Best 5-Day Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire & Lake Manyara Safari (2025–2026)

Introduction: An Immersive Northern Circuit Safari

The 5-Day Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara Safari is a perfectly balanced experience for travelers who want to explore the beauty of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit without rushing. In just five days, you’ll encounter Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems, from the vast elephant herds and baobabs of Tarangire to the flamingo-dotted shores of Lake Manyara, and finally, the breathtaking wildlife spectacle of the Ngorongoro Crater, often called “Africa’s Garden of Eden.”

This safari is designed for those who want more than just a glimpse, it’s about immersing yourself in landscapes, cultures, and wildlife encounters that leave a lasting impression. With us, every detail is thoughtfully curated, combining expert guiding, carefully chosen accommodations, and seamless logistics to give you a true taste of Tanzania’s wilderness.

Why Choose This Safari?

• Explore three world-renowned safari parks in a single itinerary.

• Witness the Big Five and many more species in their natural habitats.

• Enjoy varied landscapes of savannahs, baobab forests, soda lakes, and volcanic calderas.

• Experience a safari at a relaxed pace with ample time for game drives and photography.

• Stay in handpicked lodges and tented camps offering comfort and authentic African charm.

Detailed 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Transfer to Tarangire National Park

Your safari begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha. After a briefing, you’ll set off for Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem famed for its vast herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees. The park is also home to lions, leopards, giraffes, and over 500 bird species.

• Afternoon game drive with stunning views of the Tarangire River.

• Overnight stay at a lodge/tented camp near Tarangire.

• Meals included: Lunch & Dinner.

Day 2: Full-Day Tarangire Safari

Spend the day exploring Tarangire National Park in depth. This park is less crowded than the Serengeti, making it ideal for intimate wildlife encounters. During the dry season, large numbers of elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes gather around the Tarangire River. Predators such as lions and leopards lurk nearby, and if you’re lucky, you may spot cheetahs or African wild dogs.

• Picnic lunch at a scenic spot in the park.

• Overnight stay near Tarangire.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 3: Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a lush and scenic gem nestled along the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Despite being one of Tanzania’s smaller parks, Lake Manyara is bursting with diversity.

Here you’ll encounter the park’s most famous residents for tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging on acacia branches. The soda lake itself attracts thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds, while the dense groundwater forest is home to troops of baboons and elephants. Giraffes gracefully move through the open savannah, and hippos bask in the lake’s shallows.

• Morning and afternoon game drives showcasing Lake Manyara’s unique habitats.

• Overnight stay at a lodge/tented camp near Lake Manyara or Karatu.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 4: Full-Day Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Today is the highlight of your safari in the Ngorongoro Crater. After an early breakfast, descend into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera for a full-day game drive.

With its enclosed ecosystem and lush grasslands, the crater sustains one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Expect to see large prides of lions, massive bull elephants, black rhinos (rare but possible), and countless zebras, wildebeests, and buffalo. The Lerai Forest is ideal for spotting leopards, while Lake Magadi shimmers with flamingos and other birdlife.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot inside the crater before continuing your wildlife adventure. By late afternoon, ascend back to the rim and return to your lodge in Karatu.

• Overnight stay in Karatu (lodge/tented camp).

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 5: Karatu – Return to Arusha / Moshi

After a leisurely breakfast, begin your return journey to Arusha or Moshi, passing through picturesque highlands and small Tanzanian villages. Depending on your flight schedule, you may opt for a cultural visit to a local Maasai village for an enriching experience.

Your safari concludes in the afternoon with a drop-off at your hotel or airport, marking the end of an unforgettable 5-day adventure.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch.

Safari Inclusions

• Accommodation: 4 nights in carefully selected lodges/tented camps (Tarangire, Lake Manyara/Karatu).

• Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner), including picnic lunches on game drives.

• Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and unlimited mileage.

• Professional Guide: Certified English-speaking safari driver-guide.

• Park Fees: All conservation fees, park entry, and crater descent fees.

• Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off in Arusha or Moshi.

• Extras: Bottled drinking water during the safari.

Safari Exclusions

• International flights and visas.

• Travel and medical insurance (mandatory).

• Tips and gratuities for guides and staff.

• Optional activities (e.g., Maasai village visit, hot air balloon in Serengeti if added).

• Alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, and personal expenses.

Best Time to Travel

• Dry Season (June – October): Best for easy wildlife sightings as animals gather near rivers and waterholes; clear skies and comfortable weather.

• Green Season (November – May): Beautiful lush landscapes, migratory birds, and fewer crowds; excellent for photography and budget-friendly travelers.

Why Book This Safari with Macpace Tours & Safaris?

• Multi-Park Adventure: Explore three iconic parks with diverse landscapes and wildlife in just five days.

• Expert Guiding: Our professional guides know the parks intimately, ensuring exceptional sightings and cultural insights.

• Seamless Travel: From airport pick-up to drop-off, we manage every detail of your safari.

• Tailored Comfort: Stay in authentic lodges or luxury tented camps that match your style and budget.

• Local Roots, Global Standards: As a Tanzanian operator, we combine authentic local knowledge with world-class service.

• Responsible Tourism: We support conservation efforts and community-based initiatives with every safari.

Book Your 5-Day Ngorongoro, Tarangire & Lake Manyara Safari (2025–2026)

This 5-day safari is the perfect balance of variety, adventure, and relaxation, ideal for first-time visitors or anyone seeking a private or deeper exploration of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. From elephant herds under Tarangire’s baobabs to flamingo-covered Lake Manyara and the predator-filled Ngorongoro Crater, every moment brings new wonders.

👉 Contact Macpace Tours & Safaris today to reserve your 5-Day Ngorongoro, Tarangire & Lake Manyara Safari and begin your journey into Africa’s wilderness.