Package Overview What this trip is, in a nutshell
This six-day private safari is designed for travellers who want the northern circuit of Tanzania in its most immersive, value-conscious form: a dedicated 4x4, an experienced guide-driver, simple but well-positioned accommodation, and nights close to the sounds of the bush. The route links Lake Manyara National Park, the Central Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park without unnecessary backtracking, while two nights in the Serengeti give the itinerary enough breathing room for both classic wildlife areas and quieter corners selected by your guide.
Lake Manyara introduces the journey with groundwater forest, Rift Valley scenery, lakeshore habitats and strong birding possibilities. The safari then crosses the Ngorongoro highlands into the Serengeti, where open plains, riverine corridors and kopjes support a wide variety of herbivores and predators. After two nights at a public campsite in the Central Serengeti, the route climbs to the Ngorongoro Crater rim for a cool highland camping night before an early descent to the crater floor. The final full safari day moves through Tarangire, a landscape of baobabs, seasonal swamps and the Tarangire River.
The accommodation style is intentionally value-focused and authentic. Fig Tree Lodge & Camp provides a practical lodge base in Mto wa Mbu, while Nyani Campsite and Ngorongoro Simba Campsite A keep you inside or immediately beside major wildlife areas. Camping here is authentic rather than luxurious: shared facilities, simple tents and early starts are part of the experience, and public campsites may be unfenced. Splendor Safari adds value through private-vehicle flexibility, careful pacing, a dedicated safari cook on the camping sectors, drinking water, clear pre-trip planning and the ability to adapt game-drive timing to weather, road conditions and current wildlife activity.
The itinerary works year-round, but the character of the safari changes by season. Dry months often bring easier road conditions and strong concentrations around water, while green months can bring dramatic skies, migratory birds and fewer vehicles. Great Migration movements may influence where wildlife concentrations are found in the wider Serengeti ecosystem; however, the migration is natural and mobile, and no specific herd location, river crossing or wildlife sighting can be guaranteed.
For travellers seeking a private safari without paying for high-end lodges every night, this package offers excellent value: the budget is concentrated on the essentials that shape the safari most - protected-area access, a private pop-up-roof vehicle, guide time, game drives, meals and route positioning.
Accommodation is subject to availability. Public-campsite allocations, operating conditions and lodge availability may change; final accommodation is only confirmed when it appears in the written booking confirmation.
Package Summary Everything at a glance
| Item | Package detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Days / 5 Nights |
| Safari type | Private |
| Comfort level | Budget |
| Starting point | Arusha |
| Ending point | Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport |
| Main destinations | Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire |
| Accommodation type | Camping (Lodge, Camping) |
| Meal plan | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch |
| Transportation | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Suitable travellers | Family, Friends, Sole travellers, Couples and small groups |
| Customization | Yes — this itinerary can be tailored to you |
Route Overview 6 days — where you go and how far
| Day | Route | Overnight | Approx. distance | Approx. time | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arusha → Great Rift Valley escarpment, groundwater forest, seasonal lake margins, acacia woodland, Mto wa Mbu → Mto wa Mbu | Manyara | Approx. 125 km road, plus park driving | Approx. 2-2.5 hours road transfer, excluding the game drive | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 2 | Mto wa Mbu → Ngorongoro highlands, crater viewpoint, conservation area, Serengeti entry corridor, kopjes and riverine sections → Central Serengeti | Central Serengeti | Approx. 205-220 km | Approx. 5-6 hours transfer, excluding game stops and gate formalities | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 3 | Nyani Campsite, Central Serengeti → Riverine corridors, kopjes, open plains, Seronera river systems, seasonal watercourses → Nyani Campsite, Central Serengeti | Central Serengeti | Variable, commonly 60-120 km game-drive circuit | Flexible 6-9 hour safari day with meal and rest breaks | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 4 | Central Serengeti → Central Serengeti circuits, Naabi corridor, volcanic highlands, crater-rim forest and viewpoints → Ngorongoro Crater Rim | Ngorongoro | Approx. 145-160 km | Approx. 4-5 hours transfer, excluding game viewing, lunch and gate formalities | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 5 | Ngorongoro Crater Rim → Crater descent road, grassland and wetland sectors, Lerai-type woodland, soda-lake habitats, highland descent to Mto wa Mbu → Mto wa Mbu | Manyara | Approx. 80-95 km road plus the crater game-drive circuit | Approx. 2-3 hours road transfer plus approx. 5 hours of crater game driving | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 6 | Mto wa Mbu → Tarangire River corridor, baobab country, riverine woodland, seasonal wetlands, Arusha road corridor → Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport | No accommodation — departure day | Approx. 180 km to Arusha; approx. 230 km if continuing to JRO | Approx. 3.5-5 hours road transfer total, excluding the game drive | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Distances and driving times are indicative and vary with road and game-viewing conditions.
Day 1 Rift Valley Forests and Lake Manyara
Day 1 — Rift Valley Forests and Lake Manyara
| Starting location | Arusha |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Great Rift Valley escarpment, groundwater forest, seasonal lake margins, acacia woodland, Mto wa Mbu |
| Ending location | Mto wa Mbu |
| Main destination | Lake Manyara National Park |
| Approx. departure | 07:00-07:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 17:00-18:00 at the lodge |
| Approx. distance | Approx. 125 km road, plus park driving |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Approx. 2-2.5 hours road transfer, excluding the game drive |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
West from Arusha into the Great Rift Valley for a slow first game drive through the groundwater forest and lakeshore habitats of Lake Manyara, ending at a lodge in Mto wa Mbu.
Morning
After an early breakfast and safari briefing, meet your guide-driver and travel west from Arusha toward the Great Rift Valley. As the escarpment rises above the plains, the scenery changes quickly from cultivated areas to the greener groundwater habitats around Lake Manyara. Enter the park and begin a slow game drive through forest and open habitats, with your guide balancing wildlife searching against time for scenery, birding and photography.
Afternoon
Enjoy a picnic lunch at an authorized site, with time to stretch and review the morning sightings before continuing. Explore lakeshore, woodland and wetland sectors as conditions allow, then leave the park and make the short transfer to Mto wa Mbu.
Evening
Check in, shower and relax before dinner. Your guide will review the longer transfer to the Serengeti tomorrow and confirm the departure time.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Meals
Fig Tree Lodge & Camp
About this stay
A budget lodge and camp in Mto wa Mbu, close to Lake Manyara access and the northern-circuit road corridor - a pool and garden style base after the first game drive. Alternatives: Twiga Lodge & Campsite; Panorama Safari Camp.
Lake Manyara can be warm and humid. Keep a light layer and rain shell accessible, and protect cameras from dust and sudden showers. A guided Mto wa Mbu village walk or cycling activity can be arranged if booked in advance.
Day 2 Across the Highlands to the Endless Plains
Day 2 — Across the Highlands to the Endless Plains
| Starting location | Mto wa Mbu |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Ngorongoro highlands, crater viewpoint, conservation area, Serengeti entry corridor, kopjes and riverine sections |
| Ending location | Central Serengeti |
| Main destination | Serengeti National Park - Central / Seronera |
| Approx. departure | 07:00-07:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 16:00-17:30 at the campsite |
| Approx. distance | Approx. 205-220 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Approx. 5-6 hours transfer, excluding game stops and gate formalities |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
A transition through several of the major landscapes of northern Tanzania: up from the Rift Valley through the Ngorongoro highlands, across the conservation area, and down onto the plains into the Serengeti.
Morning
Depart after breakfast, climb through the highlands and pause at a legal viewpoint if timing, weather and traffic permit. Continue across the conservation area toward the Serengeti entry corridor.
Afternoon
Take a packed or picnic lunch en route - gate procedures and conservation-area traffic can influence exact timing. Enter the Serengeti and begin an en-route game drive toward the Central Serengeti, with your guide choosing kopjes, plains or riverine sections depending on recent animal activity.
Evening
Arrive at Nyani Campsite, settle into camp and enjoy dinner prepared by the safari cook. After dark, remain within the designated camp area and follow all guide and camp safety instructions.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Meals
Nyani Campsite
About this stay
A public budget campsite in the Central Serengeti / Seronera area - it keeps you inside the wildlife area and supports early and late game drives without a long daily commute. Alternatives: Seronera Public Campsite; Pimbi Public Campsite, subject to campsite allocation.
Public campsites are basic and may be unfenced. Shared washrooms are normal. Keep food secured, do not walk away from camp after dark, and follow guide instructions at all times. An upgrade to a simple permanent or seasonal tented camp with private bathro
Day 3 A Full Day in Central Serengeti
Day 3 — A Full Day in Central Serengeti
| Starting location | Nyani Campsite, Central Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Riverine corridors, kopjes, open plains, Seronera river systems, seasonal watercourses |
| Ending location | Nyani Campsite, Central Serengeti |
| Main destination | Serengeti National Park - Central / Seronera |
| Approx. departure | Around 06:00-06:30 for an early drive, or later by preference |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Return to camp around 18:00-18:30 |
| Approx. distance | Variable, commonly 60-120 km game-drive circuit |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Flexible 6-9 hour safari day with meal and rest breaks |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
No long inter-park transfer today, so the safari can focus entirely on wildlife behaviour, light and habitat diversity - the day the second Serengeti night buys you.
Morning
Choose an early departure for cooler temperatures and low-angle light. Your guide may search riverine corridors, kopjes or open plains based on fresh tracks, sightings and radio information used responsibly. The Central Serengeti is useful year-round because permanent water and mixed habitats support resident wildlife even when the main migratory herds are elsewhere.
Afternoon
Either return toward camp for a hot lunch when practical, or carry a picnic lunch to stay farther afield - a midday rest can improve comfort before the afternoon drive. Continue through a different sector, using slower driving and longer observation when animal behaviour is interesting rather than racing between sightings.
Evening
Return to camp before dark, wash up and enjoy dinner beneath the Serengeti sky. Your guide will discuss the departure toward Ngorongoro the following day.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Meals
Nyani Campsite
About this stay
The second consecutive night at the same public campsite - it creates continuity and allows a full Serengeti day. Alternatives: Seronera Public Campsite; Pimbi Public Campsite, subject to allocation.
Bring a headlamp, closed shoes and a warm layer for the early morning. Charging can be limited at public campsites, so carry spare batteries or a power bank. A sunrise Serengeti shared balloon safari is available at around US$599 per person as a planning
Day 4 Serengeti Sunrise to the Ngorongoro Rim
Day 4 — Serengeti Sunrise to the Ngorongoro Rim
| Starting location | Central Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Central Serengeti circuits, Naabi corridor, volcanic highlands, crater-rim forest and viewpoints |
| Ending location | Ngorongoro Crater Rim |
| Main destination | Serengeti En Route / Ngorongoro Conservation Area |
| Approx. departure | 07:00-08:00 after breakfast |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 16:30-18:00 at Simba Campsite A |
| Approx. distance | Approx. 145-160 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Approx. 4-5 hours transfer, excluding game viewing, lunch and gate formalities |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
A final Serengeti game-drive sector, then south-east through Naabi Hill into the conservation area and up to a campsite on the crater rim - one of the most striking transitions on the route.
Morning
The day begins with a game drive out of the Central Serengeti, with time for wildlife encountered along the route rather than a rushed exit, before turning south-east toward Naabi Hill and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Afternoon
Picnic lunch in a designated area, then continue through the conservation landscape - weather may change quickly as the road climbs. Reach the crater-rim zone and, if visibility is good and timing permits, stop at a viewpoint before continuing to camp.
Evening
Settle into Simba Campsite A. Temperatures can fall sharply after sunset. Enjoy a hot dinner and prepare a warm layer for the early crater descent.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Meals
Ngorongoro Simba Campsite A
About this stay
A public budget campsite on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, south-west rim area - it positions you for an early crater descent and preserves the authentic camping character. Alternatives: Simba B or an alternative public campsite if allocated; Rhino Lodge as a comfort upgrade near the rim.
Ngorongoro rim nights can be cold, windy and damp. Pack a fleece or insulated jacket, warm sleepwear and socks even if the lowlands are hot. A comfort upgrade to a crater-rim lodge with private bathroom and heated room is available subject to final quote.
Day 5 Crater Floor Safari and Return to Mto wa Mbu
Day 5 — Crater Floor Safari and Return to Mto wa Mbu
| Starting location | Ngorongoro Crater Rim |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Crater descent road, grassland and wetland sectors, Lerai-type woodland, soda-lake habitats, highland descent to Mto wa Mbu |
| Ending location | Mto wa Mbu |
| Main destination | Ngorongoro Crater |
| Approx. departure | 06:00-06:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 16:00-17:30 at the lodge |
| Approx. distance | Approx. 80-95 km road plus the crater game-drive circuit |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Approx. 2-3 hours road transfer plus approx. 5 hours of crater game driving |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
An early start puts you near the descent road before the busiest part of the day, for roughly five hours on a crater floor that compresses grassland, marsh, woodland and lake habitats into a compact area.
Morning
Descend into the crater and search across grassland and wetland sectors. Your guide will work around one-way roads, congestion and wildlife positions - the crater gives the day a very different rhythm from the wide Serengeti.
Afternoon
Take a picnic lunch at a designated site, respecting wildlife and park rules, and continue the drive before beginning the ascent. Exit the conservation area and descend through the highlands toward Mto wa Mbu for a shower and a relaxed final safari-night dinner.
Evening
Enjoy dinner at the lodge. Confirm the Day 6 Tarangire plan and any airport or Arusha drop-off timing.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Meals
Fig Tree Lodge & Camp
About this stay
Back to the budget lodge and camp in Mto wa Mbu on the Rift Valley floor - a comfortable reset after the crater day and a logical staging point for Tarangire. Alternatives: Twiga Lodge & Campsite; Panorama Safari Camp.
The crater floor can be warmer than the rim, so dress in layers. Roads are rough and dusty in dry weather and may be muddy during the rains. A cultural village visit, market walk or short cycling activity in the Mto wa Mbu area is possible if arrival time
Day 6 Baobabs, Elephants and the Tarangire Finale
Day 6 — Baobabs, Elephants and the Tarangire Finale
| Starting location | Mto wa Mbu |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Tarangire River corridor, baobab country, riverine woodland, seasonal wetlands, Arusha road corridor |
| Ending location | Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport |
| Main destination | Tarangire National Park |
| Approx. departure | 07:00-07:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Arusha approx. 17:00-18:00; JRO later depending on traffic |
| Approx. distance | Approx. 180 km to Arusha; approx. 230 km if continuing to JRO |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Approx. 3.5-5 hours road transfer total, excluding the game drive |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
The final day is reserved for Tarangire - river corridor, baobabs and seasonal swamps providing a strong visual contrast to the crater and Serengeti - before the drive back to Arusha.
Morning
Drive to Tarangire and enter for a game drive. In the dry season your guide may focus on the Tarangire River and associated water sources; in greener periods wildlife may be more dispersed.
Afternoon
Picnic lunch in the park and time for a final photography session. Leave the park and drive to Arusha, continuing to Kilimanjaro International Airport only if flight timing provides an appropriate safety margin.
Evening
End of safari. An optional Arusha hotel can be arranged if your international flight departs the following day.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Meals
Avoid booking a tight same-evening international departure after a full Tarangire game drive - Splendor Safari will recommend a realistic departure time once flight details are known. Dinner is not included unless an extra-night arrangement is booked. Pos
Safari Highlights 12 reasons this trip stands out
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Private pop-up-roof 4x4 for your travel party, allowing more control over game-drive pace and photography stops
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Professional English-speaking Tanzania guide-driver focused on interpretation, safety and responsible wildlife viewing
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A dedicated safari cook during the camping sectors, with freshly prepared meals and coordinated camp logistics
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Two nights in the Central Serengeti for sunrise and late-afternoon wildlife viewing without changing camp every day
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A Ngorongoro Crater descent for a contrasting high-density wildlife ecosystem enclosed by dramatic crater walls
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The Rift Valley setting of Lake Manyara, with groundwater forest, lakeshore habitats and birdlife
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The baobab country, river corridor and seasonal wildlife concentrations of Tarangire, especially valuable in drier months
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An authentic public-campsite experience inside major conservation areas rather than commuting to distant towns each night
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Flexible game-drive decisions based on road conditions, light, recent wildlife activity and guest interests
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Airport-transfer coordination, safari briefing, bottled drinking water and emergency logistical support included
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Seasonal routing advice that respects the unpredictability of the Great Migration and avoids promising river crossings or specific sightings
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Easy customization with lodge upgrades, balloon safari, cultural visits, Zanzibar or extra safari nights
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing and photography
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout the safari
- Safari cook and camp-meal preparation on the camping sectors
- Five nights of accommodation as stated, subject to final confirmation
- Camping equipment: safari tent, mattress, dining table and chairs, and camp kitchen setup
- Meals stated in the day-by-day itinerary
- National-park entry fees, Ngorongoro conservation and crater service fees, and applicable concession/camping fees
- All scheduled game drives and road transfers described in the itinerary
- Airport transfer on arrival and departure when coordinated with the safari schedule
- Bottled or filtered drinking water during the safari and standard non-alcoholic safari beverages
- Government taxes included in the final written quotation
- Pre-safari briefing and packing guidance
- Emergency logistical support and assistance with route adjustments caused by operational conditions
Excluded
- International flights and airline fees
- Tanzania visa or other immigration charges
- Comprehensive travel insurance and evacuation insurance
- Medical treatment, medication, vaccinations and health-consultation costs
- Tips and gratuities for the guide, cook, camp or lodge staff
- Personal purchases, souvenirs, snacks and services not described as included
- Alcoholic beverages, premium drinks and bottled specialty beverages unless specifically stated
- Laundry unless a property confirms it as complimentary
- Optional activities, cultural visits and private experiences not listed as included
- Serengeti or Tarangire balloon safari
- Domestic flights unless specifically added to the written quotation
- Extra accommodation before Day 1 or after Day 6
- Bank-transfer, card-processing or foreign-exchange charges imposed by payment providers
- Costs caused by changes requested after confirmation, or by government fee or tax increases not included in the original quote
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of year for this tour?
Dry seasons often offer easier wildlife viewing (Jun–Oct). Green seasons are beautiful and quieter (Nov–Mar).
Can we customize the itinerary?
Yes — add days, change lodges (lodge/camp), or include balloon safaris/cultural visits.
What is the typical group size?
Private tours are just your party with a driver-guide. Shared departures may have 4–7 guests per vehicle.
See it for yourself
A few moments from this safari, filmed on the ground.
