Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha, Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania
In the morning we switch to safari vehicles and drive west across the Great Rift Valley, passing through Mto Wa Mbo (‘Mosquito Creek’) and entering the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. Passing into the park, we drive around the Crater’s rim down onto the plains of the Serengeti. A luscious green after the rains and brown and burnt in the droughts, this is home to a vast variety of grazing animals, predators and birdlife. Flatter and larger than the Masai Mara, the Serengeti is enormous. In fact, the name is derived from the Masai word Siringitu, meaning ‘the place where the land moves on forever’. Game viewing is a fabulous activity and spending your nights sleeping in the designated but unfenced area where lion and hyena roam freely, is an enthralling and extremely memorable experience.
On second day we leave the plains, game driving en route and we begin to ascend the outer wall of the Ngorongoro Crater after lunch. We spend the night here camping on the rim, where wildlife roams freely and where you will definitely need a warm jacket to combat the cold night air. The Ngorongoro, at 326 square kilometres in area, is Africa’s largest intact crater as well as a World Heritage Site. The spectacular view from the rim that is 2400 metres above sea level makes the site from the Crater floor even more enjoyable at approximately 600 metres below sea level.
On the third day we make our way down the steep dirt road of the Ngorongoro Crater to view some game. There is plenty of wildlife to be seen here, except for giraffes who find the slopes too steep. All of the major mammals can be seen here, except for the giraffe (who cannot manage the steep slopes leading downward to the floor of the Crater). We then go back to the top of the crater for a last chance to take in the spectacular view. Back at our accommodation we pack up and have lunch before heading back to Arusha and Meserani Snake Park, where we will stay for the night.
Note: We may enjoy the Masaai walk on this day if we were unable to make this on day 19.
Accommodation: Serengeti National Park (first day) camping in twin share tents with basic shared facilities (no shower, pit latrine), Simba Camp (second day) camping in twin share tents with basic shared facilities, Meserani Snake Park (third day) camping in twin share tents with basic shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3
Distance Covered: +/-250kms each way on first and third day
Approximate Driving Time: Full days including game drives
Optional Activities: Camel Ride US$5
