Early afternoon you head south from Arusha towards Tarangire, passing through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations. At the town of Makuyuni you turn north west and continue the journey up through a scenic escarpment that brings you to your lodge, perched on the edge of the Rift Valley with stunning views over the distant Lake Manyara. Overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge on a half board basis..

After breakfast there is a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park returning to the lodge for an early lunch. Leaving Lake Manyara behind, the journey continues north west across the stunning hilly countryside of Karatu and the highlands which is filled with wheat and coffee plantations, and then into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From here lie the vast plains of the Serengeti, where youll hopefully start spotting game well before you enter into the park. From here, the remainder of the day will be on a game drive en route to the lodge. Overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge on a full board basis.

After breakfast you depart for Ngorongoro Crater, viewing game across the vast Serengeti plains and stopping off at Olduvai Gorge en route. The Gorge acquired its name from the Sanseveria bush that grows profusely in the area, named Olduvai by the Maasai. The Gorge is about 50km long and in some places around 90m deep and is found between the Crater and the Serengeti. It was first discovered by a German entomologist named Professor Kattwinkel, who instigated an expedition just before the First World War. Later, the exploration was continued by Dr Louis Leakey and his wife, who in 1959 found humanoid remains of Zinjanthropus, later renamed Australapithicus Boisei, an early form of man. You will have time to walk through the simple small museum at the gorge, where you can view copy displays of some of the finds as well as pictures of what life was like for the gorges earliest inhabitants. After a picnic lunch you continue on to your lodge high on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. Overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge on a full board basis.

A highlight awaits you this morning as you depart by 4x4 to explore what is commonly referred to as the Worlds largest wildlife zoo. After breakfast, youll descend through the early morning mists and 2,000 feet into the crater for a half day of game viewing with a picnic lunch. Ngorongoro Crater is the Worlds largest intact volcanic caldera and is also one of the Worlds seven natural wonders. Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor is comprised of several distinct habitats, ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs, to open grassland and some sandy dunes. Its an awesome wildlife experience. Late afternoon you leave the Crater and drive back to the lodge for the evening. Overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge on a full board basis.

Day 6      Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha (approximately 4 hours)

Departing south east towards the highlands and Karatu after breakfast, the scenery gradually changes into wheat plains and coffee plantations, before heading down through the scenic Rift Valley escarpment with great views of Lake Manyara beyond. Once on the main Arusha Dodoma road, the journey will pass through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations.

Upon arrival into Arusha, you will be dropped off at the airport (with a picnic lunch) to connect with the mid day flight to the Selous. This flight is approximately three hours. Upon arrival, youll be met by a guide and transferred to the camp to freshen up. The rest of the afternoon will be spent on a game activity within the reserve. The following three days will be filled with morning and afternoon game drives, walking safaris and boat trips on the Rufiji River and its picturesque lagoons. Overnight at Rufiji Camp on a full board basis plus activities.

Morning and afternoon game activities. Overnight at Rufiji River Camp on a full board basis plus activities.

Spend the day at leisure before being transferred to the airport to connect with your departure or onward arrangements.