Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Firefinch Drive-Fly 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 Oliver's Camp by 4WD
Today’s four–five-hour journey takes you from Kilimanjaro Airport through the vibrant town of Arusha, where you might stop for coffee or to explore the local shops. You then continue past rural farmlands and grazing Maasai cattle to Tarangire National Park, and a final game drive to Oliver's Camp.
Oliver's Camp
In the quiet south-east of Tarangire National Park, beside Silale and Lormakau marshes, Oliver's Camp is a lovely tented camp set on a low, sandy ridge. It is particularly good for wildlife in the height of the dry season, when the marshes attract huge herds of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest. It used to have a separate satellite camp, Little Oliver's, close by, but now the two camps are incorporated as one, with a suspension-bridge-style raised walkway linking the two, over an area of dense bush.
In the quiet south-east of Tarangire National Park, beside Silale and Lormakau marshes, Oliver's Camp is a lovely tented camp set on a low, sandy ridge. It is particularly good for wildlife in the height of the dry season, when the marshes attract huge herds of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest. It used to have a separate satellite camp, Little Oliver's, close by, but now the two camps are incorporated as one, with a suspension-bridge-style raised walkway linking the two, over an area of dense bush.
"The location was incredible as was our tent"
Mrs K.fromNiceArrived 4 Sep 2023, 3 nights
Oliver's is a lovely tented camp with a great location in the far south of the park. It retains a real bush camp feel, and has a rustic charm. The food, service and guiding here are very good and the camp offers a great wilderness experience. See our full report on Oliver's Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
4WD drive: Oliver's Camp to Plantation Lodge
Departing Oliver's, relax into a game drive to the northern end of Tarangire National Park, passing the rural village of Mto Wa Mbu as well as the bustling, dusty town of Karatu. After around four hours you will arrive at Plantation Lodge, nestled amidst coffee plantations and neighbouring farmlands.
Lake Manyara Safari
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. Read all about Lake Manyara Safari
Plantation Lodge
Privately owned Plantation Lodge, opened in 1998, lies between Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara National Park, a short distance from the bustling Tanzanian market town of Karatu. Set in three hectares (seven acres) of beautifully maintained gardens, it is staffed entirely by local residents. The lodge is mainly used by visitors travelling with their own guide and vehicle, as a base for visits to the Ngorongoro Crater and sometimes to Lake Manyara National Park.
Privately owned Plantation Lodge, opened in 1998, lies between Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara National Park, a short distance from the bustling Tanzanian market town of Karatu. Set in three hectares (seven acres) of beautifully maintained gardens, it is staffed entirely by local residents. The lodge is mainly used by visitors travelling with their own guide and vehicle, as a base for visits to the Ngorongoro Crater and sometimes to Lake Manyara National Park.
"Staff wonderful and very friendly and accommodating."
Mr & Mrs WfromVICArrived 8 May 2023, 3 nights
We have always been impressed by the attention to detail and personal care at Plantation Lodge. It is comparatively affordable compared to many of the lodges on the rim of the crater and we feel it offers excellent value for money. Conveniently located, it makes a lovely, tranquil base from which to explore both the Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara areas. See our full report on Plantation Lodge
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Mountain biking
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 the Serengeti by 4WD & light aircraft
After an hour's drive to Lake Manyara Airstrip, board your light aircraft for the Serengeti. Depending on the location of the great migration, you'll land in the south after about 30 minutes, or the north after 1½ hours. Then enjoy a final game drive to Ubuntu, taking 30–60 minutes.
Ubuntu Camp
Ubuntu Camp is a small, mobile camp in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, which moves two times a year to optimise the chance of witnessing the great wildebeest migration. Between mid-November and mid-March, it is situated on the open southern plains, where the annual migration spreads out to graze. From mid-June to October it is located in the northern Serengeti, where it is perfectly positioned to witness the wildebeest crossing of the Mara River. The camp closes from mid-March to mid-June.
Ubuntu Camp is a small, mobile camp in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, which moves two times a year to optimise the chance of witnessing the great wildebeest migration. Between mid-November and mid-March, it is situated on the open southern plains, where the annual migration spreads out to graze. From mid-June to October it is located in the northern Serengeti, where it is perfectly positioned to witness the wildebeest crossing of the Mara River. The camp closes from mid-March to mid-June.
"This was our second visit to Ubuntu and again it did not disappoint. "
Mrs CHfromGuildfordArrived 20 Feb 2024, 3 nights
Ubuntu’s small size, unfussy layout, good service and reasonable price tag make it a great choice for those who enjoy a simple, bushcamp set-up and want a good-value base from which to see the migration at various stages. See our full report on Ubuntu Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Hot air ballooning
Serengeti to Kilimanjaro by 4WD & light aircraft
This morning, savour your final game drive of 30–60 minutes to the airstrip. If Ubuntu is located in the north, it's then a flight of around three hours to Kilimanjaro; from the south it's 1½ hours. Either way, you'll have time to enjoy the views as you cross the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Ends: Kilimanjaro International Airport
You'll arrive at Kilimanjaro in time to catch your onward flight.
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Inspire meExperiences 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.