Embark on a seamless 5-day safari through northern Tanzania’s most celebrated landscapes, where every day brings new sights, wildlife, and wonder. This journey blends comfort with adventure, making it perfect for travelers seeking a rich safari experience without an extended time commitment. From lush forests and volcanic craters to open savannahs and ancient baobab groves, the diversity of terrain is matched only by the incredible array of wildlife you’ll encounter.
Expect close-up encounters with elephants, lions, and giraffes, as well as the chance to spot elusive species like leopards, flamingos, and black rhinos. Whether you're drifting across a quiet lake by canoe, watching a lioness stalk prey through the tall grass, or gazing out across the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, every moment brings the wild into focus.
Thoughtfully selected accommodations enhance the experience, offering warm hospitality, scenic settings, and comfort after a day in the bush. You’ll enjoy private game drives led by expert guides who know exactly where to take you for unforgettable sightings.
This is a well-paced adventure that brings you deep into Tanzania’s wild heart—accessible, exciting, and effortlessly rewarding from start to finish.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania — your safari adventure begins here. After your arrival, you'll receive a warm welcome and a short briefing to set the tone for an unforgettable journey. Arusha, your gateway to the northern safari circuit, is more than just a starting point. With its bustling markets, lively streets, and colorful mix of cultures, this city offers an immersive first glimpse into Tanzanian life. You might find yourself enchanted by a local dish, a street performance, or simply the rhythm of daily life here.
Your first night is at Arusha Planet Lodge, a serene retreat tucked just outside the city. With its lush gardens, spacious rooms, and inviting pool, it offers a peaceful contrast to the city's energy — perfect for relaxing and adjusting before you head out into the wild.
https://planet-lodges.com/lodges/arusha-planet-lodge/
Day 2 : Arusha National Park
Your second day begins with a journey into the scenic beauty of Arusha National Park. Towering over the park is majestic Mount Meru, a breathtaking backdrop to a landscape that shifts from lush forests to open grasslands. As you explore, you may spot giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and abundant birdlife. With a bit of luck, elephants or hippos may also appear. A highlight of the day is Ngurdoto Crater, often nicknamed ‘Little Ngorongoro’ for its striking resemblance to the famed caldera, offering panoramic views and a sense of quiet wonder. Unlike other parks where wildlife dominates, Arusha National Park invites you to appreciate its diverse scenery and peaceful charm.
After your exploration, return to Arusha Planet Lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay, surrounded by the calm of this inviting property.
https://planet-lodges.com/lodges/arusha-planet-lodge/
Day 3: Tarangire National Park
Today, you’ll explore Tarangire National Park—famous for its towering baobabs, vast elephant herds, and thriving predator populations. It’s a park that offers classic safari scenes, with sweeping savannahs, riverine woodlands, and rocky outcrops. Wildlife is abundant, and you’re likely to see giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes, baboons, and vervet monkeys. Lions are commonly spotted, while cheetahs and leopards may appear when you least expect it, making each moment in Tarangire rich with anticipation.
After a fulfilling game drive, you’ll head to Marera Valley Lodge near Karatu. Set amid lush hills and gardens, the lodge provides stunning countryside views, a relaxing swimming pool, and inviting rooms—making it the perfect place to unwind after a day on safari.
https://mareravalley.com/
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater
Today you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a breathtaking natural amphitheater often described as Africa’s Eden. From the crater rim, take in sweeping views as morning mist curls over the edge, unveiling a lush, self-contained ecosystem below. On the crater floor, you’ll encounter a high concentration of wildlife—lions, hyenas, elephants, black rhinos, and large flocks of flamingos gathered around soda lakes. The diverse terrain includes forested slopes, open grasslands, swampy springs, and sparkling lakes, each teeming with life. It’s a rare chance to see so much in such a compact space, making for an unforgettable day of game viewing.
You’ll return to Marera Valley Lodge in Karatu, where the tranquil atmosphere, scenic gardens, and welcoming comfort await.
https://mareravalley.com/
Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park offers a final, unforgettable chapter to your Tanzanian safari. This compact but diverse park is renowned for its dramatic scenery and unique wildlife experiences. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants emerging from dense forest cover, tree-climbing lions lounging above, and large troops of baboons moving through the undergrowth. The park’s contrasting landscapes—glimmering lake shores, acacia woodland, and towering Rift Valley escarpment—create a vivid, lasting impression. It’s a place where surprises await around every corner. As your journey comes to an end, we hope these final memories of nature’s beauty and wonder stay with you for a long time. Safe travels.
Inclusion
- All accommodations
- All park and conservation fees
- All activities (unless listed as optional)
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- All meals as per itinerary
- Drinking water daily
- Government taxes and levies
- AMREF Flying Doctors Insurance
- Transfers to and from the airport
- Game drives and park entry fees
Exclusions
- International flights
- Visa fees (e.g. $100 for USA / $50 for EU)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, laundry, extra drinks)
- Government-imposed tax increases after booking
Reviews
By filling out this form, you’ll be sending an enquiry to Your Luxury Safaris who will be able to provide you with more information about this expedition.
Expedition Information
$1
Q3
Lake Manyara National Park ,
Tarangire National Park ,
Ngorongoro Crater ,
Arusha National Park
Other (MTB, Kayak, 4WD Safari, Paragliding, Helicopter...etc),
Driving
Fitness Level
2
Technical Level
2
Group Size
1
Continent:
AfricaCountry:
TanzaniaLocation:
Lake Manyara National ParkElevation:
954 m / 3,130 ftGPS:
-3.58 N°, 35.75 E°Continent:
AfricaCountry:
TanzaniaLocation:
Tarangire National ParkElevation:
1,000 m / 3,281 ftGPS:
-3.58 N°, 35.75 E°Continent:
AfricaCountry:
TanzaniaLocation:
Ngorongoro CraterElevation:
1,800 m / 5,905 ftGPS:
-3.58 N°, 35.75 E°Continent:
AfricaCountry:
TanzaniaLocation:
Arusha National ParkElevation:
2,600 m / 8,530 ftGPS:
-3.58 N°, 35.75 E°