6 Days Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Highlands Safari Adventure

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel, residence, or the airport in Arusha by your safari guide and driver. Without delay, you’ll head southwest towards Lake Manyara National Park, a short but scenic drive through the heart of Tanzania, offering glimpses of local villages and landscapes.

Upon arrival at the park, you’ll dive right into your game drive. The park, known for its diversity, is home to a variety of wildlife including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, hippos, and baboons, all inhabiting the plains near the alkaline lake. The lake is also famous for its flamingos, which often number in the hundreds of thousands. Over 400 bird species can be found here, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Lunch will be served picnic style in the park, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the African wilderness. In the evening, you’ll head to your chosen camp or lodge for dinner and a relaxing night, with options for spa treatments or viewing terraces to unwind.

After an early breakfast, you’ll begin your journey towards the Serengeti National Park. On the way, you’ll pass by the Ngorongoro Crater, a stunning geological feature that you’ll return to later in your safari. Your path will lead you to one of Africa’s most famous and densely populated parks.

Once in the Serengeti, check into your lodge or camp, enjoy a delicious lunch, and then embark on an afternoon game drive. The Serengeti is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including the big five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Given the high concentration of animals here, your chances of seeing all of them during your visit are exceptional.

As the sun sets, return to your accommodation for dinner and a restful evening.

Start your day with an early sunrise game drive, witnessing the savannah come to life as the first rays of light illuminate the landscape. The cool morning hours are perfect for spotting predators stalking their prey and herbivores grazing in the golden light. Afterward, return to your lodge for breakfast before heading back out to continue your adventure.

The Serengeti’s varied habitats are home to a wide range of wildlife, from the hippos and crocodiles in the rivers to the iconic acacia-dotted plains where you’ll find lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

You will also have the opportunity to visit a Masai village, where you’ll experience the cultural traditions of the Maasai people, known for their distinctive red clothing and herding lifestyle. Enjoy a welcome ceremony, including singing and dancing, and have the chance to visit a traditional Maasai home. This is an optional activity with an additional fee of $20 per person.

Lunch will again be served picnic style to keep you close to nature. After an action-packed afternoon game drive, return to your accommodation for dinner and some well-deserved rest.

On this day, rise early again for another game drive at sunrise. Each morning offers a new perspective of the Serengeti, and early light provides excellent opportunities for photography. Your guide will position the vehicle for the best shots, ensuring a memorable visual experience.

After breakfast, return to the park for more wildlife encounters, focusing on the big cats of Africa – lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The Serengeti is one of the best places in Africa to observe these predators in action, and your guide will use their expert knowledge to maximize your chances of seeing them.

Enjoy another picnic lunch during your exploration, before heading back to your camp or lodge for dinner and relaxation.

After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to the Serengeti and journey south towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, stop at the Olduvai Gorge to visit the museum and learn about early human history, thanks to the discoveries made by renowned archaeologist Dr. Louis Leakey. This stop is optional and carries an additional cost of $45 per person.

Upon reaching the Ngorongoro Crater, descend 600 meters into the caldera, where a world of wildlife exists in the bowl of this ancient volcano. The crater floor is home to a variety of species, including rare black rhinos, flamingos at Lake Magadi, and grazing herds of wildebeest and buffalo. You’ll have the afternoon to explore the crater’s unique landscapes and wildlife, with a picnic lunch served inside the park.

On your final day, you’ll start with a guided nature walk in the Ngorongoro Highlands, allowing you to get closer to the flora and fauna of the region. Your guide will provide insight into the smaller details of Tanzania’s ecosystems, a change of pace from the traditional game drives.

Afterward, enjoy a final game drive in the crater before leaving the park and heading back to Arusha. The journey through the countryside will offer a last chance to take in the beauty of rural Tanzania, and lunch will be served en route.

Once in Arusha, your guide will drop you off at your hotel, residence, or airport for your onward travel.