Meet your guide at lotus spa safaris office in Arusha

Receive a safari briefing and load the 4x4 vehicle.

07:30 AM – Depart for Ngorongoro Crater

• Drive through the Great Rift Valley, passing lush highlands and Maasai grazing lands.
• Brief stop at a viewpoint or curio shop en route if time allows.

11:00 AM – Arrive at Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Enter the conservation area and proceed to the crater gate.
• Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater (~600m deep, 260 km²) for a full game drive.
• Spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black rhino), hippos, flamingos, and more in the crater’s unique ecosystem.

01:30 PM – Picnic Lunch

• Enjoy a packed lunch at the Ngoitokitok Spring picnic site, near hippos and birdlife.

02:30 PM – Continue Game Drive

Explore the crater’s grasslands, forests, and Lerai Fever Tree area for wildlife like cheetahs, hyenas, and rare black rhinos.

05:00 PM – Ascend and Check-In

• Exit the crater and drive to your accommodation in Karatu ( Peak Hotel).

06:30 AM – Early Breakfast

• Quick breakfast at the hotel to maximize Serengeti time.

07:00 AM – Depart for Serengeti

• Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward Serengeti, with en-route game viewing in the open plains (zebras, wildebeests, gazelles).

09:00 AM – Optional Stop at Olduvai Gorge (~$10–15/person, 45 minutes)

• Visit the archaeological site and museum, famous for early human fossils.
• (Skip if prioritizing Serengeti wildlife.)

11:00 AM – Enter Serengeti National Park

• Begin an en-route game drive toward central Serengeti (Seronera area).
• Look for lions, leopards, elephants, and migratory herds (season-dependent).

01:00 PM – Picnic Lunch

• Stop at a scenic spot near the Naabi Hill Gate or a waterhole.

02:00 PM – Afternoon Game Drive

• Explore central Serengeti, focusing on the Seronera River (hippos, crocodiles) or kopjes (rocky outcrops) for predators.
• 05:00 PM – Check-In
• Arrive at your tented camp ( Serengeti tortilis camp)
• Freshen up and relax.
• 06:30 PM – Dinner and Overnight
• Enjoy dinner with Serengeti’s nighttime sounds.
• Overnight: Serengeti Tortilis Camp

06:00 AM – Early Morning Game Drive

• Start with a 2–3-hour sunrise game drive in Serengeti to catch active predators (lions, cheetahs) and early grazers.
• Optional: Hot air balloon safari (~$600/person, pre-booked) with a champagne bush breakfast, replacing the game drive.

09:00 AM – Breakfast and Departure

• Return to the camp for breakfast and pack up.
• Depart Serengeti by 09:30 AM via Naabi Hill Gate.

12:00 PM – Picnic Lunch

• Stop in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for a packed lunch at a scenic viewpoint.

02:00 PM – Mto wa Mbu Cultural Stop (~1 hour, ~$10/person) Optional

• Visit Mto wa Mbu town near Lake Manyara for a market tour, exploring stalls with crafts, spices, and produce.
• 03:30 PM – Continue to Arusha
• Drive through rural landscapes, with a brief stop if needed.
• 05:30 PM – Shopping Stop in Arusha (if time permits)
• Visit the Masai market or a curio shop for souvenirs (Tanzanite, carvings).
• Alternatively, stop at a coffee shop for Tanzanian coffee.
• 06:30 PM – Arrive in Arusha
• Overnight: Not included (arrange in Arusha if needed) and that will be the end of our safari.