5-Day Tanzania Safari, from Crater to Plains

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, offering scenic views along the way. If you arrive at Arusha Airport (ARK), the transfer is shorter, around 20–30 minutes.

Once at the hotel, check in and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Optional for an extra cost: Take a guided city tour to explore Arusha’s vibrant culture, local markets, and key landmarks. Alternatively, unwind at the hotel and take in the serene surroundings.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner prepared with fresh local ingredients, setting the tone for the safari adventure ahead.

Main Destination:

Arusha (City)

Accommodation:

Arusha Planet Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Arusha (City)

+19 Photos

+18 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Arusha to Lake Manyara

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before departing on a scenic 2 to 2.5-hour drive to Lake Manyara National Park.

Famed for its diverse ecosystems, the park offers lush groundwater forests, open grasslands, and a sparkling alkaline lake. Enjoy a full-day game drive where you may encounter tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, and flocks of pink flamingos. Keep your eyes open for hippos wallowing in the water and baboons playing along the trails.

Midday, pause for a picnic lunch in a designated area surrounded by natural beauty. After lunch, continue exploring the park’s rich wildlife and dramatic scenery.

In the late afternoon, drive to your lodge in Karatu for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay, reflecting on the wonders of the day.

Main Destination:

Lake Manyara National Park

Best Time To Visit June to October (Easier to spot animals)

High Season July to March (The northern section gets crowded)

Best Weather June to October (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Lake Manyara NP

ElephantCommon

GiraffeCommon

BuffaloCommon

ZebraCommon

WildebeestCommon

HippoCommon

Show more

LionOccasional

HyenaOccasional

LeopardRare

Wild DogVery Rare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

CheetahNone

Accommodation:

Eileen's Trees Inn

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Lake Manyara NP

+9 Photos

+8 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Karatu to Ngorongoro & Overnight at Serengeti

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 1-hour drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Descend into this UNESCO World Heritage Site for a full-day game drive across its breathtaking landscapes.

The crater floor offers an excellent opportunity to spot the Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo—alongside zebras, hippos, wildebeest, and vibrant birdlife. As you journey through grasslands, forests, and soda lakes dotted with flamingos, your guide will share fascinating insights into the area’s unique ecology and volcanic history.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the crater, surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery.

In the afternoon, ascend the crater walls and continue to Serengeti National Park. Arrive by sunset, check in to your camp, and relax in the tranquil setting as you prepare for more unforgettable adventures.

Main Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater

Best Time To Visit June to October (Wildlife viewing is best)

High Season Most of the year – July to March (Expect crowds)

Best Weather June to October (Rainfall is little to none)

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater

Black RhinoCommon

LionCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

HyenaAbundant

Show more

ElephantCommon

HippoCommon

LeopardOccasional

GiraffeNone

White RhinoNone

CheetahNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Signature Serengeti Luxury Tented Safari Camp

• Luxury tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP

+10 Photos

+9 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Serengeti to Karatu

Wake up to the magic of the Serengeti, a world-renowned destination known for its sweeping golden plains and exceptional wildlife. As the stage for the Great Migration, the Serengeti offers one of nature’s most unforgettable displays.

Begin your day with a thrilling morning game drive, where you may encounter lions stalking their prey, cheetahs sprinting across the savannah, or leopards resting in the treetops. The landscape is alive with herds of wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, and gazelles, all under the watchful eyes of predators.

After lunch in this stunning environment, begin your scenic drive back to Karatu. Arrive in the early evening for a hearty dinner and a relaxing overnight stay at your lodge.

For those seeking an added adventure, a sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti is available optional for an extra cost.

Main Destination:

Serengeti National Park

Best Time To Visit January to February and June to October (Different areas are best at different times)

High Season July to March (The Seronera area is crowded)

Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall)

Wildlife in Serengeti NP

ElephantCommon

LionCommon

CheetahCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

Show more

GiraffeCommon

HippoCommon

HyenaCommon

LeopardOccasional

Black RhinoVery Rare

Wild DogVery Rare

White RhinoNone

Accommodation:

Farm of Dreams Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Karatu (Town)

+4 Photos

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Game Drive at Tarangire NP & Departure

Begin your day with breakfast before setting out for Tarangire National Park, known for its iconic baobab trees, large elephant herds, and rich variety of wildlife.

Enjoy a final game drive where you may spot giraffes gliding across the plains, zebras grazing, and lions lounging under the trees.

After a scenic picnic lunch in the park, begin your drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your departure.

As you journey through the picturesque landscapes, reflect on the unforgettable memories made during your Tanzanian safari adventure.

Main Destination:

Tarangire National Park

Best Time To Visit July to November (Animals come to the Tarangire River)

High Season June to October (The park is full of visitors)

Best Weather June to October (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Tarangire NP

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

LionCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

Show more

HippoCommon

HyenaOccasional

LeopardRare

CheetahRare

Wild DogVery Rare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.