5 Day Safari Tanzania: Manyara, Serengeti & Crater
Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
- approx. 12 hours flight time
- On-site rescheduling possible
- Possible year-round
Introduction (Overview)
Experience the ultimate wildlife adventure on an unforgettable 5-day safari in Tanzania's northern safari circuit! This perfectly balanced journey takes you to three of Africa's most spectacular natural landscapes: Lake Manyara National Park, the legendary Serengeti, and the majestic Ngorongoro Crater.
Whether you're a safari novice or a seasoned Africa enthusiast, this tour offers intensive wildlife viewing, cultural encounters with the Maasai, and breathtaking landscapes. In a safari jeep, you and your experienced guide will explore diverse ecosystems: from the flocks of flamingos at Lake Manyara to the endless savannas of the Serengeti and the unique caldera of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Look forward to seeing elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and with a bit of luck, the rare black rhinoceros. The best time to travel for this 5-day safari in Tanzania is during the dry season from June to October.
ROUTE OVERVIEW
- Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Day 2: Safari in Lake Manyara National Park & Maasai Village
- Day 3: Safari Drive in the Serengeti with Game Drives
- Day 4: Serengeti and onward to the Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 5: Safari in Ngorongoro Crater and Return to Arusha
Budget accommodations
2 people
1.919 € *
4 people
1.476 € *
6 people
1.328 € *
Mid-range accommodations
2 people
1.919 € *
4 people
1.476 € *
6 people
1.328 € *
Luxury accommodations
2 people
2.369 € *
4 people
1.848 € *
6 people
1.674 € *
Indicative costs per person, excluding flights to Tanzania
Our offer includes:
Optional additions:
Not included:
Customer testimonial
“Everything perfect – great trip and great price
Our safari with Safari Tanzania was unforgettable! Thanks to their collaboration with local providers, they offered us a huge selection of accommodations. While other providers were often hard to reach and had limited options, Safari Tanzania put together a tailor-made tour perfectly suited to our budget and preferences. We saw the Big Five and experienced the Great Migration! Our guide was top-notch, and the organization ran smoothly. Absolutely recommended for a personalized and affordable dream vacation!
Philipp Grünewald, a customer from Vienna
Daily Descriptions
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Welcome Tanzania! Your 5-day safari begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. Your guide will warmly welcome you and take you to your accommodation in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit.
Use the rest of the day to relax and prepare for the upcoming adventure. In the evening, you'll receive a detailed briefing about your safari; your guide will explain the route, give tips for wildlife viewing, and answer all your questions. The anticipation for the coming days in the wilderness is building!
Day 2: Safari in Lake Manyara National Park
Your safari adventure starts at 8:00 AM! After a three-hour drive, you will reach the Lake Manyara Nationalpark. The park is world-famous for its tree-climbing lions, which you might be lucky enough to spot in the branches of the acacia trees.
A spectacular natural phenomenon awaits you at the alkaline lake: thousands of flamingos paint the shore a vibrant pink! The algae in the water magically attract these elegant birds. Your game drive will also take you to the park's hot springs, a fascinating geological phenomenon.
A special highlight of this 5-day safari in Tanzania is the visit to a traditional Maasai village (Boma). Immerse yourself in the culture of this proud pastoral people, discover their traditions, and experience authentic encounters. Afterward, you will travel to Karatu, on the edge of the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Day 3: Lake Manyara and Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you'll pack your things into the safari jeep and set off for the legendary Serengeti! You'll pass through the spectacular Rift Valley and enjoy breathtaking views of Ngorongoro Crater begins from above.
Around 3:00 PM, you'll reach the "endless plains" — the meaning of "Serengeti" in the Maasai language. The central Serengeti awaits you with its classic savanna landscapes, dotted with acacia trees and vast horizons.
Your first game drive will take you through this UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1981), home to over 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, and the world-famous Great Migration. Experience a magical sunset over the savanna — a moment that makes this 5-day safari in Tanzania truly unforgettable!
Day 4: Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Getting up early is worth it! At 5:45 AM, you'll witness the sunrise over the Serengeti — a spectacle of colors you'll never forget. After breakfast, you'll head out on an extended morning game drive, when predators are most active.
The Serengeti is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife: impalas, buffalo, crocodiles, hippos, and, of course, the massive herds of wildebeest and zebras that migrate across the savanna year-round, following the seasons on their eternal journey. If you're lucky, you might spot cheetahs on the hunt or leopards resting in the shade of the trees.
After a hearty lunch, you'll continue your game drive as you slowly make your way toward Ngorongoro. Once you arrive at the crater rim, a front-row seat overlooking the vast caldera awaits you — building excitement for tomorrow's safari highlight!
Day 5: Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater and Return to Arusha
The crowning finale of your 5-day safari in Tanzania! Your day begins at 5:30 AM, as after breakfast, you'll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater (the "eighth wonder of the world" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979).
This largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, formed around 2.5 million years ago, is home to roughly 25,000 large mammals within just 260 square kilometers. Here, you have the best chance of spotting all of the Big Five in a single day — including the rare black rhino! The predator density here is the highest in Africa.
You'll spend six to seven hours exploring this natural paradise. Enjoy a picnic on the crater floor, surrounded by flocks of flamingos and grazing herds. In the afternoon, you'll leave the crater and drive back to Arusha. With your heart full of memories, your unforgettable safari in Tanzania comes to an end!
Customer testimonial
“Top-organized safari with fantastic memories
Safari Tanzania, as an intermediary, enabled us to have highly individualized planning and saved us the effort of comparing dozens of providers online. They adapted everything to our wishes, connected us with the ideal local team, and offered flexible, prompt support – a relaxed highlight full of lasting memories.
Many safari organizers pushed for a personal call, only to offer a package tour in the end. Safari Tanzania sent us an offer after the first email, which we then minimally adjusted and swapped out one accommodation. This saved my girlfriend and me a lot of effort. Thank you very much!
Michael Simann, a customer from Frankfurt
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All prices listed are former prices for short and price-optimized trips. Current prices may be higher due to the respective season and inflation. Our terms and conditions apply.
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passionate tour guide in Tanzania for 6 years
It fills me with pride to show guests the beauty of Tanzania and give them unforgettable moments. I love it when my guests see a lion in the wild for the first time or marvel at the savanna at sunset. It is important to me that my guests feel safe and well looked after – and return home with many beautiful stories.
My profession is not just a job for me, but something I'm passionate about."
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to travel for this safari?
The dry season, from June to October, offers ideal conditions — animals gather around watering holes, and visibility is at its best.
Can I see the Big Five on this tour?
Yes! Especially in the Ngorongoro Crater, the chances of spotting all of the Big Five, including the rare black rhinoceros, are excellent.
What optional activities are available?
A hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti and a visit to a Maasai village are popular add-on options.
Where does the 5-day safari in Tanzania start and end?
The tour starts and ends in Arusha. Pick-up from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport is available.
Is this tour suitable for first-time safari-goers?
Absolutely! This tour is perfect for first-time visitors — it covers the key highlights of the Northern Circuit.
What makes Lake Manyara special?
The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, massive flamingo colonies, and hot springs.
How strenuous is the safari?
The game drives are comfortable in a safari jeep. Early mornings are part of the experience, but breaks are built in.
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