Lake Manyara, Olduvai gorge, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire
Day 1 – Drive to Lake Manyara/Tarangire National Park for game drive with picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2 – Breakfast, Drive to Olduvai Gorge for picnic lunch. Proceed to Serengeti for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 – Breakfast, Full day game drive in Serengeti. Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4 – Breakfast, Game Drive till noon then drive to Ngorongoro Crater rim for overnight, Dinner and overnight.
Day 5 – Breakfast, Game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater with picnic lunch, after lunch drive back to Arusha.
Day 1: Lake Manyara or Tarangire National Park
Morning: Depart from Arusha and drive to either Lake Manyara National Park or Tarangire National Park. The choice between the two depends on the season and animal migration patterns.
Lake Manyara: Known for its stunning scenery, the park offers a mix of forest, grassland, and a large soda lake. It’s famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, hippos, flamingos, and a variety of other bird species.
Tarangire: This park is known for its dense wildlife population, especially in the dry season. It features baobab trees, large elephant herds, and diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, and various bird species.
Afternoon: Enjoy a game drive with a picnic lunch in the park. Explore the unique landscapes and observe the wildlife up close.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge or camp in or near the park.
Day 2: Olduvai Gorge to Serengeti National Park
Morning: After breakfast, drive to Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. Here, you can learn about the discoveries of early human fossils by Louis and Mary Leakey.
Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at Olduvai Gorge, taking in the historic significance and stunning views of the area.
Afternoon: Continue the journey to Serengeti National Park, arriving in time to spot some wildlife as you enter the park.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge or camp in the Serengeti. This vast park is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous bird species.
Day 3: Serengeti National Park
Morning to Evening: After breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive in the Serengeti. This day is dedicated to exploring the diverse habitats of the park, including riverine forests, open savannahs, and rocky outcrops called kopjes.
Highlights: Witness the Great Migration (seasonal), spot predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, and see a variety of herbivores such as wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles.
Lunch: A picnic lunch is provided during the game drive, allowing you to stay out in the wilderness and maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.
Evening: Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Morning: After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti to spot any wildlife you might have missed.
Midday: Begin your journey to Ngorongoro Crater, stopping for lunch en route.
Afternoon: Arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater rim. The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning natural wonders in Africa, known for its dense population of wildlife and the iconic views from the rim.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge or camp on the crater rim, with breathtaking views of the crater below.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Morning: After breakfast, descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. The crater floor is home to a variety of wildlife, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, zebras, and hippos. The diverse habitats within the crater include open grasslands, acacia woodlands, and a soda lake.
Lunch: Picnic lunch within the crater, enjoying the scenic beauty and abundant wildlife.
Afternoon: After lunch, begin your drive back to Arusha, taking in the last sights of the Tanzanian landscape.
Evening: Arrive in Arusha, where the safari concludes. You can opt for a drop-off at your hotel or the airport, depending on your travel plans.
Key Highlights of the Safari:
Wildlife Viewing: Experience diverse ecosystems and see a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five, rare black rhinos, tree-climbing lions, and numerous bird species.
Cultural and Historical Insights: Visit Olduvai Gorge, a site of major anthropological significance, and learn about early human history.
Scenic Landscapes: From the soda lakes of Manyara to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the lush crater floor of Ngorongoro, each park offers unique and breathtaking views.
Flexibility: The itinerary allows for flexibility, with options to visit different parks based on seasonal wildlife movements and personal interests.
This 5-day safari offers a compact yet comprehensive experience of Tanzania’s rich wildlife and stunning landscapes, making it ideal for those looking to explore the best of the country’s natural beauty in a short time