This 5-Day Tanzania safari starts and ends in Arusha. It combines Lake Manyara, Mto wa Mbu village, Olduvai Gorge, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The safari includes game drives, a cultural visit and two visits to the Ngorongoro Crater.
Trip summary
Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park via Mto wa Mbu village
Day 2: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park via Olduvai Gorge.
Day 3: Full day game drive in Serengeti National Park.
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Tour and transfer to Arusha
5-Day Tanzania Safari – Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park via Mto wa Mbu Village
After breakfast, leave Arusha and drive towards Lake Manyara National Park. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on road conditions and stops along the way. On the way, visit Mto wa Mbu village, a small town near Lake Manyara known for its mix of local communities, farms, markets and cultural activities. A village visit can include a guided walk through the community, local farms, food preparation and a visit to the market. You can also meet local artisans and see some of the products made in the area.
Continue to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive. The park is known for its forest, open areas and lake shoreline. Elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, baboons and different antelope species can be seen. Lions are also present, although sightings are not guaranteed. After the game drive, continue to your accommodation around Lake Manyara or Karatu for the night. Accommodation options include Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp and Marera Valley Lodge.
Day 2: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park via Olduvai Gorge
After breakfast, leave for Serengeti National Park. The journey takes several hours because the route passes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before reaching the Serengeti. Make a stop at Olduvai Gorge, an important archaeological and palaeoanthropological site in northern Tanzania. The area is associated with major discoveries that have helped scientists understand early human history. Visitors can learn about the archaeological work and view the gorge from designated areas.
Continue towards Serengeti, with game viewing beginning along the route as you enter the park. Serengeti is Tanzania’s best known wildlife area and is famous for its large grasslands and annual wildebeest migration. Continue to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Full day game drive in Serengeti National Park
Spend the entire day exploring Serengeti National Park on game drives. Serengeti covers a large area so the exact route depends on the season, recent wildlife sightings and where you are staying. The game drive is carried out in a safari vehicle with a professional driver guide. You may see wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes and different antelope species. Lions and hyenas are commonly encountered in suitable areas while leopards and cheetahs may also be seen.
The park is also home to many bird species. Your guide can stop at suitable points for photography and wildlife observation. Lunch can be taken at a designated picnic site or as a packed meal during the day’s drive. Return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, leave Serengeti and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey offers another opportunity for wildlife viewing as you leave the Serengeti. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a multiple-use conservation area where wildlife conservation takes place alongside traditional pastoral activities. Its main attraction is the Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera with a high concentration of wildlife.
Depending on your schedule, you can make short stops along the route before arriving at your accommodation near the crater. Spend the night around the Ngorongoro Highlands. Accommodation options include Ngorongoro Farm House, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge and Bougainvillea Safari Lodge.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Tour and transfer to Arusha
After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for another crater tour. The game drive takes place on the crater floor following designated routes through grasslands, wetlands and other habitats. You may see wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes, gazelles, hippos, lions and other wildlife. Black rhinos are also found in the crater, although sightings are not guaranteed. The crater also provides opportunities for bird watching.
After the game drive, begin the drive back to Arusha. The journey takes several hours depending on the route and stops. Arrive in Arusha in the afternoon or evening which marks the end of the 5 days Tanzania safari.