5-Day Northern Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar with Serengeti and Crater

5 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Tarangire's baobab-studded landscapes and large elephant herds
  • 02 Descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife destinations
  • 03 Spend two game-viewing days across the endless plains of Central Serengeti National Park
  • 04 Search for the rare black rhino alongside lions, elephants, hippos, and flamingos
  • 05 Discover Lake Manyara's lush groundwater forest, open grasslands, and soda lake shores

Embark on an exciting 5-day safari adventure from Zanzibar to Northern Tanzania's most celebrated wildlife destinations. Explore the giant baobab-studded landscapes of Tarangire National Park, descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, discover the endless plains of Serengeti National Park, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Manyara National Park before returning to Zanzibar.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Arusha, Zanzibar, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Zanzibar Flight to Arusha and Tarangire Game Drive

You will take a morning flight from Zanzibar to Arusha, where you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide.

Upon arrival, you will depart directly for Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive.

You will explore the park's beautiful landscapes filled with giant baobab trees and large elephant herds while searching for lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, and many other wildlife species.

You will enjoy your picnic lunch inside the park before continuing with your afternoon game drive.

Later in the evening, you will drive to Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main Destination: Tarangire National Park

Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge

  • Mid-range lodge located 1-2 hours' drive from Tarangire NP

Meals and drinks: All meals included

  • Drinking water (other drinks not included)
2
Day 02

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Transfer to Serengeti

After an early breakfast, you will drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the crater for a game drive.

You will explore one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife destinations, home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, flamingos, and the rare black rhino.

You will enjoy your picnic lunch on the crater floor before continuing to Serengeti National Park for an evening game drive.

Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation: Embalakai Serengeti Camp

  • Luxury tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP

Meals and drinks: All meals included

  • Drinking water (other drinks not included)
3
Day 03

Full-Day Wildlife Viewing in Central Serengeti

After breakfast, you will spend the entire day exploring the endless plains of Serengeti National Park.

You will have excellent opportunities to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, and many other wildlife species.

You will enjoy your picnic lunch in the park before continuing your afternoon game drive.

Main Destination: Central Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Embalakai Serengeti Camp

  • Luxury tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP

Meals and drinks: All meals included

  • Drinking water (other drinks not included)
4
Day 04

Morning Serengeti Game Drive and Journey to Karatu

After breakfast, you will enjoy a morning game drive in Serengeti National Park before beginning your journey toward the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Along the way, you may spot additional wildlife as you travel through one of Africa's most scenic conservation areas.

You will arrive in Karatu in the late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main Destination: Central Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge

  • Mid-range lodge located in Karatu (Town)

Meals and drinks: All meals included

  • Drinking water (other drinks not included)
5
Day 05

Lake Manyara Safari and Return Flight to Zanzibar

After breakfast, you will depart for Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive.

You will explore the park's lush groundwater forest, open grasslands, and soda lake shores while searching for elephants, giraffes, baboons, hippos, flamingos, and many bird species.

You will enjoy your picnic lunch inside the park before continuing with your afternoon game drive.

Later in the afternoon, you will drive back to Arusha Airport for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar, marking the end of your safari adventure.

Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park

Accommodation: No accommodation (end of tour)

Meals and drinks: Breakfast and lunch (dinner not included)

  • Drinking water (other drinks not included)

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arusha 6 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • All flights during the tour
  • All taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinking water (on all days)

What's Not Included

  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (tipping guideline: US$20.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increases of taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

  • Essential Clothing
    • Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, brown, beige)
    • Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for sun and insect protection
    • Long trousers/pants
    • Light jacket or fleece for early morning game drives
    • Waterproof rain jacket (especially during rainy seasons)
    • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
    • Hat with a wide brim
    • Sunglasses with UV protection
    • Extra socks and underwear
  • Wildlife Viewing Gear
    • Binoculars (one of the most useful safari items)
    • Camera with extra memory cards
    • Spare batteries or power bank
    • Lens cleaning cloth
    • Small notebook for wildlife sightings (optional)
  • Health & Safety
    • Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
    • Lip balm with sun protection
    • Insect repellent
    • Personal medications
    • Basic first-aid kit
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Reusable water bottle
  • Electronics
    • Phone and charger
    • Power bank
    • Universal travel adapter (if traveling internationally)
    • Headlamp or small flashlight
  • Documents
    • Passport and visa (if required)
    • Travel insurance details
    • Vaccination records (if needed)
    • Copies of important documents
    • Emergency contact information
  • Nice-to-Have Items
    • Lightweight daypack
    • Neck gaiter or scarf (helps with dust)
    • Small pair of gloves for cold morning drives
    • Snacks for long drives
    • Field guide to local wildlife and birds
  • What Not to Bring
    • Bright-coloured clothing (can attract attention and insects)
    • Camouflage clothing (restricted in some African countries)
    • Strong perfumes or scented lotions
  • Heavy luggage (many safari flights have strict weight limits)

Know before you go

  • Tour Details

    • Daily schedule and departure times

    • Pick-up and drop-off arrangements

    • Type of vehicle used

    • Group size and whether the safari is private or shared

  • Wildlife Expectations

    • Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

    • Animal activity varies by season, weather, and time of day.

    • Some species may be difficult to see.

    • Guides will do their best to maximize viewing opportunities while respecting wildlife.

  • Physical Requirements

    • Amount of walking involved

    • Terrain conditions (rough roads, uneven ground, dust)

    • Accessibility limitations for travellers with mobility challenges

    • Suitability for children, seniors, or pregnant travellers

  • What to Bring

    • Comfortable, neutral-coloured clothing

    • Hat and sunglasses

    • Sunscreen and insect repellent

    • Camera and binoculars

    • Personal medications

    • Reusable water bottle

  • Weather and Environment

    • Expected temperatures during the tour

    • Possibility of rain, dust, or strong sun

    • Cooler temperatures during early morning and evening game drives

  • Health and Safety

    • Follow guide instructions at all times.

    • Stay inside the vehicle unless instructed otherwise.

    • Do not feed or approach wildlife.

    • Keep noise levels low around animals.

    • Inform the tour operator of any medical conditions or allergies before departure.

  • Included and Excluded Items

    Clearly state:

    • Meals and drinks included or not

    • Park entrance fees

    • Accommodation (for multi-day safaris)

    • Transportation

    • Guide services

    • Tips/gratuities

    • Personal expenses

  • Photography Guidelines

    • Flash photography may disturb animals.

    • Bring extra batteries and storage cards.

    • Respect other guests when taking photos.

  • Cultural and Conservation Etiquette

    • Respect local communities and customs.

    • Do not litter.

    • Follow park regulations.

    • Understand that safari tourism supports conservation efforts.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arusha city
Tour start
Arusha
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

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