Best 6 Days Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Manyara Tanzania Safari
This 6 Days Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Manyara Tanzania Safari covers 1 night near/within Tarangire National Park, 2 nights within Serengeti National Park, 1 night near/within the Ngorongoro Highlands, and 1 night near Lake Manyara National Park, 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 most famous northern safari destinations while enjoying excellent wildlife viewing, beautiful landscapes, and unforgettable safari experiences. 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 Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park in one well-planned itinerary. The journey combines large elephant herds, baobab landscapes, endless Serengeti plains, predator action, crater wildlife, Great Rift Valley scenery, birdlife, 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.
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 Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Manyara Tanzania Safari is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples, families, solo travelers, and anyone seeking a complete Tanzania safari experience through four of the most iconic destinations in the northern safari circuit.
6 Days Tanzania Safari at a Glance
- Safari Name: 6 Days Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Manyara Tanzania Safari
- Starting Point: Arusha City
- Ending Point: Arusha City
- Accommodation Before Safari: Optional overnight stay in Arusha
- Night 1: Lodge / Tented Camp near/within Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara area
- Night 2: Lodge / Tented Camp within Serengeti National Park
- Night 3: Lodge / Tented Camp within Serengeti National Park
- Night 4: Lodge / Tented Camp near/within Ngorongoro Highlands or Karatu area
- Night 5: Lodge / Tented Camp near Lake Manyara National Park or Karatu area
- Main Attractions: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Highlands, Great Rift Valley
- Wildlife: Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, rhinos if lucky, flamingos, baboons, 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 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 National Park | Approximately 30 km to 60 km | About 45 minutes to 1.5 hours drive depending on accommodation location |
| Lake Manyara National Park 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 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.
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 at the beginning of this safari gives travelers a memorable introduction to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit before continuing towards Serengeti National Park.
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 perfect ending to this northern Tanzania safari.
Visiting Lake Manyara on the final day allows travelers to enjoy relaxed wildlife viewing, birdlife, forest scenery, and the beauty of the Great Rift Valley region before returning to Arusha.
Why Choose This 6 Days Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Manyara Tanzania Safari?
- Explore four iconic destinations in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.
- Visit Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park.
- Spend two nights inside Serengeti National Park.
- Visit the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
- Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos if lucky, and many other wildlife species.
- Experience Tarangire’s elephant herds and baobab landscapes.
- Enjoy Serengeti’s endless plains and big cat sightings.
- Discover Lake Manyara’s scenic landscapes and birdlife.
- 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 Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & 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 Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara. This period is also ideal for travelers who enjoy peaceful landscapes, photography, and seasonal wildlife activity.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1 - Arusha to Lake Manyara. Game drives at Lake Manyara
- Day 2 - Transfer to Central Serengeti. Afternoon game drives in Central Serengeti
- Day 3 - Central Serengeti. Full day game drives
- Day 4 - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu
- Day 5 - TNgorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Karatu/Tarangire
- Day 6 - Tarangire game drives and afternoon 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: $1,767 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Migombani Campsite, Mto Wa Mbu, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park)
- Day 2 - 4 : Stay at Seronera Campsite, Central Serengeti
- Day 4 - 5 : Stay at Ngorongoro Campsite, NCA
- Day 6 : Stay at Tarangire Campsite (Inside park), Tarangire (Within the Park)
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: $2,054 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: $2,405 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Migombani Cottage, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park)
- Day 2 - 4 : Stay at Tanzania Bush Camps, Seronera, Central Serengeti
- Day 4 - 5 :Stay at Rhino Lodge, NCA
- Day 5 - 6Stay at Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Tarangire (Outside the Park)
Option E3: $2,705 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Manyara Best View Lodge - Silver Room, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park)
- Day 2 - 4 : Stay at Serenity Camp, Central Serengeti
- Day 4 - 5 : Stay at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, NCA
- DAy 5 - 6 :Stay at Tarangire Tortilis Camp, Tarangire (Within the Park)
Option $3,285 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Manyara Best View Lodge - Platinum Room, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park)
- Day 2 - 4 : Stay at Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti - Safari Room
- Day 4 - 5 : Stay at Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp, NCA
- DAy 5 - 6 Stay at Nimali Tarangire Camp, Tarangire (Outside the Park)
Option E5: $4,592 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Lake Manyara KIlimamoja Lodge, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park)
- Day 2 - 4 : Stay at Lemala Nanyukie, Central Serengeti
- Day 4 - 5 : Stay at Melia Ngorongoro Lodge, NCA - The Rim Room
- Day 5 - 6: Stay at Lemala Mpingo Ridge, Tarangire (Within the Park)
Option E6: $8.555 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge - Suite, Lake Manyara (Within the Park)
- Day 2 - 4 : Stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge - Terrace Suite Water Hole View, Central Serengeti
- Day 4 - 5 : Stay at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, NCA - Suite, NCA
- Day 5 - 6: Stay at Sanctuary Swala Camp, Tarangire (Within the Park)
TRIP ITINERARY
Day
1
Moshi/Arusha to Tarangire National Park
We will drive about over 120km from Arusha/Moshi in the morning at your hotel and to the Tarangire National Park, where you will get to view giant baobab trees and big number of giant elephants. African elephant population is over 300 strong, is an extremely remarkable adventure. Other animals existing to Tarangire savannah include the tree-climbing African lions, giraffes, toothy warthogs, ostriches, impalas, agile cheetah, mongoose, water buffalo, and red-bottomed baboons. After the day game drive in Tarangire National Park will head to Lake Manyara , get shower, rest, dinner and overnight in your accommodation.
Day
2
Tarangire National Park to Serengeti National Park
A morning breakfast standing locally and organic will be served at place, then a drive to Serengeti National Park. We will take the scenic journey to Serengeti, allowing for an amazing, bird’s-eye-view of Ngorongoro Crater. The endless savanna, concentrated with the variety patterns of zebras, lions, and elephants make it easy to understand the Serengeti as one of the Seven Natural wonders of Africa. We will get picnic lunch at a famous kopje (a small hill in a generally flat area) in the park, allowing you to sightseeing the wideness of Serengeti National Park from top of the hill. We will proceed bit into the Serengeti National Park for a short game drive where you will get to view herds of giraffes, elephants, and zebra. You will spend the night at the hotel/camp/lodge in the Serengeti National Park.
Day
3
Serengeti National Park
The day game drive will begin from your point of accommodation after early breakfast in the center of the endless plain Serengeti National Park. Since we have a full day of game driving, you will be viewing hundreds of the diverse animals (including BIG FIVEs) that are found in their home Serengeti’s endless plains Serengeti National Park. This day will experience and wonder sightings of the Tanzanian mammals like lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, and buffalo. You will have a chance to view some of the animals majestic including, elands, hyenas, gazelles, crocodiles, giraffe, zebras, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos and antelope. Depending on the seasons of the year, visitors have a chance to view thousands of zebras and wildebeest on their Great Migration. The hundreds of bird species, both endemic and migrating from different regions, are a special bonus for bird-watchers and photographers. After a long game drive, get to your hotel for dinner and overnight, prepare yourself for the morning short game drive and then transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation for continue game drive.
Day
4
Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
You will progressively exploring Serengeti National Park after breakfast in the morning. The park contained the majority of the animals. This is a day which you will enjoy predators like lions tracking on other animals as their source of food. Perhaps in this day you will see more hippos, troop of monkeys and family of mongoose. After such an early start you will be looking forward to a magnificent delicious lunch, which will be served in the park. In the afternoon, you’ll start your Ngorongoro drive adventure by heading off to the accommodation site near/within Ngorongoro Conservation Area for dinner and overnight.
Day
5
Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara National Park
Depart for the Ngorongoro Crater descending early in the morning, as in the morning there is high probability of spotting game, especially the "Big 5" animals. The strongest animals in Africa can be seen like lion, the elephant, the leopard, the rhino and the strong buffalo. We will enjoy a leisurely game drive in the morning and have a picnic lunch near a pond full of hippos inside the Crater. The Ngorongoro Crater drive visitors can definitely expect to encounter zebra, hippo, wildebeest and cackling hyenas, home to flocks of graceful flamingos gathering at Soda Lake, vultures and hawks eagerly circling the sky in search of a meal of discarded carcasses. Also, Storks, ibis, and cranes are popular water birds in the crater. Our game drive will conclude shortly after lunch when we will begin our drive to Lake Manyara for the overnight and dinner.
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
Addons
Tour Location
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