Accommodations: Mid-range lodges / Tented camps
Customizable: Option for luxury or budget accommodations
This 5-day private safari takes you to four of Tanzania’s iconic national parks, offering a variety of landscapes, from the baobab-studded plains of Tarangire, the endless savannah of the Serengeti, the wildlife-packed Ngorongoro Crater, and the lush forests of Lake Manyara. This adventure is designed to give you a rich and immersive wildlife experience while staying in comfortable mid-range accommodations. Whether you want to customize the accommodation or add a personal touch to your safari, this trip is tailor-made for an unforgettable African adventure.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
- Drive Time: 2 hours
Your private safari begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha. After a brief orientation, you’ll drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its large herds of elephants and the magnificent baobab trees scattered across the landscape.
Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a thrilling game drive where you’ll likely spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, and an array of birdlife. The Tarangire River is a vital water source, especially during the dry season, attracting animals in large numbers. After a day of game viewing, you’ll head to your comfortable mid-range lodge or tented camp for dinner and relaxation.
- Accommodation: Mid-range lodge or tented camp
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park
- Drive Time: 5-6 hours
After breakfast, you’ll depart for the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The drive takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you’ll witness stunning landscapes and possibly encounter wildlife along the way. After a picnic lunch, you’ll enter the Serengeti and begin your game drive.
The Serengeti is home to a vast variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, hippos, and the annual Great Migration. Spend the afternoon exploring the park, capturing the breathtaking vistas and observing animals in their natural habitats.
- Accommodation: Mid-range lodge or tented camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Serengeti Game Drive – Overnight in Ngorongoro
- Drive Time: 3-4 hours
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive in the Serengeti, where you’ll have the chance to spot predators like lions and leopards as they hunt in the early hours. After a hearty breakfast at your lodge, you’ll continue your game drive, exploring different areas of the Serengeti, including its rivers, plains, and woodlands.
In the afternoon, you’ll drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with an optional visit to a Masai Boma where you can learn about the rich culture and traditions of the Masai people. You’ll arrive at your lodge located on the rim of the crater, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning views.
- Accommodation: Mid-range lodge near Ngorongoro Crater
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Overnight Near Lake Manyara
- Drive Time: 3-4 hours
Today, you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife hotspots. The crater is home to the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes—as well as a diverse range of other animals, including hyenas, hippos, flamingos, and more. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing opportunities, and you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch by the Hippo Pool.
After your crater tour, you’ll drive to your accommodation near Lake Manyara, where you’ll spend the night in preparation for your next day’s adventure.
- Accommodation: Mid-range lodge or tented camp near Lake Manyara
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park – Return to Arusha
- Drive Time: 2 hours
Your final day starts with a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, known for its diverse habitats, including dense forests, savannah, and the alkaline Lake Manyara. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and vibrant birdlife, including thousands of flamingos that flock to the lake.
After a leisurely game drive and a picnic lunch, you’ll return to Arusha, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or at Arusha Airport for your onward journey.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions:
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle (window seat guaranteed)
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Park entrance fees for all national parks
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Mid-range lodges or tented camps (customizable)
- Drinking water throughout the safari
- Transfers from Arusha or Arusha Airport
Exclusions:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities (e.g., Masai village visit)
- Tips for guide and lodge staff
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
- Additional accommodations before/after the safari (can be arranged at extra cost)
