5-Day Classic Wildlife Safari to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire

Overview

This classic wildlife safari offers a perfect blend of Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes and incredible game viewing. Over the course of five unforgettable days, you'll explore the rich biodiversity of Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park—all while enjoying warm hospitality, delicious meals, and the expert guidance of your safari driver. This trip is ideal for travelers seeking a short, yet deeply rewarding wildlife experience in Northern Tanzania.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your personal safari guide will be there to greet you with a warm Tanzanian welcome. Whether you’re flying in via Delta, KLM, or another airline, your journey begins with a comfortable transfer to your accommodation in Arusha. After check-in, take time to relax, recover from your travels, and prepare for the exciting safari adventure that starts tomorrow. Dinner will be available at your lodge, and your guide will brief you about the days ahead.

Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your Arusha hotel at 8:30 AM and drive to Lake Manyara National Park with a picnic lunch in hand. As you enter the park, you're greeted by lush forests of Acacia and Mahogany trees, home to an array of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for buffaloes, giraffes, impalas, baboons, and blue monkeys. If you're lucky, you might even spot Lake Manyara's famous tree-climbing lions.

In the right season, the lake’s shoreline shimmers pink from thousands of flamingos. After a full day of exploring, you'll head to your lodge or camp for a delicious dinner and a restful night under the African sky.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Tour

Following an early breakfast, you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s best wildlife-viewing areas—for a 5-hour game drive. Expect to see a dense concentration of animals: lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, rhinos, jackals, and a spectacular variety of birds.

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the Hippo Pool, soaking in the stunning views around you. After the drive, ascend the crater rim and head to your accommodation in Karatu. A hot meal and cozy evening await you after a rewarding day of game viewing.

Day 4: Full Day in Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, the journey continues to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its massive baobab trees, dramatic landscapes, and the largest population of elephants in Tanzania. The park boasts nine different vegetation zones and a beautiful variety of wildlife.

Spend the day on a full game drive, watching for giraffes, lions, antelopes, and maybe even a rare tree-climbing python or long-necked gerenuk. You’ll stop midday for a picnic lunch before continuing your adventure. In the evening, return to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Return to Arusha

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll enjoy a half-day game drive in Tarangire. The park’s centerpiece, the Tarangire River, draws an impressive range of animals—ideal for final sightings and photo ops. Watch for predators like lions and cheetahs, and herbivores like kudu, oryx, buffalo, and zebra.

By mid-afternoon, you’ll exit the park and begin the return drive to Arusha.

Inclusion

• Park fees(For non-residents)
• All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
• All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
• A professional driver/guide
• All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
• All Taxes/VAT
• Roundtrip airport transfer
• Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
• Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)

Exclusion

• International flights(From/to home)
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
• Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees