5 Days Manyara – Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater Safari

This 5-day Tanzania safari takes you through three of the country’s most iconic destinations – Lake Manyara National Park, the endless plains of the Serengeti, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Expect breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife encounters, and unforgettable African sunsets while staying in carefully selected lodges and camps.

Perfect for travelers seeking a short but immersive safari adventure, this itinerary balances game drives, relaxation, and scenic travel routes through Tanzania’s northern circuit.

Safari Highlights

• Scenic game drive through Lake Manyara, known for tree-climbing lions and flamingos.

• Witness the Great Migration (seasonal) in the Serengeti.

• Visit the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, Ngorongoro Crater.

• Spot the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.

• Cultural encounters with the Maasai people.

• Stunning landscapes, from lush forests to endless savannah plains.

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park

• Day 2: Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park

• Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti

• Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha / Departure

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary Overview

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park

Begin your adventure after breakfast in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. Depart in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver-guide. The drive to Lake Manyara passes through the scenic Rift Valley, offering spectacular views of rolling hills, small villages, and farmland.

Upon arrival, embark on your first game drive in the park. Lake Manyara is a unique ecosystem, comprising alkaline lakes, groundwater forests, and savannahs, which host a remarkable array of wildlife:

• Tree-climbing lions, an unusual and fascinating sight as these big cats lounge on acacia branches.

• Elephant herds roaming the dense forest floor.

• Flamingos and other waterfowl feeding along the lake’s edge.

• Hippos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and baboons.

After an afternoon of wildlife spotting, check in to your lodge, where you can unwind and enjoy dinner under the African sky.

Accommodation: Manyara Serena Safari Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, depart for the Serengeti, driving through the Ngorongoro Highlands. This scenic route offers panoramic views over the Rift Valley and fertile highlands, often dotted with Maasai villages and grazing livestock.

Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive in the Serengeti. The park’s open plains are home to countless herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle, as well as predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebra cross the plains in search of fresh grazing.

The evening offers a perfect opportunity to photograph the sunset over the Serengeti, a breathtaking experience that captures the true spirit of Africa.

Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or Tented Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drives in Serengeti

Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti’s vast and diverse ecosystem. Morning and afternoon game drives provide excellent opportunities to spot:

• Lions lounging in the tall grass or hunting cooperatively.

• Leopards resting in trees and occasionally descending to stalk prey.

• Elephants roaming in family groups along the rivers and acacia woodlands.

• Herds of wildebeest and zebra, particularly if visiting during the migration season.

• Numerous bird species, including vultures, storks, and secretary birds.

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the wilderness, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Serengeti. Late afternoon, return to your lodge or tented camp to relax, share safari stories, and enjoy dinner.

Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or Tented Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Begin your day with an early morning game drive, when predators are most active and wildlife is abundant. Spot morning activity and capture sunrise photography opportunities over the plains.

Depart mid-morning for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge, the “Cradle of Mankind,” where early human fossils have been discovered, giving a glimpse into humanity’s ancient past.

Arrive at your lodge perched on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, offering spectacular views over the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera. Relax and enjoy dinner as the sun sets over the crater, painting the landscape in vibrant oranges and purples.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha / Departure

After an early breakfast, descend approximately 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari. This natural enclosure hosts a dense and diverse wildlife population:

• Black rhinos, one of the most endangered species.

• Lions, elephants, zebras, and wildebeest.

• Hippos wallowing in crater lakes and streams.

• Over 500 bird species, including flamingos and fish eagles.

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst this stunning natural wonder before ascending to the crater rim and departing for Arusha. Depending on your schedule, you will be dropped at your hotel or directly to the airport for onward travel.

Accommodation: None (End of Tour)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Safari Inclusions

• Accommodation and meals as specified

• All park entry and conservation fees

• Professional English-speaking driver/guide

• Safari 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof

• Bottled drinking water during game drives

• Airport transfers

Safari Exclusions

• International flights and visas

• Travel insurance

• Tips and gratuities

• Alcoholic and soft drinks

• Optional activities (e.g., balloon safari, Olduvai Gorge visit)

• Personal expenses

What to Pack

• Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors

• Warm jacket for early mornings and evenings

• Comfortable walking shoes or boots

• Wide-brim hat and sunglasses

• Sunscreen and insect repellent

• Binoculars for wildlife observation

• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards

• Personal medication and toiletries

• Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance

Travel Guidelines & Important Notes for Tanzania Safaris

To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable safari, please take note of the following:

1. Flexibility of Itinerary

This itinerary is a sample guide and can be adjusted based on client preferences, weather, road conditions, or operational needs.

2. Seasonal Activities & Advance Booking

Certain wildlife events, like the Great Migration, are seasonal. Book early during peak holiday periods to secure preferred accommodations.

3. Accommodation Options

We offer luxury, midrange, or budget lodges and tented camps. All are selected for comfort, location, and service standards.

4. Park Rules & Respect for Nature

• Follow your guide’s instructions at all times

• Do not feed or disturb wildlife

• Maintain safe distances from animals

• Respect park opening hours and regulations

5. Health & Safety Guidelines

• Yellow Fever vaccination may be required from risk countries

• Stay up-to-date with routine vaccines (tetanus, hepatitis A/B)

• Malaria prophylaxis is advised; consult your doctor

• Carry a personal medical kit and prescriptions

6. Travel Documents & Visa Requirements

• Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity

• Tourist visa (e-visa or on arrival)

• Copy of travel insurance policy

7. Money & Payments

• Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is official currency; USD widely accepted

• Carry small denominations of clean, recent USD notes

• Credit cards accepted with possible surcharges

• ATMs available in major towns

8. Responsible Travel

• Respect local communities and culture

• Ask before taking photographs of people

• Reduce plastic usage

• Support local artisans and sustainable tourism initiatives

• Tipping is customary; guidelines provided by your safari consultant

9. Terms & Conditions

By booking, clients accept Pillars of Africa Safaris’ Terms & Conditions, covering cancellations, payments, liabilities, and services.