Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Tour

Four national parks and the crater in five days, starting from Mwanza

A 5-day guided safari tour departing from Mwanza that moves through Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara, with overnight camping, all meals and an English or French-speaking guide included. The route covers the Big Five and other wildlife across multiple ecosystems, with optional visits to a Maasai village and Olduvai Gorge on day three, and ends in Arusha or at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Mwanza to Serengeti arrival

• Depart Mwanza with packed lunch
• Enter Serengeti via Ndabaka gate
• Game viewing to Seronera
• Arrive lodge/campsite for dinner

Day 2: Full day game drive Serengeti

• Breakfast at campsite
• Game viewing around savannah plain
• Lunch break
• Evening game drive 4:00-6:30 p.m.
• Dinner and overnight at campsite

Day 3: Serengeti to Ngorongoro crater

• Breakfast at campsite
• Depart for Ngorongoro with picnic lunch
• Optional visit Maasai village and Olduvai Gorge
• Arrive Ngorongoro campsite for dinner

Day 4: Ngorongoro crater and Manyara

• Breakfast at campsite
• Descend Ngorongoro crater for game viewing
• Ascend crater in afternoon
• Drive to Manyara campsite for dinner

Day 5: Lake Manyara game drive and departure

• Breakfast at campsite
• Drive to Lake Manyara entrance
• Half day game viewing till lunch
• Further game drive en route to exit
• Drive to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport

The experience

The tour leaves Mwanza on day one with a packed lunch and enters Serengeti through the Ndabaka gate, a two-hour drive, then continues to Seronera for the first overnight. Day two is a full game drive across the central Serengeti savannah, with morning and evening viewing sessions and a midday break. On day three you depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Maasai village and Olduvai Gorge are optional stops on this leg, available for an extra cost. Day four descends into Ngorongoro Crater at dawn for game viewing, then ascends in the afternoon to drive toward Lake Manyara. The final day includes a half-day game drive at Lake Manyara before the drive to Arusha town or Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Overnight stays are at public campsites: Seronera and Pimbi in the Serengeti, Simba A near Ngorongoro, and Twiga or Sunbright in Mto wa Mbu near Lake Manyara. All camping facilities and meals prepared by a camp cook are included. You bring your own sleeping bag and toiletries. The guides are experienced wildlife spotters who lead in English or French and handle all navigation and park entry logistics.

Pickup from Mwanza is included. The tour ends with drop-off in Arusha or at Kilimanjaro International Airport, so no onward transport arrangement is needed. Gratuities for the guide and cook are optional. Infants travel on an adult's lap, and the itinerary suits all fitness levels, though full days in an open vehicle and early starts are part of the routine.

What’s included

• All national park fees and taxes.
• overnight camping at public campsites.
• all meals prepared by a camp cook.
• an experienced English or French-speaking guide.
• pickup from Mwanza and drop-off in Arusha or at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

AgesAdult (16 to 65 years) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 1)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by African Diurnal Safaris & Tours

Is this one for you?This five-day itinerary covers four parks and the crater in one trip, so you explore the full range without splitting across separate bookings. Pickup starts from Mwanza rather than Arusha.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 1).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Ngorongoro Crater like, and how much time do you spend inside it?

Ngorongoro Crater is a vast caldera with concentrated wildlife viewing. You descend into the crater after breakfast on day four and game-view until afternoon, then ascend to drive toward Lake Manyara: a half-day inside the crater itself.

Do I need my own sleeping bag and tent, or are those provided?

Camping facilities are included, which means the campsite and a cook are provided, but you bring your own sleeping bag and personal toiletries. Tents are not mentioned in the itinerary.

Can I visit the Maasai village and Olduvai Gorge on this tour?

Yes, both are optional stops on day three en route to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, but they cost extra and are not included in the base tour price.

Where does the tour end, and how do I get onward from there?

The tour ends with drop-off in Arusha town or at Kilimanjaro International Airport on day five. You arrange your own onward travel from there.