Safari Overview
This 5-day Tanzania safari takes you through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the legendary Serengeti, and the UNESCO‑listed Ngorongoro Crater—four of the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Experience thrilling game drives, spot the Big Five, and witness breathtaking landscapes from baobab-studded plains to the vast Serengeti savannah. With comfortable lodge and tented camp stays, this itinerary offers an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.
Tour Highlights
- Tarangire: Home to one of Tanzania's largest elephant populations.
- Excellent game viewing with lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes.
- The Tarangire River attracts abundant wildlife, especially during the dry season
- Serengeti: World-famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing.
- Vast endless savannahs that inspired the name "Serengeti," meaning "endless plains."
- Exceptional opportunities to spot the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros.
- One of Africa's best destinations for predator sightings, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs.
- Unforgettable photographic opportunities in one of Africa's most iconic safari destinations.
- Lake Manyara: Diverse ecosystems ranging from lush groundwater forests to open grasslands and lakeshores
- Beautiful alkaline lake that attracts large flocks of flamingos and other water birds.
- Explore the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera.
- Stunning panoramic views from the crater rim overlooking the wildlife-rich floor below.
Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Drive Time: ~2 hrs (120 km)
Depart Arusha after breakfast and drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its massive elephant herds, baobab trees, and seasonal swamps.
Enjoy a full-day game drive with picnic lunch.
Arrive at your lodge/camp in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Destinations: Arusha , Tarangire National Park
Accommodations: Tarangire Simba Lodge (or similar)
Main Attractions: Elephants, Lions, Baobabs, Birdlife
Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park
Drive Time: ~1.5 hrs (100 km)
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park.
The park features groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and the soda lake itself – home to flamingos and other birdlife.
Enjoy a game drive, then head to your lodge in Karatu for overnight.
Destinations: Lake Manyara National Park , Karatu
Accommodations: Marera Valley Lodge (Karatu)
Main Attractions: Tree-climbing lions, Flamingos, Hippos, Forest Scenery
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park
Drive Time: ~5–6 hrs (via Ngorongoro)
Depart after breakfast for the world-famous Serengeti National Park, via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
En route, enjoy scenic views and optional cultural stops.
Arrive in Serengeti for an afternoon game drive.
Destinations: Serengeti National Park , Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Accommodations: Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp
Main Attractions: Big Cats, Wildebeest Migration (seasonal), Vast Savannahs
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Spend the full day exploring central Serengeti with game drives in search of lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and more.
Your guide will tailor the day to your interests and animal activity.
Return to camp for overnight.
Optional: Hot air balloon safari (extra cost).
Destinations: Serengeti National Park
Accommodations: Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp
Main Attractions: Lions, Cheetahs, Elephants, Giraffes
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Arusha
Drive Time: ~6–7 hrs (via Ngorongoro and back to Arusha)
Early morning departure from Serengeti with packed breakfast.
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 5–6 hour game drive.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts the Big Five, including black rhino.
After lunch at the hippo pool picnic site, drive back to Arusha for drop-off in the late afternoon or early evening.
Destinations: Serengeti National Park , Ngorongoro Crater , Arusha
Main Attractions: Big Five, Crater Floor Ecosystems, Scenic Caldera Views
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch
Price Includes
- WiFi in the safari vehicle
- 4x4 Toyota minibus with a pop-up roof or safari Jeep
- Experienced driver-guide
- All park fees
- Full-board accommodation in lodges and camps
- Fresh bottled water or a water dispenser fitted in the vehicle during game drives
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Drinks during meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips for your driver/guide
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Visits to local Maasai or Samburu villages