5-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Serengeti Safari

5 Days 4 Nights

Elephants, Forests & Endless Plains

This 5-day itinerary links three distinct ecosystems for a complete northern Tanzania experience. Watch Tarangire's vast elephant herds weave through ancient baobabs, explore Lake Manyara's groundwater forests and bird-rich soda lake where lions sometimes rest in trees, then head to Serengeti's sweeping savannahs for predators and seasonal migration herds. You travel with our locally owned JoyTrekking team, so wildlife moments are paired with context from our home region, including conservation efforts and community partnerships that keep these parks thriving.

Highlights

See Tarangire’s elephants and iconic baobab landscapes
Search for Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions and flamingos
Traverse Serengeti’s predator territories and endless plains
Seasonal chance to intersect the Great Migration
Guided by JoyTrekking local experts who connect wildlife, culture and conservation

Itinerary

Day
One
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
- Early pickup at your hotel in Arusha
- Drive to Tarangire for game drives along the river and baobab-studded plains.
- Picnic lunch in the park
- Sunset check-in at a lodge near Tarangire
Day
Two
Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
- Morning transfer to Lake Manyara
- Explore groundwater forest, acacia woodlands and the lakeshore for elephants, hippos, flamingos and possible tree-climbing lions
- Picnic lunch in the park
- Late afternoon continue to Karatu for overnight
Day
Three
Karatu to Serengeti National Park
- Scenic drive across the Ngorongoro Highlands into Serengeti
- Afternoon game drive on central plains, focusing on big cats and plains game
- Overnight in a Serengeti lodge or tented camp
Day
Four
Serengeti National Park
- Dawn and late-afternoon game drives to maximize wildlife activity and gentle light.
- Depending on season, follow migrating herds or work predator-rich valleys and kopjes
- Overnight in Serengeti
- Optional sunrise balloon safari
Day
Five
Serengeti National Park to Arusha
- Optional sunrise game drive.
- After an early lunch, fly or drive back toward Arusha, arrival by late afternoon or early evening.

Cost Includes

Professional local safari guide
4x4 safari vehicle with open roof
All park entry fees
Accommodation: 3 nights (Tarangire, Manyara, Karatu)
Meals: Full Board
Drinking water during safari
Airport/hotel transfers (Arusha)

Cost Excludes

International flights
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks beyond water)
Tips for guide and lodge staff
Optional cultural add-ons (such as balloon safari)
Internal flight from Serengeti to Arusha

Dates

See all departures at 5-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Serengeti Safari

FAQs

How long are the drives between parks?

About 2-3 hours Arusha to Tarangire, 1-1.5 hours Tarangire to Manyara/Karatu, and 4-5 hours
Karatu to central Serengeti.

When is the best time for this itinerary?

June to October highlights Tarangire elephants, December to July favors Serengeti migration. Wildlife is rewarding year-round.

Do we visit Ngorongoro Crater on this trip?

No crater descent on this route. If you want it included, consider our 5-day Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro itinerary.

What accommodations are included?

Mid-range lodges and tented camps with the option to upgrade to premium or luxury properties.

Can we fly from Serengeti to Arusha?

Yes, a scheduled light-aircraft flight can replace the drive on Day 5 for comfort and time savings. This is an extra cost.

Is this itinerary family-friendly?

Yes. Distances are manageable, and the variety of habitats keeps interest high for different ages.

At JoyTrekking Tours & Safaris, we are on a mission to curate extraordinary journeys and forge lifelong memories. Our commitment to delivering top-tier adventure experiences, coupled with a deep respect for the natural and cultural wonders of Kilimanjaro and its surroundings, defines our essence.

See it online https://joytrekking.com/trip/5-day-tarangire-lake-manyara-serengeti-safari/