5-Day Tanzania Classic Safari - Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro

Tour Overview

Experience the Authentic Heart of East Africa

From Tree-Climbing Lions to the Garden of Eden – Your Ultimate Tanzania Adventure!

Arusha to Ngorongoro – The Complete Northern Circuit Experience

Embark on an extraordinary journey through Tanzania’s most spectacular wildlife destinations with Wazimba Travel. Our expertly crafted safari takes you from the diverse ecosystems of Lake Manyara with its famous tree-climbing lions, through the endless plains of the legendary Serengeti where the Great Migration unfolds, to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater – often called Africa’s Garden of Eden. Whether you dream of witnessing the dramatic wildebeest river crossings, tracking the Big Five across ancient volcanic landscapes, or experiencing the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, our safaris promise the perfect blend of thrilling wildlife encounters and breathtaking natural beauty.

Safari Destinations

Each adventure has been designed to showcase Tanzania’s incredible biodiversity and dramatic landscapes while providing comfortable accommodation and life-changing experiences. From heart-pounding predator encounters in vast savannahs to peaceful moments observing flamingo-filled soda lakes, these adventures offer the ultimate combination of Big Five excitement, Great Migration spectacle, and pristine wilderness exploration.

Package Highlights:

Lake Manyara National Park:

  • World-famous tree-climbing lions in ancient fig trees
  • Massive elephant herds in acacia woodlands
  • Over 400 bird species including flamingo spectacles
  • Dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment views
  • Diverse ecosystems from forest to alkaline lake

Serengeti National Park:

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site wilderness experience
  • Great Migration wildlife spectacle
  • Big Five tracking across endless plains
  • Optional hot air balloon safari adventures
  • Predator-prey interactions and river crossings

Ngorongoro Crater:

  • World’s largest intact volcanic caldera
  • Guaranteed Big Five encounters including rare black rhinos
  • 25,000 large animals in concentrated ecosystem
  • Flamingo-filled soda lakes and hippo pools
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site exploration

Scenic Beauty & Cultural Immersion:

  • Great Rift Valley escarpment photography
  • Traditional Maasai village encounters
  • Baobab tree forests and acacia woodlands
  • Dramatic crater rim sunset experiences
  • Conservation success stories and wildlife education

Day by Day

Tree-Climbing Lions to the Garden of Eden – Your Ultimate Tanzania Adventure!

Arusha to Ngorongoro – The Complete Northern Circuit Experience

5 Days / 4 Nights – From Rift Valley Lakes to Crater Paradise

Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park – Into the Land of Tree-Climbing Lions

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge of choice

Morning: Pick-up from Arusha hotel/airport at 7:00 AM for the journey to spectacular Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania’s compact jewel nestled beneath the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment

Journey: Scenic 2-hour drive through traditional Maasai villages and bustling market towns with stops for stunning photography opportunities of the Great Rift Valley’s towering cliffs and expansive views

Afternoon: Arrive at magnificent Lake Manyara National Park, check-in at your chosen accommodation and enjoy delicious lunch with breathtaking views of the alkaline lake stretching beneath towering baobab trees

Late Afternoon: First game drive through this diverse ecosystem paradise – keep cameras ready for the world-famous tree-climbing lions lounging in ancient fig trees, massive elephant herds wandering through acacia woodlands, and countless flamingos painting the lake shore pink

Evening: Welcome dinner surrounded by sounds of African wilderness as sun sets behind the dramatic escarpment, creating nature’s most spectacular light show over the shimmering lake

Tree-Climbing Lions to the Garden of Eden – Your Ultimate Tanzania Adventure!

Arusha to Ngorongoro – The Complete Northern Circuit Experience

5 Days / 4 Nights – From Rift Valley Lakes to Crater Paradise

Day 2: Lake Manyara to Central Serengeti – Journey to the Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge of choice

Early Morning: Final morning game drive through Lake Manyara’s incredible biodiversity hotspot – witness over 400 bird species including vibrant bee-eaters, majestic fish eagles, and colorful kingfishers along the lake shore

Morning: Hearty breakfast and departure for the legendary Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s crown jewel and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Journey: Spectacular 4-5 hour drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with breathtaking views of the crater highlands and traditional Maasai settlements dotting the landscape

Afternoon: Enter the endless plains of the Serengeti – “the land that runs on forever” in Maasai language – check-in at your chosen accommodation with lunch overlooking the vast savannah where the Great Migration unfolds

Late Afternoon: First game drive across the legendary Serengeti plains – immediate immersion into Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacle with massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles stretching to the horizon

Evening: Sundowner drinks at scenic viewpoint as African sunset transforms the endless plains into a golden masterpiece dotted with acacia trees and wildlife silhouettes

Tree-Climbing Lions to the Garden of Eden – Your Ultimate Tanzania Adventure!

Arusha to Ngorongoro – The Complete Northern Circuit Experience

5 Days / 4 Nights – From Rift Valley Lakes to Crater Paradise

Day 3: Full Day Central Serengeti – The Ultimate Wildlife Spectacle

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge of choice

Dawn: Optional hot air balloon safari (additional cost) – floating silently above the awakening plains as the sun rises offers magical aerial photography of the Great Migration and breathtaking views of endless wilderness

Morning: Extensive game drives across rolling grasslands tracking the Big Five with your experienced guide sharing insights about the Great Migration patterns, predator-prey relationships, and ecosystem dynamics

Afternoon: Wilderness picnic lunch surrounded by sounds of Africa and incredible wildlife sightings in this UNESCO-recognized ecosystem where over 1.5 million wildebeest roam freely

Late Afternoon: Specialized predator tracking game drive as animals become active in cooler temperatures – perfect time for witnessing dramatic hunting behaviors, river crossings, and wildlife interactions

Evening: Celebration dinner sharing incredible wildlife encounter stories as the vast African sky fills with countless stars, creating nature’s most spectacular planetarium

Tree-Climbing Lions to the Garden of Eden – Your Ultimate Tanzania Adventure!

Arusha to Ngorongoro – The Complete Northern Circuit Experience

5 Days / 4 Nights – From Rift Valley Lakes to Crater Paradise 

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – Descent into Africa’s Garden of Eden

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge of choice

Early Morning: Final sunrise game drive across the Serengeti plains offering last opportunities for wildlife photography and incredible sunrise views over the endless savannah

Morning: Hearty breakfast and departure for the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders

Journey: Scenic 3-hour drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with stops at traditional Maasai villages and stunning viewpoints overlooking the crater

Afternoon: Arrive at the crater rim with lunch and breathtaking views into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera – a natural amphitheater 600 meters deep and 260 square kilometers of pristine wilderness

Late Afternoon: First descent into the crater floor for game drives in this unique ecosystem where 25,000 large animals live in perfect harmony within the crater walls

Evening: Welcome dinner at crater rim lodge with panoramic views of the crater floor as evening mists create mystical atmosphere over Africa’s Garden of Eden

Tree-Climbing Lions to the Garden of Eden – Your Ultimate Tanzania Adventure!

Arusha to Ngorongoro – The Complete Northern Circuit Experience

5 Days / 4 Nights – From Rift Valley Lakes to Crater Paradise

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha – Farewell to the Eighth Wonder of the World

Early Morning: Full day crater floor game drive – descend into this natural wonder for intensive Big Five tracking in the world’s most concentrated wildlife area

Morning: Witness incredible wildlife density with guaranteed sightings of lions, elephants, buffalo, and the rare black rhinoceros in their natural crater habitat

Afternoon: Picnic lunch on the crater floor surrounded by flamingo-filled soda lakes, massive hippo pools, and grazing wildlife creating Africa’s most spectacular natural amphitheater

Late Afternoon: Final game drive and ascent from the crater floor with last photography opportunities of this UNESCO World Heritage Site

Evening: Journey back to Arusha (3 hours) for drop-off at hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport, carrying incredible memories of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations

What’s Included in Package:

  • Transportation in 4WD safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing
  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide with extensive wildlife knowledge
  • All national park entrance fees and crater descent fees
  • Accommodation as specified (full board – breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • All meals as indicated in itinerary
  • Bottled water during all game drives
  • Comprehensive game drives as per itinerary
  • Airport/hotel transfers in Arusha
  • Cultural village visits and conservation education

What’s Not Included:

  • International/domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • Hot air balloon safari (optional activity)
  • All alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs, and gratuities
  • Optional cultural experiences (additional costs)
  • Items of personal nature

Best Time to Visit:

  • Great Migration (Wildebeest Calving): December – March
  • Dry Season (Best Game Viewing): June – October
  • Green Season (Dramatic Landscapes): November – May
  • Big Five Viewing: Excellent year-round
  • Bird Watching Season: November – April (migratory species)
  • Photography: June – September (clearest skies and dramatic lighting)

Contact Wazimba Travel:

Your Gateway to Authentic Tanzanian Safari Experiences

Book Now for the Adventure of a Lifetime!

Where every safari creates memories that last forever!