A 5-day Tanzania safari through Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater offers the perfect mix of diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s an ideal itinerary for your adventure:
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha and Transfer to Lake Manyara
Morning: Arrive in Arusha (via flight or land transfer). Meet your safari guide and drive to Lake Manyara National Park (about 1.5 to 2 hours).
Midday: Arrive and start your game drive in Lake Manyara, which is famous for its rich birdlife (especially flamingos) and the famous tree-climbing lions. The park also has a variety of other animals like elephants, giraffes, zebras, and baboons.
Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park or at a lodge in the area with scenic views of the lake.
Afternoon: Continue exploring Lake Manyara, with its varied ecosystems, from the lush rainforest to the open savannah. The lake itself offers a stunning backdrop, and the birdwatching here is incredible.
Evening: Head to your accommodation near the park for dinner and an overnight stay. Options include Lake Manyara Serena Lodge or Manyara Ranch Conservancy.
Day 2: Lake Manyara to Serengeti
Morning: After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey to the Serengeti National Park (around 4-5 hours, depending on road conditions). Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes as you move towards the vast plains of the Serengeti.
Midday: Arrive in the Serengeti and start your first game drive. Serengeti is one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in the world, known for the annual wildebeest migration, the Big Five, and large prides of lions.
Lunch: You can have a packed lunch during your game drive or head to your lodge/camp for a meal.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the Serengeti's expansive plains, savannah, and kopjes. The wildlife is abundant here, with frequent sightings of cheetahs, elephants, and lions. If you're visiting during migration season (usually June to October), you may witness the massive herds of wildebeest and zebras moving across the plains.
Evening: Check into your lodge or tented camp in Serengeti, such as Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or Kati Kati Tented Camp, for dinner and relaxation.
Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti
Early Morning: Start your day with a morning game drive to catch the early wildlife action, as many animals are most active at dawn. This is also a great time for predator sightings, like lions on the hunt or cheetahs in pursuit of prey.
Breakfast: Enjoy a picnic breakfast in the park or return to your lodge for a full breakfast.
Midday: After the morning game drive, you’ll head back to your accommodation for lunch and some relaxation.
Afternoon: Embark on another afternoon game drive, exploring different areas of the Serengeti. Visit the famous Seronera Valley, known for its abundant wildlife, and explore the Moru Kopjes, a stunning area with a rich history and great wildlife opportunities.
Evening: Return to your lodge or camp for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Morning: After breakfast, depart the Serengeti for the Ngorongoro Crater (approximately 3-4 hours). The drive offers beautiful views of the Great Rift Valley.
Midday: Arrive at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and head straight into the Ngorongoro Crater. This massive caldera is often referred to as a “natural zoo” because of the high concentration of wildlife that lives within it. The crater’s diverse ecosystems, from grasslands to swamps, provide ideal conditions for a variety of animals.
Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater, or you can opt for a meal at a nearby lodge, with views over the rim.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon on a game drive in the crater. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, lions, and black rhinos. The crater floor is one of the best places to spot these animals up close. You’ll also see flamingos on the soda lake.
Evening: Head to your accommodation on the crater rim for dinner and an overnight stay. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge or Ngorongoro Serena Lodge offer luxurious accommodations with incredible views.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Morning: If you didn’t do a game drive on the previous day, you can take a morning game drive to catch the wildlife early in the day. Alternatively, you can enjoy a more leisurely breakfast with panoramic views of the crater rim.
Late Morning: After your game drive or breakfast, begin your journey back to Arusha (about 3-4 hours). Depending on your flight schedule, you can either spend the afternoon in Arusha or proceed directly to the airport.
Lunch: Enjoy a final lunch in Arusha (either at a local restaurant or as part of your safari package).
Afternoon: If you have a flight later in the day, head to the airport for your onward travel.
Accommodation Options:
Lake Manyara:
Lake Manyara Serena Lodge (luxurious with views of the lake)
Manyara Ranch Conservancy (more intimate, eco-friendly)
Serengeti:
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (great views of the Serengeti plains)
Kati Kati Tented Camp (a mobile camp with a more immersive safari experience)
Ngorongoro:
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (luxury with views of the crater)
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (comfortable and well-located)
Tips for Your Safari:
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, especially for the Serengeti migration. The wet season (November to April) is better for birdwatching and fewer crowds.
- Packing: Bring comfortable clothing (light and breathable), a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera, and insect repellent. Also, bring a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.
- Safari Vehicle: Ensure you're in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a roof hatch for optimal viewing. Your guide will be experienced in spotting wildlife and explaining the ecosystems.
This 5-day safari combines the best of Tanzania’s wildlife parks and is perfect for those looking to explore Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro in depth. Let me know if you'd like help with booking accommodations or additional details!