5 Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

Most Diverse Ecosystem Safari in Tanzania Explore Four Iconic Northern Circuit Destinations in One Unforgettable Adventure

Safari Overview

The 5 Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari is one of Tanzania’s most comprehensive short safaris, designed for travelers who want to experience the extraordinary diversity of the Northern Safari Circuit within a limited timeframe.

Unlike itineraries that focus primarily on the Serengeti, this safari showcases four distinct ecosystems, each offering unique landscapes, wildlife encounters, and photographic opportunities. From the ancient baobab forests of Tarangire and the lush groundwater forests of Lake Manyara to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, this itinerary highlights the incredible ecological variety that makes Tanzania one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.

Travelers enjoy opportunities to encounter the Big Five, observe tree-climbing lions, photograph massive elephant herds, explore flamingo-filled lakeshores, and witness predator activity across multiple habitats.

This safari is ideal for first-time visitors, families, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking a balanced safari that combines wildlife viewing with breathtaking scenery.

Why Choose This Safari?

Four Iconic Destinations

Experience Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife areas in one journey.

Exceptional Ecosystem Diversity

Explore:

  • Savannah grasslands
  • Groundwater forests
  • Rift Valley escarpments
  • Volcanic highlands
  • Freshwater lakes
  • Open Serengeti plains

Outstanding Wildlife Variety

Encounter a broad range of species across different habitats.

Big Five Opportunities

Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti offer excellent chances of seeing all Big Five species.

Ideal for Photography

Every destination provides unique landscapes and wildlife subjects.

Safari Highlights

  • Tarangire elephant herds
  • Ancient baobab trees
  • Tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara
  • Flamingos and aquatic birdlife (seasonal)
  • Great Rift Valley scenery
  • Serengeti predator sightings
  • Full-day Serengeti game drives
  • Ngorongoro Crater safari
  • Big Five opportunities
  • Scenic Northern Circuit landscapes

Destinations Featured on This Safari

Tarangire National Park

Known for its massive elephant population and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire offers one of Tanzania’s most distinctive safari landscapes.

Highlights

  • Large elephant herds
  • Baobab woodlands
  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Birdlife diversity

Lake Manyara National Park

A compact but highly diverse park situated beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Highlights

  • Tree-climbing lions
  • Flamingos (seasonal)
  • Hippos
  • Groundwater forests
  • Scenic lake views

Serengeti National Park

One of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations.

Highlights

  • Great Migration ecosystem
  • Big cats
  • Endless plains
  • Exceptional game viewing

Ngorongoro Crater

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to view wildlife.

Highlights

  • Big Five opportunities
  • Black rhinos
  • Dense wildlife populations
  • Spectacular crater scenery

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Your safari begins with a morning departure from Arusha.

Travel southwest toward Tarangire National Park, arriving in time for your first game drive.

Exploring Tarangire

Tarangire is renowned for supporting one of East Africa’s largest elephant populations.

The park’s lifeline is the Tarangire River, which attracts wildlife throughout the year.

Wildlife Sightings

You may encounter:

  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Giraffes
  • Zebras
  • Wildebeest
  • Impalas
  • Waterbucks

Predators frequently observed include:

  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Hyenas

Scenic Features

  • Giant baobab trees
  • Riverine habitats
  • Seasonal wetlands

Dinner & Overnight

Accommodation in Karatu or Lake Manyara area.

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park.

Although relatively small compared to Serengeti, Lake Manyara offers remarkable ecological diversity.

Morning Game Drive

Explore:

  • Groundwater forests
  • Acacia woodlands
  • Lakeshore habitats

Wildlife Highlights

  • Elephants
  • Baboons
  • Blue monkeys
  • Hippos
  • Buffalo

Tree-Climbing Lions

Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, one of the most unusual lion behaviors in Africa.

Although sightings cannot be guaranteed, the park remains one of the best places to search for them.

Birdlife Viewing

The alkaline lake attracts numerous bird species.

Depending on water levels and season, visitors may see:

  • Flamingos
  • Pelicans
  • Storks
  • Herons
  • Fish eagles

Afternoon Transfer

Continue toward the Serengeti through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Dinner & Overnight

Safari lodge or tented camp in Serengeti National Park.

Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti Safari

Spend the day exploring one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife ecosystems.

Morning Game Drive

The early hours provide excellent opportunities to observe predators.

Potential Sightings

  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Cheetahs
  • Hyenas

Exploring the Serengeti Plains

The Serengeti’s vast landscapes support:

  • Wildebeest
  • Zebras
  • Gazelles
  • Giraffes
  • Elephants

Depending on the season, migration herds may also be present.

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy lunch in the heart of the Serengeti.

Afternoon Game Drive

Continue exploring different wildlife-rich regions.

Your guide will focus on recent wildlife activity and predator locations.

Sunset Photography

The Serengeti offers some of East Africa’s most dramatic sunset landscapes.

Dinner & Overnight

Safari camp in Serengeti.

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands

Begin the day with a final Serengeti game drive.

Wildlife Viewing

Continue searching for:

  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Cheetahs

Scenic Journey to Ngorongoro

Travel through the conservation area while enjoying:

  • Volcanic scenery
  • Maasai settlements
  • Wildlife corridors

Crater Rim Arrival

Reach the Ngorongoro Highlands in the afternoon.

Enjoy panoramic views across the crater floor.

Dinner & Overnight

Ngorongoro lodge or Karatu accommodation.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often described as Africa’s Garden of Eden due to its extraordinary wildlife density.

Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Viewing

Explore:

  • Open grasslands
  • Swamps
  • Acacia forests
  • Seasonal lakes

Big Five Opportunities

Ngorongoro offers one of Tanzania’s highest concentrations of large mammals.

Potential sightings include:

✓ Lion

✓ Leopard

✓ Elephant

✓ Buffalo

✓ Black Rhino

Additional Wildlife

  • Hippos
  • Wildebeest
  • Zebras
  • Hyenas
  • Jackals

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy lunch beside one of the crater’s famous hippo pools.

Return to Arusha

After the game drive, ascend the crater walls and drive back to Arusha.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Big Five

✓ Lion

✓ Leopard

✓ Elephant

✓ Buffalo

✓ Black Rhino

Predators

  • Cheetah
  • Hyena
  • Jackal
  • Serval Cat (rare)

Herbivores

  • Wildebeest
  • Zebra
  • Giraffe
  • Eland
  • Gazelle
  • Waterbuck

Birdlife

  • Flamingos (seasonal)
  • Ostriches
  • Eagles
  • Secretary Birds
  • Pelicans
  • Hornbills

Best Time to Visit

June – October

Dry Season

Best for:

  • Big Five safaris
  • General wildlife viewing
  • Photography

January – March

Green Season

Best for:

  • Calving season wildlife
  • Predator activity
  • Scenic landscapes

November – December

Short Rains

Best for:

  • Birdwatching
  • Fewer crowds
  • Lush scenery

Accommodation Options

Budget Safari

  • Public campsites
  • Budget tented camps

From USD 1,350 Per Person

Mid-Range Safari

  • Safari lodges
  • Comfortable tented camps

From USD 2,150 Per Person

Luxury Safari

  • Premium lodges
  • Luxury tented camps

From USD 4,200 Per Person

Safari Inclusions

  • All national park fees
  • Ngorongoro Crater fees
  • Professional safari guide
  • 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Accommodation for 4 nights
  • Meals during safari
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Hotel transfers in Arusha
  • Government taxes

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities
  • Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Yes. Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti provide excellent opportunities to see all Big Five species.

Are tree-climbing lions guaranteed?

No. Tree-climbing lions are wildlife sightings and cannot be guaranteed, but Lake Manyara is one of the best locations in Tanzania to search for them.

Is this safari suitable for families?

Yes. The itinerary offers a balanced pace, diverse scenery, and excellent wildlife viewing suitable for families.

Which park has the most elephants?

Tarangire National Park is famous for its large elephant population and often provides some of the best elephant sightings in Tanzania.

Check All

Related Safari Packages

Tanzania Luxury Safari Packages
7 Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari
6 Day Northern Circuit Safari
5 Day Tanzania Family Safari
5 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Big Five Safari
Best Travel Theme

Elementor Demos

With Love Travel WordPress Theme you will have everything you need to create a memorable online presence. Start create your dream travel site today.

Discover the World, one Full Adventure at a Time!

Our Contacts

Address

1080 Brickell Ave - Miami

United States of America

Email

info@travel.com

Phone

Travel Agency +1 473 483 384

Info Insurance +1 395 393 595

Follow us