5-Day Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Manyara Journey
Introduction to the Destination
This compact but comprehensive itinerary is designed for travelers short on time yet wishing to experience the full spectrum of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. Starting from Arusha, it includes Tarangire’s elephants and baobabs, the vast Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater’s density of wildlife, and concludes in the bird- and primate-rich Lake Manyara National Park.
Key Tour Highlights & Unique Selling Points
All major parks in just 5 days: Ideal for those on tighter schedules or first-time safari-goers.
Private and flexible: Small group or private vehicle and guide.
Exceptional wildlife: Higher probability of Big Five sightings within condensed time.
Major Attractions and Accessibility
| National Park | Signature Attractions | Distance from Arusha |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- All parks are accessed by safari vehicle, with optional fly-in or fly-out upgrades.
Day-to-Day Activities
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephants, Baobabs & Big Game
Morning Departure: After breakfast at your lodge in Arusha, your professional safari guide meets you for a 7:30 AM departure. The drive to Tarangire National Park takes approximately 2 hours through Maasai country and open farmland.
Park Entry & Game Drive: Enter Tarangire through the main gate and begin your full-day exploration. The park is famous for its towering baobab trees, seasonal swamps, and massive elephant herds. You’ll also spot giraffes, impalas, buffalo, and predators like lions and leopards.
Picnic Lunch: Served at a shaded site overlooking the Tarangire River, where wildlife often congregates.
Afternoon Drive: Continue through Silale Swamp and the southern woodlands, tracking wildlife and enjoying the changing terrain.
Sunset Exit: Leave the park around 6:00 PM and transfer to your lodge near Lake Manyara or Karatu.
Dinner & Overnight: Relax at a comfortable lodge with views of the Rift Valley escarpment. (Maramboi Tented Camp or Lake Burunge Lodge)
Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti via Ngorongoro Highlands – Scenic Transition & Afternoon Safari
Early Breakfast & Departure: Depart by 7:00 AM for the long but scenic drive to Serengeti National Park. The route ascends into the Ngorongoro Highlands, passing through lush forests, crater rim views, and Maasai settlements.
Optional Stop: Visit Olduvai Gorge en route, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, for a brief tour and museum visit.
Lunch: Packed lunch served at Naabi Hill Gate, the entrance to Serengeti.
Afternoon Game Drive: Begin your Serengeti experience with a drive through the Seronera Valley, known for its year-round wildlife and predator density. Expect to see lions lounging on kopjes, elephants grazing, and possibly cheetahs on the hunt.
Check-in & Sunset: Arrive at your tented camp before dusk. Enjoy sundowners and a hot shower before dinner.
Dinner & Overnight: Luxury tented camp in Central Serengeti (Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge or Serengeti Tortilis Camp)
Day 3: Serengeti Sunrise Safari & Late Morning Exploration – Predator Territory
Pre-Dawn Wake-Up: Depart camp by 6:00 AM for a sunrise game drive. This is prime time for predator activity, lions returning from a hunt, hyenas scavenging, and leopards descending from trees.
Coffee & Snacks: Served in the vehicle as you explore the golden plains.
Return for Breakfast: Back to camp by 9:30 AM for a full breakfast.
Late Morning Game Drive: Optional second drive focusing on migration herds (seasonal), hippo pools, and birdlife.
Lunch & Leisure: Enjoy lunch at camp and relax during the heat of the day. Optional activities include a guided nature walk or storytelling session with your guide.
Dinner & Overnight: Same camp in Central Serengeti.
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – World’s Largest Caldera Safari
Early Departure: After breakfast, begin your journey back toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes 3–4 hours with wildlife viewing en route.
Crater Descent: Arrive at the crater rim and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 25,000 animals, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, and flamingos.
Picnic Lunch: Served near the hippo pool inside the crater.
Afternoon Exit: Ascend back to the crater rim and transfer to your lodge in Karatu or on the rim itself.
Dinner & Overnight: Lodge with crater views or highland gardens. (Ngorongoro Serena Lodge or Ngorongoro Farm House)
Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park & Return to Arusha – Forest, Rift Valley & Flamingos
Early Breakfast & Departure: Drive to Lake Manyara National Park (approx. 45 minutes), known for its groundwater forest, tree-climbing lions, and flamingo-lined lake.
Morning Game Drive: Explore the forest canopy for baboons, blue monkeys, and elephants. Continue to the lake shore for birdwatching and views of the escarpment.
Lunch: Served at a lodge outside the park or packed for the road.
Return to Arusha: Depart by early afternoon for the 2.5-hour drive back to Arusha. Optional stop at a local craft market or coffee plantation.
Drop-Off: Arrive at your lodge or airport for onward travel. End of safari.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions: Park entry, accommodations, meals as specified, guide and vehicle, bottled water.
Exclusions: International/domestic flights, insurance, visa, alcohol, tips, souvenirs.
Accommodation Facilities & Amenities
| Night | Lodge/Camp | Notable Amenities |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What to Carry & Requirements
Safari attire: Convertible pants, long-sleeved shirts, closed shoes, and layered outerwear.
Personal items: Travel documents, sufficient cash, camera, headlamp, toiletries.
Requirements: Valid passport, tourist visa, yellow fever certificate if applicable.