Tour Overview
This 5-day safari explores three of Tanzania's most iconic destinations—Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater—offering a comprehensive northern circuit experience. Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley, is famous for its tree-climbing lions, vast flamingo populations, and diverse birdlife. Serengeti National Park, Africa's most celebrated wildlife reserve, delivers unparalleled game viewing across its endless plains—including the annual Great Migration. Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, supports one of Africa's densest wildlife concentrations, including the Big Five.
Based in comfortable lodges and camps, this tour balances game drives with relaxation, offering private 4x4 transport and expert guiding throughout. Over five days, you will witness the full spectrum of Tanzania's wildlife, from the shores of Lake Manyara to the vast savannahs of the Serengeti and the crater floor's extraordinary ecosystem.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1: Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport – Lake Manyara National Park – Ngorongoro Highlands (Karatu)
Morning (Upon Arrival):
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Your driver-guide will meet you for a safari briefing and orientation. Depart for Lake Manyara National Park (approximately 2.5 hours drive).
Late Morning – Midday (10:30 AM – 1:00 PM):
Enter Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and vast flocks of flamingos lining the lake's shores. Other wildlife includes elephants, giraffes, hippos, and the impressive pythons. The park's groundwater forest offers excellent birdwatching with species like the lilac-breasted roller, hornbills, and the African fish eagle.
Midday (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM):
Stop for a packed lunch at a designated picnic site within the park.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:30 PM):
Continue with an afternoon game drive, exploring the park's diverse habitats—from acacia woodlands to the lake's edge.
Late Afternoon – Evening (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM):
Exit the park and drive to the Ngorongoro Highlands (Karatu area). Check into your lodge.
Evening (7:00 PM):
Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 2: Day 2: Day 2: Karatu – Serengeti National Park
Morning (7:00 AM – 8:00 AM):
After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park (approximately 4-5 hours drive). The journey takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with stunning views of the crater and the Great Rift Valley.
Midday – Afternoon (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM):
Arrive at the Serengeti's Naabi Hill Gate. Enter the park and stop for a packed lunch at a picnic site.
Afternoon (1:30 PM – 5:30 PM):
Spend the afternoon on a game drive across the Serengeti's endless plains. The park is home to the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos—as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and Thomson's gazelles. The game viewing is exceptional year-round, and the open plains offer breathtaking vistas.
Late Afternoon – Evening (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM):
Drive to your lodge or camp in the central Serengeti (Seronera area). Check in and rest.
Evening (7:00 PM):
Dinner and overnight at the lodge or camp.
Day 3: Day 3: Day 3: Serengeti National Park – Full Day Game Drive
Early Morning (6:30 AM – 9:00 AM):
Wake before sunrise for a morning game drive—the best time to spot predators on the hunt. Watch for lions stalking prey, leopards resting in trees, and cheetahs surveying the plains. The early morning light is ideal for photography.
Midday (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM):
Continue exploring different sectors of the Serengeti. The Seronera Valley is known for its high predator density, while the western corridor offers riverine habitats and hippo pools. Look for the distinctive black-maned lions of the Serengeti.
Midday (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM):
Stop for a packed lunch in the bush, surrounded by the sounds of the savannah.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:30 PM):
Continue game viewing across the plains. If you're visiting during the Great Migration season (November – July), you may witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras crossing the plains. Visit the Grumeti River for hippos and crocodiles.
Evening (6:30 PM):
Return to the lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.
Optional Activity:
Pre-book a hot air balloon safari at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush (not included in the tour price).
Day 4: Day 4: Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Highlands (Karatu)
Morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM):
After breakfast, begin your journey back to the Ngorongoro Highlands with an en-route game drive. This is your last chance to spot any wildlife you may have missed—perhaps a leopard draped over a branch or a pride of lions resting in the grass.
Midday (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM):
Continue through the Serengeti plains, stopping for a packed lunch at a scenic picnic site.
Afternoon (12:30 PM – 4:00 PM):
Exit the Serengeti and drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The landscape changes dramatically as you climb into the highlands, offering stunning views of the crater rim and surrounding valleys.
Late Afternoon – Evening (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
Arrive at your lodge in Karatu (Ngorongoro Highlands). Check in and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Evening (7:00 PM):
Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 5: Day 5: Day 5: Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha / Kilimanjaro International Airport
Early Morning (6:30 AM – 7:30 AM):
After breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the crater floor via the steep, winding road.
Morning – Afternoon (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM):
Spend the day on the crater floor with a game drive. The 260-square-kilometre crater floor supports one of Africa's densest wildlife populations—nearly 25,000 animals including the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and black rhinos. Other species include hippos, wildebeests, zebras, Grant's gazelles, and spotted hyenas. The alkaline lakes attract thousands of flamingos, while the open grasslands offer exceptional visibility.
Midday (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM):
Stop for a picnic lunch at the famous Hippo Pool, surrounded by hippos and a variety of waterbirds.
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM):
Continue game viewing across the crater floor before ascending the crater wall.
Late Afternoon (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM):
Exit the conservation area and drive back toward Arusha.
Midday – Afternoon (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM):
If time permits, stop at the Cultural Heritage Centre in Arusha for a hot lunch or last-minute shopping. Alternatively, proceed directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Evening:
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight back home. End of tour.
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
- All national park entry fees & tracking permits
- Gourmet meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking Tour Guide
- Luxury eco-lodge / resort accommodation
- Complimentary bottled mineral water in safari vehicle
- Airport transfers
What's Excluded
- International airfare
- Visa fees
- Personal travel & medical insurance
- Tips & gratuities for driver/guides
- Premium imported beverages
- Personal laundry & telephone expenses
Accommodation & Destination Info
Lodging Standard
Handpicked luxury eco-lodges featuring private en-suite cottages, fine dining, and tranquil riverfront or forest views.
Route & Transport
Travel in customized 4x4 Safari Land Cruisers with charging ports, fridge, wide windows, and pop-up roof for optimal 360-degree game viewing.
