Northern Tanzania • Wildlife safari • Big Five
Arusha – Tarangire – Lake Manyara – Ngorongoro – Arusha
Explore three of Tanzania’s most remarkable wildlife destinations on a four-day safari. Discover Tarangire’s elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, experience the diverse wildlife of Lake Manyara and descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater in search of the Big Five.
Northern Tanzania • Big Five experience
A private safari for travellers with limited time: one night each near Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Highlands, with a crater game drive on day three.
Summary
Map
Dotted line shows the approximate road route between stops.
Itinerary
Four days from Arusha through Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, and back to Arusha.
Day 1 · Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park. Enjoy a game drive through landscapes dotted with ancient baobab trees and seasonal river systems. The park is famous for its large elephant populations, with opportunities to spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, lions and numerous bird species. Continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 2 · Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, travel to Lake Manyara National Park for a wildlife adventure. Explore its groundwater forests, open grasslands and lakeshore habitats. Look for elephants, baboons, giraffes, hippos and the park’s famous tree-climbing lions. Bird enthusiasts can also enjoy spotting flamingos and other waterbirds before returning to your lodge.
Day 3 · Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the magnificent crater for a game drive. Explore its diverse habitats, which support lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest and numerous other species. With luck, you may encounter the endangered black rhinoceros. Enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to your accommodation.
Day 4 · Arusha
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before beginning the journey back to Arusha. Depending on your departure arrangements, you will be transferred to your hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport, bringing your four-day Tanzania safari to an end.
Stay
Selected lodges or similar properties, depending on availability. Accommodation can be adjusted to your preferences.
Check the written inclusions in your quotation before you confirm.
Good to know
Quick answers before you request your free quotation.
6 questionsDay 1 in Tarangire National Park, Day 2 at Lake Manyara National Park, Day 3 in the Ngorongoro Crater and Day 4 back to Arusha. It is a private safari in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof.
Night 1 at Tarangire Sopa Lodge, night 2 at Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge and night 3 at Eileen’s Trees Inn, or similar properties depending on availability.
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Tanzania to look for the Big Five, but sightings depend on the day and can never be guaranteed.
Lake Manyara National Park is known for tree-climbing lions and flamingos, as well as elephants and other wildlife, but no sighting can be guaranteed. Read more in our Lake Manyara National Park guide.
Yes. Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Park fees and Ngorongoro Conservation Area and crater fees are included. Tarangire and Lake Manyara are managed by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), and the crater by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority.
Yes. The route is shown from Arusha, but the start point, lodges and dates can be adjusted in your free quotation.
Tell us your needs and we will match it to your travel dates, accommodation preferences and interests, add extra wildlife experiences or extend your stay in any destination.
Two quick steps. No payment now: we reply by email with a quotation that confirms the price, lodges and availability. Dates, lodges and route can be adjusted.
The Safari Best Tanzania team will review it and reply by email with your quotation. Please check your inbox, and your spam folder too.
Need help planning your safari?Unahitaji msaada?
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