and drop-off points
- Park, reserve and conservation area fees
- An English-speaking Tanzanian driver-guide
- A 4×4 with a roof hatch, or the vehicle the route calls for
- Drinking water through the day
- Government taxes
Not included
- International flights, airport taxes and visa fees
- Travel, medical and baggage insurance
- Personal spending — drinks, laundry, telephone
- Tips for your guide and crew
- Anything not listed as included
Practical information
- Activity level
- Walking days on forest and mountain paths, some of them steep and often wet underfoot. Ordinary walking fitness is enough.
- Visas, insurance and tipping
- A visa is arranged before travel or on arrival. Travel and medical insurance is a condition of booking. Tipping is customary and we will suggest a range rather than set one.
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Every route here can be changed
Tell us what you would keep, what you would drop and how long you have. We will send back a version that is yours.