Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro 5-Day Group Tour

Summary

Tarangire’s giants, flamingos at Manyara, endless Serengeti plains and the crater’s quiet dawn

You’ll stand beneath ancient baobabs in Tarangire, watch flamingos paint Lake Manyara pink at sunrise, cross endless Serengeti plains with a small group and local guide, then descend into Ngorongoro Crater’s quiet world before heading back to Arusha—each day layered with new sights and small surprises you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the baobab trees looked in Tarangire — like something out of a storybook, thick and silent against the early light. Our guide, Daniel, laughed when I tried to pronounce “baobab” in Swahili (I didn’t get it right). The drive from Arusha was longer than I thought but not boring; windows down, you catch whiffs of dust and wild sage. By mid-morning we were already spotting elephants — so many more than I’d expected. At lunch, we sat on the hood of the jeep with our sandwiches while zebras wandered close enough that I could hear them snorting softly. Didn’t expect that either.

Lake Manyara was next — it smells different there, kind of sweet and earthy. Early game drive meant we caught the flamingos just as the sun hit the water, turning everything pink for a minute or two. Daniel pointed out tree-climbing lions (one was actually up there), and a whole troop of baboons blocked our path for a good ten minutes. Nobody minded waiting; it felt like their road anyway. The day trip through Lake Manyara from Arusha is worth it just for those colors and that weird feeling when giraffes stare straight at you.

But honestly? It’s the Serengeti that sticks with me most. The plains go on forever — you start to lose track of time out there. We saw wildebeest herds moving like a dark river across the grass, lions lounging in patches of shade. One night at camp I couldn’t sleep because hyenas were whooping somewhere close by (creepy but also kind of thrilling). The tents were more comfortable than I’d expected; you hear everything at night though — wind, insects, sometimes distant thunder rolling over the savannah.

I woke up early for Ngorongoro Crater without even needing my alarm — nerves maybe? The air was cold and sharp on my face as we drove down into the crater itself. It’s quieter there than anywhere else on this safari; even with everyone whispering about rhinos or buffaloes in the distance, it felt hushed somehow. Lunch was hot coffee and something simple while watching hippos wallow in muddy pools. On the drive back to Arusha I kept thinking about how small I’d felt inside that crater, but also lucky to have seen it all up close.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arusha to Tarangire National Park

• Depart Arusha after breakfast
• Drive to Tarangire National Park
• Morning game drive in Tarangire
• Picnic lunch in the park
• Afternoon game drive
• Relax at lodge in evening

Day 2 — Explore Lake Manyara National Park

• Early morning game drive
• Spot elephants, giraffes, lions
• Picnic lunch with lake views
• Afternoon game drive
• Return to lodge

Day 3 — Travel to Serengeti National Park

• Breakfast at lodge
• Drive to Serengeti via Great Rift Valley
• Wildlife spotting en route
• Arrive Serengeti and start game drive
• Settle into Serengeti accommodation

Day 4 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands

• Morning game drive in Serengeti
• Leisurely lunch
• Drive to Karatu area
• Arrive at lodge in evening

Day 5 — Ngorongoro Conservation Area tour

• Early sunrise over Ngorongoro Crater
• Breakfast at lodge
• Guided tour inside Ngorongoro Crater
• Picnic lunch in crater
• Afternoon drive back to Arusha

Top questions

How long is the Tanzania group safari?

The tour lasts 5 days and includes travel between parks plus overnight stays.

Which parks are included in this safari?

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

Is accommodation included during the safari?

Yes, all nights are included at mid-range lodges or bush camps along the route.

Are meals provided on this tour?

Lunches are picnic-style during game drives; breakfasts and dinners are served at your lodge or camp.

Do you see wildlife every day?

Yes—each park offers unique animal sightings daily: elephants in Tarangire, flamingos at Manyara, big cats in Serengeti and diverse wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater.

Is pickup from Arusha included?

The tour starts from Arusha after breakfast; hotel pickup can be arranged if needed.

Are guides certified locals?

Your safari is led by certified local guides familiar with each park’s wildlife and culture.

What type of vehicle is used for game drives?

You’ll travel in a comfortable safari jeep designed for wildlife viewing with open windows or pop-up roof.

What’s included

Your days include all accommodations at mid-range lodges or bush camps, guided game drives through each park with a certified local guide leading your small group, plus picnic lunches out on safari—breakfasts and dinners are served at your lodge or camp each night before returning to Arusha on day five.