First safari · Safari

Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

A complete northern introduction moving from Rift Valley forest to Serengeti plains and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater.

6 Days · Custom quote after a planning conversation · Lake Manyara · Serengeti · Ngorongoro

Journey highlights

  • Lake Manyara habitats
  • Two Serengeti game-drive days
  • Ngorongoro Crater
  • Scenic Rift Valley and highland roads

Practical planning

Best time
Year-round, with seasonal route adjustments
Accommodation
Lodges and tented camps in Manyara, Serengeti and Karatu
Start and finish
Starts and ends in Arusha
Travel style
Classic lodge safari · 2-6 travellers · Easy

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arusha arrival

    Meet the Indigo team at the airport or your Arusha hotel, settle in and review the route with your guide. The briefing covers drive times, wildlife etiquette and any dietary or photography priorities.

  2. Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park

    Travel through the Rift Valley to Lake Manyara. Explore groundwater forest, lakeshore and acacia woodland for primates, elephants, hippos and birdlife, then stay near Mto wa Mbu or Karatu.

  3. Day 3: Across the highlands to Serengeti

    Climb toward Ngorongoro, pause at a permitted viewpoint and continue across the conservation area into the Serengeti. The transfer becomes a game drive as the plains open around you.

  4. Day 4: Central Serengeti

    Spend a full flexible day following fresh sightings around river valleys, kopjes and grasslands. A picnic permits a longer wildlife loop, while a lodge lunch can create a slower split-drive day.

  5. Day 5: Serengeti to Karatu

    Take a final morning drive before travelling back through the Ngorongoro highlands. Arrive in Karatu with time to rest and prepare for an early crater descent.

  6. Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha

    Descend to the crater floor for a half-day game drive and picnic. Search the varied habitats with your guide, then climb to the rim and return to Arusha by evening.

Important itinerary note

Wildlife movement, trail conditions, sea conditions and domestic schedules can change. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point; the confirmed proposal states the exact accommodation, transport, activities, inclusions and payment terms.

Contact Indigo's Arusha team for dates, availability and a personalised proposal.