5-Day Safaris

5-Day Northern Tanzania Private Tour with Lake Manyara

Embark on a private safari through Tanzania's legendary Northern Circuit—Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. Your mission: spot the iconic Big Five.

Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos await, along with hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, and countless others. Each park reveals new wonders across diverse landscapes.

And as the sun rises over the Serengeti, painting the endless plains in golden light, you'll witness a moment of pure African magic. This is the safari of a lifetime.

Want to Extend the Days or Request a Custom Quote

Prices vary by season. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your travel dates.

Budget Package
Starting from around
1,700 $ Per Person
Standard Package
Starting from around
1,900 $ Per Person
Luxury Package
Starting from around
2,100 $ Per Person
Advertised by Mannibreeze African Art

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1 +

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast at your Arusha hotel, your guide will pick you up and your safari begins. Destination: Tarangire National Park—the "land of giants."

Golden savannah stretches along the Tarangire River, where two kinds of giants rule. Elephant families gather at the water's edge, while ancient baobab trees stand sentinel overhead, some over 1,000 years old. Enjoy a picnic lunch with river views—but watch your food! The playful monkeys are expert thieves.

After an action-packed afternoon of game drives, you'll head to your accommodation for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation Budget

Tarangire Safari Lodge– Basic tents/bandas on a cliff with good views.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Accommodation Standard

Suricata Boma Lodge– Mid-range lodge with comfortable rooms. Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Accommodation Luxury

Tarangire Treetops – Elevated treehouse-style rooms with stunning savannah views.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Day 2 +

Day 2: Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park

After an early breakfast, you're off on one of Africa's great scenic drives—across the Rift Valley floor, up the escarpment, and through the Ngorongoro highlands. The views? Absolutely breathtaking.

You'll arrive in the Serengeti around lunchtime, stopping at Naabi Hill Gate for a picnic and a chance to soak in that first glimpse of the endless plains. Then, an afternoon game drive carries you deep into the park, searching for wildlife until late.

But today adds something special: a visit to a traditional Maasai boma. You'll join in traditional dancing, walk through the village, and experience Maasai culture up close. Learn about their warrior traditions—lion hunting is a thing of the past, but the ceremonial drinking of raw cow blood continues. And don't miss the local market, perfect for picking up authentic souvenirs.

As the sun sets, you'll settle into your Serengeti accommodation, ready for what tomorrow brings.

Accommodation Budget

Serengeti Heritage Camp– Basic mobile tented camp with essential amenities.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Accommodation standard

Land of Nature Camp– Mid-range tented camp (as featured in the original tour).Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Accommodation Luxury


Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge– Located in Western Serengeti (Kirawira area), offering classic safari luxury.Note: This requires changing the tour route to Western Serengeti. Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Day 3 +

Day 3: Serengeti National Park to Karatu

Wake early, breakfast quickly, and get ready—because the Serengeti at sunrise is something you'll never forget.

As the sun climbs over the plains, the grasslands seem to catch fire, glowing gold and amber in the morning light. This is prime predator time: lions, leopards, and other hunters are at their most active. Your morning game drive takes full advantage, searching for action across the endless savanna.

Lunch at a picnic site gives way to more afternoon exploration. Then, it's time to bid farewell to the Serengeti (for now) and journey toward Ngorongoro. Your accommodation awaits with a freshly prepared dinner.

Eat well, rest well—tomorrow is another big day

Accommodation Budget

 Karatu Simba Lodge – Basic but clean lodge, close to Ngorongoro gate. Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Accommodation standard:

Farm of Dreams Lodge– Same mid-range lodge, convenient for both Ngorongoro and Manyara.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Accommodation Luxury

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge– Built into the crater rim with stunning views and world-class service.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Day 4 +

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

Experience a one-of-a-kind drive inside an ancient volcano packed with incredible wildlife and right in the heart of the action. After an early breakfast, we will start our much-anticipated trip to Ngorongoro Crater.

The earlier you descend to the crater floor, the higher your chances of spotting rare species like black rhinos. Spend the majority of the morning visiting the Ngorongoro Crater. With its 600- to 650-meter-high walls, it resembles a natural zoo and has the highest concentration of wild animals.

Following your picnic lunch, most likely at the designated picnic place beside the hippo pool, you will drive up the crater rim and out of the conservation area.

Accommodation Budget

Manyara Safari Lodge– Basic lodge with essential amenities near Lake Manyara.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Accommodation Standard

Suricata Boma Lodge– Mid-range lodge with comfortable rooms. Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Accommodation Luxury

Tarangire Treetops – Elevated treehouse-style rooms with stunning savannah views.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Day 5 +

Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

After breakfast, you'll head to your final park: Lake Manyara. But first, a quick stop at a local market—perfect for last-minute souvenirs and a final taste of local life.

Then, into the park. Bird lovers, rejoice! Lake Manyara is heaven for birdwatchers, with flamingos painting the lake pink and over 500 species filling the air. But don't ignore the rest—elephants, baboons, and the famous tree-climbing lions are all here too. Every turn offers another photo op.

After a final game drive, you'll be transferred back to your Arusha hotel, where your safari adventure ends.

Safe travels, and come back soon!

Accommodation

No Accommodation.

Tour ends after Lake Manyara game drive with drop-off in Arusha.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Best Time To Visit

January to February and June to October – Different areas are best at different times
January to February: moderate prices (calving season)
June to October: higher prices (dry season, excellent wildlife viewing)

High Season

July to March (The Seronera area is crowded)
Prices are highest during these months due to high demand

Best Weather

June to October (Little to no rainfall)
Prices are higher – this is peak safari season

Our History

Born from a deep Chagga tribal pride, our story is rooted in the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro. Founder Paul Ngoty began his guiding career in 1978 and has since completed over 19,500 safaris, sharing his ancestral land with the world. His profound understanding of the terrain and wildlife, honed over 48 years, has earned him roles as an ambassador driver for Tanzania and a guide for dignitaries such as Bill Clinton's staff. Now, Paul and his daughter, Janeth, pour this passion into Simcha Safaris, ensuring every journey honors the land, the wildlife, and the generations of guides who came before.

Upgrade Your Adventure

Extra Excursions (Safari Add-Ons)

Hot Air Balloon Safari (Serengeti) – Float silently above the plains at dawn, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Available in Central & Western Serengeti.

Swahili Cooking Class (Zanzibar / Arusha) – Learn to prepare traditional dishes like pilau and chapati using local spices and fresh ingredients. A perfect cultural immersion.

Sunset Dhow Cruise (Mafia Island / Zanzibar) – Sail the Indian Ocean on a traditional wooden dhow, enjoy light snacks, and watch the sun melt into the sea.

These and many more, just ask for the..

Safari Experiences

Tanzania offers some of the most diverse wildlife adventures on earth. From the endless golden plains of the Serengeti, where the Great Migration thunders across the land, to the ancient volcanic walls of the Ngorongoro Crater, teeming with the Big Five. Explore the elephant-rich herds of Tarangire, the boat safaris and bush walks of Nyerere National Park, or conquer the majestic heights of Mount Kilimanjaro. Whether you have just a few days or two weeks, we help you craft the perfect Tanzanian safari—wild, authentic, and unforgettable.

Important to Know

This tour is not available to solo travelers or groups larger than 14 people.

Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.

This tour accepts children who are 5 years and older. Children under 12 receive a discount.