Overview
A spectacular safari designed for travelers fascinated by Earth’s history, geology, and dramatic landscapes.
This route blends Rift Valley escarpments, soda lakes, volcanic basins, crater lakes, and iconic wildlife ecosystems.
From the flamingo-filled lakes of Manyara and Natron to the volcanic giants of Ngorongoro and the endless plains of Serengeti, this trip brings together ancient Earth systems + world-class wildlife in a single journey.
Itinerary
Safari Highlights
- Rift Valley escarpment viewpoints & photographic stops
- Explore crater lakes (Manyara, Empakaai optional, small hidden lakes)
- Visit a soda lake ecosystem with flamingoes & alkaline waters
- Geological focus: volcanic mountains, basins, calderas, tectonic fault zones
- Big game viewing in Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- Visit to Maasai lands to understand human adaptation to harsh geology
- Sundowners with panoramic Rift views
- Midrange, comfortable lodges and tented camps
- Airport pickup
- Safari briefing
- Overnight in Arusha
- Optional short walk in lodge grounds (colobus monkeys, small lakes, forest birds)
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge / Africa Safari Arusha
Meals: BB
- Drive to Mto wa Mbu at the base of the Rift escarpment
- Visit a local crater-lake viewpoint
- Afternoon game drive in Lake Manyara National Park
- Key features:
– Groundwater forest
– Hot springs
– Flamingoes and waterbirds
– Viewpoints of the massive escarpment
Accommodation: Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp / Olea Lodge
Meals: FB
- Drive along the Rift Valley floor toward Lake Natron
- Dramatic views of volcanic formations & open lava deserts
- Afternoon visit to the Natron Lakeshore
- See flamingoes, soda flats, and the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai
- Sunset photography session
Accommodation: Lake Natron Tented Camp / Africa Safari Lake Natron
Meals: FB
- Early morning flamingo viewing
- Optional short waterfall hike with Maasai guide
- Drive up into the cool volcanic highlands
- Stop at Engaresero fault-line viewpoint
- Scenic arrival into Ngorongoro highlands
Accommodation: Rhino Lodge / Country Lodge Karatu
Meals: FB
Options depending on guest interest:
Option A — Empakaai Crater Day Trip
Drive to Empakaai Crater
Guided rim walk
Views of the crater lake far below
Geological explanations about calderas & volcanic collapse zones
Option B — Cultural + Geological Day
Maasai boma visit
Walk to volcanic hills and viewpoints around the highlands
Accommodation: Same lodge
Meals: FB
- Descend onto Serengeti plains — classic Rift Valley edge transition
- Game drive en route to central Serengeti
- Afternoon big-cat tracking
- Ecosystem interpretation: old lava flows, granite kopjes, ancient river systems
Accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Camp / Into Wild Africa Camp
Meals: FB
- Full-day wildlife exploration
- Sunrise photography of plains & rolling volcanic landscapes
- Track lions, cheetahs & hyenas
- Optional visit to the Moru Kopjes
- Learn about Serengeti volcanic origins and old eruptions
Accommodation: Same camp
Meals: FB
- Early game drive out of Serengeti
- descend into Ngorongoro Crater
- Wildlife viewing: lions, elephants, rhino, buffalo
- Picnic lunch at Hippo Pool
- Afternoon drive to Arusha or airport drop-off
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Costing
Includes
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser
- All park & crater fees
- Lodges/tented camps (midrange)
- All meals during safari
- Professional guide (wildlife + landscape interpretation)
- Bottled drinking water
Excludes
- Optional crater rim walks
- Tips
- Flights
- Drinks at lodges