Discover the heart of Northern Tanzania with this immersive 5-day safari through some of the most iconic conservation areas in Africa. From the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and the legendary Serengeti plains—home to the Great Wildebeest Migration—to the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara, this journey offers unrivaled wildlife encounters and scenic diversity.
Day 1: Arusha – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
(Approx. 4 hours drive)
Begin your safari with a morning pick-up in Arusha and drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vast Ngorongoro Crater, formed from a collapsed volcano, supports a high concentration of wildlife including the Big Five and large herds of wildebeest and zebra.
Enjoy a scenic en-route game drive to your lodge. Later in the evening, head out for a game drive where your guide will help you spot a variety of wildlife including elephants, rhinos, lions, buffaloes, and leopards.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Serengeti National Park
After an early breakfast, descend 600 meters into the crater for a half-day safari with picnic lunches. The Ngorongoro Crater hosts over 25,000 large animals in its enclosed ecosystem. Spot the Big Five (black-spotted hyenas, hippos, gazelles, zebras, jackals, and more.
In the afternoon, ascend from the crater and continue your journey to the iconic Serengeti National Park—home to the Great Migration and one of the richest wildlife areas in Africa. Enjoy an en-route game drive as you head to your lodge.
Accommodation: Serengeti Sopa Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drives in Serengeti National Park
Spend the day exploring the vast and wildlife-rich plains of Serengeti. The name “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai word “Siringet” meaning “endless plains.”
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of the Big Five, along with cheetahs, hyenas, serval cats, caracals, and countless grazing herbivores. The Serengeti is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with hundreds of bird species including vultures, eagles, and ostriches.
Accommodation: Serengeti Sopa Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Serengeti – Lake Manyara National Park
(Approx. 2 hours drive)
After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its diverse ecosystems and tree-climbing lions. The park features a rich mix of open grasslands, woodlands, hot springs, and a Rift Valley soda lake that attracts flamingos and over 400 bird species.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive where you may also spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and possibly both black and white rhinos.
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Lake Manyara – Arusha / Departure
Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge. Check out and drive back to Arusha. Optional lunch can be arranged at a local restaurant depending on your departure schedule. Optional transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport available upon request.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
- Full board accommodation as per itinerary
- Private transport and game drives in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- All park and conservation area entrance fees
- Concession fees (Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti)
- Bottled mineral water and soft drinks in the vehicle
- All meals and activities as listed
- Arusha hotel accommodation (optional – contact us for options)
- Airport/border transfers (quoted separately)
- Flights (international & domestic)
- Travel/medical insurance (highly recommended)
- Entry visas & vaccinations
- Drinks/beverages at lodges/hotels
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.)
- Tips for guides, porters, and hotel staff
- Optional tours and activities
- Any items not mentioned in the inclusions list