In this safari, you will explore four of Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations located in the northern part of the country. These include Serengeti National Park, known for the annual wildebeest migration; Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions; Ngorongoro Crater, recognized for its large land caldera; and Tarangire National Park, home to large herds of elephants.
This safari is a road trip that starts and ends in Arusha.
Your experienced driver-guide will make sure every day of the trip is memorable, with amazing views of wildlife, birds, and beautiful scenery. Activities during this five-day safari include game drives, sightseeing, photography, nature walks, and bird watching. These days are not only about adventure but also relaxation. You will enjoy cozy nights at comfortable lodges, taste delicious African dishes, and enjoy the cool, refreshing weather.
Tanzania Premier Safari Destinations Highlights
- Day 1: Pickup and transfer to Lake Manyara National Park
- Day 2: Sunrise game drive and transfer to Serengeti National Park
- Day 3: Sunrise game drive and transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 4: Nature walk and transfer to Tarangire National Park – Sunset game drive
- Day 5: Bird watching and departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pickup and Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park
Upon arrival in Arusha, you will meet and greet your driver-guide, who will be your companion throughout the safari. After clearance at immigration, you will receive a short briefing and a welcome drink before starting your 4–5-hour journey to Lake Manyara National Park, one of Africa’s most popular parks. Lake Manyara is known for its tree-climbing lions and large elephant herds.
You will have lunch en route and arrive at your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay. If time allows, enjoy a sunset game drive lasting about three hours, with a chance to spot lions, leopards, hyenas, hippos, and other animals preparing for the night. Return to your lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 2: Sunrise Game Drive and Transfer to Serengeti National Park
At 6:00 a.m., head out for an early morning game drive to catch sight of nocturnal predators returning from the hunt and grazers starting their day. Look out for tree-climbing lions resting on tree branches, hippos, hyenas, zebras, cheetahs, warthogs, and more.
After a 3–4-hour game drive, enjoy breakfast in the wild before returning to your lodge to check out. You will then continue your journey to Serengeti National Park. Lunch will be served along the way, with scenic views of farmlands, plantations, and local homesteads. Arrive at your lodge in the evening for refreshments, dinner, and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Sunrise Game Drive and Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Start your day with breakfast at the lodge, then go for an early morning game drive in Serengeti lasting 3–4 hours. This is your chance to spot animals you may have missed earlier, including lions, leopards, zebras, elephants, cheetahs, gazelles, wildebeests, buffaloes, and many others. The park is also home to birds and primates, making it perfect for photography and sightseeing.
After the game drive, return to the lodge for refreshments and check out. You will then drive to Ngorongoro Crater, enjoying views of green plantations, farmlands, and the surrounding highlands along the way. Ngorongoro is one of the world’s largest and most intact calderas, offering incredible scenery and abundant wildlife. Arrive at your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Nature Walk and Transfer to Tarangire National Park – Sunset Game Drive
After breakfast, go for a guided nature walk around Ngorongoro Crater, which is home to a variety of birds, primates, and mammals. Enjoy panoramic views of the crater rim and take photos of the beautiful landscape.
After the activity, return to your lodge for lunch and check out. You will then drive to Tarangire National Park, passing through villages and open plains. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Bird Watching and Departure
Enjoy an early morning coffee at the lodge before heading out for bird watching around the swamps and rivers of Tarangire National Park. With more than 500 bird species recorded, this is a paradise for bird lovers. Your guide will help you identify different birds such as the speckle-fronted weaver, falcon, yellow barbet, ashy starling, lilac-breasted roller, ostrich, and yellow-collared lovebird.
After the birding session, return to your lodge for refreshment and lunch. Later, transfer back to Arusha for your flight. Your driver-guide will accompany you until the end of the safari.
