6-Day Northern Tanzania Safari with Maasai Visit and Big Five Parks

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Lake Manyara National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions and flamingo-lined shores
• 02 Experience thrilling Serengeti game drives across endless wildlife-rich plains
• 03 Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for exceptional Big Five wildlife viewing
• 04 Discover Tarangire National Park with giant elephant herds and ancient baobab trees

Discover Northern Tanzania on this immersive 6-day safari through Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Experience thrilling game drives across wildlife-rich plains, spot the Big Five, and admire breathtaking landscapes filled with flamingos, elephants, and ancient baobab trees. Visit a traditional Maasai village, enjoy unforgettable African sunsets, and explore iconic safari destinations while travelling with expert guides through Tanzania's most celebrated wildlife regions. This unforgettable adventure combines remarkable scenery, authentic cultural encounters, and extraordinary wildlife experiences.

Depending on the season, you may experience the dramatic Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeests and zebras move across the plains in search of fresh grazing lands.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival and Lake Manyara National Park Safari

• Your Tanzania safari adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or with pick-up from your Arusha hotel.
• After meeting your professional safari driver-guide, depart for the scenic Lake Manyara National Park.
• Nestled beneath the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara offers a beautiful introduction to Tanzania's wildlife and landscapes.
• As you enter the park, lush groundwater forests filled with towering mahogany trees and playful baboons welcome you into a completely different safari atmosphere.
• During your Lake Manyara National Park game drive, keep an eye out for elephants moving silently through the forest, hippos relaxing near the lakeshore, and the park's famous tree-climbing lions resting high in the branches.
• The alkaline lake often glows pink with thousands of flamingos, while countless bird species fill the air with sound and movement.
• The combination of forest, lake, wildlife, and dramatic scenery creates a peaceful yet exciting beginning to your safari.
• Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in the Karatu or Mto wa Mbu area.
• Lake Manyara offers a calm, scenic, and wildlife-rich introduction to the magic of Tanzania.

2

Day 02

Journey to Serengeti National Park

• After breakfast, begin your journey toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park, travelling through the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands.
• The drive itself is part of the experience, as rolling hills, Maasai settlements, and dramatic landscapes slowly give way to the vast open plains that make Serengeti one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world.
• Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge or camp before heading out for your first afternoon Serengeti game drive.
• The endless plains are alive with wildlife, including lions resting beneath acacia trees, giraffes moving gracefully across the savannah, elephants wandering through the grasslands, and large herds of zebras and wildebeests grazing in the distance.
• As the sun begins to set, the Serengeti transforms into a sea of golden light, creating one of Africa's most unforgettable safari scenes.
• Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Serengeti.
• The first sight of Serengeti's endless plains feels like stepping straight into a wildlife documentary.

3

Day 03

Full-Day Serengeti Safari Experience

• Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the incredible Serengeti ecosystem.
• Rise early for a sunrise safari, when predators are most active and the plains slowly awaken beneath the morning light.
• Your full-day Serengeti safari offers extraordinary opportunities to witness Africa's wildlife at its finest.
• Depending on the season, you may experience the dramatic Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeests and zebras move across the plains in search of fresh grazing lands.
• Throughout your morning and afternoon Serengeti game drives, your guide will help track wildlife while sharing fascinating insights about animal behaviour, migration routes, and the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
• Watch cheetahs scanning the plains for prey, hear distant lion roars echo through the savannah, and observe elephants moving gracefully in family groups.
• Every game drive feels different, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature before continuing your exploration deeper into the Serengeti wilderness.
• Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Serengeti.
• Serengeti delivers the classic African safari dream with endless wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable moments around every corner.

4

Day 04

Maasai Village Visit and Ngorongoro Crater Safari

• After breakfast, depart Serengeti and journey toward the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• Along the way, enjoy an authentic Maasai village cultural visit, where you will learn about the traditions, customs, and daily life of one of East Africa's most iconic communities.
• Experience colourful culture, traditional dances, and the Maasai people's deep connection to the land.
• Later, descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater for a safari in one of Africa's greatest natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Formed millions of years ago after a massive volcanic eruption, the crater is now home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the continent.
• During your Ngorongoro Crater game drive, you may encounter lions, buffaloes, elephants, hippos, zebras, hyenas, and the rare black rhino roaming freely across the crater floor.
• The landscapes constantly shift between grasslands, forests, swamps, and soda lakes, creating spectacular scenery throughout the day.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch within the crater before ascending the crater walls and proceeding to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
• Ngorongoro feels like a hidden world filled with extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

5

Day 05

Tarangire National Park Safari Experience

• After breakfast, continue your safari toward Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania's most rewarding wildlife destinations.
• Famous for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant populations, Tarangire offers a quieter and more intimate safari atmosphere compared to the larger parks.
• During your Tarangire National Park game drive, explore open savannahs, seasonal wetlands, and the wildlife-rich Tarangire River that attracts animals throughout the year.
• Elephants are often seen gathering in massive herds beneath the giant baobab trees, while giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and predators move freely across the landscape.
• The park is also a paradise for bird lovers, with hundreds of species recorded across its diverse habitats.
• As evening approaches, the warm African sunset casts beautiful golden light across the wilderness, creating the perfect final safari atmosphere.
• Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Tarangire.
• Tarangire feels peaceful, authentic, and wonderfully wild, making it the perfect final safari experience.

6

Day 06

Return to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport

• After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning as you depart Tarangire and begin the scenic drive back to Arusha.
• The journey offers one final glimpse of Tanzania's beautiful landscapes, including local villages, rolling countryside, and distant hills stretching beneath the African sky.
• Along the way, there is time to reflect on the unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and meaningful moments shared throughout the safari.
• Upon arrival in Arusha, you will either be dropped off at your hotel for overnight relaxation or transferred directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.
• Though the safari comes to an end, the memories of roaring lions, endless Serengeti plains, Maasai culture, and golden African sunsets will remain with you forever.
• Safari njema na karibu tena Tanzania, meaning safe travels, and Tanzania will always welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Private 4×4 custom safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
• Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
• Unlimited game drives as per itinerary
• Complimentary airport meet-and-greet service
• Bottled drinking water during safari
• Complimentary welcome drink at selected lodges/camps
• Lake Manyara National Park entry fees
• Serengeti National Park entry fees
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees
• Ngorongoro Crater descent fees
• Tarangire National Park entry fees
• Maasai village cultural visit
• Accommodation in carefully selected safari lodges/camps
• Full-board meals during safari
• Picnic lunches during selected game drives
• AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover
• All government taxes and levies

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Domestic flights unless specified
• Tanzania visa fees
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Laundry services
• Souvenirs and personal shopping
• Tips and gratuities
• Hot air balloon safari in Serengeti
• Additional optional excursions not listed
• Personal travel insurance
• Any increase in park fees or government taxes beyond our control
• Items of a personal nature

What to bring

• Lightweight, neutral-coloured safari clothing
• Warm jacket or fleece for early morning game drives
• Comfortable walking shoes or safari boots
• Hat and sunglasses
• Pro tip: Neutral colours like khaki, olive, and beige blend naturally into the savannah and are ideal for safari activities.
• Camera with spare batteries or a power bank
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Small backpack or day bag
• Universal travel adapter and phone charger
• Pro tip: A zoom lens helps capture incredible wildlife moments from a safe distance without disturbing the animals.
• Personal medication
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
• Pro tip: The African sun can be intense even on cooler days, so hydration and sun protection are essential.
• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Tanzania visa documents
• Travel insurance copies
• Flight tickets and safari vouchers
• Pro tip: Keep both printed and digital copies of all important travel documents.

Know before you go

• Northern Tanzania generally experiences warm days and cooler mornings and evenings, especially around the Ngorongoro Highlands.
• Pack light layers to stay comfortable throughout changing safari temperatures.
• The Tanzanian Shilling is the local currency, though US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
• Carry small-denomination USD notes for tips and local purchases.
• Most travellers require a Tanzania tourist visa before arrival.
• Apply online at least two weeks before travel to avoid delays.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all safari travellers.
• Ensure your insurance covers medical emergencies and evacuation services.
• Most safari lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi in common areas, though connections may vary in remote regions.
• Purchase a local SIM card for more reliable mobile connectivity during travel.
• Yellow Fever vaccination may be required depending on your travel route or transit country.
• Consult your doctor or travel clinic before departure for updated health advice.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Arusha, Tanzania

Tour start

Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.