Tanzania Walking Safari - On Foot in the Serengeti

Unforgettable trekking across the Serengeti with Masai guides - Wild walking in the Gol Mountains - Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge - Optional ascent of the volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai

A wonderful trekking and safari adventure holiday to explore the famous Serengeti of Tanzania. Northern Tanzania is home to the world's finest wildlife viewing, in the Serengeti and Tarangire national parks and in the nearby Ngorongoro Crater. With easy access from Kilimanjaro Airport, before we commence the trekking we explore these reserve areas with classic game-drives amongst abundant wildlife. However, it is our 3 full days of walking across the Serengeti, accompanied by Masai guides and camping out under the big African sky, which makes this trekking safari holiday so special. Ticking off the 'Big Five' from the back of a 4-wheel-drive vehicle is rewarding in itself. But, it is an altogether more memorable experience to head out trekking into the bush on foot. This unique trekking and game viewing safari holiday to the Serengeti also includes a visit to the 'Cradle of Mankind' at Olduvai Gorge and the option to make the tough trekking ascent of the sacred peak of the Masai, Lengai (2878m /9442ft) for far-reaching views over nearby Lake Natron and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater Highlands. This is, quite simply, the finest walking and safari adventure holiday currently on offer to the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Trip Guide
This is a varied safari package, involving a fair bit of driving sometimes on rough roads. We use 4-wheel-drive vehicles with game-viewing hatches and the group's equipment is carried in a pick-up. Our 3-day trek across country starts out easily, with a 4-hour walk across open grassland and acacia scrub, often with no trails. The second day of walking is longer and very different in character, as we make our way through the gorge of the Sanjan River. Depending on the amount of water in the river, this can involve wading through deep pools, as well as some easy scrambling and boulder hopping. Whilst descending into the Rift Valley on the third day of our trek, we will be following cattle trails used by the Masai. We will usually have a siesta of an hour or two in the middle of the day if it is particularly hot.

The optional ascent of Mount Lengai is tough with a 4 to 5 hour ascent and a 2 to 3 hour descent, on a steep and rough path with loose scree and ash.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Arusha. Complimentary transfers are provided from Kilimanjaro Airport. KE Land Only services begin with dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Early start for the drive to the Tarangire National Park. Afternoon game spotting along the Tarangire River. Overnight camp in the park.

Day 3: Drive to the Ngorongoro Crater and check into the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge located on the crater rim. Afternoon game drive in the crater.

Day 4: Morning visit to the Olduvai Gorge and its museum. Then drive to the Gol Mountains and our fixed camp at the mouth of the Sanjan Gorge.

Day 5: With Masai guides, we walk up to the Engurika viewpoint for a magnificent panorama over the Salei Plains, Lengai and the Crater Highlands. Return to camp via a warriors feasting cave.

Day 6: Trek through the impressive gorge of the Sanjan River, home to thousands of nesting vultures. Late afternoon walk to a neaby Masai village. Overnight at the Sanjan camp.

Day 7: A short drive to the steep escarpment above Lake Natron. Trek up and over the ridge and descend to our camp at Enkare Sero, between Mount Lengai and Lake Natron.

Day 8: Optional ascent of Mount Lengai (2878m / 9442ft), involving a rough drive and a tough hike. After lunch, drive towards Longido, passing the volcano, Gelai, en route. A final camp.

Day 9: Drive via a little-used track to Arusha, where we check into our hotel.

Day 10: A free day in Arusha. Then, late afternoon transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport, where KE Land Only services end.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

During this trip the group will spend 2 nights at the Hotel Impala in Arusha, a 3-star hotel with swimming pool and cybercafe. We will also have a night at the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge, or similar standard accommodation.