LAKE MANYARA SERENA SAFARI LODGE

Scenic Flights
Experience Lake Manyara from the air! Humming bird aviation and Green Footprint Adventures are offering guests the "once in a lifetime" experience of viewing the Great Rift Valley & Lake Manyara from 1,500 ft in the air.

About the flights
All Lake Manyara flights will take off from the Manyara airstrip and follow a route over Lake Manyara National Park. As stipulated in the National Park rules the flight will not be below 1,500 feet above National Parks. Outside National Parks the micro light plane can fly much lower.

When ?
Each day between 06:30 - 18:30 (depending on theweather).

Where to meet ?
Lake Manyara airstrip, 15 min prior to take-off.

Number of guests
1 guest per flight (and the pilot of course!).

Flights and cost
20 mns flight: A once in a life time experience...fly with us along the escarpment and over Manyara National Park and see thousands of flamingoes, elephants, giraffes and other animals.

40 Minute flight: Twice the fun...which includes soaring along the escarpment of the Great Rift valley and over Manyara National Park and a stunning flight over the Masaai plains.

60 Minute flight: Our de-luxe flight...includes all the above with a chance to fly over the crater highlands if the weather permits

Special requested flight: We will be able to also offer your guests flights upon request. The following flights are possible:

- Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro scenic transfer flight
- Ngorongoro scenic flight
- Oldonyo Lengai scenic flight

Green Footprint Adventures and Humming Bird Aviation relationship: Humming Bird Aviation will be the operator of all flights. They will be responsible for the operation of the airplane as well as the employment of the pilots. For more information on Humming Bird Aviation please read the attachments. Green Footprint Adventures will be the booking, sales and communication office for this activity only.
Available at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge



Night Game Drives
Details in regards to Night Game Drives:
Between the hours of 19:00 and 22:30 guests can enjoy a night drive in an open game drive vehicle with very knowledgeable guides. During this drive the focus will be on nocturnal creatures. We expect to see a wide variety of animals not normally seen during the day. It will also be possible to see porcupines, bush babies, bush buck, hippos, mongoose, civets and a number of nocturnal birds. Also at night, the famous 'tree climbing lions' will actually be on the ground, a much better way to view them. Besides looking at nocturnal birds and mammals the guide will also call up frogs, teach guests more about the fantastic African night skies and point out night sounds in the forest.

We will have a nice coffee break during the night drive where GFA will provide the coffee.

All drives will be accompanied by a guide and a spotter. The responsibility of the spotter will be to locate animals by the use of a spotlight. Once an animal is located the spotter will fit a red UV filter to the front of the light. During all the drives we will only view nocturnal animals. It has been proven that spotlights have no negative effect on the behavior of nocturnal animals. But even so, we will still make use of the UV filters.

All the night game drive guides will be of the highest standard. Every guide and spotter will have completed a number of courses at the Green Footprint Adventures Bush Academy. Guides will also receive constant refresher training to make sure their knowledge will be on a very high level.

The effect of night drives on wildlife
A well executed night drive will have no negative effect on wildlife. The most important factor during a night drive is the guide and the spotter.

The spotter uses the beam of the light to locate animals by the reflection of the animal's eyes. With experience spotters become very acute to the type of eyes they see and know immediately what animal they are looking at. Under no circumstances will there be any long term direct spotlight on diurnal animals. Even when viewing nocturnal animals, the spotlight will not shine directly on the animal but at the ground in front of the animal. Besides that the UV filter breaks the intensity of the light.

So how will it all work ?
The Green Footprint Adventures guide will meet all the night drive guests at the Lake Manyara National Park gate around 18:30.

N.B.
It is the responsibility of the individual company guides to pay all the National Parks fees and National Park night drive fees directly at the park gate! GFA will not be responsible for the payment of any fees or the collection of any receipts to National Parks.

Payment: While all payments are in process at the National Park gate the GFA guide will give the guests an informative introduction talk on issues regarding the night drive. This will include what they can expect to see during the drive as well as important safety information. We leave for the drive no later than 19:15.

Drop off: GFA will aim to finish the drive around 22:30. All guests can be collected back at the National Park gate or at the Serena Manyara reception from 22:30 onwards.

Inform your guests so that they tell us whether at the end of the night drive we should drop them off at the park gate or at the reception of Serena Manyara.

Dinner: Since we will only return back to the lodges after 22:30 it will be advisable for guests to order an early dinner where ever they are staying or to bring a 'dinner box' with them on the drive.
Available at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge



Mountain Biking
Adventurers who want to cover more ground than on foot have an opportunity to enjoy a fantastically exhilarating way of seeing authentic African life and the breathtaking landscape.  The route descends down the Rift Valley escarpment through Mto wa Mbu village and beyond, to the lakeshore.  Come with us on an unforgettable ride, weaving through single-path routes, past farmlands, acacia forests and to the lakeshore for a fabulous encounter with the abundant Manyara bird life.

What is included: Knowledgeable guides, Trek 6000 front suspension mountain bikes, helmets, gloves.

Length of excursion: 2,5 to 3 hours.
Level of fitness: Average.
Available at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge


Village Walk
Serena Active and Leisure cultural walks offer visitors a chance to catch a rare glimpse of some of the fascinating different cultures of East Africa.  The Village of Mto wa Mbu on the shores of Lake Manyara is a living example of one of the richest linguistic mixes in Africa.  Home to over 90 tribes, Mto wa Mbu is quite possibly the only place where you can hear Bantu, Nilotic, Khoisan and Cushitic accents spoken in the same marketplace together with the diverse lifestyles and heritage that comes with these people.

What to expect:
A real cultural experience, feeling the heartbeat of an authentic African village with every step you take.  You will encounter many locals and sense the existence of their being.  A leisurely stroll with a village guide will take you through local homes, farmlands, resident bars, a kindergarten and a church.  After the walk we gather at a private, local banana-leaf bar, for a one in a million African fruit tasting.  A wide variety of local fruits will be presented to you to taste and appreciate.  We then get transferred back to Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, if desired.

What is included:
A local guide, round trip transport, a substantial village contribution, contact fees to people visited, all fruits, kindergarten contribution and Tanzanian Village  Project support.

Length of excursion: Approx. 2,5 to 3 hrs.
Level of fitness: Low.
Available at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge


Forest Hike
Spectacular views, natural springs, untouched flora, fascinating birds and a river runs through it.  Escape from the confines of your vehicle and set foot on solid African soil while breathing the fresh unpolluted air, which epitomizes the tranquility of Tanzania.  Hiking allows you to stretch your legs, refill your lungs with clean air and indulge the tangible beauty of East Africa.

What to expect
An experienced environmentalist will guide you on this stunning walk starting from the Serena Lodge Reception.  From the top of the Western Rift you will witness breathtaking views of Lake Manyara National Park and Mto Wa Mbu.  You will then be led to the edge of the escarpment where you will start your descent to the valley floor.  A footpath will take you through a thick groundwater forest, crossing a fresh stream a few times on your way.  A vehicle will be waiting at the Lake Manyara National Park gate after the hike.  This hike is beautiful, but the descent is rather tough and some of the river-crossings are quite demanding.

What is included: Guide and transport back to the lodge.
Length of excursion: Approx. 2,5  to 3 hrs.
Level of fitness: Good.
Available at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge


Nature Walk
What to expect:
A short, yet interesting walk along the edge of the Great Rift Valley.  A qualified environmentalist will escort you from Lake Manyara Serena Lodge reception on an informative stroll, where you will learn several fascinating facts about nature, birds, geology, insects and medicinal uses of local plants.  You will behold breathtaking views of Lake Manyara National Park and Mto wa Mbu as well as an insight into living in Africa.

What is included: A qualified guide.
Length of excursion: 1 hour.
Level of fitness: Average.
Available at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge



NGORONGORO SERENA SAFARI LODGE
'Highland hiking in a Wonder World'


Circle Hike
What to expect:
We start the hike from Ngorongoro Serena reception heading away from the crater towards the Malanja Depression.  We pass through an Acacia Lehai forest, past Maasai bomas up to the edge of the Malanja Depression where, more often than not, we see animals grazing in the open plains.  Hiking past Maasai tending to their livestock, we continue towards the crater wall.  With marvelous views of the crater floor at our disposal, we proceed towards Ngorongoro Serena completing the loop. Throughout the hike, the guide will tell us about fauna and flora and about interesting facts of the Ngorongoro Crater.

What is included: Walking guide and a Maasai warrior.
Length of hike: 3 hours.
Level of fitness: Average.
Available at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge


Serengeti View Hike
This is a one in a million experience.  We depart from Serena Hotel walking along the Ngorongoro Crater wall, indulging in magnificent views and learning interesting facts about the area.  From the Crater wall we walk past Maasai bomas towards the Malanja depression. The wildlife inside the depression is usually ample.  We bisect the depression, witnessing elands, wildebeest, zebras and a rich bird population in their natural habitat!  With Mount Makarot as the backdrop we have a rare chance and an unequalled opportunity to see these animals without the interference of windows and the rumbling of a diesel motor.  Sightings of scarce wildlife include serval cats, turaco's and wild cats.  Unrivalled photographic opportunities present themselves as this phenomenal hike concludes with a view of the Serengeti. This hike is perfect for guests who are departing for the Serengeti in the morning.  Guests can start the hike at 07:00 and their driver can meet them on the road, en route to the Serengeti three hours later.

What is included: Walking guide and a Maasai warrior.
Length of hike: 3 hours.
Level of fitness: Average.
Available at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge


Olmoti Hike Full Day
What to expect:
This hike can replace the customary 'day in the crater.'  We depart very early in the morning (06:30) from NSSL and do a gamedrive over the Crater floor.  We spend considerable time in the crater viewing the wonders of Ngorongoro with an experienced and informative guide.  We exit the crater through the Eastern gate and head for the Olmoti Crater, passing through the Masaai village of Nanyokanyoka.  We park our vehicle and hike up the side of Olmoti Crater and then into the crater to a rustic little waterfall.  We hike back to the top of the crater wall where we will enjoy a picnic lunch (guests take their own lunchboxes with them).  After lunch we backtrack and descend back to the vehicle. We make a game drive back across the Ngorongoro Crater floor where we have another chance to see some of the wonderful wildlife.  Afterwards, we drive back to Ngorongoro Serena.  This is a tough hike with lots of uphill and downhill walking and it is not advisable for clients who are not fit.

What is included: Walking guide, a ranger/Maasai warrior, game drive.
Departure time: 06:30.
Length of activity: Full day.
Level of fitness: Good.
Available at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge


Nature Walk
What to expect:
A leisurely stroll in and around the Serena property.  A knowledgeable guide will share informative facts about local plants, birds and the Crater.  This is a relaxing walk with beautiful views and fascinating facts.

What is included: A walking guide.
Length of activity: 1-2 hours.
Level of fitness: Average.
Available at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge



ARUSHA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE

Canoeing on Lake Duluti
What to expect:
A guide will lead you to the launching site, which is only a gentle stroll from the hotel.  Here you will go aboard a stable two-man canoe.  The guide will escort you along the shores of the lake, all the way around, and back to the launching site.  During this leisurely paddle, you will encounter interesting bird life, experience the awesome beauty of this secluded portion of serene nature and breathe the fresh African air.

What is included: An experienced canoeing guide, all canoeing gear.
Length of excursion: Approximately 2 to 2,5 hours.
Level of fitness: Low.
Available at Arusha Mountain Village


Duluti Hike
What to expect:
An insightful hike around the edge of Lake Duluti.  A knowledgeable guide will take you on this breathtaking hike, informing you about local birds, trees and their medicinal uses as well as an introduction to the farming and harvesting of coffee grown in the area.

What is included: Walking guide.
Length of excursion: 2 to 2 ½ hours.
Level of fitness: Average.
Available at Arusha Mountain Village


Coffee Walk
What to expect:
A short walk to the coffee farm adjacent to the Hotel.  En route the guide will share some interesting facts on the history of coffee.  Once in the farm you will discover the processes of coffee from the tree to the tabletop.  Afterwards you will be able to sample some of the local coffee in the hotel lounge.

What is included: A qualified guide.
Length of excursion: 1 to 1 ½ hour.
Level of fitness: Low.
Available at Arusha Mountain Village


Arusha National Park Canoeing Safaris
What to expect:
A scenic guided canoeing safari on the Small Momella Lake inside Arusha National Park. The only place in Tanzania where you can get close to buffalo, without being charged; you will see giraffes, bushbucks, waterbucks, witness a 600 species strong bird community and view Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro from the same spot - all from the exciting luxury of our stable two-person canoes. Guests canoe their own canoes around the various small bays in the lake finding new adventures around every corner.

What is included: An experienced canoeing guide and all canoeing gear.
Length of excursion: 2 to 2 ½ hours.
Level of fitness: Low.
Available at Arusha Mountain Village


Where to stay

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Perched on the jagged rim of the crater, wreathed in morning mist, camouflaged in river-stone and cloaked in indigenous creepers, the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a triumph of ecological and architectural fusion.
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Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Standing high on the bluff of a dramatic ochre and terracotta streaked cliff above the flamingo-frosted expanse of Lake Manyara’s gleaming alkaline waters, the Lodge commands panoramic views across the volcano-studded floor of the Great Rift Valley.
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Serena Mountain Village, Arusha
Secreted in the depths of a tree-shaded coffee plantation, wreathed in multi-coloured tresses of tumbling bougainvillea, cooled by mountain streams and strung like a necklace around the shores of an idyllic wooded lake, Mountain Village offers a haven of calm and serenity just outside the hustle and bustle of Arusha, Tanzania's premier 'Safari Town'.
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