5 Days 4 Nights lake manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania Big 5 Safari

With the mighty Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara is first on our list, the world-renowned Serengeti sandwiched in between, and the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Conservation Area with its incomparable crater as our finale. This five-day safari around Tanzania’s beautiful Northern Circuit will provide a fabulous insight into the incredible landscapes and wildlife of our country. The tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the amazing natural wonders of Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater.

The Northern Circuit Parks provide an unforgettable experience in some of Northern Tanzania’s most diverse natural habitats, from pristine streams to dense woodlands and towering mountains. Lake Manyara is known worldwide for its herds of giraffe and great African elephants! The awe-inspiring wildebeest migration and endless savannah plains of the Serengeti are so majestic that the park has been listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Moreover, the Serengeti offers the perfect retreat for quiet reflection. The Ngorongoro Crater also boasts an immense number of mighty African wildlife and unique vegetation in the only unbroken caldera found on Earth.

Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

Earlier in the Morning After Breakfast Pick up from your hotel in Arusha and depart for lake manyara National Park with a picnic lunch for a full day game drive. Our two-hour morning journey first takes us westwards from Arusha. Along the route, your eyes will be opened to all the colours and character of Tanzania: perhaps some Maasai herdsmen driving their flocks of goats to new pastures. You’ll get to know your driver-guide, amazed at his depth of knowledge as he effortlessly answers all your questions. Lake Manyara National. This national park is one of Tanzania’s most dramatically located wildlife areas, consisting of a massive but shallow soda lake (covering two-thirds of the park), located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley’s western escarpment. The park’s varied habitat attracts a wide variety of animals, including one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants, Lake Manyara’s unique tree-climbing lions, as well as large flocks of flamingos attracted by the algae in the lake. Accommodation: karatu safari lodge Meals: Lunch and Dinner

 

 


Day 2: Karatu Via Ngorongoro Crater Tour to Central Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater Tour to Serengeti National Park On the last day of your safari, you will have an early start. Finishing up with a quick breakfast you will make an early descent at around 6:30 AM into the crater floor. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. It has a massive floor of about 260 sq kms with a depth of over 2000 feet. The 5-hour game drive on the crater floor will show you a lot of animal action. Keeping the camera ready is definitely recommended. The African elephant, buffalo, Black rhino, Hippos, Hyenas, Cheetahs and Lions are found in plenty. Post the picnic lunch at the beautiful Hippo pool, you will begin a steep ascend to the top exit of the crater. This is the last leg of your safari, with a 4hr drive left to Arusha. You will be dropped off to your preferred location in Arusha by 6:00 PM in the evening. With an incredible experience and loads of memories to cherish, this is the time you bid goodbye to your team. After finishing up a good Lunch, you will head out towards the Serengeti National Park and travel in the midst of the never ending plain grasslands. The Serengeti is arguably the most impressive wildlife sanctuary in the world. You will have game en Route in the endless plains of the Serengeti for a chance to see the great herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles or a pride of lions lounging in the shade. A picnic lunch will be done during the day long game drive itself. The eventful day comes to an end with a heavy dinner and a good night’s rest in your accommodation. Accommodation: suenos Luxury Tented Camp Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner


Day 3: Full Day Game Drive in Africa’s Leading Park Serengeti National Park


Day You can either have a relaxed breakfast and depart for full day game drives around 9:00 AM with packed lunch and return back to lodge late afternoon around 6:00 PM. Or you can depart at 6:00 AM on an early morning game drive. Later return to accommodation for breakfast and relax for a bit and depart on an afternoon game drive with packed lunch. You will explore the central portion of the Serengeti National Park today. The legendary Serengeti National Park is the most renowned safari destination for its incredible population of lions and leopards. The central portion of the Serengeti – known as Seronera area is one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park. It features the Seronera River, which provides a valuable water source to this area and therefore attracts wildlife well representative of most of the Serengeti’s species. During the off season of the migration, one must really look out for the many lion pride that thrive in this region. The interactions and survival of these lion pride provide an excellent game viewing experience all year round. Along with a picnic lunch during the full day game drive, the day will come to a close by around 5PM. The long day comes to an end with a heavy dinner and a good night’s rest in your accommodation. Accommodation: Suenos De Africa Luxury Tented Camp Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner


Day 4: Full Day Game Drive to explore Wildlife of Serengeti National Park

Day’s Highlight Today, we set off from our accommodation in the Central Serengeti. Wildlife is abundant: sometimes you may think it has come to find you, rather than the other way round. Today’s highlight is unknown, as the animals don’t publish their schedule (!) What we see also depends on the season, but this area is where bushland meets grassland, a favorite spot for big cats looking for prey. Cheetah, leopard and lions are all possibilities today. Big Five Safari in Serengeti National Park (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Black Rhino) The day will begin in the center of the majestic Serengeti. After a nourishing breakfast, we will continue our journey into the plains. Since we have a full day of game driving, you will likely view hundreds of the diverse animals that find their home within the Serengeti’s endless plains. This day will likely offer sightings of the African mammals that make the park famous- lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, and water buffalo, all within a few feet of the jeep. Visitors will also have the chance to view some of the park’s lesser known, but equally majestic animals including, elands, hyenas, gazelles, crocodiles, giraffe, zebras, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos and antelope. Depending on the time of year, visitors will also have the chance to view thousands of zebra and wildebeest on their Great Migration. The hundreds of bird species, both endemic and migrating from the Eurasion region, are a special bonus for bird-watchers. Guests will enjoy fresh and delicious dinner at our campsite in Seronera, another spot well known for animal sightings. Accommodation: Suenos De Africa Luxury Tented Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 5: Game en Rote Serengeti to Arusha

Early morning game drive can be done and after breakfast you will check out and drive back to Arusha town where the Serengeti Safari ends. If you are at Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam you may be also interested in some of the safari tours from Zanzibar packages that we offer with the facilitation of domestic flights. Accommodation: dinner and overnight at Arusha fun retreat hotel

  • Entrance Park fees
  • Ngoro Ngoro Transit Fee
  • Crater Service Fee
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinking water on all days
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Tips
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Services not mentioned in the program
  • Items of a personal nature

Prices

Per Pax (Group)

0 $

1 Pax

0 $

2 Pax

0 $

3 Pax

0 $

4 Pax

0 $ +

5 Pax

What to bring

  • Comfortable safari clothing (neutral colors recommended)
  • Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Binoculars and camera
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Personal toiletries and medications
  • Insect repellent

FAQ

Can special dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes, most lodges and campsites can accommodate special dietary requirements. Please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

What is the best time of year to go on this safari?

The best time to go on safari in Tanzania is during the dry seasons, from June to October and January to March. These periods offer more stable weather conditions and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

How long are the game drives each day?

Game drives typically last between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the day’s itinerary and wildlife sightings. Full-day game drives include a picnic lunch in the park.

How do I book this safari?

You can book the safari by contacting us via WhatsApp, email, or through our website, by simply clicking on a Request for Quote button ,a WhatsApp button on the bottom of your screen or you can go to our contact us page and fill in the form and we will contact you as soon as possible . A deposit is usually required to secure your booking, with the balance due before the start of the safari.

What type of accommodation is provided?

Accommodation is provided in lodges or campsites near the parks. These facilities offer comfortable and clean accommodations with meals included.

Is it safe to go on safari in Tanzania?

Yes, safaris in Tanzania are generally safe. Professional guides are trained to ensure your safety and follow strict protocols. Always follow your guide’s instructions and stay inside the vehicle during game drives.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, and numerous bird species. The Ngorongoro Crater is also home to the Big Five.

How far in advance should I book my Tanzania safari?

It’s recommended to book your Tanzania safari at least 6 to 12 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during peak seasons (June to October and December to March). Early booking ensures you secure your preferred accommodations, guides, and permits, and can often result in better rates and availability