Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Camping

Summary

Serengeti plains sunrise, lions in trees and crater mist

You’ll wake to wild sounds on this Tanzania safari—lions in trees at Lake Manyara, sunrise over endless Serengeti grasslands, campfire nights under stars, and misty mornings descending into Ngorongoro Crater. With a local guide handling everything from pickup to meals and campsites, you get close to wildlife—and closer to what travel really feels like out here.

What’s the experience like?

"Did you hear that?" someone whispered in the dark, right before dawn cracked open over Tarangire. I was still half-wrapped in my sleeping bag, listening — not sure if it was elephants or just the wind rattling the baobabs. Our guide, Juma, grinned like he’d heard it a thousand times. He handed out mugs of strong coffee before we climbed into the safari truck. The air smelled dry and a little smoky from last night’s campfire, and I remember my hands were cold on the metal railing as we bumped down the red track.

The first day felt long but good — zebras everywhere, their stripes almost flickering in the sun. At Lake Manyara, we watched flamingos crowding the water’s edge (I didn’t expect them to be so noisy). Juma pointed out a lion sprawled up in an acacia tree; honestly, I had to squint for ages before I saw her tail twitch. Lunch was picnic-style under a fig tree with vervet monkeys eyeing our sandwiches — one nearly got away with an apple. There’s something about eating outside with dust on your shoes and giraffes just... walking by.

Serengeti hit different. The grasslands just kept going — gold and green waves under this huge sky. Nights at Seronera campsite were loud with hyenas whooping somewhere off in the dark (not scary exactly but you do check your tent zippers twice). We woke early for game drives; sometimes it was quiet except for birds or wildebeest grunting nearby. One morning there was this weird hush right before sunrise — I still think about that moment when everything felt old and wild.

Ngorongoro Crater is colder than you’d think. We drove down through mist so thick I couldn’t see past the hood of the truck until suddenly there were buffalo everywhere. Juma spotted a rhino far off — just a grey shape moving slow through tall grass. By then I’d stopped trying to take perfect photos; it’s better to just watch sometimes, even if your boots are muddy and your hair smells like campfire smoke for days after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arusha to Tarangire National Park

• Breakfast at lodge
• Depart between 08:30 and 09:00
• Private guide picks you up
• Start safari in 4x4 vehicle
• Arrive at Tarangire lodge for lunch
• Enjoy afternoon game drive
• Dinner and overnight at Twiga camp

Day 2 — Lake Manyara National Park Game Drive

• Breakfast at lodge
• Pick up between 08:30 and 09:00
• Drive to Lake Manyara National Park
• Extended game drive with picnic lunch
• Dinner and overnight at Twiga camp

Day 3 — Serengeti National Park Visit

• Breakfast at lodge
• Depart for Serengeti via Karatu and Ngorongoro
• Arrive Serengeti Seronera area
• Lunch at Serengeti
• Afternoon game drive in Serengeti
• Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Seronera Campsite

Day 4 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro Area

• Early morning coffee, tea, and biscuit
• Early morning game drive 08:00 to 14:30
• Depart to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Simba Campsite

Day 5 — Ngorongoro Crater and Return

• Early breakfast with coffee
• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for wildlife viewing
• Visit Lake Magadi
• Transfer back to Arusha city
• Drop off at hotel or airport

Top questions

How many days is this Tanzania camping safari?

This safari lasts 5 days with overnight camping included.

Are meals included during the Serengeti safari?

Yes, all meals are included throughout the trip.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

Yes, pickup from your Arusha hotel is included.

What animals can I see at Lake Manyara?

You may see flamingos, tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes and more.

Do we visit Ngorongoro Crater on this tour?

Yes, you’ll descend into Ngorongoro Crater for wildlife viewing on the last day.

Is this group camping safari suitable for beginners?

Yes—it’s suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Where do we sleep during the safari?

You’ll camp overnight at Twiga Camp, Seronera Campsite and Simba Campsite.

Are park entry fees included?

Yes—all park entry fees are covered in your booking price.

What’s included

Your five-day journey includes hotel pickup in Arusha, all park entry fees across Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro areas; full board meals each day; group camping accommodations with tents provided; plus daily guided game drives led by an experienced local guide before drop-off back in Arusha or at the airport.