Lake Manyara or Tarangire, two days in the Serengeti and a game drive on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater.
This five-day safari from Arusha covers the essentials of northern Tanzania. Begin with a full-day game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, known for tree-climbing lions and flamingos, or Tarangire with its baobabs and elephants. Cross the Ngorongoro highlands into the Serengeti for two days on its endless plains, where the Big Five and the Great Migration roam, with an optional sunrise balloon flight. Finish with a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 120 mammal species and a good chance of seeing black rhinos.
Ideal for: Travellers with limited time who want the highlights of northern Tanzania, including first-time safari-goers and families.
Your driver-guide collects you in Arusha for a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch in Lake Manyara National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions and birdlife, or in Tarangire National Park. Dinner and overnight at your lodge in the Karatu area.
Drive through the mist-shrouded forests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where buffaloes, elephants and leopards are sometimes seen, to the Serengeti. You can break the journey with an optional Maasai boma visit or a stop at Olduvai Gorge. Afternoon game drive among the plains herds. Dinner and overnight in the Serengeti.
Start with a sunrise game drive as lions and leopards hunt, or add an optional hot-air balloon safari with champagne breakfast. Then spend the day exploring with a packed lunch, following the best routes for the Big Five and the migration. Dinner and overnight in the Serengeti.
Game drive out of the Serengeti by a different route, with more chances to see cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and lions, then continue to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Dinner and overnight near the crater rim.
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive in this vast caldera, home to the Big Five, black rhinos and large numbers of hippos. After lunch, drive back to Arusha.
Accommodation: Lodges or tented camps in Karatu, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, selected to match your budget.
| RATES | LUXURY OPTION | MEDIUM OPTION | BUDGET OPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEAK SEASON RATES | |||
| Each of 2 Pax | $3015 | $2175 | $1740 |
| Each of 3 Pax | $2810 | $1980 | $1470 |
| Each of 4 Pax | $2580 | $1770 | $1325 |
| Each of 5 Pax | $2545 | $1730 | $1240 |
| Each of 6 Pax | $2435 | $1635 | $1180 |
| SRS- | $250 | $180 | $$25 |
| LOW SEASON RATES | |||
| Each of 2 Pax | $2285 | $2135 | $1740 |
| Each of 3 Pax | $1980 | $1820 | $1470 |
| Each of 4 Pax | $1810 | $1665 | $1330 |
| Each of 5 Pax | $1715 | $1565 | $1245 |
| Each of 6 Pax | $1650 | $1530 | $1190 |
| SRS | $220 | $155 | $25 |
Rates are per person sharing, by group size, season and accommodation level. SRS = single room supplement. Prices are a guide and are confirmed at the time of booking.
Northern Tanzania offers excellent game viewing year-round. The migration is usually in the northern Serengeti from July to October and in the southern Serengeti for the calving season from January to March.
Our prices are based on a private safari vehicle for your group, with your own driver-guide. Shared departures may be possible on request.
A 4x4 safari Land Cruiser or safari minibus with a pop-up roof for game viewing and photography.
Yes. We can adjust the travel dates, length, destinations, pace and activities to suit you.
Yes. We can quote for upgraded lodges and tented camps, subject to availability on your dates.
Yes. We can add domestic flights, a Kenyan coast or Zanzibar beach stay, or extra safari days before or after this itinerary.
Lightweight neutral-coloured clothing, warm layers for early mornings, comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera. See our Safari Travel Information page for a full checklist.
Tell us your travel dates and group size and our safari team will send a personalised quote. Every itinerary can be customised.