Explore Tanzania’s celebrated national parks over the course of five days, beginning with Lake Manyara National Park, followed by the expansive Serengeti, the diverse Ngorongoro Crater, and finally, the elephant-rich Tarangire National Park. Expect outstanding wildlife viewing, scenic terrain, and quality accommodations throughout the safari.
Day 1: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park Distance: 120 km
Estimated Travel Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
After breakfast, you will travel from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. This compact park is known for its diverse wildlife including baboons, elephants, hippos, flamingos, giraffes, and lions that are often spotted resting in tree branches. A full-day game drive is scheduled before heading to Karatu for your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Eileens Tree Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park Distance: 200 km
Estimated Travel Time: 5 to 6 hours (with game viewing en route)
After morning breakfast, continue your safari through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands, descending into the southern reaches of the Serengeti. Wildlife viewing begins en route to the Seronera area, where the Seronera River sustains a rich concentration of animals. Following lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive across the savanna.
Accommodation: Serengeti House of Nature
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Spend a full day exploring the heart of Serengeti National Park. Depending on the time of year, observe different phases of the Great Migration and search for predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Game drives will be adjusted based on wildlife movement.
Accommodation: Serengeti House of Nature
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Begin the day with an early game drive followed by breakfast, then gradually exit the Serengeti. Continue through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where additional wildlife viewing is possible. In the late afternoon, arrive at your lodge in Karatu near the crater rim, offering scenic views of the surrounding highlands.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Wild Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a protected area teeming with wildlife. The crater floor holds a dense population of species such as buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, and lions, along with occasional rhino sightings. After a mid-day break for lunch, drive to Tarangire National Park for a short evening game drive. Tarangire is well known for its large herds of elephants and distinctive baobab trees.
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Safari Package Includes:
- Airport transfers (to and from Arusha)
- Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari driver/guide
- Park entry and government fees
- Accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
- All meals mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Daily bottled water (1.5L per person)
- Comprehensive game drives in each park
- Crater transit permits
- Briefing on arrival
Not Included:
- International airfare and visa fees
- Optional excursions (e.g., Balloon Safari, Maasai Village tour)
- Personal costs such as drinks, laundry, and tips
- Insurance for travel or medical purposes
- Required health precautions (e.g., malaria prevention)
Optional Add-ons (available at extra cost):
- Balloon Safari: USD 590 per person
- Maasai Village Visit: USD 60 per vehicle
- Crater Rim Walk: USD 40 per person
- Olduvai Gorge Visit: USD 50 per person
Note: This tour can be customized based on your preferences. You may extend your trip to include trekking on Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru, participate in cultural programs, or relax on Zanzibar’s coastline.
