Tanzania: 6-Day Safari Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Summary

Safari through Tanzania’s wild heartlands with sunrise drives and close encounters

You’ll travel from Arusha through Tarangire’s elephant herds, across Serengeti’s endless plains at sunrise, down into Ngorongoro Crater’s animal-filled bowl, and finish beside Lake Manyara’s flamingos — all with local guides who know every shortcut and story. Expect early mornings, picnic lunches under big skies, and moments you’ll replay long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the road out of Arusha to feel so alive — vendors waving mangoes at the window, dust swirling up as we left town. Our guide, Daniel, had this easy laugh that made the early start easier. By the time we reached Tarangire, the air was thick with heat and that dry grass smell. Elephants just wandered past us like it was nothing. I remember eating lunch under a baobab tree while starlings argued overhead — not glamorous, but somehow perfect.

The drive to Serengeti was long and bumpy (my back still remembers), but watching the landscape open up felt like stepping into another world. We saw lions stretched out in the shade and zebras flicking their tails at flies. At sunset, everything turned gold — even Daniel got quiet for a minute. Nights at Seronera campsite were colder than I thought; I’d wake up to hyena calls and someone boiling water for tea. One morning I tried to say “asante” properly and everyone cracked up — apparently my accent needs work.

Ngorongoro Crater is something else entirely. The descent felt almost unreal — mist hanging low, then suddenly all those animals spread out below us like a painting you could walk into. We spotted a black rhino (I nearly dropped my camera). Lunch by Hippo Lake was loud with birds and hippos grunting in the shallows. On our last day at Lake Manyara, flamingos turned the water pink and monkeys darted between trees near the path. I kept thinking how every place had its own mood — some wild rush, some kind of hush you don’t get anywhere else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Safari in Tarangire National Park

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive 2 hours to Tarangire Park
• Game viewing from open roof vehicle
• Picnic lunch with scenic view
• Continue game viewing
• Drive to Fig Tree Lodge
• Dinner and overnight at lodge

Day 2 — Travel and game drive in Serengeti

• Breakfast at lodge
• Drive 4-5 hours to Serengeti
• Stop for picnic lunch en route
• Afternoon game drive in Serengeti
• Watch sunset in park
• Dinner and overnight at Seronera Campsite

Day 3 — Full day game drive in Serengeti

• Early morning game drive at sunrise
• Full day game drive exploring Serengeti
• Return to camp for hot lunch
• Afternoon game drive
• Return to camp at sunset
• Dinner and overnight at Seronera Campsite

Day 4 — Morning game drive and transfer to Ngorongoro

• Early morning sunrise game drive
• Breakfast picnic in the bush
• Continue game drive
• Return to camp for hot lunch
• Load vehicle and depart camp
• Drive to Ngorongoro
• Dinner and overnight at Simba Campsite

Day 5 — Ngorongoro crater wildlife exploration

• Early breakfast
• Descend into Ngorongoro crater
• Wildlife viewing including black rhino
• Picnic lunch at Hippo Lake or hot lunch at camp
• Drive to Fig Tree Lodge
• Dinner and overnight at lodge

Day 6 — Lake Manyara National Park visit

• Breakfast at lodge
• Short drive to Lake Manyara park gate
• Game viewing in Lake Manyara
• Return to Arusha by 4 pm

Top questions

How long is the Tanzania safari tour?

The safari lasts 6 days with daily activities in different parks.

Is hotel pickup included on this safari?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Arusha is included at the start of the tour.

Which parks are visited during this 6-day safari?

The tour covers Tarangire, Serengeti (multiple days), Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara.

Are meals provided during the safari?

Yes, meals are included throughout the trip including picnic lunches and hot dinners at camp or lodge.

What kind of accommodation is used?

You’ll stay at lodges like Fig Tree Lodge and campsites such as Seronera and Simba Campsite.

Can I see all of the Big 5 on this safari?

You have a good chance to see all Big 5 species including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and possibly black rhino.

Is this safari suitable for families or kids?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infant seats are available on request.

What wildlife can I expect at Lake Manyara?

You may see flamingos, tree-climbing lions, monkeys, zebras, giraffes and many bird species there.

When does the tour return to Arusha?

You’ll return to Arusha around 4 pm on day six; timing can be flexible if you have a flight.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup from Arusha each morning by your guide in a private vehicle; all park entry fees; overnight stays at Fig Tree Lodge plus camping in Serengeti and Ngorongoro; daily meals including picnic lunches under acacia trees or beside lakes; game drives led by experienced local guides; plus flexibility for airport transfers if needed on your final day.