5-Day Tanzania Safari

Embark on an unforgettable Tanzanian safari, where you’ll explore some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes and encounter its magnificent wildlife up close. Begin your adventure with a choice between visiting the scenic Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and rich birdlife, or the diverse Tarangire National Park, home to large elephant herds and sweeping savannahs. From there, your journey continues to the world-famous Serengeti and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, offering thrilling wildlife encounters at every turn.

Guided by expert safari guides, you’ll traverse vast savannahs, mist-shrouded rainforests, and ancient plains teeming with wildlife. Enjoy the comfort of handpicked lodges and camps nestled in the heart of these incredible ecosystems. From sunrise game drives to witnessing the wonders of the Serengeti, this safari promises not just adventure, but memories that will last a lifetime. Book now and experience Tanzania’s natural wonders like never before!

Our 5-day itinerary for this Tanzania tour is an example and fully customisable. Contact us(opens in a new tab) directly if you are interested in a personalised Tanzania safari or other East Africa tour packages(opens in a new tab).

All of our tours can be personalised. For most safari itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions upon request. To find out more, contact us directly(opens in a new tab).

Prices indicated are per person (p/p).

Day 1: Ngorongoro Region – Arusha: Lake Manyara National Park or Tarangire National Park
Today, you have the option to visit either Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara National Park. Each park offers a unique safari experience depending on the season, and your guide will recommend the best option for your visit.

If visiting Tarangire National Park:
After breakfast, you’ll depart from Arusha for the two-hour drive to Tarangire. Along the way, you’ll pass through lively Masai villages and vast open plains, iconic to African landscapes.

Upon entering Tarangire, you’ll embark on a game drive across the golden savannah surrounding the Tarangire River, a lifeline for the region’s wildlife during the dry season. The river, lined with acacia and baobab trees, attracts a large elephant population as well as zebras and antelopes.

You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch with views of the river, though be mindful of the cheeky monkeys that might try to steal your food! As you drive through the park, you’ll also have opportunities to see lions, leopards, cape buffalo, and a wide variety of antelopes. If you’re lucky, you might spot rare species like the Greater Kudu or the Fringe-Eared Oryx.

After the day’s adventures, you’ll head to your accommodation for the evening.

If visiting Lake Manyara National Park:
After breakfast, you’ll drive for two hours to Lake Manyara National Park, passing through the bustling market town of Mto Wa Mbu on the way. The market here is a vibrant mix of local cultures and offers a great opportunity for souvenir shopping.

Upon entering Lake Manyara, you’ll discover a photographer’s paradise with some of the best game viewing available. Keep an eye out for the famous tree-climbing lions that often rest in acacia trees. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the park’s diversity, with flamingos, birds of prey, and the colourful lilac-breasted roller among the highlights.

You’ll then retire to your accommodation for dinner and a restful night. Located in Karatu, midway between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro, Country Lodge offers simple yet comfortable lodging, surrounded by beautiful gardens and rolling plains. This is an ideal base for exploring the Ngorongoro Crater and the surrounding area.

Overnight at Country Lodge Karatu (Full Board)

Day 2: Central Serengeti – Tarangire/Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park
(Note: Depending on the time of year and the wildebeest migration, your accommodation within the Serengeti may vary, and the itinerary could be adjusted accordingly.)

After an early breakfast, you’ll begin the scenic drive to the Serengeti, passing through the misty rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Keep your eyes open for cape buffalo, baboons, and perhaps even elephants or leopards in the dense forest.

It’s a four-hour drive to the Serengeti, but you can break it up with optional visits to:

• Oldupai Gorge Museum: Explore the Cradle of Mankind, where some of the oldest evidence of human habitation has been found, or
• Maasai Boma: Visit a traditional Maasai village, witness a traditional dance, and browse local crafts.

After a picnic lunch in the Serengeti, it’s time for your first game drive in the world-famous park. Explore the sweeping savannah, where you’ll witness an abundance of wildlife.

Thorntree Camp is located in the Seronera Valley, known for its year-round wildlife, including lions, leopards, and large elephant herds. The camp offers stunning views of Banagi Hill and the Serengeti Plains.

Dinner and overnight in the central Serengeti at Thorntree Camp (Full Board)

Day 3: Central Serengeti – Serengeti National Park
Wake up early for a game drive at sunrise. The early morning is the best time to see predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs as they hunt in the cooler temperatures. You’ll also witness the morning activity of herbivores like wildebeest and zebras.

Alternatively, you can opt for a sunrise hot air balloon safari, complete with a champagne breakfast. This unforgettable experience can be added to your itinerary upon request.

After a late breakfast back at the lodge, you’ll head out again with a picnic lunch, exploring the Serengeti according to the best wildlife opportunities for the season.

Overnight at Thorntree Camp (Full Board)

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater – Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, you’ll set off towards the Ngorongoro Crater. Your journey takes you through the Serengeti once more, offering a second chance to spot any animals you missed on your earlier drives. Keep an eye out for cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and the mighty lion.

You’ll stay overnight at Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge, located on the edge of the crater rim. The lodge features cosy guest rooms with wood-burning stoves, hot water bottles, and hearty meals inspired by African cuisine.

Overnight at Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge (Full Board)

Day 5: Departure – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
After breakfast, you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. This lush caldera is home to over 120 species of mammals, including the Big Five. You might spot the endangered black rhinoceros, hippos cooling off in the water, and a variety of predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas.

After a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, you’ll begin your drive back to Arusha, concluding your unforgettable safari experience.

1. Prices are valid for 2024, 2025 and 2026.
2. The itinerary mentioned for this tour is an example which can be tailored to your wishes.
3. The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travellers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavour to stick as closely as possible to this programme. For most itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions of this safari upon request.
4. Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organisational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.
5. By booking this safari, the client accepts Manya Africa Tours Terms and Conditions(opens in a new tab) of business.