Ultimate 5 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs (5 Options)

Best 5 Day Northern Circuit Highlights Itineraries

Discover our top 5-day safari in Tanzania itineraries that guide you through all the iconic game parks in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, including the renowned Serengeti, the enchanting Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park, known for its large herds of African elephants.

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An alternative to this itinerary includes a visit to Lake Manyara National Park; however, we have not included it due to unpredictable wildlife sightings resulting from significant rainfall over the past few years, which has impacted the lake's level and the area's infrastructure.

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For first-time visitors to Tanzania, you can't go wrong with this fantastic 5-day safari itinerary. It also serves as the standard itinerary for many budget-friendly group camping safaris, meaning that even though you visit some of the more expensive parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, it remains available for those on a budget.

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Conversely, if you are seeking a luxury private safari, you can enhance this itinerary with a hot air balloon ride over central Serengeti. Alternatively, you might want to explore our 5-day wildebeest migration river crossing itinerary in the Northern Serengeti or the 5-day wildebeest calving season itinerary in Ndutu (Southern Serengeti).

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Option 1

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5 days tanzania Mid-range Lodge safari tarangire serengeti ngorongoro manyara

Day 1: From Zanzibar/Arusha - Tarangire

Your adventure can start from Arusha, Zanzibar, or Dar Es Salaam, known as the entry point to Tanzania’s renowned Northern Safari Circuit. A drive west from Arusha to the Northern Gate of Tarangire National Park takes roughly three hours.

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Activities for Your Day in Tarangire National Park

You will embark on a full-day game drive throughout the park. Additionally, if you seek a more personal connection, a walking safari is available as an option.

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About Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is Tanzania’s sixth-largest park, covering an area of 2,850 km². The park derives its name from the Tarangire River that flows through it, supplying water to its diverse wildlife. It is particularly famous for its large population of majestic African elephants, which can exceed 5,000 during the peak migration season from July to October.

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Tips for visiting Tarangire National Park

The optimum time to explore Tarangire is during the dry season when the migratory herds are present.

Two excellent lunch locations can be found in Tarangire, but there are no dining services available. Avoid black, blue or any shining clothes as they may attract tsetse flies.

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Overnight at Camping | Mid-range Lodge | Luxury

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Days 2 – 4: Drive to Seronera (Central Serengeti)

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Your incredible 4-hour trip from Karatu to Seronera (Central Serengeti) is about to start. Approximately 2 hours into your journey, you'll arrive at the Serengeti entrance gates and restroom facilities before the true adventure unfolds.

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You'll be in the Serengeti for the remaining part of day 2, all of day 3, and the morning of day 4 before transferring to Ngorongoro to complete your 5-day lodge safari.

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What to do in Serengeti National Park?

Aside from going on game drives following the great wildebeest migration herds across the open savannah of the Serengeti, another major activity you can partake in is a hot air balloon safari. Serengeti balloon safaris, typically costing between $445 and $540 per person, occur at dawn and provide an aerial perspective of the plains.

While they can be pricey, the experience truly is unique and unforgettable. Where else can you effortlessly glide above Africa's wilderness and possibly observe the Great Wildebeest Migration from the sky?

Walking safaris and night game drives are not allowed in the Serengeti.

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Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater & Maasai Visit.

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In the early morning, you'll navigate along the edge of the crater amid lush forests before commencing your remarkable descent of 2,000 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is a truly unique place on the planet – with towering crater walls encircling a desolate plain.

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What to do in Ngorongoro Crater?

You’ll begin your day with a game drive in the crater, followed by lunch alongside Lake Magadi, a large alkaline body of water that is home to flamingos and hippos.

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In the afternoon, you’ll climb up the crater and visit a Maasai village to witness their renowned jumping dance and gain insights into their remarkable culture. You’ll also participate in a guided walk with the Maasai around the crater’s rim, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and learn about the Maasai’s profound connection to the crater.

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Option 2

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5 Days Tanzania Camping Safari

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The 5-Day Tanzania camping safari is a budget-friendly package that allows you to observe a diverse range of wildlife in Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. It also includes cultural experiences such as visiting bushmen at Lake Eyasi and exploring a Masai village in the Ngorongoro highlands.

We predominantly provide private budget camping safaris in Tanzania for families, friends, and groups, which makes for a more enjoyable, flexible, and fun experience at reasonable rates.

Your 5-day Tanzania camping safari will start between 08:00 and 08:30. The journey will take you through Arusha town, giving you an opportunity for any last-minute shopping before proceeding to Lake Manyara National Park.

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5 Days Tanzania Budget Camping safari itinerary

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Day 1:

Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park

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Lake Manyara is another park that offers excellent value for its entrance fees. The park is well-known for its lions that climb trees, as well as vast groups of pink flamingos and over 250 additional bird species.

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It is also an ideal location to observe the impacts of climate change, as severe weather has led the lake to consume significant areas of the forest.

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The journey to Lake Manyara National Park takes approximately 2 hours from Arusha.

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What to do in Lake Manyara National Park?

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A game drive through the entirety of Lake Manyara National Park typically takes about 3-4 hours. 

You can enjoy a 45-minute walk along the tree-top canopy, offering a unique vantage point of the park. 

For the afternoon, I suggest taking a canoe trip on the lake, where you can observe large groups of pelicans and pink flamingos, along with the occasional calls of hippos in the distance.

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Day 2-4:

Serengeti National Park

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Following breakfast at Lake Manyara National Park, we set off early to cross the floor of the Great Rift Valley, ascend the escarpment, and navigate through the Ngorongoro Conservation area. This journey will become a delightful and scenic drive as you take in the stunning landscapes and breathtaking views en route to Serengeti National Park.

We will arrive in the Serengeti in the afternoon and embark on a game drive that continues until late afternoon, after which we will check into a camp or lodge for a campfire, dinner, and overnight stay.

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Day 5:

Ngorongoro Crater & Maasai Boma

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Following breakfast at your lodge, you will begin your descent into the Crater floor for game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater. The sooner you can reach the Crater floor—either after breakfast or with packed breakfast—the better your chances will be to spot rare wildlife like Black Rhinos if you’re fortunate.

Spend most of your morning discovering the Ngorongoro Crater until it’s time for lunch. With walls rising 600 to 650 meters high, the Ngorongoro Crater resembles a natural zoo with an impressive concentration of wildlife, where, with a bit of luck, you could even see all of the Big Five in a single day.

After enjoying a picnic lunch, typically at the designated picnic area by the hippo pool, you will ascend the Crater rim and exit the Conservation area. Later in the afternoon, you will return to Arusha. Breakfast and lunch are included.

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Option 3

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5-Day Great Migration Wildebeest Calving (Ndutu) Safari Itinerary

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The Ndutu wildebeest calving season, a key event in the Great Migration, offers the chance to observe the highest concentration of large terrestrial animals in their natural habitat, an experience you’ll cherish forever.

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Calving drives the wildebeests to perilously navigate the crocodile-filled river, as they seek fresh grazing lands that provide the essential nourishment needed for the intense calving period and support for their calves. Throughout this season, hundreds of thousands of wildebeests give birth, averaging about 8,000 births daily. It’s incredible to see newborn wildebeests stand up within minutes of their arrival, prepared to flee with the herd from predators within days.

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With an abundance of young ones, this period also presents excellent opportunities to witness successful predator hunts.

If you plan to travel to Tanzania in January, February, or March and wish to experience the Great Migration, this itinerary is ideal for you!

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In March, numerous zebras and gazelles, who travel alongside the wildebeests, also begin giving birth, depending on the wildebeests’ larger numbers for safeguarding their young.

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Things to do in Ndutu – Southern Serengeti

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Your guide will lead you on a safari to observe the migrating wildebeest herds that typically begin calving in January. The expectant wildebeests give birth, and by February, around 8,000 calves are born each day into March. You will also encounter tens of thousands of zebras and gazelles that migrate alongside the wildebeests, preparing to give birth at the same time, as they anticipate that the sheer number of wildebeests will offer protection from lurking predators.

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The vast numbers of young and inexperienced calves draw the attention of the Serengeti's high concentration of hungry predators. Large cats such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, as well as African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, and black-backed jackals pursue the herds, waiting for their chance to strike. The newborn calves are quick to rise within minutes to enhance their survival odds, and by three days old, they can run to evade predators. During this vulnerable time, they depend on the herd's size and their mother's protection.

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Your likelihood of witnessing a successful hunt is quite high. Many predators also give birth during this season, knowing that there will be ample food for their own young. If you wish to see the Great Wildebeest Migration from above, you can book a hot air balloon ride at sunrise the next day. Alternatively, you can spend the full three days in the Ndutu area.

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5 Days Ndutu Migration, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari

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Days 1 – 4: Ndutu – Southern Serengeti.

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You’ll begin your journey in the lively city of Arusha, recognized as the entrance to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. From there, you’ll board a small scheduled propeller plane that will fly you directly to the Ndutu Airstrip in the South East Serengeti. Typically, these flights cost around $350 per person and offer a chance to view the expansive Serengeti from above while also saving 6 hours of driving time.

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If you would rather drive or are looking to keep expenses low, the drive will take approximately 6 hours.

There are various lodge options available, but the best choice for viewing the calving season is the mobile tented camps, which relocate to track the migration. These camps feature spacious tents complete with comfortable beds and private bathrooms.

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If you choose a 5-day fly-in Serengeti safari, you'll have ample opportunity for a safari on the remainder of day 1.

On day 2, you’ll rise to experience your first full day in the world’s premier safari destination, ready to witness one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles.

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Days 4: Ndutu to Ngorongoro Highlands

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Before saying farewell to the Ndutu area in the Southern Serengeti, you have the chance to enjoy a sunrise game drive across the Ndutu Serengeti plains. Morning game drives offer an ideal chance to observe predators in action, as they tend to be most active during these cooler hours compared to the warmer parts of the day.

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After an almost full-day game drive, you will drive for 2 hours to arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater rim.

You will spend the night on the crater's rim, which offers breathtaking views.

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Days 5: Ngorongoro Crater

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This morning, you will enter the stunning Ngorongoro Crater and embark on a full-day wildlife drive. There are two advantages to exploring the crater at this time. Firstly, you’ll avoid the crowds, and secondly, this timing increases your chances of spotting the endangered black rhinos that congregate at sunrise before dispersing in search of food.

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Things to do in Ngorongoro Crater

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An entire day's safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, interspersed with a picnic lunch with a view of Lake Magadi.

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Option 4

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5-Day Budget Group Join Shared Safari Itinerary

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The best 5-day Shared Group Budget Safari tour in Tanzania begins and concludes in Arusha or Zanzibar, with daily departures set to commence at 08:30 am on the first day and wrap up in Arusha by 06:00 pm on the last day. This compact small group joining safari, lasting five days, is an excellent choice for individuals, couples, or friends looking to join a scheduled group shared safari outing with a limit of 6-7 participants for an unforgettable wildlife experience in Tanzania that will create lasting memories.

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Overview of the 5-Day Tanzania Small Group Joining Safari Tour:

Day 1:    Tarangire    11am - 04pm
Day 2:    Lake Manyara    09am - 04pm
Day 3:   To Serengeti Park    09am - 05pm
Day 4:    To Ngorongoro Rim    08am - 05pm
Day 5:    Ngorongoro Crater 06 am - 03 pm

About Tanzania Shared Budget Safari

This widely recognized, typical budget safari package ranges from 1 to 5 days and highlights key wildlife viewing destinations in the northern region of Tanzania. Typically, the adventure unfolds from morning until evening, starting with breakfast, followed by game drives, lunchtime breaks, and opportunities to observe wildlife alongside a professional safari driver guide.

Unlimited self-service drinking water is provided, with ample chances to ask questions regarding the wildlife and various aspects of African culture. Although 5-day sharing budget safaris mainly offer basic accommodation (camping), participants also have the option to upgrade their lodging.

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What to Expect on the 5-Day Tanzania Shared Safari

Most importantly, the 5-day safari, which includes visits to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara National Parks, presents a remarkable opportunity to experience the breathtaking landscapes of Tanzania. The itinerary is designed to encompass game drives across each park, guided by experienced professionals who possess in-depth knowledge about the region's wildlife and cultural heritage. Additionally, visitors should anticipate witnessing a wide array of wildlife, among other facets of the African experience.

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5 Days Tanzania Sharing Safari 2025/2026 Itinerary

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Day 0: Arrival in Arusha for Your 5 Days Tanzania Sharing Safari

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Arrive at your lodging in Arusha. Use the evening to unwind and get ready for your 5-day shared safari in Tanzania that will take place in 2025 or 2026.

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Day 1:Tanzania sharing safari to Lake Manyara National Park

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The 5-day Tanzania sharing safari begins with a lovely drive to Lake Manyara National Park, which takes about two hours. This park is famous for its varied landscapes, ranging from savannah to wetlands, and is inhabited by numerous wildlife species, such as elephants, giraffes, and the well-known tree-climbing lions.

The lake itself is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, as flamingos can be seen gracing the water in vibrant shades of pink during certain seasons. The initial day of your 5-day Tanzania Sharing safari concludes with a scenic return ride to the lodge at Mto wa Mbu, providing stunning views of the sunset illuminating the park. Overnight accommodations are at.

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Day 2: Tarangire National Park

On the second day of your unforgettable 5-day safari in Tanzania, you will travel to Tarangire National Park. Famous for its large elephant population, Tarangire provides a unique and extraordinary safari experience. The park is characterized by its remarkable baobab trees and acacia woodlands, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including formidable predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

The Tarangire River, crucial for maintaining life within the park, draws many animals, especially during the dry season, making it an excellent spot for wildlife observation. End your second day of the 5-day Tanzania safari with a drive to your lodging in Mto wa Mbu for the night.

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Day 3 and 4: Serengeti National Park

Over the next two days of the 5-day safari tour package in Tanzania, you'll visit Serengeti National Park, which is situated about five hours from Tarangire. The Serengeti is famous for its annual wildebeest migration, during which over a million of these animals, along with zebras and gazelles, traverse the plains in search of new grasslands.

The park’s vast plains and rocky hills are also home to a large population of lions, offering excellent opportunities to see these magnificent predators. On the third day, you will stay overnight at the lodge.

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Day 5 of 5-day shared safari: Ngorongoro Crater

On the last day of your 5-day shared safari in Tanzania for 2025, you will embark on a three-hour drive from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater. This crater, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest inactive, perfectly preserved, and unfilled volcanic caldera on the planet.

Its diverse ecosystems support a rich variety of wildlife, featuring remarkable species such as the Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffaloes. As the day comes to an end, you'll journey back to the lodge, marking the conclusion of an incredible safari experience. Complete your exceptional 5-day shared safari in Tanzania with a drive to Arusha for an overnight stay.

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Option 5

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5-Day Fly-in and drive-out Serengeti Safari.

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Experience an unforgettable 5-day fly-in safari in Tanzania that perfectly merges the excitement of flying with the stunning beauty of three renowned national parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. Your journey kicks off with a picturesque flight to the expansive Serengeti plains, where breathtaking landscapes and a wealth of wildlife await.

Observe the incredible Great Migration, a natural event that unfolds right in front of you. The adventure continues with a land journey to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest intact volcanic caldera on the planet. Dive into the varied ecosystems and encounter a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five.

Wrapping up the safari is a visit to Lake Manyara National Park, famed for its varied birdlife and striking alkaline lake. This thoughtfully designed expedition guarantees a perfect mix of exhilarating aerial views and intimate experiences with Tanzania's remarkable fauna, ensuring a truly magical and immersive safari adventure.

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5 Day Tanzania Flying Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire National Park

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Day 1: Arusha from Zanzibar – Serengeti National Park

Day 2: Full-day wildlife drive in Serengeti National Park.

Day 3: Morning in Serengeti National Park, followed by an afternoon drive to Ngorongoro.

Day 4: Full-day wildlife drive in Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park – Arusha.

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5 Day fly-in Safari detailed itinerary

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Day 1: Arusha Airport – Serengeti National Park

You will leave Arusha or Zanzibar in the morning on your flight to Serengeti Seronera. Your arrival at Seronera airstrip will be around one hour later. Upon arrival, a professional safari driver will be waiting for you at the airstrip to give you a warm welcome, and a picnic lunch will be prepared for your game-viewing excursion.

After you finish your lunch, you will proceed with your game drive, looking for the big cats of the Serengeti and other grazing animals. In the evening, you will be taken back to your prearranged camp or lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

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Day 2: Full-day game drive in Serengeti National Park

Your 5-day fly safari on classic tours in Tanzania will commence following your breakfast, allowing you to spend the day watching wildlife in their natural environment at different times and locations throughout the Serengeti. Anticipate the opportunity to see vast herds of migrating animals, groups of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and antelopes, along with various bird species and native trees.

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Day 3: Morning in Serengeti National Park. Afternoon drives to Ngorongoro.

Your safari on this day will begin with an early breakfast at your lodge or camp before you head out for morning wildlife viewing. Around midday, you will savor a picnic lunch, followed by more animal sightings as you make your way to the Ngorongoro crater rim for an overnight stay.

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Day 4:  Full-day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater.

Following a hearty breakfast, you will set off with a packed picnic lunch to spend an entire day exploring Ngorongoro Crater for game viewing. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to a significant population of lions and cheetahs, making it an excellent location to spot the elusive black rhino.

Later in the afternoon, after your comprehensive game drive, you will be driven back to your designated lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

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Day 5:  Lake Manyara National park – Arusha.

We explore Lake Manyara to observe wildlife, with the option to engage in a cultural experience in the nearby village of Mto Wa Mbu. Located in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park features a lush forest nourished by underground water from the Ngorongoro highlands.

The park is renowned for its unique tree-climbing lions, along with thousands of pink flamingos, hot springs, elephants, wildebeests, impalas, zebras, hippopotamuses, and a diverse range of bird species.