5 Day Adventure Camping Safari - Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire

Day 1 – Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

This morning, you will be collected from your chosen accommodation in Arusha or from the airport and begin your journey to Lake Manyara National Park, one of Tanzania’s most picturesque wildlife destinations. The drive takes approximately two hours, allowing you to arrive by mid-morning.

Upon reaching the area, you’ll make a brief stop at your campsite to drop off equipment before entering the park for a full day of game viewing. Lake Manyara is known for its varied habitats, from groundwater forests and open plains to the shimmering soda lake beneath the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment. Wildlife is plentiful here, with elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, buffalo, baboons, and a wide range of birdlife. With luck, you may even spot the park’s iconic tree-climbing lions.

In the late afternoon, exit the park and return to Twiga Campsite for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Twiga Campsite

Travel Time: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park: Approx. 2 hours

Day 2 – Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park via Olduvai Gorge Museum

After breakfast, depart Lake Manyara and begin your journey toward Serengeti National Park. Along the way, stop at the Olduvai Gorge Museum, an important archaeological site where some of the earliest human fossils were discovered. Take time to explore the exhibits and enjoy the stunning views of the gorge.

Continue toward the Serengeti, aiming to reach the park gate around midday. Enjoy a picnic lunch while your guide handles the park entry formalities. Once inside, begin your afternoon game drive across the vast Serengeti plains, watching for lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, and a wide variety of plains game. The ever-changing scenery and rich wildlife make this one of the most memorable days of your safari.

As the sun sets, proceed to Seronera Campsite in the Central Serengeti, where you will set up camp for the night.

Dinner and overnight stay at Seronera Campsite in the Central Serengeti.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Seronera Campsite

Travel Time: Lake Manyara to Serengeti (via Olduvai Gorge): Approx. 4–5 hours depending on stops and game viewing

Day 3 – Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater Rim via Maasai Boma

Begin the day with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti, taking advantage of the cooler hours when wildlife is especially active. Enjoy sightings of predators winding down from their morning hunts, as well as large herds of plains game spread across the savannah. After a rewarding morning in the park, continue your journey with a packed lunch to enjoy along the way.

Travel across the Serengeti toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at a traditional Maasai Boma for a cultural visit. Here, you will gain insight into Maasai traditions, daily life, and their close connection to the land.

After your visit, continue driving through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying dramatic scenery as you make your way up toward the crater rim. Arrive at Simba Campsite in the afternoon, where you can relax, take in the fresh highland air, and enjoy sweeping views before settling in for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Simba Campsite (Ngorongoro Crater Rim)

Travel Time: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim (with stops): Approx. 4–5 hours depending on wildlife and visits

Day 4 – Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire National Park

Rise before sunrise for breakfast, then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a day of exceptional game viewing. Spend up to six hours exploring this extraordinary wildlife haven, home to lions, elephants, hyenas, buffalo, hippos, and, if you are fortunate, the endangered black rhino. With its rich concentration of animals and dramatic landscapes, the crater offers some of the best game viewing in Africa.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Hippo Pool, where you can relax and take in the views before ascending from the crater. Continue your journey to Tarangire National Park, known for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds.

Arrive in the late afternoon and settle in at Tarangire Public Campsite, located inside the park. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of Tarangire’s wilderness.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tarangire Public Campsite (inside Tarangire National Park)

Travel Time: Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire National Park: Approx. 2.5–3 hours depending on road conditions

Day 5 – Tarangire National Park to Arusha

Begin your final safari day with a morning entry into Tarangire National Park for continued game viewing. Explore the park’s diverse landscapes, from open grasslands and riverine forests to its iconic baobab-studded plains. Tarangire is famous for its impressive elephant herds, but you may also encounter lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and a wide range of birdlife.

Enjoy a packed lunch at one of the designated picnic areas inside the park, taking in the peaceful surroundings as you reflect on your journey.

In the late afternoon, return to Arusha and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to meet your onward flight. Your safari concludes here, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: End of safari – no accommodation included

Travel Time: Tarangire to Arusha: Approx. 2–2.5 hours
Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport: Approx. 1 hour