The Serengeti Serena reflects both the local culture and the surrounding environment. Set high on a hill with magnificent views of the sweeping Serengeti, the lodge is reminiscent of a traditional African village. Rondavals built in the time-honored hut style, house luxury bedrooms with en suite facilities. Simple in design, yet sophisticated in content, the Serengeti Serena's decor highlights African arts and crafts, including woodcarving, bead making and pottery. Everything from key tags to headboards for the beds have been specially made. This uniquely African design skillfully incorporates the comforts and attention to detail that is the hallmark of every Serena Lodge. Therefore, if you wish to stay in a lodge, but want more of an African experience, then you will thoroughly enjoy your experience here.
Serengeti
In the local vernacular, Serengeti means ‘the endless plains that go up to the sky’. And they do just that. It is therefore easy to understand why this is the most popular and spectacular of all game parks in East Africa. Covering 14,765 sq km, one of the striking features of this park is the series of large granite outcrops that dominate the vast plains, making it very different to the Masai Mara. Life in the park centres on the triangular trek of several million hooves. This movement never stops, as the animals constantly seek out new grazing pastures. Every year, after the south’s short November rains, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, eland, topi and hartebeest gather in their thousands on the Serengeti’s southern plains and the Ngorongoro Highlands. Then, around April, they head towards the western corridor of the Serengeti, where many overflow into the Masai Mara around July/August. They remain here until late October/November, when Tanzania’s new rains prompt the move south again, towards Lake Ndutu and Lagaja. This yearly phenomenon also affects the lives of hundreds of thousands of other species, who rely on the migratory herds for their survival. These include predators, gazelles, birds and lowly insects, not to mention the grasses and trees that are fertilised by droppings. Another of the highlights here, is the early morning balloon safari.
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Your accommodation is at the stunning Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Built of stone and covered with a profusion of flowering plants, the lodge feels as if it's actually part of the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. The walls and terraces were designed around the existing contours of the site, making this beautiful lodge appear to be absorbed into the very earth on which it is built. The result is a unique accommodation with unhindered views of the wealth of animal and bird life that fill the vast crater below.
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Tarangire is recognised as one of the best parks on the northern circuit for elephant viewing during the dry season and Tarangire Sopa is ideally placed to experience this. The lodge welcomes guests to its vast marble-floored reception area with cold flannels and iced juice. In the pretty gardens a large circular pool with a central island, a pool bar and elegant wooden loungers demonstrates the lodge's commitment to comfort. Delicious barbecue lunches are often served here. A broad veranda wraps itself around the lodge and gives prime viewing for the waterhole below, which is filled during the dry season and becomes a magnet to wildlife. The rooms at the lodge are simple, comfortable and spacious and arranged in groups of four, in African-style buildings. Large sliding doors open to a private balcony.
Tarangire National Park
South of Lake Manyara and just over 100km from Arusha, this is a delightful, untamed gem of a park. Covering 2,600 sq km, it abounds with game and the numerous wide-bowed baobab trees create a lasting impression. Tarangire is at its finest during the dry seasons, from between June to October and December to March. This is when the Tarangire River and the various swamps attract the highest concentrations of game, providing a lifeline to thousands of species. This area is best for oryx, kudu, wildebeest, zebra, elephant and eland but leopards and massive pythons are also found here.
Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer from Arusha area hotel/lodge to the Arusha Airport for scheduled afternoon flight from Arusha airport to Serengeti departing at 15.00 hrs arriving at 17.00 hrs. Upon arrival you are met by a Serena vehicle and transferred to your lodge arriving in time for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a half board basis
Day 2
Morning and afternoon game drives in Serengeti National Park exploring this famous park and all that it has to offer. An optional early am balloon safari can be added on this day.
Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Day 3
Depart after an early breakfast with picnic lunch and drive back across the Serengeti plains with a game drive en-route via Olduvai Gorge and onto the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. On arrival immediately descend into the crater for game viewing. Late afternoon ascend the crater wall and continue to your lodge which is situated on the rim.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on a full board basis.
Day 4
Game viewing in Ngorongoro Crater with picnic lunch.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on a full board basis
Day 5
Drive to Tarangire National Park arriving in time for lunch at your lodge. Afternoon game drive.
Overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge on a full board basis
Day 6
Depart after breakfast and head north east to Arusha arriving by Midday and drop off in Arusha Town Centre for your onward arrangements.
Offer Includes:
- Flights with Kenya Airways from London Heathrow
- Airport taxes
- Transfers
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
- Meet and greet services
- Assistance at the airport
- Services of an English speaking driver-guide
- Transportation in a Safari Vehicle 4X4
- Game drives and crater tour
- All Government taxes and levies
