Duration
5 NIGHTSBest For
Guests who value varied terrain, lookouts, and slower scenic rhythms.Group Size
2-6 guestsAccommodation
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, Karatu Country Lodge, Ngorongoro Sopa LodgeSafari Overview
6 Days Tanzania Safari: 1 Night in Arusha, 2 Nights Lake Manyara & 2 Nights Ngorongoro Crater
6 Days Tanzania Safari: 1 Night in Arusha, 2 Nights Lake Manyara & 2 Nights Ngorongoro Crater.
Experience an unforgettable 5-day Tanzania safari with 2 nights at Lake Manyara and 2 nights in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Enjoy thrilling game drives, spot elephants, tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and the Big Five in the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
Perfect for wildlife lovers seeking an authentic African safari adventure with comfortable accommodations and expert guides.
Transfers: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with dedicated guide
Safari Snapshot
Discover volcanic landscapes, dramatic escarpments and quiet wildlife areas for a scenic safari rhythm.
Safari Style
Scenic Landscapes
Designed for quality sightings and unrushed pacing across key landscapes.
Trip Rhythm
3-6 Nights
Balanced travel days, golden-hour game drives, and restorative lodge downtime.
Destinations
Tanzania
Route sequencing built around wildlife windows and smooth overland transitions.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A clear route plan with flexible pacing and private-guide support.
Day 1 · Arusha
Arrival in Arusha
Met on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your lodge in Arusha for a pre-safari briefing and overnight.
- Airport welcome
- Safari briefing
Day 2 · Lake Manyara
Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
Your safari begins with an early-morning pick-up from your hotel. Drive through the scenic Great Rift Valley to Lake Manyara National Park, a journey of approximately 2.5-3 hours. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge before setting out on your first afternoon game drive. The park is famous for its diverse habitats, including groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and the alkaline lake that attracts thousands of flamingos during certain seasons. Wildlife commonly spotted includes: Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Buffaloes, Hippos, Baboons, Blue monkeys, Lions (including the famous tree-climbing lions), & numerous bird species. Return to your lodge for dinner and your first overnight stay. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Rift Valley escarpment views
- Tree-climbing lions
Day 3 · Lake Manyara National Park
Full Day at Lake Manyara
Spend a full day exploring Lake Manyara National Park at a relaxed pace. Visit different sections of the park while searching for predators and large elephant herds. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park surrounded by spectacular scenery. Optional activities (depending on your lodge and park regulations) may include: Treetop canopy walk, Cultural visit to nearby villages, & Guided nature walk outside the park. Return to your lodge in the evening. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & dinner.
- Diverse habitats
- Optional canopy walk
Day 4 · Karatu
Manyara to Karatu Highlands
After breakfast, depart Lake Manyara for the Ngorongoro Highlands. Enjoy spectacular views as you climb into the volcanic highlands. Along the way, you may stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater. Arrive at your lodge for lunch, and spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying optional cultural experiences such as visiting a Maasai village. The cooler climate and lush forests offer a completely different atmosphere from the plains below. Accommodation at a lodge in Karatu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner.
- Coffee farm tour
- Highland village visit
Day 5 · Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater Descent
After an early breakfast, descend approximately 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. Often called the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, the crater supports an incredible concentration of wildlife. Possible sightings include: Black rhinos, Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Hyenas, Cheetahs, Wildebeest, Zebras, Hippos, Buffaloes, & Flamingos. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the hippo pool before continuing your wildlife adventure. Later in the afternoon, ascend the crater and return to your lodge. Accommodation at a lodge/hotel in Karatu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner.
- Big Five crater drive
- Hippo Pool picnic
Day 6 · Ngorongoro to Arusha
Crater Rim and Departure
Morning crater rim drive for panoramic views before departing for Arusha and your onward flight or extension. Depending on your flight schedule, you can stop for shopping, local craft markets, or lunch before being transferred to your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Tanzania safari.
- Crater rim viewpoints
- Departure transfer
Route Map & Safari Points
Track the journey stop-by-stop. Mapbox static route rendering is enabled when your public token is set.
- 1
Day 1
Arusha
Arrival and overnight in Tanzania's safari gateway town.
- 2
Day 2-3
Lake Manyara National Park
Escarpment-edge game drives and groundwater forest exploration.
- 3
Day 4
Karatu Highlands
Coffee farm walks and highland village cultural visits.
- 4
Day 5-6
Ngorongoro Crater
Crater descent and rim-drive viewpoints.
What's Included
- Transport in a 4WD safari jeep
- Pick up on day one in Nairobi and drop off on the final day
- Park entry fees and conservancy charges
- All activities unless listed as optional
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Drinking water during safari days
- Services of a professional guide/driver
- Taxes and VAT
Exclusions
- Hot-air balloon rides
- Maasai village and similar optional visits
- Boat rides unless specified
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Best Travel Window
Seasonality
Jun - OctDec - Mar
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more clarity before you book? Start here.
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes. We tailor pacing, lodge standards, and activities to your travel style, dates, and priorities.
Do I need special fitness for this safari?
Most game-drive itineraries are moderate. Gorilla/chimp treks require stronger mobility and we can advise accordingly.
How far in advance should I book?
For prime season travel, we recommend securing your trip 4-8 months in advance to guarantee preferred camps.
Planning Guides for This Route
Editorial notes and practical planning content relevant to this safari itinerary.
Lake Manyara National Park: Tree-Climbing Lions and Flamingos
Lake Manyara is famed for tree-climbing lions and vast flocks of flamingos on its alkaline lake. Diverse ecosystems support elephants, giraffes, hippos, and over 400 bird species, framed by the Rift Valley escarpment.
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