Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park

You will be picked from Arusha airport, by your safari guide early in the morning. Or if you arrived a day before your tour guide will pick you from your hotel in Arusha City. The journey from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park is about 114 km long and will take almost 3 hours to get there. On your way, you will enjoy a packed meal and refreshments all provided by your safari guide. Additionally, he will give you interesting facts about landmarks and ecosystems that you are likely to meet on your way to Lake Manyara National Park.

This is one of the National parks in Tanzania that is often overlooked because of its small size compared to other parks like Serengeti. However, it boasts a wide range of ecosystems, which you will see on this 6 day Northern Circuit Tanzania safari. Expect to see animals in Lake Mayara including the tree-climbing lions and hippos. Also, expect to see birds in this park, most especially the pink flamingos.

Upon reaching the park, you will check in at the Patamu Restaurant & Lodge, where you are to spend the night. Have a local cuisine prepared for you at this lodge and later go for an evening game drive. So, you might see large troops of olive baboons in the acacia trees and herds of elephants wandering through the savannahs. Later, go back to the Patamu Restaurant& Lodge, where you will have dinner before you go to bed.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive experience in Lake Manyara National Park

On the 2nd day of this Northern Circuit Tanzania National Parks safari, you will venture into all the sections of the Lake Manyara National Park. So, you will have more exclusive interaction with the ecosystems of this park. Visit the groundwater emerald forests that are filled with canopies of mahogany trees, which beautify the landscape. Also, tour the shimmering alkaline soda lake where you will witness bird species like silvery-cheeked hornbills and fish eagles.

Also, you will spot numerous animals like the hippos and buffalo that gather near the shores of Lake Manyara. A Breakfast buffet will be served as early as 8:00 am before your trip. Lastly, lunch and dinner will also be at the same restaurant of the Patamu Lodge in Tanzania.

Day 3: Transfer from Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater

After a morning game drive in Lake Manyara, you will be driven a distance of about 76 km for approximately 2 hours to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the journey, you will have a stopover at a cafe for breakfast. On reaching the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descend to the steep, forested track into a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater. Also, this is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.

Before your game drives through this park, check in at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge where you are to spend your nights. Head to the Ngorongoro crater for a tour, and this is where you will have an afternoon cuisine of your choice. Later, go for an evening game drive where you likely able to see endangered species like the black rhinoceros. After the evening game drive, return to the lodge for an evening meal before you rest.

Day 4: Transfer from Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, enjoy an early morning game drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. So, you might see the predator-prey patterns at their peak, as this is the time animals like the lions and cheetahs are active and ready to take down their prey. Later in the morning after that experience, check out of the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge and drive to the Seronera Valley that is in the Serengeti national park.

The Ngorongoro trip to Serengeti is about 211 km apart and approximately 4 and a half hours long. Also, go directly to the Seronera Wildlife Lodge, where you are to spend the rest of the day. So, relax at the pool area as you prepare for the next day’s game drives through the vast grasslands of the Serengeti. Your evening will be magical as you will have a bush dinner amidst the vast grasslands and under the sky filled with twinkling stars.

Day 5: Full-Day Game Drive safari in Serengeti

This day will be full of surprises as you will unveil some of the hidden gems of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. From witnessing the breathtaking sunrise in the morning to experiencing the dramatic river crossings at the Mara River during the animal migration in Africa. So, you’ll be amazed by the different patterns, including the social behaviors of moving in patterns to the predator chases made by the Nile crocodiles in the musty waters. Also, observe the interactions of animals like zebras and some Tanzania big five like elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.

See those animals wandering through the boundless grasslands. Have breakfast and lunch at the Seronera Wildlife Lodge. Lastly, have a camp dinner around the fire as you listen to stories and traditional myths from the local guide.

Day 6: Maasai Cultural Visit in Tanzania and Return to Arusha

After a leisurely breakfast, you will have the option to visit a local Maasai village. Also, note that all the Tanzania safari costs for these experiences will be covered in this 6-days itinerary. So, visit the Maasai villages and experience a fascinating cultural encounter that provides a meaningful context to the land you’ve been exploring. Additionally, learn about the traditions of the people who have lived in harmony with this environment for centuries.

At lunch time, share a meal with the locals before you get to return to the Seronera Wildlife Lodge. Later, check out and prepare to leave the Serengeti plains to return to Arusha. Feel a deeper bond with nature after five unforgettable days, carrying not just stunning photos but cherished memories etched in your heart from this wild adventure. So, this marks the end of your 6 day Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara safari in Tanzania.