Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire 6-Day Tour

Summary

Serengeti sunrise drives, crater lions and Tarangire’s wild herds

You’ll travel from Arusha through Lake Manyara’s lakeside wildlife, wake up to sunrise in Serengeti’s vast plains, descend into Ngorongoro Crater among lions and zebras, and end surrounded by Tarangire’s ancient baobabs—all with an expert guide who knows every shortcut and story along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it really feels like to wake up in the Serengeti? I didn’t expect my first morning there to be so quiet — just that pale gold light slipping through the canvas and a sort of hush, except for distant birds. Our guide, Joseph, was already outside with coffee (he somehow remembered how I take it), grinning at my bedhead. We’d started in Arusha a couple days before, but it was here that the whole Tanzania safari tour really hit me. There’s nothing quite like watching wildebeest move like a river across those endless plains — you can’t photograph that feeling, you know?

Lake Manyara was our first proper game drive stop after leaving Arusha. I still remember the smell of crushed acacia leaves when we stopped for lunch by the lake — sharp and sweet at the same time. The day trip from Arusha to Lake Manyara is longer than you’d think (the roads get bumpy), but seeing elephants so close you could hear them breathe made every mile worth it. Joseph pointed out a shy dik-dik hiding in the brush; I almost missed it because I was too busy staring at flamingos turning the water pink. He laughed when I tried to say “asante sana” with my mouth full of chapati.

The drive from Lake Manyara up toward Serengeti takes hours — five or so? — but honestly, time gets weird out there. The Rift Valley just rolls on forever. By the time we reached Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we were all dusty and a little sunburned. But descending into that crater… wow. The air felt cooler down there, almost damp, and suddenly there were zebras everywhere and lions lounging like they owned the place (which they kind of do). Lunch was picnic-style again; I dropped half an orange trying to shoo away a persistent monkey. That still makes me laugh.

I’m not sure what I expected from Tarangire at the end of our six days, but those baobab trees looked ancient even under harsh midday sun. It’s funny how each park has its own mood — Tarangire felt wilder somehow, more unpredictable. We saw elephants dust-bathing right next to our truck and watched as giraffes stretched their necks for leaves way above us. On our last drive back toward Arusha Airport, Joseph asked which moment was my favorite. Honestly? Still thinking about that sunrise in Serengeti.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and transfer to Arusha

• Arrive at Arusha Airport
• Meet driver guide
• Transfer to hotel in Arusha
• Introduction to city and country
• Dinner and overnight in Arusha

Day 2 — Drive to Lake Manyara National Park

• Collect picnic lunchbox
• Drive west to Lake Manyara
• Explore park wildlife and landscape
• Return to lodge
• Dinner and overnight at Lake Manyara

Day 3 — Travel to Serengeti National Park

• Breakfast at lodge
• Collect lunch boxes
• Depart Lake Manyara
• Drive 5 hours to Serengeti
• Enjoy Serengeti terrain views
• Dinner and overnight in Serengeti

Day 4 — Morning game drive and Ngorongoro

• Breakfast in Serengeti
• Morning game drive in Serengeti
• Picnic lunch
• Drive east to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Settle in at lodge
• Dinner and overnight in Ngorongoro

Day 5 — Ngorongoro crater and Tarangire

• Early breakfast
• Drive to Ngorongoro crater rim
• Descend and game drive in crater
• Lunch after game drive
• Drive 4.5 hours to Tarangire National Park
• Dinner and overnight in Tarangire

Day 6 — Tarangire game drive and departure

• Morning game drive in Tarangire
• Lunch in park
• Drive 3 hours to Arusha Airport
• End of tour

Top questions

How many days is this Tanzania safari tour?

This Tanzania safari lasts 6 days from Arusha to Tarangire and back.

Are meals included during the safari?

Yes—breakfasts, lunches (often picnic style), and dinners are included except dinner on your last day.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Arusha?

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

Which parks will I visit on this itinerary?

You’ll visit Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire.

Is this safari suitable for families with young children?

Yes—infant seats are available and children can join with supervision.

How long is the drive from Lake Manyara to Serengeti?

The journey takes about 5 hours covering roughly 222 km along the Rift Valley.

Are park entry fees covered in the price?

All accommodation and park fees are included throughout your safari.

What kind of vehicle is used for game drives?

A 4x4 Toyota Cruiser is used for all game drives during your tour.

What’s included

Your six-day journey includes hotel pickup in Arusha city, all park entry fees across Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire; five nights’ accommodation with full board on safari; transport by 4x4 Toyota Cruiser; soft drinks plus coffee or tea on game drives; expert local driver-guide throughout; and return transfer to Arusha Airport at the end of your adventure.