6 Days, 5 Nights
Price On Request
Planning a safari in Tanzania means stepping into a world where nature’s raw beauty unfolds in ways that stay with you long after you return home. This 6-day itinerary takes you through some of the country’s most iconic landscapes, from the lush shores of Lake Manyara to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the dramatic depths of the Ngorongoro Crater. Crafted with care for travelers seeking an authentic experience, it balances thrilling wildlife encounters with moments of relaxation in comfortable lodgings. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this journey highlights Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems, offering chances to spot the Big Five and witness the rhythm of life on the African savanna. Based on years of guiding similar trips, I’ve included practical insights to help you make the most of each day, ensuring safety, comfort, and unforgettable memories.
Day 1
Arrival
Accommodation: Under the Shade
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation: Eileen’s Tree Inn
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3-4
Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Zuri Camps
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Eileen’s Tree Inn
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Arusha
Accommodation: No Accommodation
Your adventure begins on day one with a smooth arrival into Tanzania, likely at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a private transfer whisks you to Arusha, the gateway to the northern safari circuit. Known as the safari capital, Arusha sits at the foot of Mount Meru, providing a gentle introduction to the region’s vibrant culture and stunning scenery.
Settle into Under the Shade, a cozy lodge that feels like a hidden gem with its shaded gardens and welcoming atmosphere. Spend the afternoon unwinding from your travels, perhaps strolling through the nearby coffee plantations or chatting with locals about daily life in this bustling town. Arusha offers a perfect blend of urban energy and natural tranquility, and it’s wise to use this time to adjust to the time difference while sipping fresh Tanzanian coffee.
Keep an eye out for the colorful birds flitting about; it’s a subtle preview of the wildlife wonders ahead.
Accommodation: Under the Shade
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



By day two, you’ll head out early for Lake Manyara National Park, a compact yet incredibly diverse reserve that packs a punch with its varied habitats. The drive from Arusha takes about two hours, winding through rural villages where you might glimpse Maasai herders tending their cattle, a reminder of the deep cultural ties to the land here.
Once inside the park, the alkaline lake draws flocks of flamingos, creating a pink shimmer against the blue water, while the groundwater forest shelters troops of baboons and elusive tree-climbing lions a signature sight that sets Manyara apart from other parks. Game drives here reveal elephants foraging in the acacia woodlands and hippos wallowing in the shallows, all within a relatively small area that’s ideal for a full day’s exploration without feeling rushed.
As evening falls, retreat to Eileen’s Tree Inn, a charming spot nestled among ancient fig trees, where the sounds of the bush lull you to sleep. Pro tip from seasoned travelers: Pack binoculars to catch the details of birdlife, with over 400 species calling this park home, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Accommodation: Eileen’s Tree Inn
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



On day three, the journey continues with a scenic game drive en route to Serengeti National Park, turning the travel itself into an exciting part of the experience. Leaving Lake Manyara behind, you’ll traverse the Rift Valley escarpment, stopping for views that stretch endlessly across the plains.
Along the way, keep watch for migrating herds of wildebeest and zebras, especially if your trip aligns with the Great Migration season from June to October, when millions of animals move in search of fresh grass a natural spectacle that’s both humbling and exhilarating. The Serengeti’s name comes from the Maasai word for “endless plains,” and as you arrive, you’ll understand why; its vastness hosts one of the highest concentrations of predators in Africa.
Check into Zuri Camps, a luxurious tented camp that blends seamlessly with the environment, offering canvas walls that let in the night sounds without sacrificing comfort. Evenings here often include sundowners around a campfire, sharing stories under a star-filled sky that’s remarkably clear due to minimal light pollution.
Accommodation: Zuri Camps
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Day four dives deep into the Serengeti with a full day of exploration, allowing you to tailor activities to your interests, whether that’s hot-air balloon rides at dawn for aerial views of the herds or guided walks to learn about smaller creatures like dung beetles and termite mounds that sustain the ecosystem. The park’s central region teems with life year-round, from cheetahs sprinting across the grasslands to leopards lounging in kopjes, those rocky outcrops that provide perfect vantage points for spotting game.
Insights from local guides, who often draw on generations of knowledge, reveal how the Serengeti’s balance relies on seasonal rains and fires that regenerate the land. Return to Zuri Camps for another night, where the staff’s attention to detail, like preparing bush dinners with fresh ingredients, adds a personal touch. Remember to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen; the equatorial sun can be intense, but the rewards of witnessing raw animal behaviors make it all worthwhile.



Shifting gears on day five, you’ll venture to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s essentially a natural enclosure brimming with wildlife. The descent into this ancient caldera, formed by a collapsed volcano millions of years ago, feels like entering a lost world, with steep walls enclosing a floor where rhinos, lions, and elephants roam freely. Morning game drives often yield sightings of the endangered black rhino, one of the crater’s stars, alongside flamingos on the soda lake and hyenas patrolling the edges.
The crater’s microclimate supports lush vegetation, creating a self-contained paradise that’s home to over 25,000 large animals in just 100 square miles. After a picnic lunch amid the views, head back to Eileen’s Tree Inn near Lake Manyara for the night, appreciating the contrast between the crater’s intensity and the inn’s serene setting. A key insight: Visit early to avoid midday crowds, as the crater’s popularity means sharing space with other vehicles, but the biodiversity more than compensates.
Accommodation: Eileen’s Tree Inn
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Your final day, day six, wraps up with a leisurely drive back to Arusha, leaving room for some light activities before departure. En route, pause at a local market to pick up handmade crafts or spices, supporting artisans who preserve traditional skills passed down through families. In Arusha, explore the Cultural Heritage Center if time allows, where you can learn about Tanzanian art and history in a relaxed environment. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a farewell meal featuring ugali and nyama choma, staples that reflect the country’s flavorful cuisine. This itinerary, drawn from trusted sources and real traveler feedback, ensures a seamless flow while prioritizing ethical wildlife viewing no baiting or off-road disturbances to protect these fragile habitats. As you head home, you’ll carry not just photos, but a deeper appreciation for Tanzania’s wild spirit, ready to inspire your next adventure.
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