Tanzania · Safari

12-Day Tanzania Safari and Materuni Waterfall Hike with Lake Natron

12 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Hike to Materuni Waterfalls and the slopes of Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai
  • 02 Explore Arusha National Park on game drives and a walking safari
  • 03 See Tarangire's large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees
  • 04 Discover Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled shores
  • 05 Spend two days on safari in northern Serengeti, famed for Great Migration crossings
  • 06 Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for wildlife viewing, including the Big Five
  • 07 Cycle through Mto wa Mbu's banana plantations, farms, and local villages

Embark on a 12-day safari and hiking adventure in Tanzania, combining waterfalls, wildlife, volcano landscapes, and cultural experiences. Hike to Materuni Waterfalls near Moshi, explore Arusha National Park, and enjoy game drives in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. The journey also takes you to Lake Natron and Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai for a unique hiking experience, with time to relax and photograph flamingos in this striking landscape. Round out the trip with a cultural bike tour through Mto wa Mbu's farms and villages.

The hike will take you through the rugged terrain of the volcano, providing breathtaking views and a unique experience.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, Ol Doinyo Lengai, Lake Natron, Arusha National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Lodge Relaxation

  • Arrival in Arusha at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Forest Hill Lodge.
  • After checking in, take some time to relax and acclimatise to your surroundings. Enjoy the lush gardens and peaceful environment of the lodge.
  • Later in the day, you can explore the local area or simply unwind in your comfortable accommodation.
  • Dinner will be served at the lodge, where you can enjoy a delightful meal and discuss the exciting itinerary ahead.

Overnight at Forest Hill Lodge.

2
Day 02

Materuni Waterfalls Hike near Moshi

  • After a hearty breakfast at Forest Hill Lodge, depart for Materuni Waterfalls near Moshi. The drive will take approximately 2 hours.
  • Upon arrival, embark on a guided hike to the beautiful Materuni Waterfalls. The trek offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, culminating at the impressive falls, where you can enjoy a refreshing break.
  • After the hike, transfer to Maridadi Hotel in Moshi for check-in and an overnight stay.

Dinner at the hotel will feature local Tanzanian cuisine.

3
Day 03

Wildlife Exploration in Arusha National Park

  • After breakfast at Maridadi Hotel, return to Arusha.
  • Drive to Arusha National Park for a day of wildlife exploration. The park's diverse landscapes, including lush forests and open plains, are home to various wildlife species such as giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes.
  • Enjoy a game drive and a walking safari to experience the park's beauty up close.
  • After a day of adventure, return to Forest Hill Lodge for an evening of relaxation and a delicious dinner.
4
Day 04

Game Drive in Tarangire National Park

  • Following breakfast at Forest Hill Lodge, set off for Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and baobab trees. The journey will take around 2.5 hours.
  • Upon arrival, embark on an exciting game drive, observing diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The park's unique landscape offers excellent photographic opportunities.
  • In the late afternoon, check in at Endoro Lodge, where you will enjoy a relaxing dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
5
Day 05

Lake Manyara Wildlife Safari

  • After breakfast at Endoro Lodge, travel to Lake Manyara National Park, about a 1.5-hour drive away. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and a large population of flamingos.
  • Spend the day exploring the park's varied habitats, including its lush groundwater forest and the soda lake.
  • After a fulfilling day of wildlife viewing, return to Endoro Lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.
6
Day 06

Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai Hike

  • Enjoy breakfast at Endoro Lodge before setting out for Lake Natron, with a journey taking approximately 3.5 hours.
  • Arrive at Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai and enjoy your lunch while preparing for the adventure.
  • Begin your hike around 7:00 PM. The hike will take you through the rugged terrain of the volcano, providing breathtaking views and a unique experience.
  • Expect to finish the hike by 1:30 AM.
  • Afterwards, head to Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge near Lake Natron for check-in. Relax and enjoy the serene environment with dinner at the lodge.
7
Day 07

Leisure Day at Lake Natron

  • After breakfast, begin your day with a relaxing breakfast at Masai Giraffe Eco Lodge.
  • Spend the morning unwinding and soaking in the serene environment. In the afternoon, venture to Lake Natron, renowned for its vivid colours and large flamingo population. Capture breathtaking photos of the flamingos and the unique landscape. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and the stunning natural beauty surrounding you.
  • Return to Masai Giraffe Eco Lodge in the evening, where a delicious dinner awaits.
8
Day 08

Northern Serengeti Safari Adventure

  • Departing after breakfast at 8:00 AM, you will head to the northern part of the Serengeti, renowned for the Great Migration crossings.
  • You will have full-day game drives for two days starting at 8:30 AM, witnessing dramatic river crossings and abundant wildlife.
  • Each day includes a lunch break around 1:00 PM amidst the stunning landscapes.
  • Evenings will be spent at Serengeti Heritage Camp, enjoying the comfort and serenity of the camp and sharing stories of the day's adventures around the campfire.
9
Day 09

Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Experience

  • After breakfast, depart at 7:00 AM for the Ngorongoro Crater, arriving by mid-morning. The descent into the crater floor will offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, including seeing the Big Five.
  • Around 1:00 PM, enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool. The afternoon will be spent exploring more of the crater's unique ecosystem before heading to Maasailand Coffee Lodge by late afternoon for an overnight stay.
10
Day 10

Cultural Bike Tour in Mto wa Mbu

  • Following breakfast, depart at 8:00 AM for a cultural bike tour in Mto wa Mbu. Starting at 9:00 AM, cycle through banana plantations, local farms, and villages, experiencing the rich culture and hospitality of the local communities.
  • Around noon, have lunch at a local eatery, sampling traditional dishes. The afternoon continues with more exploration and perhaps a visit to a local market.
  • Return to Maasailand Coffee Lodge by late afternoon for an overnight stay.
11
Day 11

Departure Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport

  • After a leisurely breakfast, spend the morning at the lodge, enjoying the facilities and relaxing before your departure.
  • By midday, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure.

End of adventure.

Materuni Waterfall, Ol Doinyo Lengai slopes, Lake Natron flamingo flats, Serengeti National Park plains

Where this trip takes you

Materuni Waterfall, Ol Doinyo Lengai slopes, Lake Natron flamingo flats, Serengeti National Park plains

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arusha 10 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Park entry fees
  • All accommodation in public campsites
  • Taxes/VAT
  • All meals, as outlined day by day
  • Round-trip airport transfers
  • Driver-guide
  • Drinking water

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Domestic flights
  • Accommodation before and after the tour
  • Tips/gratuities for the guide or hotel staff
  • Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa, etc.
  • Any government tax increases as imposed
  • Entry fees

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour start
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 3,890 /person
Book This Tour

Estimated room rates

Single Room $3,890.00 — $4,320.00
Double Sharing $3,890.00 — $4,320.00

When

Travellers

Total