5-Day Tanzania Big Five Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Manyara

Summary

Wildlife Safari Adventure in Northern Tanzania Parks

You’ll explore three legendary parks—Lake Manyara’s flamingos and lions, Serengeti’s endless plains teeming with wildlife, and Ngorongoro Crater’s rare rhinos—all guided by locals who know every hidden corner. Comfortable lodges each night mean real rest between adventures.

What’s the experience like?

The first morning kicked off with a quick coffee at the hotel before our guide, Joseph, rolled up in a dusty Land Cruiser. The drive out of Arusha felt cool and crisp—windows down, you catch whiffs of eucalyptus and the faint scent of diesel from passing dala-dalas. By mid-morning, we reached Lake Manyara National Park. I’d heard about the tree-climbing lions here, but seeing one sprawled across an acacia branch was surreal. Pink flamingos clustered along the lake’s edge, and baboons darted across the road in noisy packs. Our open-roof vehicle made it easy to snap photos of elephants lumbering through the forest and warthogs trotting by with their tails straight up. By late afternoon, we were winding up to Eileens Trees Inn—hot shower, cold Kilimanjaro beer, and stories around the table.

The next day started early—bags packed before sunrise. We passed wheat fields and coffee plantations as we climbed toward the crater highlands; locals waved from roadside stalls selling bananas. By midday, those endless plains of the Serengeti opened up. The name makes sense once you see it: just grassland stretching forever, dotted with wildebeest herds and zebras kicking up dust. Our guide knew every shortcut—he pointed out a cheetah lounging under a thorn bush that I’d have missed otherwise. Nights at Tukaone Camps meant falling asleep to distant hyena calls and waking up to birds chattering outside your tent.

We spent a full day weaving through different corners of Serengeti National Park. Depending on when you visit, you might catch part of the migration—thousands of animals moving together for fresh grass after rains. Even if you miss that spectacle, there’s always something happening: giraffes nibbling treetops or hippos grunting in muddy pools. We stopped by the Serengeti Visitor Centre for a quick break—grabbed some info on local research projects (the Frankfurter Zoological Society folks do impressive work here). Another night under canvas; honestly, nothing beats that feeling.

After breakfast on day four—eggs cooked over charcoal—we cruised through Seronera Valley where predators sometimes stalk prey near waterholes during dry spells. Lunch was picnic-style: sandwiches unwrapped at a lookout point with sweeping views toward Ngorongoro Crater’s rim. When we finally arrived at the crater edge, it was golden hour—the whole caldera glowed as clouds drifted by. Our lodge sat right on the rim; sunset views were unreal.

The last morning came early again (bring layers—it gets chilly before sunrise). We bumped down into Ngorongoro Crater itself—the world’s largest intact caldera—and within minutes spotted zebras grazing alongside buffaloes. Black rhinos are rare but our guide managed to spot one far off near some reeds (binoculars help!). Lions lounged in patches of shade while flocks of birds darted overhead—over 500 species call this place home. After lunch under an acacia tree, we headed back toward Arusha with red dust still clinging to our boots and camera cards full.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moshi/Arusha to Lake Manyara

• Safari to Lake Manyara National Park
• Overnight at lodge

Day 2 — Lake Manyara to Serengeti

• Drive to Serengeti National Park
• Overnight at lodge

Day 3 — Serengeti Game Drive

• Full day game drive in Serengeti
• Optional visit to Serengeti Visitor Centre
• Overnight at lodge

Day 4 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro

• Drive through Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater visit
• Overnight at lodge on crater rim

Day 5 — Ngorongoro to Moshi/Arusha

• Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
• Drive back to Moshi/Arusha

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Kids are welcome—just note that infants need to sit on an adult's lap during drives for safety.

What kind of accommodation can I expect?

You’ll stay in comfortable lodges or tented camps like Eileens Trees Inn or Tukaone Camps—clean rooms, hot showers, good food.

Will I definitely see all Big Five animals?

No guarantees since wildlife is wild—but your guide will do their best to find lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos.

How long are daily drives?

Game drives vary but expect several hours each day—with breaks for meals or stretching legs at scenic spots.

What’s included

This tour covers all park entry fees, game drives in an open-roof 4x4 vehicle with a knowledgeable local guide, full-board lodge or camp stays each night (including breakfast, lunch & dinner), bottled water during drives, and transfers from Moshi or Arusha hotels at start/end.