5 Days-Engaruka Culture/Lake Natron/Manyara Biking & Game drive in Lake Manyara.
Day 01 – ARUSHA – ENGARUKA VILLAGE:
You will have an early breakfast in Arusha before you depart For Engaruka in Monduli in District via Selela.Engaruka village is located 63 kilometers north of Mto wa Mbu, on the road to Oldoinyo Lengai and Lake Natron.It lies at the foot of the rift valley escarpment.Fast flowing streams from the escarpment are utilized to irrigating small plots and give the village a pleasant green look, in contrast to the surrounding plains where Maasai cattle graze side by side with herds of zebras and wildebeest.Birds of prey circle above the area looking for a kill, while remarkable looking secretary birds, beloved as snake killers, strut across the plains. Dust cyclones are often seen on the horizon, they are feared as devils fingers”, bringing bad luck when they touch people. Engaruka is one of Tanzania’s most important historic sites. Dinner and Overnight at Lake Tented Lodge.
Day 02 – ENGARUKA FULL DAY:
Afte breakfast, you will go on a historical tour by visiting the ruined city of Engaruka that is located at the foot of the Rift Valley Escarpment.Here, you will be able to see the abandoned remnants of the complicated irrigation system. your local guide with vast knowledge of the area will help you to identify old graves, house walls, irrigation canals and terraces, and explain to you the various theories of the rise and fall of this highly specialized farming community. The ruined city abounds with colorful birds and butterflies, remnants from the German colonial times and you can visit an “Olpul”, which is a place where the local tribe, the Maasai slaughter and eat their cows.The irrigation was made by the farming community in a way that it that flowed freely from the rift escarpment was channeled into stone-built canals and led to stone-bench terraces. Measures were taken to prevent soil erosion and the fertility of the plots was increased by using the manure of stall fed cattle. For unknown reasons, in 1700AD,the farmers left Engaruka.All meals and overnight at the Lake Natron Tented Lodge.
Day 03 – LAKE NATRON FULL DAY:
Today, you will spend a full day at Lake Natron.You have several options including hiking to the waterfalls above the camp for a relaxing swim or to watch the baboons leaping back and forth on the cliffs, the more adventurers can decide to attempt climbing Oldonyo Lengai.This is a steep 5000-ft climb and involves leaving at 2:00am in order to reach the rim by dawn; the rewards of seeing the sun rise over the Great Rift Valley are incredible. Lake Natron is extremely important as it is a breeding place for all the Flamingoes in East Africa. Flamingos breed in the small island in the middle of Lake Natron which has very high concentration of soda that no any animal can cross the lake to prey on Flamingos eggs or chicks.Your accommodation is on the river under the vast African skies, watching the flamingoes pass overhead on the way back to nesting sites in the middle of Lake Natron. All meals, Dinner and Overnight stay at Lake Natron Tented Lodge.
Day 04 – LAKE NATRON – LAKE MANYARA:
You will have your breakfast at your camp before you start your journey to Lake Manyara, Arriving in time for lunch at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge.After lunch you will relax in your room until 15.00 PM, when you will be will go for Biking Safari around the area. Dinner and Overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge.
Day 5 – LAKE MANYARA/ARUSHA:
You will have an early breakfast at your lodge and thereafter you will drive to Lake Manyara National Park where you will enjoy an action parked game drive.Return to your lodge to have lunch.Afterwards start your return journy to Arusha.On arrival you have the option of going on shopping for souvenir before your transfer to the airport to board your home bound flight. End of your exciting 5 Days Tanzania Safaris & Cultural Tour.
The safari quotation does include:
Arrival and departure transfers,park entrance fees, conservation fees,Government levies & taxes,ground transportation for game drives using 4×4 safari vehicles with Knowledgeable & English speaking driver.
The Safaris quotation does not include:
Visa fees, travel insurancecost, Personal expenses, tips to your guide and hotel staff