Best 6 Days Arusha N.P, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Tanzania Safari
This 6 Days Arusha N.P, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Tanzania Safari covers 1 night in Arusha or near Arusha National Park, 1 night near/within Tarangire National Park, 2 nights within Serengeti National Park, and 1 night near Ngorongoro Highlands or Lake Manyara area, with an optional overnight stay in Arusha City before the safari begins. The safari starts and ends in Arusha and is designed specifically for travelers who want to explore Tanzania’s northern safari circuit while enjoying Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park. Accompanied by our professional, certified, experienced and passionate safari guides, this journey offers unforgettable wildlife encounters and memories that will last a lifetime.
Starting from Arusha City, this safari is one of the best options for travelers who want to experience a rich and varied northern Tanzania safari route. The journey combines the scenic beauty of Arusha National Park, large elephant herds and baobab landscapes of Tarangire, the endless plains of Serengeti, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and the birdlife and Rift Valley scenery of Lake Manyara. This itinerary is carefully planned to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities while allowing visitors to enjoy different landscapes, predator action, crater wildlife, forests, lakes, plains, and incredible wildlife diversity that make Tanzania one of Africa’s leading safari destinations.
Your safari journey begins in Arusha. You may spend the first night in Arusha City before entering the parks depending on your arrival schedule. This overnight stay allows you to recover from your flight, organize your safari equipment, meet your guide, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
On the first day of Safari, your guide will pick you up after breakfast and begin your visit to Arusha National Park. This beautiful park is located close to Arusha City and offers a peaceful introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife, forests, lakes, mountain views, and scenic landscapes.
Upon arrival in Arusha National Park, you will begin your game drive while searching for wildlife around forests, open areas, lakes, and beautiful viewpoints. You may encounter giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, bushbucks, waterbucks, blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, flamingos, and many bird species. On clear days, the park also offers beautiful views of Mount Meru and sometimes Mount Kilimanjaro.
On the second day of Safari, after breakfast, you will begin your journey towards Tarangire National Park. The drive passes through local villages, farmlands, scenic countryside, and beautiful northern Tanzania landscapes before reaching one of the best parks for elephant sightings.
Upon arrival in Tarangire National Park, you will begin your game drive while searching for wildlife across river areas, open savannah, woodland zones, and baobab landscapes. You may encounter large elephant herds, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and many bird species.
After an exciting day of wildlife viewing, you will proceed to your accommodation near/within Tarangire or Lake Manyara area for dinner and overnight stay.
On the third day of Safari, after breakfast, you will begin your journey towards Serengeti National Park. The drive passes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering spectacular views of the highlands, Maasai villages, open plains, and beautiful landscapes before reaching the famous Serengeti ecosystem.
Upon arrival in Serengeti National Park, you will begin your first Serengeti game drive while searching for wildlife across the endless plains. Depending on the season, you may encounter wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackals, and many other animals.
After an exciting game drive, you will proceed to your accommodation for dinner and your first overnight stay inside Serengeti National Park.
On the fourth day of Safari, you will spend a full day exploring Serengeti National Park. This world-famous park is known for its endless plains, big cats, large herbivore populations, beautiful sunrise and sunset views, and the Great Wildebeest Migration.
During your game drive, you may see lions resting on kopjes, cheetahs hunting on the plains, leopards hiding in trees, elephants moving through woodland areas, giraffes browsing acacia trees, buffaloes grazing, zebras and wildebeest moving across the plains, hippos in pools, crocodiles near rivers, and many bird species.
After an exciting day of wildlife viewing, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and your second overnight stay inside Serengeti National Park.
On the fifth day of Safari, you will enjoy an early morning game drive in Serengeti National Park before beginning your journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Morning hours often provide excellent opportunities to observe active animals, predator movement, hunting behavior, and beautiful golden light for photography.
As the day progresses, you will continue wildlife viewing along the route while heading towards the Ngorongoro Highlands. Later, you will arrive in the highlands or Karatu area for dinner and overnight accommodation.
On the sixth day of Safari, you will descend into the famous Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations and supports a large concentration of animals throughout the year.
During your game drive, you may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, wildebeest, zebras, hippos, hyenas, gazelles, warthogs, jackals, flamingos, and if fortunate, the endangered black rhino. The crater floor features grasslands, forests, swamps, and a soda lake that provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
After the crater game drive, you may continue with a scenic route through the Lake Manyara area depending on time and travel arrangement. Lake Manyara region offers beautiful Great Rift Valley views, lakeshore scenery, birdlife, local villages, and peaceful landscapes before returning to Arusha.
Depending on your travel arrangements, you can be dropped at your hotel, Arusha Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or another designated location.
Throughout this safari, you will travel in a comfortable 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof. This provides excellent visibility for wildlife viewing, photography, and enjoying the spectacular landscapes of northern Tanzania.
This 6 Days Arusha N.P, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Tanzania Safari is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples, families, solo travelers, and anyone seeking a complete northern Tanzania safari experience with forests, lakes, elephants, big cats, crater wildlife, birdlife, and iconic safari landscapes.
6 Days Tanzania Safari at a Glance
- Safari Name: 6 Days Arusha N.P, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Tanzania Safari
- Starting Point: Arusha City
- Ending Point: Arusha City
- Accommodation Before Safari: Optional overnight stay in Arusha
- Night 1: Lodge / Hotel in Arusha or near Arusha National Park
- Night 2: Lodge / Tented Camp near/within Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara area
- Night 3: Lodge / Tented Camp within Serengeti National Park
- Night 4: Lodge / Tented Camp within Serengeti National Park
- Night 5: Lodge / Tented Camp near/within Ngorongoro Highlands or Karatu area
- Main Attractions: Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara area, Ngorongoro Highlands, Great Rift Valley
- Wildlife: Giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, rhinos if lucky, flamingos, baboons, monkeys, antelopes, and many bird species
- Best For: Wildlife lovers, photographers, couples, families, solo travelers, nature lovers, first-time safari travelers, and safari adventurers
Important Travel Information
| Location | Distance & Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Arusha City to Arusha National Park | Approximately 35 km | About 45 minutes to 1 hour drive depending on traffic, route, and road conditions |
| Arusha National Park Game Drive | Half-day to full-day wildlife exploration around forests, lakes, open areas, viewpoints, Mount Meru scenery, and birdlife habitats |
| Arusha to Tarangire National Park | Approximately 120 km | About 2 to 3 hours drive depending on traffic, stops, and road conditions |
| Tarangire Game Drive | Half-day to full-day wildlife exploration across river areas, baobab landscapes, woodland zones, and open savannah |
| Tarangire Area to Serengeti National Park | Approximately 250 km | About 5 to 7 hours drive including scenic stops and park entry procedures |
| Serengeti Game Drives | Full-day wildlife exploration across endless plains, kopjes, river areas, woodland zones, and seasonal migration routes |
| Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands | Approximately 145 km | About 3 to 4 hours drive with wildlife viewing along the route |
| Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive | Half-day wildlife exploration inside the crater floor |
| Ngorongoro Highlands / Karatu to Lake Manyara Area | Approximately 30 km to 60 km | About 45 minutes to 1.5 hours drive depending on accommodation location and route |
| Lake Manyara Area to Arusha | Approximately 125 km | About 2 to 3 hours drive depending on traffic and road conditions |
| Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha | Approximately 50 km | About 1 hour drive |
| Arusha Airport to Arusha City | Approximately 8 km | About 15 minutes drive |
Places You Will Visit on This 6 Days Tanzania Safari
Arusha City – Gateway to Northern Tanzania Safari
Arusha City is the main starting point for northern Tanzania safaris and serves as the tourism capital of Tanzania. It offers easy access to Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, and many other safari destinations.
Most travelers spend a night in Arusha before the safari begins, allowing time to rest, meet the guide, and prepare before entering the wilderness.
Arusha National Park – Forests, Lakes and Mount Meru Views
Arusha National Park is one of the most scenic parks in northern Tanzania and is located close to Arusha City. The park is famous for its beautiful forests, Momella Lakes, Mount Meru views, volcanic landscapes, walking safari opportunities, canoeing options depending on arrangement, and peaceful wildlife viewing.
The park is home to giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, bushbucks, waterbucks, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, flamingos, and many bird species. Its green scenery and mountain atmosphere make it a perfect beginning to a northern Tanzania safari.
Visiting Arusha National Park at the start of this safari gives travelers a gentle and scenic introduction before continuing to the larger wildlife destinations of Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara.
Tarangire National Park – Elephants and Baobab Trees
Tarangire National Park is one of northern Tanzania’s most rewarding safari destinations and is famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, seasonal wildlife movement, and beautiful river landscapes.
The park is home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and many bird species. During the dry season, animals gather near the Tarangire River, creating excellent game viewing opportunities.
Visiting Tarangire after Arusha National Park adds a classic big wildlife experience, with open landscapes, elephant herds, baobab trees, and excellent photography opportunities.
Serengeti National Park – Endless Plains and Big Cats
Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and one of the best places in Tanzania for big cats, open savannah landscapes, and unforgettable game drives. The park is also home to the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration.
The park supports large populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species. Its endless plains create one of the most spectacular safari landscapes on Earth.
Spending two nights inside Serengeti allows travelers to explore different wildlife regions and maximize opportunities for predator sightings, photography, and migration activity depending on the season.
Ngorongoro Highlands – Scenic Views and Cultural Landscapes
The Ngorongoro Highlands are known for their cool temperatures, green hills, forests, farms, Maasai communities, and dramatic views. The region offers some of the most beautiful scenery in northern Tanzania.
The highlands provide an excellent base for visiting Ngorongoro Crater and offer a relaxing contrast to the open plains of Serengeti.
Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Wildlife Eden
Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. The crater floor supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife throughout the year.
Visitors may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, gazelles, and the endangered black rhino within a relatively small area.
Its unique ecosystem and spectacular scenery make Ngorongoro Crater one of the highlights of any Tanzania safari.
Lake Manyara National Park – Scenic Beauty and Birdlife
Lake Manyara National Park is a beautiful safari destination located along the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park is known for its diverse habitats, including groundwater forest, open grassland, acacia woodland, wetlands, and the alkaline lake.
The park is home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, hippos, baboons, monkeys, warthogs, antelopes, flamingos, pelicans, and many other bird species. Its compact size and scenic landscapes make it a beautiful addition to this northern Tanzania safari.
The Lake Manyara area also offers beautiful Rift Valley views, peaceful scenery, local villages, and a relaxing safari atmosphere before returning to Arusha.
Why Choose This 6 Days Arusha N.P, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Tanzania Safari?
- Explore five beautiful destinations in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.
- Visit Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara area.
- Begin with the scenic forests, lakes, monkeys, giraffes, and Mount Meru views of Arusha National Park.
- Experience Tarangire’s elephant herds and baobab landscapes.
- Spend two nights inside Serengeti National Park.
- Visit the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
- Enjoy Lake Manyara’s scenic landscapes, birdlife, and Great Rift Valley views.
- Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos if lucky, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and many other wildlife species.
- Professional English-speaking safari guide.
- Comfortable 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof.
- Outstanding photography opportunities.
- Suitable for couples, families, solo travelers, and groups.
- Explore Tanzania’s most iconic northern safari destinations.
Best Time for This 6 Days Tanzania Safari
This 6 Days Arusha N.P, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Tanzania Safari can be enjoyed throughout the year, although the dry season from June to October is especially popular for wildlife viewing. During this period, animals often gather around rivers, waterholes, and open plains, making sightings easier and photography more rewarding.
The green season from November to May offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, fresh vegetation, newborn animals, excellent birdwatching opportunities, and beautiful scenery across Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara. This period is also ideal for travelers who enjoy peaceful landscapes, photography, forest scenery, and seasonal wildlife activity.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1 -Arusha to Tarangire. Game drives at Tarangire
- Day 2 - Transfer to Central Serengeti. Afternoon game drives in Serengeti
- Day 3 - Central Serengeti. Full day game drives
- Day 4 - Central Serengeti. Full day game drives
- Day 5 - Transfer to Ngorongoro for Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Karatu
- Day 6 - Lake Manyara game drives & transfer to Arusha
Basic Camping Packages
Below are packages with basic camping for your private tour, starting on 2025, in a group of two adults. On basic camping tours, you sleep in small dome tents that are pitched at campsites & bathrooms are shared. A cook travels with you & prepares meals.
Option C1: $1,808 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Tarangire Campsite (Inside park), Tarangire (Within the Park)
- Day 2 - 5 : Stay at Seronera Campsite, Central Serengeti
- Day 5 - 6 : Stay at Ngorongoro Campsite, NCA
Ensuite Accommodation Packages
Below are packages with a few popular ensuite options for your private tour, starting on Nov 13, 2023, in a group of two adults. Ensuite hotels are tented camps/lodges that can be inside/around national parks. You will have a private room with attached bathroom. Meals are provided by hotels.
Option E1: $2,204 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Omega View Hotel, Karatu
- Day 2 - 5 : Stay at Tukaone Camps, Central Serengeti
- Day 5 - 6 : Stay at Omega View Hotel, Karatu
Option E2: $2,489 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Tarangire (Outside the Park)
- Day 2 - 5 : Stay at Tanzania Bush Camps, Seronera, Central Serengeti
Option E3: $2,905 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Tarangire Tortilis Camp, Tarangire (Within the Park)
- Day 2 - 5 : Stay at Serenity Camp, Central Serengeti
- Day 5 - 6 : Stay at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, NCA
Option $3,418 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Nimali Tarangire Camp, Tarangire (Outside the Park)
- Day 2 - 5 : Stay at Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti - Safari Room
- Day 5 - 6 : Stay at Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp, NCA
Option E5: $5,007 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Lemala Mpingo Ridge, Tarangire (Within the Park)
- Day 2 - 5 : Stay at Lemala Nanyukie, Central Serengeti
- Day 3 - 4 : Stay at Lemala Nanyukie, Central Serengeti
- Day 5 - 6: Stay at Melia Ngorongoro Lodge, NCA - The Rim Room
Option E6: $8.994 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Sanctuary Swala Camp, Tarangire (Within the Park)
- Day 2 - 5 : Stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge - Terrace Suite Water Hole View, Central Serengeti
- Day 5 - 6 : Stay at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, NCA - Suite, NCA
- Day 5 - 6: Stay at Sanctuary Swala Camp, Tarangire (Within the Park)
TRIP ITINERARY
Day
1
Arusha/Moshi to Arusha National Park
Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari in day one will start by driving towards Arusha National Park. The game drive will navigate along the shores of Lake Momella and through the bronzed bush where the Ngurduto Crater is. It is a place where Buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes, warthogs, zebras and Gazelle, leopards and elephants reside throughout the time yearly and around all the Arusha National Park. Throughout a game drive journey, you will be having an armed ranger for the walk as in some places you will conduct a walking safari within Arusha National Park. He will guide you through the luscious forest up to the crystal waterfall and lead to view the black and white colobus monkeys. Overnight at Arusha hotel.
Day
2
Arusha Town to Tarangire National Park to Mto wa Mbu
Tarangire National Park is a landscape heaven that contains a diversity of bird species, animal species especially some of the BIG FIVE animals including an African elephant. The African elephant is the largest mammal on Tarangire National Park land and the herds in the park are enough sight. Tarangire wildlife includes elephants, lions, giraffes, warthogs, ostriches, impalas, cheetah, mongoose, buffaloes, and baboons. We will drive to Mto wa Mbu and reach in the late afternoon where you will get to rest, overnight and for dinner.
Day
3
Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park
Early in the morning after a fascinating breakfast you will have to continue your journey from Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park. One which contains the world's largest concentration of wildlife including zebra, gazelles, lions, wildebeest, elephants and giraffe. The seasonal wildebeest’s migration is a magnificent sight to all parts of Serengeti National Park. Serengeti means 'An endless plain'. We will stop for getting lunch on a kopje and then the game drive will journey further into the park. Once the game drive is over, we will proceed to the site of accommodation where an appetizing dinner and overnight will be provided.
Day
4
Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
Our fourth day early morning game drive is will start after breakfast and preparing ourself for descending to the Ngorongoro crater rim. Remains left by predators like tree-climbing lions on the prowl untouched are seen. The area is home to leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, elands, wild dogs, crocodiles, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos and variety of antelopes. A delicious lunch will be served at the park. In the afternoon, we will drive you to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for the dinner and overnight.
Day
5
Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara National Park
We will descend to the Ngorongoro Crater rim early in the morning after breakfast at your selected accommodation place. We will have a good picnic lunch and go on a Ngorongoro game drive. The variety of wildlife as well as the fauna and flora are traits that attribute towards the title of ‘Africa’s Garden of Eden’. Few animals migrate in and out of the Crater, so there is a big chance of seeing every member of (Big 5) in one day. You will also see vultures, zebra, hippo, wildebeest and hyenas. The existence of alkaline lake attracts flamingos, geese and storks in the center of Ngorongoro Crater. Our Macpace Tours and Safaris dedicated, skilled, experienced your driver guide will ensure that you discover all the glorious wonders of nature near/within Ngorongoro Crater. We will ascend Ngorongoro Crater and drive to Lake Manyara National Park at where you will get dinner and overnight
Day
6
Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha/Moshi
Your last safari game drive day starts with a breakfast and then head off to the Lake Manyara National Park, which extends along the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Lake Manyara National Park is a stock of forest, arid scrubland, Soda Lake and a paradise for bird lovers. The forest is fascinating with the birdsong and flittering with the antics of monkeys in the forest; giraffe roam the savannah and lions loll in trees, and others resting in the tree shade, while hippo families submerge in the soda lake water. You will get and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch served in the park before drive back to Moshi/Arusha, where your Best Safari Adventure ends. We can arrange for a transfer to Arusha/Kilimanjaro Airport on request.
Pre & Post Tour Hotels
Arusha is the base for safari tours in North Tanzania. If you need accommodation in Arusha before/after your safari tour you can check some popular hotel prices on bed and breakfast basis below.
Single Room
- - Crest Safari Lodge - USD 47
- - Kutoka Lodge - USD 64
- - Karama lodge - USD 113
- - The African Tulip - USD 149
- - Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional queen room - USD 205
- - Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 375
Double Sharing room
- - Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- - Kutoka Lodge - USD 49
- - Karama lodge - USD 76
- - The African Tulip - USD 112
- - Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional queen room - USD 120
- - Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 240
Triple Sharing Room
- - Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- - Kutoka Lodge - USD 40
- - Karama lodge - USD 73
- - The African Tulip - USD 93
- - Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 180
Transfers
This tour starts from Arusha. Kilimanjaro airport is the nearest international airport and Arusha airport is the nearest domestic airport.
Airport Pickup/Drop
Pickup or drop off at Arusha airport on the day of safari: No extra charge Pickup or drop off at Kilimanjaro airport on the day of safari: USD 30 per vehicle
Airport to Hotel transfers
Transfer from Arusha airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 25 per vehicle Transfer from Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 50 per vehicle
InterCity transfers
Transfer from Moshi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 100 per vehicle Transfer from Nairobi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 275 per vehicle
Flights
We do not book International Flights.
We can book local flights based on availability. Below are indicative additional costs for local flights.
Intercity Flights
- From Zanzibar to Arusha: From USD 100 per person (Morning flight)
- From Dar es salaam to Arusha: From USD 90 per person (Morning flight)
- From Arusha to Zanzibar: From USD 170 per person (Late Afternoon flight)
- From Arusha to Dar es salaam: From USD 110 per person (Late Afternoon flight)
Meals
- Day 1 - Lunch & Dinner
- Day 2 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 3 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 4 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 5 - Breakfast & Lunch
Safari Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
Below is a clear breakdown of what is included and excluded in your Tanzania safari package. This helps you understand exactly what to expect before your journey to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and other parks.
What’s Included in Your Safari
What’s Not Included
Office Location
Related Packages
6 Days
Tanzania Safari Packages
