TIMELESS TANZANIA SAFARI: 5 Days Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Q: Can a hot air balloon safari be added to this itinerary?

Yes. Hot air balloon safaris are available in both Serengeti and Tarangire, typically at sunrise, and can be arranged upon request.

Departs – Fortnightly Every Saturday

5 Days Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Experience an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s most celebrated national parks—Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. This five-day luxury safari captures the very essence of Africa’s wilderness, from the baobab-studded plains of Tarangire to the sweeping savannas of the Serengeti and the awe-inspiring depths of Ngorongoro Crater.
Expect exceptional wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and exquisite accommodation that blends elegance with authentic African character. Every moment is crafted for discerning travelers seeking adventure without compromise.

Safari Highlights

Discover four iconic parks: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro
Chance to spot the Big Five and witness the Great Migration (seasonal)
Exclusive accommodations combining comfort, style, and African charm
Scenic drives through the Great Rift Valley and highlands
Optional hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti
Experienced driver-guides offering rich insights into wildlife and culture
Gourmet picnic lunches and elegant bush dining experiences

5 Days Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

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This 5-day luxury safari offers an expertly curated route through Tanzania’s northern circuit—ideal for travelers who wish to experience the country’s most iconic destinations in comfort and style.
Your days will unfold amidst dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and personalized service. From thrilling game drives to sundowners overlooking golden plains, every detail reflects the charm and sophistication of Tanzania’s premier wilderness experience.

Day 01 :

Drive to Tarangire & Lake Manyara National Parks | The Great Rift Valley Wonders

Destination: Lake Manyara National Park
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations:
Exquisite Escapes: Lake Manyara's Secret | Lake Manyara Kilimamoja | &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Stylish Comfort: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge | Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge | Kirurumu Tented Camp

Morning: Begin your adventure with an early morning departure from Arusha, driving to Tarangire National Park. Known for its iconic baobab trees and vast elephant herds, Tarangire offers a captivating introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife.

Lunch: Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch followed by an en-route game drive.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, continue to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingo-fringed lake, and diverse birdlife. Later, proceed to your lodge in the Manyara or Karatu area for dinner and overnight.

Day 02 :

Drive to Serengeti National Park | Into the Endless Plains

Destination: Serengeti National Park
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations:
Exquisite Escapes: Serengeti Samentu Camp | Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti | Serengeti Bushtops Camp
Stylish Comfort: Serengeti Serena Lodge | Serengeti Sopa | Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast, meet your driver-guides in the hotel lobby. We’ll board 4x4 vehicles and begin our overland journey across the highlands into the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s most celebrated safari destination. En route, stop at Olduvai Gorge (optional) to explore one of the world’s most important archaeological sites.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the lodge.

Afternoon: Enjoy an afternoon game drive in Serengeti. The Serengeti spans over 14,700 km² and, during the Great Migration, hosts more than 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. Its iconic granite kopjes rise from the plains, offering refuge to diverse wildlife from leopards to tiny dik-diks.

Dinner: Served at the camp’s main restaurant

Evening: Relax this evening at your own pace—rest in your room, grab a nightcap at the bar.

Day 03 :

Serengeti National Park | Full-Day Safari Adventure

Destination: Serenegeti National Park
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations:
Exquisite Escapes: Serengeti Samentu Camp | Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti | Serengeti Bushtops Camp
Stylish Comfort: Serengeti Serena Lodge | Serengeti Sopa | Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp

Breakfast: At the camp.

Morning: Spend the day exploring the Serengeti. Depending on the season, you may witness the drama of the Great Migration—millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing the plains and rivers. Predators abound, making for thrilling safari moments.

Lunch: Enjoy picnic lunch in the open Serengeti Plains.

Afternoon: After lunch, continue with your afternoon game drive. Depending on the time of year and the migration of the herds you can expect to see wildebeest, lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos, antelopes and many birds.

Dinner: Served at the camp’s main restaurant.

Day 04 :

Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu | Nature’s Grandest Stage

Destination: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations:
Exquisite Escapes: Lemala Osonjoi Lodge | Lemala Ngorongoro | The Highlands Ngorongoro
Stylish Comfort: Kitela Lodge | Ngorongoro Farm House | Pamoja Luxury Villas

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast, depart Serengeti with a picnic lunch and drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend 2,000 feet into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
Inside the crater, the rich volcanic soil supports one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa—including the rare black rhino, pride of lions, elephants, hippos, zebras, and flamingos.

Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the lake

Afternoon: With game viewing en route ascend to the rim and continue to Karatu for your overnight stay.

Day 05 :

Fly to Arusha • Farewell Lunch • Fly out

Destination: Arusha
Included Meals: Lunch

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before driving back to Arusha. Upon arrival, savor a farewell lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge, set amidst a tranquil coffee plantation. After lunch, transfer to Arusha town or onward to the airport for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

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Can a hot air balloon safari be added to this itinerary?

Yes. Hot air balloon safaris are available in both Serengeti and Tarangire, typically at sunrise, and can be arranged upon request.

What is included in the safari package?

Accommodation, meals as per the itinerary, park entrance fees, game drives, transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide, and bottled drinking water are usually included. International flights, visas, travel insurance, and personal expenses are generally excluded.

What type of accommodation can I expect?

Options range from mid-range lodges and tented camps to luxury properties, depending on your preference and budget. All accommodations are comfortable and located close to the parks.

When is the best time to go on this safari?

The safari runs year-round. However, June to October is best for general game viewing, while December to July offers a chance to witness parts of the Great Migration in the Serengeti.

Are park and conservation fees included?

Yes, all park entrance and conservation fees are included in your safari package.

Is the trip suitable for families?

Absolutely. Family-friendly accommodations and flexible schedules can be tailored to your needs.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

Expect sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, flamingos, and—if lucky—the elusive black rhino.

Can the itinerary be extended?

Yes. The itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to your specification, to include Zanzibar, Southern Tanzania, Kenya, for a longer, more relaxed experience.

What should I pack for this safari?

Light, neutral-colored clothing, a warm jacket for chilly mornings, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars are recommended. Don’t forget your camera!

Is there Wi-Fi or phone signal during the safari?

Wi-Fi is available at most lodges and camps, though connections may be limited in remote areas. Mobile coverage is available in some parts of the parks but not everywhere.