6-Day Tanzania Safari to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro

Arrive early in the morning at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from Licaon Tours & Safaris, who will ensure a smooth transition to your Tanzanian adventure. After completing the formalities, you’ll depart with boxed lunch, heading towards Tarangire National Park via the bustling city of Arusha. As you leave behind the city, the landscape gradually shifts to the wilderness, with vast plains and acacia trees lining the horizon.

In Tarangire, be prepared to be awed by the sheer number of elephants wandering the park—some of the largest herds in East Africa. The iconic baobab trees stand tall, creating a majestic backdrop for zebras, wildebeests, and a myriad of bird species. The lifeline of the park, the Tarangire River, flows through the landscape, attracting animals to its banks, making for incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

After a thrilling afternoon, exit the park and drive to your lodge nestled within the savannah.

Dinner and overnight at Burunge Baobab Tented Lodge—a stunning location with views over the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge, savoring the views of the African wilderness as the sun rises. Afterward, collect packed lunches and depart for Lake Manyara National Park. As you make your way, you’ll notice how the scenery changes from savannah to the lush groundwater forests that surround the lake.

In this small but diverse park, you’ll be captivated by the different species of aquatic birds that inhabit the lake, including pink flamingos, pelicans, and cormorants. The park is also known for its population of tree-climbing lions, as well as herds of buffaloes and zebras grazing on the grassy floodplains. Monkeys swing from tree branches, and elephants move quietly through the forests, making this a photographer’s paradise.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll exit the park and journey to your lodge near the Ngorongoro Park Gate, where the cool highlands greet you.

Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Farm House, a colonial-style lodge set amidst expansive coffee plantations.

Following breakfast, you’ll pack your bags and collect packed lunches for another adventurous day. Today’s journey takes you through the lush, fertile Ngorongoro Highlands, where rolling hills are dotted with Maasai villages and cattle. The drive offers spectacular views as you descend from the highlands into the vast plains of the Serengeti—one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in the world.

Upon arrival in the Serengeti in the afternoon, you’ll embark on an exciting game drive as you make your way to your camp in the Central Serengeti. The open plains stretch endlessly before you, with herds of gazelle, wildebeest, and zebras constantly on the move, watched closely by predatory lions and leopards.

Dinner and overnight at Kubukubu Tented Lodge, where you’ll enjoy the serenity of the Serengeti under the stars.

These two days are dedicated entirely to exploring the incredible Serengeti National Park. After breakfast, set out on full-day game drives, venturing deeper into the park's vast wilderness. The Serengeti is renowned for its abundant wildlife, and you will have the opportunity to witness predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards stalking their prey, while hyenas and vultures circle overhead.

Keep an eye out for the iconic Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and the elusive black rhino. Birdwatchers will delight in the variety of species that call this park home, including martial eagles and secretary birds.

With picnic lunches, you’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the landscapes, from the short-grass plains to the rocky outcrops known as kopjes, which provide the perfect hiding spots for big cats.

Dinner and overnight at Kubukubu Tented Lodge, where you can relax after a day filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Begin your day with an early breakfast at the camp before setting off towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Your drive will take approximately three hours, offering you the chance to soak in the dramatic landscape changes as you ascend to the Ngorongoro Crater rim.

Once at the rim, prepare for an incredible descent into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater, often referred to as ‘Africa’s Eden,’ is home to a remarkable concentration of wildlife, including black rhinos, large-tusked elephants, and prides of lions. As you explore the crater floor, you’ll see the salt lake with flamingos, and hippos lounging in shallow pools. Jackals and hyenas are never far behind, waiting for opportunities as the ecosystem thrives around you.

Later in the day, ascend out of the crater and drive to your lodge, reflecting on the wonders of the day.

Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Farm House, offering a cozy retreat with sweeping views of the highlands.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, breathing in the cool highland air before packing up for your journey back to Arusha. With packed lunches, you’ll drive through scenic landscapes, passing local villages and farms, getting a glimpse of daily Tanzanian life.

Upon arrival in Arusha, you’ll have time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a brief city tour before heading to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward flight, bidding farewell to Tanzania and the memories of an unforgettable safari adventure.