Lovebird Fly-in Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Lovebird Fly-in Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Kilimanjaro International Airport
On arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by a guide with a name board after you've collected your bags.
Kilimanjaro to Ngorongoro by light aircraft & 4WD
After a short walk to the domestic terminal, board your light aircraft for the 40-minute flight to Lake Manyara Airstrip, on the edge of the Rift Valley escarpment. From here it's a drive of about two hours to Lemala Ngorongoro, perhaps stopping to take in some spectacular views over the crater.
Lemala Ngorongoro
Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp is located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on the quiet, eastern side of the crater rim, a short drive past the Lemala Gate. Set in a grove of red-thorn acacia trees, the camp has more of a bush feel than many camps in this area of Tanzania, with plenty of birdlife and frequent visits by buffalo and elephant at night. Although Lemala doesn't have direct views over the crater, it does have views – mist and clouds permitting – through the forests in the opposite direction.
Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp is located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on the quiet, eastern side of the crater rim, a short drive past the Lemala Gate. Set in a grove of red-thorn acacia trees, the camp has more of a bush feel than many camps in this area of Tanzania, with plenty of birdlife and frequent visits by buffalo and elephant at night. Although Lemala doesn't have direct views over the crater, it does have views – mist and clouds permitting – through the forests in the opposite direction.
"Lemala is in an ideal location only 15 minutes from the crater floor. "
J2fromVAArrived 23 Jul 2023, 4 nights
Lemala Ngorongoro has very easy access to the crater floor; it's close to the 'Sopa' descent road on the eastern side of the crater and is actually inside the park gate. This makes it very convenient for getting into the crater as early as possible. While it lacks views of the crater floor, it’s a good spot to go walking amongst the forests and the hills of the crater rim, or to visit a Maasai village. See our full report on Lemala Ngorongoro
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
To drive into the Ngorongoro Crater is to immerse yourself in a renowned wildlife park. Prides of lion and clans of hyena patrol amongst herds of zebra, wildebeest and Thomson’s gazelle, whilst flocks of crowned cranes keep out the way of jackals. Come for elephants with big tusks, too. And then there are the rhino… Read all about Ngorongoro Crater safari
Ngorongoro to Serengeti by 4WD & light aircraft
Following a 90-minute 4WD transfer, leave the Rift Valley behind as your light aircraft soars across the escarpment and north-west to the Serengeti. Watch out for wildlife during the flight of some 45 minutes (depending on stops). A guide from Lemala will meet you for the leisurely hour's game drive to camp.
Lemala Ewanjan
Opened in 2010, Lemala Ewanjan is well-located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti in Tanzania, which has a good variety of resident game. It's an uncomplicated and comfortable camp, with lovely views of the sun setting over the plains.
Opened in 2010, Lemala Ewanjan is well-located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti in Tanzania, which has a good variety of resident game. It's an uncomplicated and comfortable camp, with lovely views of the sun setting over the plains.
"Brilliant setting. Lovely views. Friendly."
Drs C & CfromHoveArrived 22 Nov 2017, 3 nights
This part of the central Serengeti boasts good opportunities for viewing game throughout the year. Lemala Ewanjan offers a stylish tented option in this area for those on a slightly higher budget. See our full report on Lemala Ewanjan
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Hot air ballooning
Serengeti to Kilimanjaro by 4WD & light aircraft
Bid farewell to the Serengeti during the 60-minute game drive to Seronera Airstrip, where you'll board your light aircraft for Kilimanjaro. During the flight, which may stop for other passengers, there's plenty of time to take in views of the Ngorongoro Highlands before landing within around 2¼ hours.
Ends: Kilimanjaro International Airport
You'll arrive at Kilimanjaro in time to catch your onward flight.
Experiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.
Mto Wa Mbu Village Walk
Two to three hours
Discover the nuances of day-to-day life in the large Tanzanian village of Mto Wa Mbu with a knowledgeable local guide. This is not a village set up for tourists – Mto Wa Mbu is a real community and offers a chance to see a side of Tanzania that many visitors pass by.
More about Village Walk
Balloon Safari over the Serengeti
Three hours - approx. one hour flight
As the sun rises over the Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania, climb aboard for an extraordinary adventure. For an hour you’ll float in a hot air balloon over beautiful savannah and woodland and a diversity of plains wildlife.
More about Balloon Safari
Empakaai Crater Hike
Half day, two - three hour walk
Spend a half day hiking through the Empakaai Crater, in the Highlands area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), led by an experienced guide and accompanied by a ranger.
More about Empakaai Crater Hike
Olmoti Crater walk
Half day - two to three hour walk
Follow an ancient Maasai cattle trail on this private hike up the Olmoti Crater, led by an experienced guide and accompanied by an armed ranger. The crater may not compete in size with the neighbouring Ngorongoro Crater, but the birding is good, the mountain views wonderful, and the array of ferns is a botanist’s dream.
More about Olmoti Crater walk
Lake Manyara Safari
Half-day or full-day
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park makes a great safari destination. Here, along with elephant herds and plains game, you’ll find jungle-like forests that are home to blue monkeys, a soda lake tinged pink by flamingos and some of Tanzania’s best birding.
More about Lake Manyara Safari
Olduvai Gorge visit
One - two hours
See for yourself the renowned archaeological site of Olduvai (or Oldupai) Gorge, which lies en route between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. Famed for the discoveries of early hominin remains as well as the Laetoli Footprints, the site offers beautiful views, an engaging museum and potentially the opportunity to visit an active dig.
More about Olduvai Gorge visit