WALKING SAFARI
11-DAY RIFT VALLEY TREK & SERENGETI TRAILS
- Best Time: June to November
- High Season: July to September
Welcome to Tanzania Walking Safari!
Experience Tanzania’s Northern Circuit through an extraordinary blend of classic safari and immersive walking adventure. This 11-day journey combines Big Five game drives in Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Tarangire with a multi-day trek across the Ngorongoro Highlands to the dramatic landscapes of Lake Natron, beneath the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai. Along the way, engage with Maasai culture, explore remote wilderness, and witness some of East Africa’s most striking wildlife and volcanic scenery.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), you will be warmly welcomed by your Grey Joy Safari Adventures guide and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. The day is reserved for rest and acclimatization. In the evening, your guide will provide a detailed safari and trekking briefing, covering the itinerary, safety guidelines, and expectations for the journey ahead.
Accommodation: Outpost Lodge
Meals: Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water
Day 2: Arusha – Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive – Empakaai Crater
After an early departure, travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers exceptional wildlife density, including the Big Five. After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, continue through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands to the remote Empakaai Crater. Your private mobile camp will be set on the crater rim, offering comfort, privacy, and sweeping views.
Accommodation: Private budget camping (Empakaai Crater rim)
Meals: All meals included
Day 3: Empakaai Crater Walk & Trek to Naiyobi (Acacia Campsite)
Begin the walking safari with a guided descent into Empakaai Crater, accompanied by an armed ranger. The soda lake below is often filled with flamingos, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding green slopes. After exploring the crater, continue trekking toward the Maasai village of Naiyobi. This walk offers breathtaking views and authentic cultural encounters. Overnight at a private tented camp, fully serviced by Grey Joy’s experienced crew.
Main Destination: Empakaai Crater & Ngorongoro Highlands
Accommodation: Private budget camping
Meals: All meals included
Day 4: Acacia Campsite – Rift Valley Descent – Lake Natron
Today’s trek descends the Great Rift Valley escarpment, revealing dramatic changes in landscape and climate. As you approach the valley floor, Ol Doinyo Lengai dominates the horizon, with Lake Natron shimmering below. At the end of the trek, your safari vehicle will meet you and transfer you to your lodge near Lake Natron for rest and refreshment.
Main Destination: Lake Natron
Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Natron Lodge
Meals: All meals included
Day 5: Lake Natron Exploration
Enjoy a full day exploring the surreal beauty of Lake Natron, a vital breeding ground for lesser flamingos. Activities include a guided walk to the lake’s edge and a hike through a scenic gorge to the Ngare Sero waterfalls. For adventurous travelers, an optional midnight climb of Ol Doinyo Lengai can be arranged. End the day with a peaceful sunset walk overlooking the Rift Valley.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Natron Lodge
Meals: All meals included
Day 6: Lake Natron – Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park via a remote and scenic route through Maasai lands. Upon entering the Serengeti, enjoy an afternoon game drive across the vast plains, home to abundant wildlife and, seasonally, the Great Migration. Continue to your tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Serengeti Wild Camp
Meals: All meals included
Day 7: Serengeti National Park – Full Day Game Drive
Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti with your Grey Joy professional safari guide. From large lion prides and cheetahs to elephants and giraffes, the Serengeti delivers exceptional wildlife viewing year-round. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush to maximize time on game drives.
Accommodation: Serengeti Wild Camp
Meals: All meals included
Day 8: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Start with an early morning game drive, a prime time for predator activity. After brunch, drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with an optional stop at Olduvai Gorge. Arrive at your camp on the crater rim, offering spectacular views over the caldera at sunset.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Wild Camp
Meals: All meals included
Day 9: Ngorongoro – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, travel to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Enjoy an afternoon game drive through varied habitats, home to diverse wildlife and excellent birdlife.
Accommodation: Nyikani Camp Tarangire
Meals: All meals included
Day 10: Tarangire – Arusha
Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Tarangire, capturing wildlife against the golden light and baobab-dotted landscapes. After lunch, drive back to Arusha for your final overnight stay.
Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Meals: All meals included
Day 11: Coffee Tour & Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a guided coffee plantation tour near Arusha, learning about Tanzania’s coffee culture from bean to cup. Later, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international departure, marking the end of your unforgettable trekking and safari adventure with Grey Joy Safari Adventures.
Meals: Breakfast
END OF THE TOUR
Included
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excluded
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- The government imposed an increase in taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- This tour starts and ends in Arusha/Moshi/Zanzibar
- Book your own international flights when using this operator
- A transfer from and back to the airport is included
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Important to Know
- This tour is not available to solo travelers.
- Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
- This tour accepts children who are 3 years and older. Children under 4 are free.
Rates Per Person
Start dates | Solo 1room | 2 people 1 room | 3 people 2 rooms | 4 people 2 rooms | 5 people 3 rooms | 6 people 3 rooms | 7+ people |
Jun 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | $7,470 | $6,080 | $5,800 | $5,575 | $5,075 | $4,875 | Get Quote |
Jan 1, 2026 – Mar 31, 2026 | n/a* | $3,790 | $3,443 | $3,086 | $3,086 | $3,086 | Get Quote |
Apr 1, 2026 – May 31, 2026 | n/a* | $3,438 | $3,124 | $2,789 | $2,789 | $2,789 | Get Quote |
Jun 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 | n/a* | $3,790 | $3,443 | $3,086 | $3,086 | $3,086 | Get Quote |
*n/a = not available. This tour is unavailable for solo travelers.
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