Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari: Summary
Firefinch safari in a nutshell
This drive-fly safari encompasses three of the most sought-after destinations in northern Tanzania, and is great value. With a combination of privately guided drives, light-aircraft flights and shared game drives, it is a well-rounded and immersive safari, initially with the attention of a personal guide then sharing the experience with a small group.
Beginning at Oliver’s Camp in the quieter south-east of Tarangire National Park, you'll journey with your personal 4WD to the remoter regions of the park where you can enjoy bush walks, night drives and a plethora of spectacular birdlife.
Situated mid-way between Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Plantation Lodge then provides an immaculate and comfortable base from which to explore both. Safari to the great soda lake and watch for large herds of elephants, or journey to the crater floor where it is possible to spot the elusive black rhino.
After flying into the Serengeti, you will join shared game drives at a small and authentically rustic bushcamp. As a mobile camp that moves thrice annually, Ubuntu aims to maximise the potential for migration sightings, following the journey of the herds as they travel through the consistently game-rich plains of the Serengeti.
At a glance
| Starts: | Kilimanjaro International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights | Oliver's Camp - Tarangire National Park, Tanzania | Full Board & Activities |
| 3 nights | Plantation Lodge - Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania | Full Board & Activities |
| 3 nights | Ubuntu Camp - Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania | Full Board & Activities |
| Ends: | Kilimanjaro International Airport |
Oliver's Camp
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Plantation Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Ubuntu Camp
Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari.
- Driving alongside hundreds of wildebeest
- Experiencing the culture and meeting local people
- Seeking black rhino on the floor of Ngorongoro Crater
- Immersing yourself in nature during bush walks
- Enjoying both a private safari and shared drives
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Mountain biking
Night drive
Key species to see on the Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
99% chance
97% chance
97% chance
97% chance
90% chance
40% chance
31% chance
26% chance
9% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
Side-trips whilst on this safari
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
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
Crater Rim Walk
Half day - two hour walk
For some fantastic views, and the chance to see flora and fauna up close, take a walk along the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Led by an experienced safari guide and accompanied by an armed ranger, you will be able to take in the scale and beauty of the landscape from a different perspective.
More about Crater Rim Walk
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
Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway
Usually one hour
Experience the forest of Lake Manyara National Park from a whole new perspective – high up in the trees. The first suspended walkway in Tanzania, it stretches underneath the canopy for 370m between the mahogany and fig trees, giving intrepid visitors a unique view of the surrounding flora and fauna.
More about Manyara Treetop WalkPlan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
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When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
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