Embark on a journey through the heart of Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes with this 6 Days Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Lake Manyara Tour, curated for travelers seeking an immersive wildlife adventure steeped in luxury, comfort, and exclusivity. This handpicked itinerary blends three of the Northern Circuit’s crown jewels Lake Manyara’s lush ecosystems, the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, and the vast plains of the Serengeti into a seamless and unforgettable safari experience. With private game drives, premium lodges offering world-class service, and opportunities to engage with local cultures, this tour is perfect for discerning couples, families, or solo adventurers looking to explore Tanzania in exceptional style.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you’ll be welcomed by your private guide and transferred to your luxury lodge nestled in the foothills of Mount Meru or among aromatic coffee plantations. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind and acclimate perhaps with a spa treatment, a dip in the pool, or a stroll through tropical gardens.
In the evening, enjoy a gourmet welcome dinner at the lodge, paired with fine South African wines and Tanzanian-inspired cuisine. Your safari specialist will provide a detailed briefing to prepare you for the days ahead.
Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge by Elewana, Legendary Lodge, Gran Meliá Arusha.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, set off for Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic two-hour drive through the Rift Valley. This compact yet diverse park offers a microcosm of East African wildlife: from pink flamingos lining the soda lake to baboons, elephants, and the rare tree-climbing lions that rest in the acacia trees. Your private game drive takes you through the dense groundwater forest, open plains, and the lake’s shimmering shoreline.
Enjoy a bush-style picnic lunch within the park or at a scenic overlook before continuing your afternoon exploration. By late afternoon, ascend to the highlands of Karatu, where you’ll check into your luxurious lodge set amidst coffee plantations or overlooking the Great Rift Valley.
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, The Manor at Ngorongoro, Gibb’s Farm.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater – The Big Five in a Volcanic Eden
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s largest unbroken volcanic calderas and a haven for Africa’s most iconic wildlife. The crater is home to over 25,000 animals, including lions, elephants, hippos, hyenas, flamingos, and one of the best chances to spot the endangered black rhino.
You’ll spend the full day exploring the crater floor with your private guide, enjoying a picnic lunch near a hippo pool or shaded fig tree. The unique mix of habitats within the crater grasslands, marshes, forests, and lakes allows for dense concentrations of game in a relatively small area.
Return to your lodge in the late afternoon. Unwind with a sunset cocktail and a multi-course dinner showcasing regional flavors prepared with a gourmet twist.
Accommodation: &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Entamanu Ngorongoro, The Highlands by Asilia.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
Depart early for the Serengeti, one of the most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries on Earth. The drive through the Ngorongoro highlands into the open plains of the Serengeti is breathtaking. Along the way, pass Maasai villages, sweeping grasslands, and possibly migrating herds of wildebeest and zebras.
After entering the park, begin your game drive en route to your luxury camp. The Serengeti is known for its vast predator populations especially lions, cheetahs, and leopards—as well as dramatic natural spectacles such as the Great Migration (season dependent). Arrive at your camp in the afternoon, where a warm welcome awaits with chilled drinks and elegant tented suites overlooking the savannah.
Enjoy a sundowner by the fire before sitting down to a fine-dining experience under the stars.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Singita Sabora Tented Camp, Lemala Nanyukie Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Full-Day in Serengeti National Park
Today is dedicated to a full day of game viewing in the central or northern Serengeti, depending on your travel season. Your guide will tailor the route based on animal movements and your preferences whether you’re tracking predators, hoping to witness a river crossing (during the migration), or enjoying the quieter rhythms of the wilderness.
Midday, enjoy a picnic in a shaded spot or return to camp for a hot lunch and siesta. In the afternoon, continue your search for wildlife as golden light bathes the savannah, providing the perfect setting for photography.
You may also opt for optional experiences such as a hot air balloon safari at sunrise (advance booking recommended), followed by a champagne bush breakfast. End your day with a fireside gathering, stargazing, or perhaps an in-room massage.
Accommodation: Mwiba Lodge, One Nature Nyaruswiga, Serengeti Bushtops Camp.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 6: Serengeti to Arusha – Departure.
Enjoy a final sunrise breakfast in the bush before your transfer to the nearby Seronera Airstrip for your scheduled or charter flight back to Arusha (flight duration: ~1 hour). Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to a day-use lodge where you can relax, enjoy lunch, or refresh with a shower before your international departure.
If your flight is late in the evening, you can arrange for a massage or a visit to a local artisan market to pick up handcrafted souvenirs. For those extending their journey, this day can be the perfect transition point to Zanzibar, Ruaha, or Selous for more adventures.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 6 Days Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Lake Manyara Tour.
The 6 Days Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Lake Manyara Tour cost includes;
- Airport Transfers.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Wildlife Game Drives.
- Bottled water in the car.
- Tour guide allowances.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
However, the tour cost excludes; International Air Fare, Visa Fees, Souvenirs, Tips to local guides, personal medical and travel insurance, personal shopping bills and items not listed as included in the cost.