5-Day Best of Tanzania Mid-Range Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha and Drive to Lake Manyara National Park

• Accommodation: Camp Manyara or Twiga Lodge (Budget options near the park entrance).
• Drive time: 2-3 hours from Arusha to Lake Manyara.
• Highlights:
  • Lake Manyara National Park: Known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, baboons, and flamingos. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are rarely seen elsewhere.
  • Birdwatching: Over 400 species of birds can be found here, making it a haven for bird lovers.
  • Hidden Gem: Explore the Mto wa Mbu village near Lake Manyara. It’s a colorful spot for local culture, art, and handicrafts, and you can try a traditional meal at a local restaurant.
• Activities:
  • Afternoon game drive in Lake Manyara National Park.
  • Visit Mto wa Mbu village for a cultural experience.

Day 2: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park

• Accommodation: Seronera Campsite or Public Campsite (Budget options within Serengeti).
• Drive time: Approx. 5-6 hours to Serengeti.
• Highlights:
  • Serengeti National Park: World-famous for the Great Migration, large predator populations (lions, cheetahs, leopards), and endless plains. You’ll see large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.
  • Hidden Gem: Seronera Valley – A rich area within Serengeti known for its abundance of predators, including cheetahs, lions, and leopards. The area also offers beautiful views and excellent opportunities for photography.
• Activities:
  • Late afternoon game drive upon arrival.
  • Evening at the campsite, listening to the sounds of the wild.

Day 3: Full Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

• Accommodation: Same as the previous night at Seronera Campsite or Public Campsite.
• Highlights:
  • Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti plains. Depending on the time of year, you may witness the Great Migration, with thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles crossing the plains.
  • Explore areas like Seronera River or Moru Kopjes, where large populations of lions and leopards are often spotted.
  • Hidden Gem: Visit Ngerengeto Hill, a lesser-known viewpoint with incredible panoramic views over the Serengeti. It’s a peaceful spot to relax and take in the surrounding beauty.
• Activities:
  • Full-day game drive with a picnic lunch in the park.
  • Visit a Serengeti Kopjes (rock formations), home to leopards and other wildlife.

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

• Accommodation: Ngorongoro Simba Campsite or Ngorongoro Public Campsite (Budget options with stunning views of the Crater).
• Drive time: 3-4 hours to Ngorongoro Crater.
• Highlights:
  • Ngorongoro Crater: Known as the "Garden of Eden," it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site that hosts a dense population of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, lions, elephants, and hyenas. The crater is home to a diverse ecosystem, all within a collapsed volcano.
  • Hidden Gem: The Crater Rim offers breathtaking views of the entire crater. You can enjoy a brief walk along the rim or just relax with panoramic views of the wildlife below.
• Activities:
  • Afternoon game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater floor.
  • Visit Olduvai Gorge, an important archaeological site that offers insights into early human history.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater and Return to Arusha

• Accommodation: No overnight stay (depending on flight time, you can choose to return to Arusha).
• Drive time: 3-4 hours back to Arusha.
• Highlights:
  • Morning Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater: Explore the crater for one last morning game drive. Look out for rhinos, flamingos, and other animals grazing in the lush crater floor.
  • Hidden Gem: The Crater’s Soda Lake – You might catch a glimpse of flamingos or other water birds. It’s a peaceful spot that doesn’t get as much attention as the main game-viewing areas.
• Activities:
  • Early morning game drive.
  • Departure to Arusha by mid-afternoon for your flight or further travel.