4 Day Adventure Camping Safari - Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater 2024

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 most active. Enjoy sightings of predators winding down from their nightly hunts, along with large herds of grazing animals spread across the plains. After a rewarding morning in the park, continue your journey with a packed lunch to enjoy en route.

Travel across the Serengeti toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at a traditional Maasai Boma for a cultural visit. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about Maasai traditions, daily life, and their deep connection to the land.

Continue onward to the Olduvai Gorge Museum, where you can explore exhibits featuring early human fossils, ancient tools, and the groundbreaking discoveries that helped shape our understanding of human origins.

After your visit, proceed through the Ngorongoro highlands and arrive at Simba Campsite on the crater rim in the afternoon. Enjoy the cool highland air and 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 Tour to Arusha

Start the day early with breakfast at camp before making your way to the descent road leading into the Ngorongoro Crater. Spend the morning exploring this remarkable natural sanctuary—home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The crater floor offers excellent opportunities to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, hippos, large herds of wildebeest and zebra, and, with a bit of luck, the endangered black rhino.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated spots inside the crater, surrounded by breathtaking views and abundant wildlife. After lunch, continue your game viewing as you gradually make your way toward the ascent road.

In the early afternoon, ascend from the crater and begin the drive back to Arusha. Arrive in the late afternoon, where the safari comes to an end.

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:
End of safari (no accommodation included)

Travel Time:
Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha: Approx. 2.5–3 hours