Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater : Experience the Best of Northern Tanzania in Just Five Days
Discover the beauty of Tanzania’s world-famous Northern Safari Circuit on this unforgettable 5-Day Tanzania Safari that combines breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters, and authentic African hospitality. This carefully designed itinerary takes you through four of Tanzania’s most spectacular national parks: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater.
Whether you are visiting Tanzania for the first time, planning a romantic honeymoon, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for an unforgettable wildlife adventure, this safari offers the perfect balance of game drives, scenic beauty, and comfortable accommodations.
From the lush forests surrounding Mount Meru to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the wildlife-rich floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, every day presents exciting opportunities to witness Africa’s legendary Big Five and countless other species in their natural habitats.
Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater Highlights
- Explore four of Tanzania’s iconic national parks.
- Enjoy exciting morning and afternoon game drives.
- Spot the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino).
- Visit the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Experience the endless plains of Serengeti National Park.
- Discover tree-climbing lions and flamingos at Lake Manyara.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Meru.
- Professional English-speaking safari guide.
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof.
- Comfortable accommodations and delicious meals.
- Airport transfers included.
Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro CraterItinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Arusha National Park
Your unforgettable safari begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. After meeting your professional safari guide, you will drive to Arusha National Park, one of Tanzania’s most scenic yet underrated wildlife destinations.
Although smaller than other parks, Arusha National Park offers an incredible diversity of ecosystems including tropical forests, open savannah, lakes, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.
During your game drive, you may encounter:
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Cape Buffalo
- Warthogs
- Waterbucks
- Blue Monkeys
- Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys
- Flamingos (seasonal)
- Hippos
One of the unique experiences here is the spectacular view of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain.
After your afternoon game drive, you’ll return to your lodge in Arusha for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, depart for the beautiful Lake Manyara National Park, located beneath the dramatic Great Rift Valley Escarpment.
This compact park is famous for its extraordinary biodiversity despite its relatively small size.
The park features:
- Underground forests
- Acacia woodland
- Open grasslands
- Lake shoreline
- Hot springs
Wildlife commonly seen includes:
- Elephants
- Tree-climbing lions
- Giraffes
- Hippos
- Baboons
- Blue monkeys
- Impalas
- Buffalo
- Wildebeests
- Flamingos (seasonal)
- Pelicans
- Over 400 bird species
Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing with an afternoon game drive.
In the evening, proceed to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater : Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park
Today is one of the highlights of your safari.
After an early breakfast, drive towards the legendary Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
As you enter the Serengeti, you’ll immediately understand why it is considered one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations.
Covering nearly 15,000 square kilometers, Serengeti offers endless grasslands stretching beyond the horizon.
During your afternoon game drive, you’ll have excellent chances to spot:
- Lions
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Hyenas
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Wildebeests
- Topis
- Hartebeests
- Jackals
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
Depending on the season, you may also witness part of the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Enjoy dinner and overnight at your selected safari camp or lodge inside Serengeti National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater : Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive when predators are most active.
The golden morning light provides excellent photography opportunities while wildlife is at its busiest.
Continue exploring Serengeti before enjoying lunch.
In the afternoon, drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area while enjoying more wildlife sightings along the way.
Arrive at your lodge located near the crater rim.
Dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater : Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Return to Arusha
After an early breakfast, descend approximately 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater.
Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” this volcanic caldera is home to over 25,000 large mammals.
Animals frequently seen include:
- Black Rhino
- Lions
- African Elephants
- Buffalo
- Hippos
- Hyenas
- Wildebeests
- Zebras
- Gazelles
- Jackals
- Serval Cats
The crater also hosts hundreds of bird species, including flamingos around Lake Magadi.
Enjoy a picnic lunch before ascending the crater and driving back to Arusha.
Drop-off at your hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport marks the end of your unforgettable Tanzania safari.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater : Accommodation Options
Budget: Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater
Arusha
- Planet Lodge
- Outpost Lodge
- Charity Hotel
Karatu
- Eileen’s Trees Inn
- Kudu Lodge
Serengeti
- Nyani Public Campsite
- Seronera Campsite
- Tukaone Budget Camp
Mid-Range Safari
Arusha
- Four Points by Sheraton
- Arusha Serena Hotel
- Mount Meru Hotel
Karatu
- Country Lodge Karatu
- Marera Valley Lodge
- Farm of Dreams Lodge
Serengeti
- Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
- Kati Kati Tented Camp
- Tanzania Bush Camps
Luxury Safari
Arusha
- Gran Meliá Arusha
- Arusha Coffee Lodge
Karatu
- Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp
- The Manor at Ngorongoro
Serengeti
- Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
- Melia Serengeti Lodge
- Serengeti Migration Camp
Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater: Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- Ngorongoro Crater service fee
- Government taxes
- Full-board accommodation during safari
- Drinking water
- Picnic lunches
- Unlimited game drives
- Wildlife viewing
- All activities mentioned
Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater:Excludes
- International flights
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips for driver-guide
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft drinks
- Laundry services
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Balloon Safari
- Maasai village visit
Pricing
Budget Safari Package
| Number of Travelers | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,050 |
| 2 People | $1,550 |
| 3 People | $1,380 |
| 4 People | $1,250 |
| 5 People | $1,170 |
| 6 People | $1,120 |
Mid-Range Safari Package
| Number of Travelers | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,850 |
| 2 People | $2,150 |
| 3 People | $1,950 |
| 4 People | $1,850 |
| 5 People | $1,780 |
| 6 People | $1,720 |
Luxury Safari Package
| Number of Travelers | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $5,250 |
| 2 People | $4,250 |
| 3 People | $3,950 |
| 4 People | $3,750 |
| 5 People | $3,650 |
| 6 People | $3,550 |
Optional Add-On Activities
| Activity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Hot Air Balloon Safari (Serengeti) | $599 per person |
| Maasai Village Visit | $30 per person |
| Olduvai Gorge Museum | $40 per person |
| Walking Safari (Arusha National Park) | $60 per person |
| Canoeing at Lake Duluti | $50 per person |
| Cultural Coffee Tour | $45 per person |
| Night Game Drive (Lake Manyara, where available) | $90 per person |
Best Time to Visit:Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater
This safari can be enjoyed throughout the year, with each season offering unique wildlife experiences.
- January to March: Excellent for the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti.
- June to October: Dry season with outstanding wildlife viewing and the famous Great Migration river crossings.
- November to December: Green season with lush landscapes, fewer crowds, migratory birds, and attractive safari rates.
Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater: You May See
During this five-day safari, you have excellent chances of encountering:
- Lions
- Leopards
- African Elephants
- Cape Buffalo
- Black Rhinoceros
- Cheetahs
- Hyenas
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Wildebeests
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- Gazelles
- Elands
- Waterbucks
- Warthogs
- Baboons
- Blue Monkeys
- Colobus Monkeys
- Flamingos
- Eagles
- Vultures
- Ostriches
- Secretary Birds
- Hundreds of other bird species
Why Choose the Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater
Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater This Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari is designed to maximize your wildlife experience while ensuring comfort, flexibility, and exceptional value. With expert local guides, carefully selected accommodations, and visits to four of Tanzania’s most celebrated destinations, you’ll enjoy a seamless adventure filled with unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re tracking lions across the Serengeti, admiring elephants in Lake Manyara, spotting rare black rhinos in the Ngorongoro Crater, or taking in the lush beauty of Arusha National Park, this safari delivers an authentic African experience from start to finish.
Book your Ultimate 5-Day Tanzania Safari today and create memories that will last a lifetime as you explore some of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations on Earth.