3 DAYS TARANGIRE AND LAKE NATRON WILDLIFE AND CULTURAL TOUR

The overview

This article describes a peaceful three-day safari to Tarangire National Park and Lake Natron in Tanzania. It all starts and ends in Arusha. Because of the park’s more compact and open environment, you will be exposed to the numerous wildlife. Lake Natron is the primary breeding ground for 2.5 million lesser flamingos. Flamingos are stunning. This 58 km-long but only 50cm-deep alkaline lake is perfect for traveling and is located along the sun-scorched Kenyan border northeast of Ngorongoro Conservation Area

This tour highlights

• Game drives
• Walking safari
• Spotting of Flamingos
• Hike to the waterfalls
• Cultural and traditional encounter
• Scenic drives

Inclusions

• All meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Park Entrance fees
• Professional Guide
• Full board accommodation while on the safari
• Transfers (Arrival and Departure) between International Airport to Arusha
• Complementary bottle of water daily
• Government taxes

Exclusions

• Optional Tours based on Tourist Interest
• International and domestic flights
• Other personal expenses including gift shop purchases, laundry, phone calls, and beverages.
• Tips for the guides
• Travel Insurance, Visa

Brief Information about Tarangire national park

Tarangire National Park is more compact and open topography, wildlife is abundant and exposed, making it easier to observe animals up close and from a distance. The park is located near Lake Manyara and is only a two-hour drive from Arusha.

It is Tanzania’s sixth largest park, covering around 2850 square kilometers, and is home to the highest concentration of species outside of the Serengeti. Tarangire is well-known for its large elephant herds, which may be observed up close. Wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, gazelle, rhino, warthog, impala, python, lion, leopard, and over 50 bird species are also likely to be sighted at Tarangire.

The Park was once well-known for its hunting activities, with hunters pursuing and herders grazing their sheep. Tarangire National Park was founded in 1957 as one of the country’s wildlife reserves with the express purpose of protecting the territory during the dry season, when different animal species sought sanctuary in various locations. The Tanzanian government designated the park, which comprised multiple extensive wetlands and the Tarangire River, as a national park in 1970.

The Tarangire River, a permanent river in the park’s northern area, provides both the ecosystem’s and the park’s principal water supply. The Tarangire River, which flows through the park’s northwest section and drains into Lake Burungi, gave the park its name. There are several extensive wetlands along the river’s banks, particularly in the south, which frequently dry up into verdant plains during the dry season

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Arusha to Tarangire national park

Pick up from the lodge early in the morning and journey southwest for two and a half hours to Tarangire National Park. Tarangire National Park in Northern Tanzania is a beautiful, serene park known for its elephant migration, birds, and true safari experience. The vast majority of visitors to the region avoid Tarangire entirely, leaving much of the park unexplored.

Arrive at the hotel in time for lunch. After lunch, have some time to unwind before embarking on a game drive in search of uncommon creatures. Tarangire’s lush plains are bordered with breathtaking massive Baobabs, Africa’s tallest trees and a haven for a wide variety of species. Elephants flourish in this area, with some herds numbering up to 300 animals. There are herds of Zebras, Giraffes, Elands, Gazelles, Buffalos, Impalas, Wildebeests, Hartebeests, and Waterbuck, as well as Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, and Cheetahs that prey on them, and over 500 bird species, including the world’s largest bird, the Yellow-collared lovebird, and the heaviest flying bird, the Kori Bustard. Return to the lodge for dinner and night rest.

Meal plan: All meals are included

Day 2: Morning walking safari and drive to Lake Natron

Set out on a guided walking safari in Tarangire National Park after breakfast to observe elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, antelope, eland, impala, giraffe, and other animal footprints. Meet animals up close and personal. Over 600 different bird species may be seen during this guided strolling safari in this national park, including the beautiful Yellow-collared Lovebird, one of the world’s largest birds, and the Kori Bustard, the world’s largest flying bird. Raptors can also be seen in the park.

After the walking safari, you’ll take a 3- to 4-hour drive to Lake Natron, providing the ideal opportunity to view different aspects of Tanzania’s ever-changing landscapes.

The occasional Maasai community seen along the way fades into the distance. The further north you travel, the more remnants of ancient volcanoes rise around you. Ol Doinyo Lengai, which means ‘Mountain of God’ in Maasai, is one of them. After arriving, you will travel to the nearby village of Ngare Sero, where you will trek to the stunning waterfalls and enjoy bird watching. You settle into the lodge for dinner and overnight after a fun and unforgettable day.

Meal plan: All meals are included

Day 3: Morning stroll around the Lake Natron and transfer back to Arusha

This morning, after breakfast, take a stroll around the lake. The Maasai tribesman leads you on a walk along Lake Natron’s shoreline in search of the lesser flamingo. Lake Natron is the most important and consistent breeding ground for Lesser Flamingos in East Africa, hosting up to 2.5 million flamingos throughout the breeding season.

 

The majority of egg-laying and hatching occurs between September and April, with the peak occurring between October and (early) December. Although long-legged waterfowl thrive here, most other living animals, especially small birds, find survival extremely difficult; yet, the Lake Flats do provide a variety of habitats for birds that thrive in the alkali oasis.

You will come across Maasai villages and may even have the chance to visit their Bomas, or traditional villages, as you stroll across the region. With the assistance of your experienced guide, you may chat with the tribesmen, learning about their ancient heritage and strong connection to the land.

After lunch, you will check out of the lodge and drive back to Arusha, where you will be dropped off at a hotel for supper and an overnight stay, putting this safari to a close.

Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch