Tanzania · Safari

5-Day Tanzania Safari to Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro

5 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Lake Manyara's diverse landscapes and look out for its famous tree-climbing lions
  • 02 Experience Serengeti's vast plains, rich wildlife, and dramatic Big Five sightings
  • 03 Discover the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater and its unique wildlife-rich ecosystem
  • 04 Enjoy immersive game drives through Tanzania's top safari destinations
  • 05 Watch seasonal flamingos transform Lake Manyara's shoreline into a pink spectacle

Embark on this 5-day safari for a perfect combination of diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and immersive game drives across Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Ideal for both first-time visitors and seasoned safari enthusiasts, this journey brings you face-to-face with Tanzania's iconic animals in some of its most celebrated wilderness areas. With Origin Ventures and Safaris, you'll enjoy a seamless and personalized experience, with every day filled with wonder and excitement.

Embark on this 5-day safari for a perfect combination of diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and immersive game drives across Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara
Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arusha to Lake Manyara and Afternoon Game Drive

  • Your adventure begins at 6:30 AM with a scenic drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours.
  • Upon arrival, you'll enter the park, where the lush forests of Acacia and Mahogany trees set the stage for an incredible safari experience.
  • Enjoy an exciting game drive, watching for buffaloes, giraffes, impalas, baboons, and blue monkeys. If lucky, you might spot the park's famous tree-climbing lions.
  • Seasonal flamingo migrations also transform the shoreline into a pink spectacle. A picnic lunch is included, and the game drive continues until around 5:00 PM. Afterward, head to your lodge for a relaxing evening and a delicious dinner.

Optional Add-ons: Canoeing at Lake Manyara ($74 per person), Night Game Drive ($114 per person)

2
Day 02

Journey to Serengeti with an Afternoon Game Drive

  • After breakfast, check out at 9:00 AM and drive towards Serengeti National Park. The route takes you through Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering stunning views of highland landscapes and Maasai villages.
  • Around 1:00 PM, arrive at the Serengeti National Park gate, enjoy lunch, and then enter the Seronera area, known for its rich wildlife and the life-sustaining Seronera River.
  • Enjoy an afternoon game drive, spotting lions, elephants, leopards, and more, before heading to your camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Optional Add-ons: Maasai Village Tour ($25 per person), Olduvai Gorge Museum Visit ($35 per person).

3
Day 03

Full-Day Safari Across the Serengeti Plains

  • After breakfast, depart at 8:00 AM with packed lunch boxes for a full day of thrilling game drives across Serengeti's vast plains.
  • Explore different regions of the park, known for their high concentration of wildlife, including the famous Big Five and large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.
  • Your safari ends around 5:30 PM, followed by dinner and a restful night at your camp.

Optional Add-ons: Balloon Safari ($540 per person), Walking Safari (3-4 hours, $45 per person sharing or $60 solo).

4
Day 04

Sunrise Game Drive and Transfer to Karatu

  • Begin your day with an early breakfast, followed by a morning game drive in Central Serengeti at 6:30 AM.
  • Capture the breathtaking sunrise and observe predators on the hunt before heading towards Karatu, passing through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
  • Arrive at your accommodation in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight rest.
5
Day 05

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

  • After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular 5-hour game drive.
  • The crater is home to a vast array of wildlife, including lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, rhinos, jackals, hyenas, and numerous bird species such as flamingos, storks, and eagles.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at the stunning Hippo Pool before ascending to the crater rim and beginning your return journey to Arusha.
  • A 3.5-hour drive will bring you back to your accommodation, marking the end of your incredible safari adventure.

End of Tour! A hotel in Arusha can be arranged at an additional cost.

Lake Manyara shoreline, Seronera area, Ngorongoro Crater

Where this trip takes you

Lake Manyara shoreline, Seronera area, Ngorongoro Crater

The route

Where you'll travel

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

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Park entry fees (for non-residents)
  • Concession/camping fees
  • Daily game drives in top wildlife destinations
  • Professional, experienced safari guide/driver
  • Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser or Safari Van, ensuring comfort and great views
  • All taxes and VAT included - no hidden fees!
  • Delicious meals as per the itinerary
  • Bottled drinking water (2 liters per person per day)

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Optional activities at Lake Natron
  • Airport transfers (unless specified)
  • Extra accommodation before or after the tour (unless included)
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Tips & gratuities for guides and staff
  • Government-imposed tax or park fee increases
  • Any activities not listed in the itinerary

Know before you go

Safari Vehicles & Road Conditions

  • You will travel in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for easy wildlife viewing.
  • Some roads in the parks can be bumpy and dusty, so be prepared for an adventurous ride.

Wildlife Viewing & Safety

  • The parks are home to wild animals, so always follow your guide's instructions.
  • Stay inside the vehicle unless at designated picnic spots.
  • Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may startle animals.

Accommodation & Food

  • You can choose between public campsites, tented camps, and lodges, depending on your budget and comfort preference.
  • Meals are provided as per the itinerary and usually include continental and local Tanzanian cuisine.
  • Special dietary requests can be accommodated with prior notice.

Photography & Connectivity

  • Bring extra camera batteries and memory cards, as charging options may be limited in campsites.
  • Drones are not allowed in national parks without special permits.
  • Some lodges and camps have Wi-Fi, but expect limited or no signal in remote safari areas.
  • Canoeing at Lake Manyara is available for an additional cost of $74 per person.
  • A night game drive at Lake Manyara is available for an additional cost of $114 per person.
  • A Maasai Village Tour is available for an additional cost of $25 per person.
  • An Olduvai Gorge Museum visit is available for an additional cost of $35 per person.
  • A Balloon Safari is available for an additional cost of $540 per person.
  • A Walking Safari is available for 3-4 hours at $45 per person sharing or $60 solo.
  • A hotel in Arusha can be arranged at an additional cost at the end of the tour.

Visa & Entry Requirements

  • Most visitors need a tourist visa, which can be obtained on arrival ($50 for most nationalities, $100 for US citizens) or online via Tanzania's eVisa portal.
  • Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania
Tour start
Arusha, Tanzania
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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