This 5-Day Arusha N.P, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania Safari takes you through 4 of Northern Tanzania’s top safari parks, offering an unforgettable experience in Africa. The itinerary covers Arusha National Park (1 day exploration), Lake Manyara National Park (1 night inside or near the park), Serengeti National Park (1 night within the park), and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater (1 night inside or near the conservation area). An additional overnight stay in Arusha can be included on your arrival day before the safari begins depending on your travel schedule. The safari starts with a convenient airport pick-up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) and ends with airport drop-off at the end of the safari.
Throughout the safari, you will explore diverse ecosystems ranging from Arusha National Park’s peaceful forests, lakes, giraffes, birdlife, and beautiful Mount Meru scenery to Lake Manyara’s groundwater forest, hippos, monkeys, elephants, flamingos, and Great Rift Valley views. The journey continues to the endless plains of the Serengeti, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, before visiting the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional concentration of wildlife in Africa.
Accompanied by our certified, professional, experienced, and passionate safari guides, you will enjoy expertly guided game drives, incredible wildlife encounters, and stunning scenery at every turn. Whether enjoying the natural beauty of Arusha National Park, exploring the birdlife and landscapes of Lake Manyara, spotting predators across the Serengeti plains, discovering the wildlife-filled Ngorongoro Crater, spotting the Big Five, or experiencing spectacular African sunsets, this safari promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Below are packages with basic camping for your private tour, starting on 2025, in a group of two adults. On basic camping tours, you sleep in small dome tents that are pitched at campsites & bathrooms are shared. A cook travels with you & prepares meals.
Below are packages with a few popular ensuite options for your private tour, starting on Nov 13, 2023, in a group of two adults. Ensuite hotels are tented camps/lodges that can be inside/around national parks. You will have a private room with attached bathroom. Meals are provided by hotels.
Depart from your hotel in Arusha/Moshi after morning breakfast drive to the Arusha National Park. Entering to the Arusha National Park, you will start a game drive through the Arusha National Park passing you to different landmarks such as the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater. You will go under the Fig tree (Ficus thonningii) large enough for a Safari jeep car to pass underneath and where you may need to take photos. When lunch time you will be directed to a picnic point to get lunch. At around 04 will leave the Arusha National Park to Arusha Town in your hotel.
You will leave from your hotel early in Morning in Arusha directly to Lake Manyara National Park after breakfast taking approximately 2 hours passing through the town of Mto Wa Mbu near the way. After reach at the village market and short brief, you will enter Lake Manyara National Park. The Lake Manyara National Park is one of the best places for photographing and best game viewing garden in the world. You will be able to see many of most well-known animals like BIG FIVEs, especially the tree-climbing lions, acacia trees which you may need to take photograph. Bird-watching safari is made in Lake Manyara discovering a huge amount of bird species displaying near the Lake Manyara. Such bird’s species are like large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the colored lilac breasted roller. You will then retire to the accommodation site in Lake Manyara National Park for dinner and overnight.
After a fascinating breakfast in the Lake Manyara National Park, we travel towards the Central Serengeti National Park by passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We enter into the center of wild Africa; Serengeti National Park known as endless plain. We head to the central Serengeti area, the Seronera area, one of the richest wildlife habitats in the Serengeti National Park, with its beside Seronera River, as water source attracting wildlife animals’ representatives of most of the Serengeti’s wildlife species. We will arrive best time for lunch in the afternoon and proceed with game drive in the Serengeti National Park. Dinner and overnight at your hotel/camp.
After breakfast time you will proceed with a game drive safari in Serengeti National Park with lunch box following the wildebeests Migration at the Northern Serengeti, you will be able to see wildebeest, zebra, a topi hartebeest, eland, antelope, hyena, varieties of birds on the trees also taking pictures of the beauty of Serengeti landscapes and nature. We will get lunch and then continue with game view in Serengeti towards the Serengeti gate checking out of Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Dinner and overnight at your accommodation site
In the early morning you wake up with healthy breakfast before descend into the Ngorongoro Crater with lunch box experiencing the game drive for more than six hours. The Ngorongoro Crater is the most crowded African wildlife area in the world. Ngorongoro Crater supports a variety of animals including herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and elephants, huge population of predators, like lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and leopards available in the Ngorongoro Crater floor. Then after a picnic lunch you will have a short game drive in Ngorongoro Crater and in the late afternoon you will ascend to Ngorongoro gate drive heading back to Arusha/Moshi Town.
Arusha is the base for safari tours in North Tanzania. If you need accommodation in Arusha before/after your safari tour you can check some popular hotel prices on bed and breakfast basis below.
This tour starts from Arusha. Kilimanjaro airport is the nearest international airport and Arusha airport is the nearest domestic airport.
Pickup or drop off at Arusha airport on the day of safari: No extra charge Pickup or drop off at Kilimanjaro airport on the day of safari: USD 30 per vehicle
Transfer from Arusha airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 25 per vehicle Transfer from Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 50 per vehicle
Transfer from Moshi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 100 per vehicle Transfer from Nairobi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 275 per vehicle
We do not book International Flights.
We can book local flights based on availability. Below are indicative additional costs for local flights.
Discover the standout experiences of this 5-day Tanzania safari, from the scenic landscapes of Arusha National Park and Lake Manyara to the wildlife-rich plains of Serengeti and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater.
This 5-Day Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari brings together four remarkable Northern Tanzania destinations in one carefully planned itinerary. You will experience different ecosystems, wildlife habitats and landscapes, with guided game drives throughout the journey. The itinerary currently describes Arusha National Park on Day 1, Lake Manyara on Day 2, Serengeti on Day 3 and 4, followed by a Ngorongoro Crater tour on Day 5.
Begin your safari with a scenic exploration of Arusha National Park. Discover the peaceful landscapes around Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater while enjoying views toward Mount Meru and looking for giraffes, buffalo, monkeys and diverse birdlife.
Explore Lake Manyara National Park, known for its varied habitats, groundwater forests, birdlife and scenic Great Rift Valley surroundings. The park also offers opportunities to see elephants, hippos, monkeys and other wildlife.
Lake Manyara is an excellent destination for travelers interested in birds. Depending on the season and local conditions, you may encounter flamingos, birds of prey, colorful forest species and many other bird species.
Continue into the legendary Serengeti, where expansive grasslands and the Seronera area provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Game drives focus on discovering predators, herbivores and the diverse wildlife that makes the Serengeti famous.
Experience the vast open landscapes that give Serengeti its famous character. The changing scenery, wildlife-rich plains and natural atmosphere create one of the defining experiences of a Northern Tanzania safari.
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an extended game drive across its remarkable natural ecosystem. The crater supports a high concentration of wildlife and offers opportunities to encounter lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, hyenas and other species.
One of the major advantages of this safari is the variety of environments experienced in only five days. Forests, lakes, open plains, crater landscapes and wildlife habitats create a varied safari journey from start to finish.
The combination of Serengeti and Ngorongoro provides strong opportunities to search for some of Africa's most iconic wildlife. Sightings are naturally unpredictable, but the itinerary visits areas known for diverse wildlife.
From Mount Meru scenery and Momella Lakes to Lake Manyara, Serengeti's open plains and the Ngorongoro landscape, the safari provides a wide range of opportunities for wildlife, landscape and travel photography.
Throughout the safari, professional guides help you navigate the parks, identify wildlife and understand the ecosystems. Their local knowledge helps make each game drive more informative and rewarding.
The greatest strength of this itinerary is its variety. In five days, you move from the landscapes of Arusha National Park to the wildlife and birdlife of Lake Manyara, the expansive Serengeti plains and finally the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater.
Wildlife Note: Safari sightings are influenced by natural conditions, wildlife movements, weather and season. No specific animal sighting can be guaranteed, but your guide will use local knowledge and current conditions to maximize wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Explore the diverse wildlife of Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater on one Northern Tanzania safari itinerary.
This five-day safari takes you through several different wildlife habitats, giving you opportunities to see a wide range of mammals, birds and other wildlife. Serengeti and Ngorongoro provide some of the strongest opportunities for large mammals and predators, while Arusha National Park and Lake Manyara add different habitats and species to the journey.
Elephants can be encountered across several Northern Tanzania ecosystems. Lake Manyara and Serengeti are among the areas where travelers may have opportunities to observe these large and social animals.
Serengeti and Ngorongoro are important habitats for lions and other predators. Your guide will search suitable habitats and follow current wildlife activity during game drives.
Buffalo are commonly associated with many of Tanzania's wildlife ecosystems. They can be encountered in open grasslands, woodland areas and crater habitats.
Giraffes and a variety of antelope species add to the diversity of herbivores encountered during game drives. Different species occupy different habitats throughout the itinerary.
Large herds of zebra and wildebeest are among the iconic sights of the Serengeti ecosystem. Their numbers and locations vary according to seasonal movements and environmental conditions.
Water-based habitats around Lake Manyara and other wildlife areas provide opportunities to observe hippos and animals associated with lakes, rivers and waterholes.
Forest and woodland habitats provide opportunities to encounter different primate species. Arusha National Park and Lake Manyara are particularly interesting for travelers who enjoy observing primates.
Serengeti and Ngorongoro support a variety of predators and scavengers. Depending on location and season, game drives may reveal hyenas and other carnivores.
Lake Manyara is well known for its birdlife, and seasonal water conditions can attract a variety of water-associated species, including flamingos and other aquatic birds.
Birdwatchers can expect opportunities to observe a broad variety of birds across forest, wetland, woodland and grassland habitats throughout the safari.
Safari drives can also reveal smaller mammals and frequently overlooked species, including warthogs and other animals living throughout the different ecosystems.
The Ngorongoro Crater is particularly valuable for wildlife viewing because its enclosed ecosystem supports a high concentration of animals within a relatively compact area.
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro portions of this itinerary provide opportunities to search for Africa's famous Big Five. Wildlife is free-ranging, however, so sightings depend on season, animal movements, weather and current conditions.
Wildlife Viewing Note: Animals are wild and move freely between habitats. While Serengeti and Ngorongoro offer excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities, no specific sighting can be guaranteed. Experienced guides use current conditions and local knowledge to maximize your chances.
Experience the changing landscapes, wildlife and atmosphere of Northern Tanzania as you travel from Arusha National Park through Lake Manyara and Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater.
This safari is designed to give you more than individual game drives. Over five days, you experience several distinct ecosystems, each with its own scenery, wildlife and character. From the green landscapes around Mount Meru to the open plains of Serengeti and the dramatic walls of Ngorongoro Crater, every stage of the journey adds something different to your Tanzania safari experience.
Begin your safari surrounded by the landscapes of Arusha National Park. The park offers a different atmosphere from the large savannah parks, with forested areas, open landscapes, Momella Lakes and views of Mount Meru.
Continue to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive through a landscape shaped by the Great Rift Valley. Forests, open areas, wetlands and the lake create a diverse environment for wildlife and birds.
The journey becomes a classic African safari experience when you enter Serengeti National Park. The enormous grasslands provide an impressive setting for wildlife viewing and photography.
With time dedicated to Serengeti, you have an opportunity to explore different areas and follow wildlife activity. Your guide can adapt game drives according to current conditions and animal movements.
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a memorable wildlife experience surrounded by towering crater walls. The crater floor contains a remarkable concentration of wildlife and varied habitats.
The changing environments create opportunities to capture both wildlife and landscapes. From close wildlife encounters to wide Serengeti horizons, the safari offers varied photographic settings.
Your safari experience is enhanced by a professional guide who understands local wildlife, landscapes and road conditions. Guides help identify animals and explain the natural environment throughout the journey.
One of the defining features of this itinerary is the contrast between destinations. You move through forests, lakes, grasslands and crater landscapes within a single five-day journey.
Rather than focusing on one destination, this itinerary gives you a varied Northern Tanzania safari experience. Each park contributes a different landscape, wildlife environment and style of game viewing.
Safari Experience Note: Game-drive routes and wildlife-viewing locations may change according to weather, road conditions, park regulations and current animal movements. Your guide will make practical decisions throughout the safari to provide the best possible experience.
Enjoy comfortable safari accommodation in carefully selected locations around Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and the Ngorongoro area while exploring Northern Tanzania.
Accommodation is an important part of a multi-day Tanzania safari because it provides a comfortable place to rest between game drives and long travel days. Depending on the selected accommodation package, you may stay in safari lodges, tented camps or other suitable properties located close to the destinations included in your itinerary. The exact properties may vary according to availability and the accommodation category selected at the time of booking.
Depending on your itinerary and departure arrangements, accommodation around Arusha provides a convenient base before or after safari activities. Staying in the Arusha area can also make airport transfers and early safari departures easier to organize.
Accommodation around Lake Manyara allows you to rest after exploring the park and its surrounding landscapes. Lodges and camps in this region offer a practical base for continuing toward the Serengeti.
Staying in or near Serengeti allows you to spend more time in the ecosystem and reduces the need for unnecessary daily travel. Depending on the package, accommodation may be provided in a safari camp or lodge suited to your selected category.
Accommodation around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area provides a comfortable overnight stop before or after the crater experience. The area also offers dramatic scenery and a peaceful safari atmosphere.
Safari accommodation is designed to help travelers relax after long game drives. Depending on the property, guests can enjoy private rooms or tents, comfortable beds, dining areas and a peaceful environment surrounded by nature.
Meals are arranged as part of the safari package according to the itinerary and accommodation plan. Breakfast, lunch and dinner arrangements can vary depending on the day's activities and accommodation selected.
After spending several hours exploring Tanzania's parks, your accommodation provides valuable time to relax, recharge and prepare for the following day's wildlife activities.
Macpace Tours & Safaris can organize accommodation according to the package and traveler's selected comfort level. Options may include budget, mid-range or higher category safari properties, subject to availability.
Your accommodation is selected to support the safari experience by providing a practical place to sleep, eat and relax while keeping you connected to the landscapes and wildlife destinations of Northern Tanzania.
Accommodation Note: Specific lodges and camps can change depending on availability, season, accommodation category and the final booking arrangements. Macpace Tours & Safaris will confirm the accommodation details before your safari begins.
Enjoy convenient meal arrangements throughout your Northern Tanzania safari, with meals planned around game drives, transfers and overnight accommodation.
Meals are an important part of a comfortable Tanzania safari, especially when your days include early departures and extended game drives. Depending on the final itinerary, accommodation and package inclusions, meals may be served at your lodge or camp or prepared as a packed lunch when you are spending most of the day in a national park. Meal arrangements are coordinated with the daily safari schedule.
Breakfast helps you start the day before heading out for game drives or beginning a long transfer between safari destinations.
On days with extended game drives, lunch may be arranged as a packed meal so you can spend more time exploring the park without returning to your accommodation.
After a full day of wildlife viewing, dinner provides time to relax and enjoy a proper meal at your accommodation.
Safari lodges and camps commonly provide a range of meals designed for international travelers while also offering opportunities to experience flavors inspired by Tanzania and East Africa.
Travelers with dietary requirements should inform Macpace Tours & Safaris before the safari so suitable meal arrangements can be communicated to the accommodation providers.
Safari schedules can begin early and sometimes continue for several hours. Meal timing is therefore coordinated with the day's wildlife activities and driving distances.
Staying hydrated is important during long days in the vehicle. Travelers should have access to drinking water according to the package arrangements and are encouraged to carry a reusable bottle.
Let the safari team know about important dietary requirements before departure. Early communication gives accommodation providers more time to prepare appropriate meals.
Dining during a Tanzania safari is part of the overall travel experience. Depending on the accommodation, meals may be enjoyed in a lodge dining room, camp restaurant or designated outdoor setting.
The goal is to keep you well-fed and comfortable while allowing you to spend as much time as possible enjoying Tanzania's wildlife and landscapes.
Meal Information: Exact meals included in the safari depend on the package inclusions, accommodation arrangements and final itinerary. Travelers with allergies or special dietary requirements should inform Macpace Tours & Safaris before booking or departure so suitable arrangements can be discussed.
Travel with a dedicated Tanzania safari team focused on practical planning, comfortable travel, memorable wildlife experiences and personalized support from start to finish.
Choosing the right safari operator can make a significant difference to your experience in Tanzania. Macpace Tours & Safaris helps travelers organize their safari itinerary, accommodation, transportation and daily activities while providing support throughout the journey. This five-day Northern Tanzania safari is designed to combine wildlife, landscapes and cultural travel experiences in one carefully planned itinerary.
Our safari planning is focused on Tanzania, helping travelers understand the destinations, routes, accommodation options and practical requirements involved in a Northern Tanzania safari.
Each safari itinerary is organized around travel time, game drives, accommodation and the attractions included in the journey, helping you make the most of your five days in Northern Tanzania.
A knowledgeable safari guide can make wildlife viewing more informative and enjoyable by helping travelers understand animal behavior, landscapes and the different ecosystems visited during the safari.
Safari arrangements can be discussed according to your travel preferences, accommodation category, schedule and available options, allowing the trip to be planned around your specific needs.
Group joining safaris can provide a practical way to explore Tanzania while sharing the safari experience and selected costs with other travelers, subject to group availability and the confirmed itinerary.
Transportation is an important part of a multi-day safari. The journey is organized to connect the different destinations while allowing you to focus on wildlife, scenery and the overall safari experience.
Before traveling, you can discuss important details such as itinerary, accommodation, meals, inclusions, exclusions and other arrangements so you have a clearer understanding of what your safari includes.
Having a safari team available to assist with planning and travel arrangements gives you a reliable point of contact before departure and throughout your Tanzania safari.
Instead of managing every transport and accommodation detail yourself, you can concentrate on experiencing Serengeti wildlife, Lake Manyara landscapes, Ngorongoro scenery and the other highlights included in your journey.
From the first planning conversation to the end of your safari, our goal is to make your Tanzania travel experience organized, comfortable and memorable.
Start planning your five-day Tanzania safari and discover the wildlife, landscapes and unforgettable experiences waiting in Northern Tanzania.
Find answers to common questions about the itinerary, destinations, accommodation, meals, wildlife, packing, group joining and booking this Northern Tanzania safari.
The exact inclusions depend on the selected safari package. Common safari arrangements may include safari transportation, professional guiding, national park and conservation area fees, accommodation and meals according to the confirmed itinerary. Always check the current inclusions and exclusions with Macpace Tours & Safaris before booking.
This five-day Northern Tanzania safari is designed around Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and the Ngorongoro area. The confirmed itinerary determines the exact order of destinations and activities during your trip.
Yes. Five days can provide a rewarding introduction to Northern Tanzania's major safari destinations. This itinerary combines several important wildlife areas, allowing travelers to experience different landscapes and ecosystems within a relatively short trip.
The northern safari circuit is well known for its excellent wildlife viewing, including opportunities to see lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. However, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed because animals move freely in their natural environment.
Depending on the season and location, you may see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, hippos, antelopes, hyenas, monkeys and many bird species. Sightings depend on animal movement, weather and the timing of each game drive.
Tanzania can be visited throughout the year. The best period depends on your priorities, such as general wildlife viewing, weather, fewer visitors or specific seasonal experiences. Your safari planner can help match the travel dates with your interests.
Accommodation arrangements depend on the selected package and confirmed itinerary. Where applicable, staying in or close to Serengeti can provide convenient access to game-drive areas and reduce unnecessary travel time.
Accommodation may include safari lodges, tented camps or other suitable properties depending on the selected accommodation category and availability. The specific properties should be confirmed before your safari.
Meals are arranged according to the confirmed safari package. Depending on the daily schedule, meals may be served at the accommodation or provided as a packed lunch during extended game drives.
Dietary requirements can be discussed before departure. Vegetarian, vegan, allergy-related or other special meal requirements should be communicated in advance so the relevant accommodation providers can be informed.
Pack lightweight comfortable clothing, warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, personal toiletries, travel documents, a camera, extra batteries, a power bank and a reusable water bottle. A small soft-sided bag is also practical for safari travel.
Yes. The itinerary combines several of Northern Tanzania's best-known safari destinations, making it a practical option for travelers experiencing a Tanzania safari for the first time.
Solo travelers may be able to join a group safari, depending on availability and the package selected. Contact Macpace Tours & Safaris to confirm current group availability and the applicable arrangements.
A private safari arrangement may be possible depending on your preferred travel dates and requirements. Private tours can provide greater flexibility over the itinerary, pace, accommodation and overall safari arrangements.
Game-drive duration varies according to the day's itinerary, wildlife activity, park regulations, driving distances and your guide's recommendations. Some days may involve several hours of wildlife viewing.
Lake Manyara is a valuable addition to a Northern Tanzania safari because it offers a different landscape and wildlife environment from the Serengeti and Ngorongoro area. It can add variety to a five-day safari itinerary.
The Ngorongoro Crater is a spectacular natural landscape with a rich concentration of wildlife. Its enclosed crater environment provides excellent opportunities for game viewing while offering impressive scenery.
Tanzania safaris can be suitable for families, but parents should consider the children's ages, driving distances, accommodation arrangements and daily activity schedules when selecting an itinerary. Macpace Tours & Safaris can discuss suitable arrangements for your family.
Depending on your schedule, the safari may be combined with additional Tanzania experiences such as a Kilimanjaro trek, cultural activities, waterfalls or beach holidays in Zanzibar. Extensions should be planned before finalizing your travel arrangements.
Contact Macpace Tours & Safaris with your preferred travel dates, number of travelers and accommodation preferences. The safari team can then confirm availability, itinerary details, accommodation, inclusions and booking requirements before you make your final arrangements.
If you need more information about the itinerary, accommodation, meals, wildlife or booking arrangements, contact Macpace Tours & Safaris for personalized assistance.
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