4 Day Tanzania Safari – Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Manyara
Overview
Day 1: Journey from Arusha to the captivating Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania)
This 4-day Tanzania Safari takes you through three of the most thrilling wildlife parks in Tanzania. Your journey begins at Lake Mayara, followed by the iconic Serengeti National Park and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, all nestled within the captivating Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit.
Our Tanzania Safari begins with an exciting tour briefing in Arusha before we embark on our journey west to Lake Manyara National Park. Our first Tanzania safari destination, this compact national park is a stunning wilderness area in Tanzania, brimming with excitement and exploration. Our drive leads us through the breathtaking landscapes of northern Tanzania, passing through the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, and into the majestic Great Rift Valley.
This afternoon we set off on the inaugural wildlife expedition of our Tanzania Safari. We embark on an exhilarating 4×4 game drive through the breathtaking Lake Manyara Park, soaking in the magnificent landscapes and encountering fascinating wildlife. This national park is nestled in the Great Rift Valley, at the foot of the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment, featuring shallow soda lakes and lush woodland areas. Our game drive takes place in an open-topped safari vehicle, perfect for observing wildlife and birds in their natural habitat. The vibrant national park is centered around Lake Manyara, a striking alkaline lake nestled in the Great Rift Valley. Lake Manyara draws in an incredible array of waterbirds, boasting more than 400 recorded bird species. Encounters feature a variety of migratory species and aquatic birds, including cormorants, geese, pelicans, and storks. During certain times of the year, thousands of flamingoes gather at the lake.
Lake Mayara National Park is renowned for its extraordinary tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and a wealth of elephants, featuring magnificent bull elephants with striking tusks. Along our journey, we may encounter a thrilling array of wildlife, such as buffalos, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, Masai giraffes, hippos, monkeys, and a variety of antelope species. You’ll find an abundance of warthogs, hippos, mongooses, monkeys, and a few elusive leopards.
As the sun begins to set, we depart from the enchanting Lake Manyara and journey to our cozy lodge perched on the brink of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Settle in at the cozy tented lodge and soak in the stunning vistas of Lake Mayara and the Great Rift Valley beneath you.
Dining: Midday Feast; Evening Banquet
Journey: 140 km (approximately 2-3 hours)
Day 2: Journey from the Lake Manyara Area to the vast Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Day two kicks off with breakfast at the tented lodge, offering stunning views of the Rift Valley. Then our budget-friendly Tanzania Safari takes you on an exhilarating journey to Serengeti National Park through the breathtaking Ngorongoro highlands of Tanzania. As you journey through, the vibrant farmlands of the Iraqw people unfold before you, showcasing fields of wheat, coffee, and corn thriving in the landscape. Next, we traverse the majestic Ngorongoro Crater before descending into the vast plains of Serengeti.
At around noon, we step into Tanzania’s premier wildlife park and experience the iconic Serengeti Plains for the first time. Tanzania’s largest and most renowned national park, the Serengeti National Park is frequently celebrated as the ultimate safari destination in Africa. This vibrant wildlife park is alive with a multitude of animal life all year round. It features a rich variety of vegetation zones, habitats, and landscapes in northern Tanzania, adjacent to Masai Mara in Kenya. On our journey to the tented camp, we traverse the diverse landscapes of Serengeti, moving through expansive grassy plains, vibrant savannahs, thick scrub, serene wetlands, and shimmering lakes. You’ll encounter the unusual rocky formations scattered across the vast plains, teeming with wildlife.
At certain times of the year, you might have the chance to observe the incredible Great Migration in Serengeti National Park. This renowned natural phenomenon showcases the incredible journey of thousands of herbivores as they traverse between the Serengeti and Masai Mara each year. During the brief rainy season in November and December, a thrilling experience awaits as you might witness the herds making their way from the northern hills to the southern plains. The herds embark on their journey, guided by the whims of the rainfall each year, leading to ever-changing locations and timing for their migration. Your knowledgeable guide leads you to the most incredible spots in Serengeti, maximizing your experience with wildlife during your safari, regardless of whether you witness the migration.
Tonight we find ourselves at a cozy tented safari camp in the heart of Serengeti, a place famous for its incredible big cat encounters and a rich variety of wildlife.
Dining: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Journey: 200 km (approximately 4-6 hours)
Day 3: Journey from Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania)
On day three of our short Tanzania Safari, we set out once again into Serengeti National Park for an exhilarating early morning game drive. Experience the breathtaking beauty of a tranquil sunrise illuminating the vast Serengeti Plains as we observe wildlife gracefully traversing the landscape in the soft morning glow.
In the Seronera region of central Serengeti, herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other grazers frequently roam alongside lurking predators. With a bit of fortune, we might encounter lions, cheetahs, and even leopards during our time in Serengeti National Park.
After our exhilarating game drive, we head back to our tented camp for a hearty breakfast. As we journey out of Serengeti, we eagerly scan the vast plains, on the lookout for the incredible wildlife that surrounds us. Departing from the breathtaking Serengeti Plains, we ascend into the highlands towards our ultimate destination in Tanzania, the renowned Ngorongoro Crater. This afternoon we arrive at the crater rim and take in the breathtaking views that surround us. Then we make our way to our tented camp located to the east of the Ngorongoro Crater’s rim, nestled within the park. Get comfortable and immerse yourself in the stunning landscape as the sun dips below the horizon of the Ngorongoro Crater highlands.
Meals: Breakfast; Picnic Lunch; Dinner
Journey: 140 km (approximately 3-5 hours)
Day 4: Journey from Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha (Tanzania)
On the final day, we enjoy a sunrise breakfast at our tented camp perched on the edge of the crater. Then we descend into the renowned Ngorongoro Crater for the ultimate 4×4 wildlife experience of our budget Tanzania Safari. The forests of the steep crater slopes soon transition into acacia-studded savannahs alive with vibrant wildlife. You will soon discover the reasons behind the Ngorongoro Crater’s reputation as Africa’s Garden of Eden.
Ngorongoro is a vibrant part of the Serengeti ecosystem, alive with the wonders of African wildlife. It is a vast caldera stretching an astonishing 18 km across, with towering walls reaching heights of 600m. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts an incredible array of wildlife, featuring approximately 25,000 large mammals, making it a thrilling destination for nature enthusiasts. The vibrant ecosystems present on the lush crater floor teem with an array of wildlife, featuring elephants, monkeys, hyenas, jackals, hippos, and bustling herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, and various antelope species.
The Ngorongoro Crater is home to Africa’s Big 5, showcasing one of the world’s most remarkable concentrations of lions. This compact crater is home to nearly all the wild animal species that roam the savannahs of East Africa. Ngorongoro Crater presents an extraordinary opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts, renowned for its exceptional game viewing and as a prime location to photograph the elusive black rhino.
After an exhilarating morning of game viewing, we pause for a delightful picnic lunch in the Ngorongoro Crater. Then we climb the towering crater walls and bid farewell to the refreshing highlands. We journey back to Arusha where this budget-friendly Tanzania Safari began. As we travel, we pass through the Great Rift Valley, celebrated for its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife, extending over 6000 km from north to south, all the way from Syria to Mozambique in Southern Africa.
As the sun begins to set, we find ourselves back in Arusha, marking the conclusion of this remarkable journey through the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit.
Dining: Morning Feast; Outdoor Lunch
Journey: 190 km (approximately 3-4 hours)
Trip Itinerary ( Detailed Safari )
Day 1: Pickup from the Airport and Check in at your Hotel.
After being picked up by our driver-guide at the airport, you will embark on a trip that will take you ten hours to reach the south-western region of Uganda.
It is planned that you will make a halt at the Equator in order to capture some photographs. On the way to Mbarara, we will stop for lunch. In the evening, you will arrive at your destination, where you will have a restful night’s sleep in preparation for the following day of gorilla trekking.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
This day marks the beginning of the most important part of your safari, which is the gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda. On arrival in the park, you will get a briefing and a ranger will be assigned to you after a brief drive.
The trekking will begin, and the amount of time it will take to complete the trekking will be determined on the location of the gorillas. According to the majority of visitors, the experience of interacting with the silverback and its family is well worth the money that you will spend on transportation.
Many people have stated that your perspective on the natural world will be altered irrevocably. You are going to remember the event for the rest of your life.
From the hotel, we will have a packed lunch for you to enjoy. Following your return, you will be presented with a certificate, and then you will be transported back to the hotel for some much-needed rest.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort
Day 3: End of Tour and Travel Back.
You will check out of the hotel after eating breakfast as early as possible in the morning, and then you will begin your trip back to the airport.
Lunch will be served in the Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara, which is located in the middle of the tour, and supper will be served in Entebbe.
End of tour.
Tour Includes
- Safari Park fees
- All Tour activities
- All Tour accommodation
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation ( To & From )
- All Taxes/VAT
- Everyday Meals ( As specified )
- Drinking water ( On all days )
Tour Excludes
- International flights ( From / to home )
- Additional Accommodation
- Tips
- Personal items(Souvenirs, etc.)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Gov increase of taxes and/or park fees