Serengeti & Ngorongoro: 6-Day Private Safari with Game Drives

Summary

Lions in trees, sunrise over endless plains, laughter in the jeep, cool crater breezes

You’ll set out from Arusha with a local guide, tracking lions in Lake Manyara’s trees and watching flamingos sweep across the water. Sleep near South Serengeti’s wild heart after close-up game drives around Lake Ndutu. Stand on Ngorongoro’s rim as morning mist rises—you might find yourself unexpectedly moved by it all.

What’s the experience like?

We got picked up in Arusha just after sunrise—our guide, Daniel, was already grinning when we stumbled out with our bags. Two hours later we rolled into Lake Manyara, windows down, that thick green smell of forest mixing with something sharp from the lake. I’d read about the tree-climbing lions but didn’t really believe it until Daniel pointed one out—just draped over a branch like a housecat. We ate lunch right there in the park; I still remember the sound of distant birds and how my sandwich tasted slightly dusty but somehow perfect.

The next day was all red roads and Maasai herders moving cattle along the edge of Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The air felt cooler up here. We passed kids waving (one yelled “jambo!” so loud I nearly dropped my camera). By afternoon we were bouncing around Lake Ndutu—Daniel slowed suddenly for a pride of lions sprawled under an acacia. He told us this area is wild during calving season—so many animals you almost forget to blink. That night at the tented lodge, I lay awake listening to something snuffling outside (warthog? buffalo? No idea).

Serengeti was everything people say—endless yellow grass and animals everywhere you look. Six million hooves pounding across the plains during migration… it’s hard to wrap your head around. We saw zebras bickering at a waterhole and a leopard slinking through tall grass (I barely caught it before it vanished). Meals were big and simple—rice, stew, fresh fruit—and every evening someone from the lodge would ask how our day went. There’s something about falling asleep after hours of game drives that makes you feel both tiny and lucky.

I didn’t expect to get emotional at Ngorongoro Crater but when we stopped at the rim and looked down into that bowl of clouds and green—I just stood there for a while not saying much. Daniel noticed and just nodded like he understood. The drive back to Arusha was quiet; everyone tired but kind of glowing inside. If you’re thinking about a Serengeti safari from Arusha… just go. Some things are worth feeling small for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arusha to Lake Manyara game drive

• Pick up from Arusha accommodation
• Drive to Lake Manyara National Park
• Full day game drive in Lake Manyara
• Lunch inside Lake Manyara National Park
• Overnight at Africa Safari Karatu lodge
• Dinner at Africa Safari Karatu restaurant

Day 2 — Transfer to South Serengeti via Ngorongoro

• Breakfast at Africa Safari Karatu
• Drive through Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Lunch en route to South Serengeti
• Afternoon game drive around Lake Ndutu
• Dinner at Africa Safari South Serengeti lodge
• Overnight at Africa Safari South Serengeti

Day 3 — Full day game drive at Lake Ndutu

• Breakfast at Africa Safari South Serengeti
• Full day game drive around Lake Ndutu
• Lunch in the bush during game drive
• Dinner at Africa Safari South Serengeti lodge
• Overnight at Africa Safari South Serengeti

Day 4 — Full day game drive in Serengeti

• Breakfast at Africa Safari South Serengeti
• Full day game drive in Serengeti National Park
• Lunch in the bush during game drive
• Dinner at Africa Safari South Serengeti lodge
• Overnight at Africa Safari South Serengeti

Day 5 — Full day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater

• Breakfast at Africa Safari South Serengeti
• Full day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
• Lunch in the bush during game drive
• Dinner at Africa Safari Karatu restaurant
• Overnight at Africa Safari Karatu lodge

Day 6 — Return transfer to Arusha

• Breakfast at Africa Safari Karatu
• Drive back to Arusha
• Drop off at Arusha accommodation or airport

Top questions

How long does the Serengeti & Ngorongoro safari take?

This private safari lasts 6 days, starting and ending in Arusha.

Is pickup included from my hotel or airport in Arusha?

Yes, pickup and drop-off in Arusha (hotel or airport) are included.

Will I see wildlife during this tour?

You’ll visit Lake Manyara, South Serengeti/Lake Ndutu, Serengeti plains, and Ngorongoro Crater—all known for abundant wildlife including lions and leopards.

Are meals included on this safari?

Yes, all meals are provided on a full board basis throughout the trip.

Where do we sleep during the safari?

You stay in unique lodges near each park—tented lodges in South Serengeti and Karatu near Ngorongoro Highlands.

Is this a private guided safari or group tour?

This is a private guided safari with your own driver-guide throughout.

What is the distance from Arusha to Lake Manyara?

The drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara takes about two hours by road.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or those with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular conditions due to rough roads.

What’s included

Your journey includes private transport in a safari jeep with pop-up roof for better viewing, an experienced local driver-guide throughout all game drives, entry fees for every park visited (Lake Manyara, South Serengeti/Ndutu area, Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater), overnight stays at comfortable lodges on a full board meal plan (breakfasts, lunches—even picnic style—and dinners), plus airport or hotel pickup and drop-off right from Arusha so you don’t have to worry about logistics at all.