7 Days Tanzania Big Five Safari: Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Adventure

Embark on your wild journey as your expert safari guide meets you at your hotel, residence, or airport in Arusha. The adventure begins with a scenic drive through the lush Tanzanian countryside, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture and daily life of the people here.

As you enter Lake Manyara National Park, you’ll be welcomed by a breathtaking landscape and an array of wildlife. This park, with its namesake alkaline lake, is home to an impressive variety of animals and over 400 bird species. Watch in awe as thousands of flamingos grace the lake, creating a vivid pink spectacle against the shimmering waters. Keep your eyes peeled for zebras, giraffes, and the playful baboons as they roam freely across the plains.

Lunch will be a picnic adventure, allowing you to enjoy the park’s beauty up close. As evening sets, you’ll head to your chosen camp or lodge for a relaxing dinner and a peaceful night, surrounded by nature’s wonders.

Rise early to begin your journey to one of the most iconic destinations in Africa: the Serengeti. After a hearty breakfast, set off through the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you will later return for more awe-inspiring exploration.

As you enter the Serengeti, the endless savanna unfolds before you, with the vast plains stretching as far as the eye can see. The Serengeti is home to the majestic Big Five – elephants, buffalo, lions, rhinos, and leopards – all of which you may encounter as you venture deeper into the park. The Serengeti’s rivers and grasslands are teeming with wildlife, providing an unforgettable safari experience.

Lunch will be served as a picnic amidst nature, and after reaching your accommodation, you’ll settle in for dinner and an evening under the stars.

Wake up to the call of the wild with an unforgettable sunrise game drive in the Serengeti. The early morning is when the savanna truly comes to life: predators stalk their prey, and herbivores graze in the soft light of dawn.

For a truly magical experience, opt for a hot air balloon ride over the park. Drift over the Serengeti as the sky transforms from deep purple to fiery orange and red, offering an unmatched view of the endless plains below. After landing, enjoy a champagne breakfast on a viewing platform with panoramic vistas of the savanna. (This experience is an optional activity with an additional fee of $500 per person.)

The rest of your day will be spent on exciting game drives, exploring the breathtaking wildlife in one of Africa’s densest animal reserves. Keep your camera ready as you search for lions, cheetahs, and the iconic African elephants.

As evening falls, return to your luxurious lodge for a delicious dinner and a chance to unwind under the stars.

Another day of thrilling game drives awaits you in the Serengeti. After a delicious breakfast, head out into the wild to spot more incredible wildlife, from the Big Five to smaller creatures like giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and the adorable dik-dik.

Interact with the Maasai: On this day, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit a Maasai village, where you’ll witness their traditional song and dance. This nomadic people have coexisted with the Serengeti’s wildlife for generations. You’ll be guided through the village and may even visit their homes for a deeper cultural understanding. (This is an optional activity with an additional fee of $20 per person.)

As always, your lunch will be served picnic style, allowing you to stay close to nature for a full day of wildlife exploration. Return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Today, bid farewell to the Serengeti, but the adventure continues as you head south to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in Tanzania, including a stop at Olduvai Gorge, where groundbreaking archaeological discoveries were made, shedding light on our ancient human ancestors.

The true highlight of the day is your descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. The floor of this ancient volcano is home to diverse species like the rare black rhino, herds of wildebeest, and the iconic flamingos of Lake Magadi. As you explore, lunch will be served picnic style, allowing you to savor the experience in one of nature’s most extraordinary locations.

End your day with a visit to your crater-edge accommodation, where you can relax, enjoy panoramic views, and have dinner overlooking the crater below.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a haven for wildlife, offering a microcosm of Africa’s diverse ecosystems. The day begins with an early game drive as you venture across the crater floor, where you’ll encounter rhinos, wildebeest, gazelles, lions, and even hyenas as they go about their daily routines.

Explore the forested areas, visit hot springs, and take in the diverse landscapes of this incredible natural wonder. Lunch will be served as a picnic in the crater, allowing you to enjoy your meal amidst the stunning wildlife. The dynamics of this closed ecosystem reveal themselves throughout the day, as the heat drives the predators into more lethargic behavior, while the herbivores gain confidence.

As the day winds down, you’ll ascend back to the crater rim and return to your accommodation for a peaceful dinner and a chance to reflect on your experiences.

On your final morning, you’ll have one last chance to witness the animals of the crater as they stir from the night. After breakfast, head out for your final game drive, soaking in the sights of the Ngorongoro Crater’s rich wildlife one last time.

With your adventure drawing to a close, you’ll leave the Serengeti’s wild landscapes behind as you make your way back to Arusha. As you pass through the picturesque Tanzanian countryside, you’ll reflect on the journey that has introduced you to Africa’s majestic creatures. Once in Arusha, your guide will drop you off at your hotel, residence, or airport, concluding your unforgettable Tanzanian safari experience.