Tanzania: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara 6-Day Safari

Summary

Wildlife moments from arusha to serengeti and ngorongoro

You’ll wake up with wild sounds outside your window, share laughter with your guide over picnic lunches in Serengeti, and watch sunrise mist fill Ngorongoro Crater. Spot elephants at Lake Manyara and lions on endless plains—all with meals included and comfortable lodges each night. By the end you might not want to leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the dust—soft ochre clouds curling behind our Toyota as we left Arusha. Our driver, Daniel, had this way of pointing out things before I even noticed them: a flash of blue from a lilac-breasted roller, or the slow sway of Maasai herders moving cattle along the road. When we finally reached Lake Manyara, it was just after sunrise and the air tasted faintly of acacia sap. I’d never seen so many baboons in one place—one actually tried to snatch my lunchbox when we stopped for a break. Daniel just laughed and told me they’re the real bosses around here.

Serengeti felt endless. There’s no way to describe that first afternoon except that it made me feel small in a good way. We bounced along tracks where the grass shimmered gold under the sun, and every so often you’d spot something—a lone elephant, or a line of wildebeest like ants on the horizon. At one point I nearly dropped my camera because a lioness stood up right next to our jeep (I still think about her eyes). Lunch was always picnic-style: cold chicken, mango juice, and those chewy Tanzanian donuts—I can’t remember their name but I wish I’d asked for more.

Ngorongoro Crater was misty when we arrived. The descent felt almost unreal—the light changed so fast my photos came out blurry but I kind of like them that way now. Down in the crater it was quiet except for birds and the distant grunt of hippos. We sat eating sandwiches by the lake while Daniel explained how old volcanic ash makes everything grow faster here. He waved at another guide across the grass—everyone seemed to know each other. It’s funny how you start noticing small things: the smell of coffee in your thermos at sunrise, or how tired your arms get from holding binoculars all day.

I didn’t expect to feel so attached to our little group by the end—there were only four of us plus Daniel, who always remembered who liked tea instead of coffee. On our last morning game drive in Ngorongoro I caught myself wishing we could stay longer (even though my shoes were full of dust). The drive back to Arusha felt quieter than when we started out. So yeah—if you’re thinking about a day trip from Arusha or want something deeper like this six-day safari through Serengeti and Ngorongoro, just go for it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and transfer to Arusha

• Arrive at Arusha Airport
• Meet driver-guide
• Transfer to hotel in Arusha

Day 2 — Drive to Lake Manyara National Park

• Collect picnic lunchbox
• Drive west to Lake Manyara
• Explore Lake Manyara National Park
• Return to lodge
• Dinner and overnight stay

Day 3 — Travel to Serengeti National Park

• Breakfast at lodge
• Collect lunch boxes
• Leave Lake Manyara
• Drive to Serengeti National Park
• Dinner and overnight stay

Day 4 — Full day game drive in Serengeti

• Breakfast at lodge
• Morning game drive in Serengeti
• Picnic lunch
• Afternoon game drive
• Return to lodge
• Dinner and overnight stay

Day 5 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

• Breakfast at lodge
• Morning game drive in Serengeti
• Picnic lunch
• Drive to Ngorongoro Crater
• Settle in at lodge
• Dinner and overnight stay

Day 6 — Ngorongoro Crater and departure

• Early morning game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
• Picnic lunch in crater
• Return to Arusha Airport

Top questions

How long is the Tanzania safari tour?

The safari lasts 6 days starting from Arusha Airport and ending back in Arusha.

Are meals included during the safari?

Yes, breakfast, lunch (often picnic style), and dinner are included except dinner on departure day.

Is hotel pickup provided?

Pickup from Arusha Airport is included at the start of your tour.

What parks do you visit on this safari?

The tour covers Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

What type of vehicle is used for game drives?

A 4x4 Toyota Cruiser is used throughout all game drives.

Are there special seats for infants?

Specialized infant seats are available if needed; infants may also sit on an adult’s lap.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Are park entry fees included?

Yes, all park fees are covered as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your six-day safari includes pickup at Arusha Airport, all park entry fees for Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara, accommodation in comfortable lodges with breakfast, lunch (usually picnic-style), and dinner (except final night), plus soft drinks, coffee or tea and water during game drives—all led by an experienced local driver-guide in a 4x4 Toyota Cruiser before returning to Arusha at journey’s end.