6 Days Camping Safari Ol Doinyo Lengai Trekking

Lake Manyara National Park and Lake Eyasi Exploration

Distance: 120 km

Non-Game Driving Time: 2 to 3 hrs

After a satisfying breakfast at your lodge, your expert Ways African Safaris guide and chef will pick you up for an adventurous day. The journey begins with a drive to Lake Manyara National Park, passing through Arusha town, with the option for any last-minute purchases. Alternatively, you can head straight for a captivating game drive at Lake Manyara.

Situated at the base of the East African Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara Park boasts lush greenery and is home to a massive yet shallow alkaline lake covering nearly two-thirds of the entire park. The park’s diverse habitats attract a variety of animals, including a higher concentration of elephants, the renowned tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara, and countless flamingos along the lake, drawn by the green algae flourishing in the saltwater. Anticipate sightings of herds of buffalo, giraffe, hippos, wildebeest, warthogs, zebras, and numerous antelopes.

In the afternoon, drive to Lake Eyasi via the Great East African Rift Valley, where you can take a break for restroom facilities and capture some picturesque moments of Lake Manyara and its surrounding forest. Upon reaching Lake Eyasi, explore the Datoga tribe’s village, where they will guide you through their homes. Later, visit a blacksmith and embark on a sunset walk along the lakeshore. Finally, drive to the Bushmen Campsite for a delightful dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Overnight: Lake Eyasi Bush Campsite near the Lake

Day 2: Bushmen Hunting and Ngorongoro Crater Exploration

Distance: 60 km

Non-Game Driving Time: 1 to 2 hrs

On the second day of your camping safari and Ol Doinyo Lengai trek, you’ll embark on an early morning hunting expedition with the Bushmen, providing a unique opportunity to learn survival skills. The Bushmen, comprising the Hadzabe, Tindiga, and Datoga clans, are indigenous to the Lake Eyasi area, living a lifestyle reminiscent of the Stone Age through hunting and gathering of eggs, fruits, and root tubers.

After the hunting experience, return to the camp for a hearty breakfast before setting out for Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Drop off your cook at Simba Public Campsite and descend over 600 meters into the crater floor for an exceptional game viewing experience (packed lunch will be served at the Crater floor).

Throughout the year, abundant water and fodder in the Ngorongoro Crater sustain a diverse array of wildlife, including herds of buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, eland, warthogs, hippos, African elephants, and the elusive black rhino.

The Crater also surprises visitors with a higher density of predators, such as lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and the elusive leopard. Lake Magadi, within the Crater, is a fascinating stop where hyenas are often spotted, and flocks of flamingos, hippos, and other aquatic birds can be observed.

Spotting the Big 5 in a single day of game drive is highly possible. In the late afternoon, ascend to Simba Public Campsite at the Crater rim to enjoy the sunset, followed by a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Overnight: Simba Public Campsite at the Crater Rim

Day 3: Serengeti National Park Exploration

Distance: 145 km

Non-Game Driving Time: 2 to 3 hrs

Following a delicious breakfast, your Tanzania camping safari and Ol Doinyo Lengai trek continue to the renowned **Serengeti National Park**. Traverse the Crater rim, descending to the vast plains of the Serengeti. Optionally, en route, you have the opportunity to visit a Masai village, where friendly Masai warriors will welcome you into their homes. Interact with the residents, including children and other family members, and feel free to ask questions about their rich culture. Experience the traditional Masai dance and, if you wish, join in the high-jumping festivities.

Proceed to Naabi Hills gate and enter the Serengeti. You may choose to enjoy your packed lunch here before venturing further into Central Serengeti in search of big cats and the herds of the Wildebeest Migration, depending on the time of your visit. Arrive at Seronera Public Campsite, ideally during or before sunset, for a delightful dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Overnight: Seronera Public Campsite in Central Serengeti

Day 4: Serengeti Sunrise Game Drive

On this fourth day of your 6-day camping safari and Ol Doinyo Lengai trek, we highly recommend an early morning game drive commencing at 06:30. Begin your day with a breakfast box and a lunch box, ensuring a full day of exploration, returning late in the afternoon. This early drive offers the chance to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Serengeti, with predators returning from their morning hunt or displaying morning kills. It is during this time that many cats can be seen playing along the road, gracefully navigating the morning mist.

If your experienced safari driver-guide receives information on the location of the Wildebeest Migration, you’ll head straight there and spend ample time with these magnificent herds. However, whether or not the migration is present, Serengeti always promises exceptional game viewing. Drive back to the campsite, ideally during or before sunset, for a relaxing evening.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Overnight: Seronera Campsite in Central Serengeti