5 Days - Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Lake Manyara Safari
Overview
An extraordinary African adventure awaits as you travel through Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife havens. From giant baobabs and tree-climbing lions to the endless golden savannahs and the dramatic floor of an ancient volcanic crater, every moment promises breathtaking encounters with nature.
Designed for travelers seeking an immersive safari experience without unnecessary backtracking, this journey brings you face-to-face with the Big Five and millions of roaming animals. Get ready for unforgettable moments, spectacular landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the Serengeti Steppe.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1 - Arrival in Arusha
Jambo and welcome to Tanzania! Upon your arrival, our Serengeti Steppe representative will warmly receive you and provide a smooth transfer to your comfortable sanctuary in Arusha. As you settle into your peaceful surroundings at Summit Safari Lodge, take time to unwind from your journey and soak in the fresh East African air.
As evening approaches, enjoy a delicious welcoming lunch and dinner prepared at the lodge. You can relax in the lush surroundings while looking forward to the wilderness adventures commencing tomorrow. Overnight rest and warm hospitality await you at Summit Safari Lodge.
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Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Your safari journey begins as we drive south toward Tarangire National Park, famed for its gigantic baobab trees and massive elephant herds. As you traverse the riverine landscape, keep your eyes open for lions lounging on branches, towering giraffes, and colorful bird species lining the Tarangire River.
A delightful picnic lunch will be served at a scenic spot inside the park, giving you time to marvel at the bustling animal activity. Following an afternoon game drive exploring the park's valleys, you will travel toward the fertile highlands of Karatu. A warm dinner and restful night await you at Karatu Villas Lodge.
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Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater to Central Serengeti National Park
We begin early, descending into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, an unbroken volcanic caldera teeming with incredible biodiversity. On the crater floor, you have an exceptional opportunity to spot the rare black rhino, proud lion prides, wallowing hippos, and thousands of grazing wildebeest.
After a savory picnic lunch enjoyed near the hippo pool, we journey onward into the iconic endless plains of Serengeti National Park. The golden grasslands unfold endlessly before you as evening light casts magic across the savannah. You will arrive in time for a hearty dinner and an unforgettable overnight stay in the wilderness at Engiterata Adventure Camps.
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Day 4: Central Serengeti National Park to Karatu
Awaken to the captivating sounds of the African bush for a morning game drive across the legendary Central Serengeti plains. We track majestic predators, including stealthy leopards and swift cheetahs, as well as vast herds traversing the sweeping landscape.
After a delicious lunch amid the wilderness, we begin our return journey toward the green crater highlands. The afternoon drive provides final magnificent vistas of the Serengeti before we arrive back in Karatu. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and relax comfortably at Karatu Villas Lodge for your overnight stay.
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Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha
On your final safari morning, we head to Lake Manyara National Park, a gem nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Explore dense groundwater forests teeming with troops of baboons, blue monkeys, and vibrant flocks of flamingos lining the lake shores.
After an exciting morning game drive searching for tree-climbing lions, enjoy a satisfying farewell lunch in the park. Afterward, we comfortably drive back to Arusha. After your game drive, you will be dropped off at a place of your choosing, such as Arusha, Kilimanjaro Airport, or Arusha Airport. We hope you have enjoyed your adventure with Serengeti Steppe!
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Rates per Person
| Date Range |
Solo 1 room |
2 people 1 room |
3 people 2 rooms |
4 people 2 rooms |
5 people 3 rooms |
6 people 3 rooms |
| January 01, 2026 - December 31, 2026 | n/a | $1,550 | $1,450 | $1,210 | n/a | n/a |
January 01, 2026 - December 31, 2026
Solo
1 room
n/a*
2 people
1 room
$1,550
Per person
3 people
2 rooms
$1,450
Per person
4 people
2 rooms
$1,210
Per person
5 people
3 rooms
n/a*
6 people
3 rooms
n/a*
Inclusions & Exclusions
This Tour Includes:
Park fees
All accommodations
All meals listed in this program
All activities
A professional tour guide & driver
VAT & Other Taxes
Drinking water & other cold beverages
All transportations
This Does Not Include:
All international flights
Tips & Gratituites
Other accommodations not mentioned
Souvenirs, Visas & items of personal nature
This Tour May Include:
Bird-watching Safaris
For bird enthusiasts, a Serengeti Steppe birding safari is a must. East Africa is a migratory hub where hundreds of species from Europe, Asia, and Africa converge, set against dramatic, cinematic landscapes reminiscent of “Out of Africa.” It’s a paradise for those seeking both beauty and discovery.Guided by local experts who know the land and its feathered inhabitants intimately, you’ll explore the wilderness at a pace that allows you to observe and appreciate birds in their natural habitats. Walks and stops are interspersed throughout the safari to bring you closer to elusive and rare species.From soaring raptors to colorful songbirds, every sighting is a chance to connect with the wild in a quiet, contemplative way. Serengeti Steppe ensures that your birding experience is not just a checklist, but a meaningful journey into East Africa’s vibrant avian world.
Night Safari Game Drives
Experience the African wilderness under a canopy of stars. Night game drives reveal rare and elusive wildlife, from lions and leopards to bush babies and owls, as your guide scans the savannah with a powerful spotlight. The darkness heightens all your senses, making every sight and sound more thrilling.Drives usually last 1.5 to 2 hours, beginning after dinner, and are designed for intimacy and safety. Serengeti Steppe keeps groups small to ensure personalized guidance, excellent visibility, and a truly immersive nocturnal adventure. Families are welcome, with minimum age requirements for children observed.Bring warm layers, comfortable shoes, and a camera for low-light photography. As you glide silently through the night, the African sky becomes a glittering backdrop to the untamed beauty below, a magical perspective only Serengeti Steppe can provide.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
A hot air balloon safari is one of the most magical ways to take in the vast beauty of Africa’s wilderness.Imagine silently drifting above golden plains for about an hour, skimming treetops as the first rays of sunlight wash over the land, while herds of wildlife roam below. From this unique vantage point, every curve of the landscape and every movement of the animals comes alive in a way no ground-based experience can match.Locations & SeasonsBalloon flights typically operate in prime wildlife areas with year-round game-viewing, but exact launch sites and seasons vary by region. Some areas offer daily flights throughout the year, while others operate during peak wildlife concentrations or migration periods. This ensures you can experience breathtaking scenery, and, with some luck, witness unforgettable wildlife spectacles from above.Wildlife HighlightsIn certain locations and seasons, balloon flights may coincide with major wildlife events, such as the Great Migration, birthing seasons, or predator-rich periods. These encounters depend on the natural movements of wildlife, so a touch of luck always plays a part.
Safari Game Drives
A game drive is your window into the wild heart of Tanzania, a chance to traverse open plains, follow fresh animal tracks, and witness extraordinary moments in nature. Guided by experienced guides in specially designed 4×4 vehicles, you’ll enjoy comfort, panoramic views, and an intimate wildlife experience with small group sizes.The most rewarding times are often the cool hours of early morning and the golden light of late afternoon. Mornings might start with the aroma of fresh coffee as you set out, pausing mid-drive for a picnic breakfast overlooking the savannah. In the afternoons, drives flow into the magic of sunset, complete with chilled drinks, snacks, and skies ablaze in colour.Serengeti Steppe offers private game drives, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and savour every moment of the wilderness.