Tanzania · Safari

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

5 Days Round trip from Tanzania Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the lush forests and alkaline lake of Lake Manyara
  • 02 Witness the sweeping plains and predators of the Serengeti
  • 03 Experience sunrise and sunset game drives through iconic habitats
  • 04 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to endangered black rhinos

Embark on a 5-day classic Tanzania safari through Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater, three of East Africa's most iconic wildlife destinations. Explore Lake Manyara's lush forests and alkaline lake, continue across the sweeping plains of the Serengeti in search of predators and grazing herds, and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for close-up encounters with black rhinos, lions, hippos, and more in a truly unique ecosystem.

Embark on a 5-day classic Tanzania safari through Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater, three of East Africa's most iconic wildlife destinations.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara
Languages English, French, Italian, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Lake Manyara Game Drive Adventure

  • Begin the day with breakfast at your lodge.
  • Depart at 8:00 AM and drive through the scenic Great Rift Valley to Lake Manyara National Park.

  • Enjoy a full-day game drive in a compact yet wildlife-rich park.

  • Watch for baboons, elephants, giraffes, blue monkeys, and buffaloes in the lush groundwater forests.

  • Observe hippos and waterbirds along the lakeshore, with stunning photography opportunities.

  • Participate in optional activities such as biking or a boat safari if requested.

  • Return to your lodge or camp in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

2
Day 02

Scenic Journey to Serengeti National Park

  • Eat an early breakfast and begin the scenic drive toward Serengeti National Park.
  • Pass through the Ngorongoro Highlands with breathtaking views.

  • Enter the iconic Serengeti plains by midday and begin your first game drive.

  • Witness some of Africa's most famous wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and large grazing herds.

  • Arrive at your luxury tented camp or lodge in time for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Luxury campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

3
Day 03

Full-Day Serengeti Safari Experience

  • Begin with an early morning game drive or choose to explore the park throughout the day.
  • Decide your schedule with your guide for a full-day safari or a mix of game drives and rest.

  • Search for big cats, migrating wildebeests, and elephants in different parts of the park.

  • Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild or return to camp for a hot meal.

  • Conclude the day with an evening drive and return to camp for dinner.

Accommodation: Comfortable and luxury camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

4
Day 04

Sunrise Safari and Transfer to Ngorongoro

  • Wake early and set out for a sunrise game drive for optimal wildlife viewing and golden-light photography.
  • Return to camp for brunch and begin the drive toward Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Stop en route for scenic viewpoints and optional cultural visits.

  • Reach the crater rim in time to relax and enjoy a sundowner with panoramic views.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Lion's Paw Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

5
Day 05

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

  • Begin early and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive.
  • Explore one of Africa's densest wildlife zones and search for lions, rhinos, zebras, wildebeests, and more.

  • Stop for a picnic lunch near Hippo Pool.

  • Ascend the crater walls in the early afternoon and begin the drive back to Arusha.

  • Arrive in Arusha by late afternoon.

Accommodation: None (End of Tour)
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Lake Manyara's lush forests, the sweeping plains of Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater wildlife bowl

Where this trip takes you

Lake Manyara's lush forests, the sweeping plains of Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater wildlife bowl

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Tanzania 4 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All applicable park entry fees as per the program
  • Government taxes and local levies
  • Unlimited game drives and activities, unless labeled as optional
  • Services of an English-speaking professional driver-guide
  • Private transport in a customized pop-up top 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser, equipped with charging ports, an intercooler for chilled drinks, and a full air conditioning system
  • All taxes and VAT
  • Pick-up and drop-off at the airport
  • Picnic lunch or hot lunch during the safari, depending on the itinerary
  • Meals on a full-board basis and accommodation on safari, unless listed as an upgrade, as indicated in the shared program
  • Unlimited drinking water, as specified in the day-by-day section
  • Refreshments during the safari in the safari vehicle

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Tips for guides/drivers and lodge staff
  • Personal expenses (e.g., drinks, laundry, souvenirs)
  • Visa fees for Tanzania
  • Optional activities (e.g., Maasai village visit, balloon safari in the Serengeti)
  • Extra accommodation before or after the safari can be arranged upon request.

What to bring

  • Camera and memory cards
  • Sweater or fleece pullover to keep warm
  • Sturdy boots or sandals
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • T-shirts or polo shirts (2-5, depending on how often you want to change)
  • Long-sleeve shirts (lightweight)
  • Shorts
  • Long trousers
  • Socks
  • Sleepwear
  • Travel towel
  • Thermal underwear, gloves, and a warm hat (from May to September)
  • Raincoat and rain trousers (during the rainy season, March to May and October to December)
  • Binoculars
  • Sunscreen
  • Wet wipes
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops, etc.)
  • Malaria tablets
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Chargers and extra batteries for your camera, phone, etc.
  • The power adapter to fit the UK-style electrical socket

Know before you go

  • This tour starts and ends in Arusha, Tanzania.
  • Airport transfers are included; your guide will meet you upon arrival and take you back after the safari.
  • You are responsible for booking your international or domestic flights, but the operator can help you choose the best options.
  • Fly to/from:
    • Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) - the main airport near Arusha. (Recommended)
    • Or Arusha Airport (ARK) via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya).
  • Extra accommodation before or after the safari in Arusha can be arranged upon request for an additional cost.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania
Tour start
Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Tanzania.

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