7 Day Tanzania Rift Valley & Flamingo Safari
Where we will go
- Lake Natron
- Engare Sero Waterfall & Ancient Footprints
- Midnight Ol Doinyo Lengai Summit Climb
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Arusha / JRO
Our 7 Day Tanzania Rift Valley & Flamingo Safari is Tanzania's most dramatic and most visually extraordinary itinerary — a breathtaking seven-day journey deep into the heart of the Great Rift Valley combining the otherworldly flamingo spectacle of Lake Natron, a thrilling midnight climb of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, authentic Maasai cultural encounters, classic Tarangire and Lake Manyara game drives, and the legendary wildlife concentration of the Ngorongoro Crater — an itinerary of unmatched drama, beauty, and adventure that showcases Tanzania's most extraordinary geological and natural heritage
Distance: 200 km | Meals: Lunch & Dinner | Overnight: Lake Natron
Depart Arusha or JRO at 6:30 AM driving northwestward through dramatic Rift Valley landscapes toward the remote and extraordinary Lake Natron. Arrive in the early afternoon for a guided flamingo viewing walk along the brilliant red alkaline lakeshore — your first breathtaking encounter with up to 1.5 million flamingos. Evening Maasai cultural village visit before dinner and overnight at camp.
Distance: 30 km local | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight: Lake Natron
Morning guided hike to the stunning Engare Sero Waterfall — a beautiful cascade through volcanic rock with excellent birdwatching and a refreshing natural swimming pool at the base. Afternoon visit to the extraordinary Engare Sero Footprint Site — 19,000-year-old ancient human footprints preserved in volcanic ash. Early dinner at 5:00 PM and rest before midnight volcano departure.
Climb: 8 km round trip | Meals: Pre-climb snack, Breakfast & Lunch | Overnight: Lake Natron
Midnight departure for the thrilling climb of Ol Doinyo Lengai — the sacred Maasai "Mountain of God" and one of the world's only active natrocarbonatite volcanoes. A demanding 4 to 5 hour ascent by headlamp rewards with a breathtaking sunrise over the Great Rift Valley and Lake Natron from the 2,962 metre summit. Descend by mid-morning for a well-earned breakfast and full afternoon rest at camp.
Distance: 320 km | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight: Tarangire
Depart Lake Natron after a relaxed morning and drive southeastward toward Tarangire National Park. Afternoon game drive through the iconic baobab-studded savannah along the Tarangire River — searching for massive elephant herds, lion, leopard, giraffe, wild dog, and over 550 bird species. Dinner and overnight at Tarangire camp or lodge.
Distance: 145 km | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight: Karatu
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park through the lush groundwater forest and alkaline lakeshore — searching for the world-famous tree-climbing lions, flamingo flocks, elephant herds, hippo pools, and 400+ bird species. Bush picnic lunch in the field. Ascend the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Distance: 130 km | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight: Karatu
Early 5:30 AM departure for the legendary Ngorongoro Crater descent. Full day game drive on the crater floor searching for black rhino, lion, elephant bulls, buffalo herds, hippo pods, and flamingos on Lake Magadi. Crater floor picnic lunch before ascending the walls and returning to Karatu for a final overnight.
Distance: 145 km | Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: N/A
Relaxed morning breakfast in the beautiful Karatu highlands before your guide transfers you back to Arusha city or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) — arriving by early to late morning in plenty of time for onward flights.
- ✅ Hotel or airport pickup and drop-off — Arusha or JRO
- ✅ All transport in a private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- ✅ Professional English-speaking Mbuga Travel safari guide for all 7 days
- ✅ Experienced Ol Doinyo Lengai summit guide for Day 3 midnight climb
- ✅ All park & conservation fees — Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP & Ngorongoro CA
- ✅ Ngorongoro Crater descent fee
- ✅ Ol Doinyo Lengai climbing permit & guide fees
- ✅ Engare Sero Waterfall hiking guide fee
- ✅ Engare Sero footprint site entry fee
- ✅ Maasai community cultural visit fee
- ✅ Lake Natron flamingo viewing walk
- ✅ All meals as specified throughout
- ✅ Bottled drinking water & electrolyte drinks for volcano climb
- ✅ Headlamps for midnight volcano climb
- ✅ All fuel costs
- ✅ Snacks & refreshments during game drives
- ✅ Government taxes & levies
- ❌ International flights to and from Tanzania
- ❌ Tanzania visa fees (USD 50 per person)
- ❌ Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- ❌ Tips & gratuities (USD $15 to $20/day safari guide, USD $15/day volcano guide)
- ❌ Personal hiking equipment (sturdy hiking boots essential for volcano climb)
- ❌ Personal items & souvenirs
- ❌ Alcoholic beverages
- ❌ Optional hot air balloon safari — Serengeti (available on request)
