5 Day Tanzania Family Safari
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day family safari through Tanzania’s most iconic national parks—Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. This carefully designed itinerary offers an ideal blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences, making it the perfect getaway for families seeking to explore the wonders of Africa together.
From the vast plains of the Serengeti, where you can witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration, to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, home to the "Big Five," and the diverse ecosystems of Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions and vibrant birdlife, this safari promises to captivate both young and old.
Book NowDay 1: Arrival in Arusha and Transfer to Lake Manyara
Morning: Arrival in Arusha
- Welcome to Tanzania: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to Arusha for a brief rest.
- Orientation: Receive a welcome briefing on the exciting adventure ahead.
Afternoon: Journey to Lake Manyara National Park
- Scenic Drive: Depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a beautiful journey that takes about 2-3 hours through the Great Rift Valley.
- Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch with panoramic views of the landscape.
Afternoon: Explore Lake Manyara National Park
- Game Drive: Begin your safari with a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, known for its diverse habitats and wildlife. Keep an eye out for the famous tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and colorful flocks of flamingos along the lake's shore.
- Nature Walk: If time allows, take a guided nature walk to explore the park’s lush forest and learn about the flora and fauna.
Evening: Relax and Unwind
- Dinner at the Lodge: Settle into your family-friendly lodge near the park for a delicious dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Family-friendly lodge near Lake Manyara National Park.
Day 2: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park
Morning: Depart for Serengeti National Park
- Early Breakfast: Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast.
- Drive to Serengeti: Embark on a scenic drive to the Serengeti, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, enjoy stunning views and possible wildlife sightings.
Afternoon: First Game Drive in the Serengeti
- Lunch En Route: Stop for a picnic lunch in a picturesque spot before continuing your journey.
- Game Drive: Arrive in the Serengeti and immediately set out on a game drive. The Serengeti is renowned for its vast savannas and incredible wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras.
- Explore the Plains: Depending on the season, you may witness part of the Great Migration, a spectacular natural event where millions of animals traverse the plains.
Evening: Overnight in the Serengeti
- Dinner at the Camp: Enjoy a delightful dinner at your camp, sharing stories of the day’s adventures.
Overnight: Family-friendly tented camp or lodge in the Serengeti.
Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Morning: Sunrise Safari
- Early Morning Game Drive: Start your day with a sunrise game drive, when the wildlife is most active. Watch as the Serengeti comes to life, with predators on the hunt and herbivores grazing in the morning light.
- Return for Breakfast: After an exciting morning, return to your camp for a hearty breakfast.
Afternoon: Explore the Serengeti
- Midday Break: Relax during the heat of the day, perhaps enjoying the camp’s amenities or a guided nature walk.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Head out again to explore different areas of the Serengeti, ensuring a diverse range of wildlife sightings. Your guide will take you to prime locations for viewing predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Evening: Bush Dinner Experience
- Dinner Under the Stars: Enjoy a special bush dinner under the starry African sky, surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness.
Overnight: Family-friendly tented camp or lodge in the Serengeti.
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Morning: Final Serengeti Game Drive
- Early Morning Game Drive: Take advantage of your last morning in the Serengeti with a final game drive. This is a great time to spot any animals you may have missed.
- Breakfast and Departure: Return to camp for breakfast before setting out for Ngorongoro.
Afternoon: Arrive at Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Scenic Drive: Travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arriving at the famous Ngorongoro Crater in the afternoon.
- Lunch with a View: Enjoy lunch with breathtaking views of the crater’s rim.
Afternoon: Explore Ngorongoro Crater
- Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive in one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders. The crater floor is teeming with wildlife, including the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). Your family will be awed by the density of animals and the dramatic scenery.
- Visit a Hippo Pool: Stop at a hippo pool to observe these massive creatures wallowing in the water.
Evening: Overnight on the Crater Rim
- Dinner at the Lodge: Return to your lodge on the crater rim for dinner, with stunning views of the crater below.
Overnight: Family-friendly lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Morning: Maasai Village Visit
- Cultural Experience: After breakfast, visit a nearby Maasai village. This cultural interaction provides a unique opportunity for your family to learn about the Maasai’s traditional way of life, participate in a dance, and see their unique crafts.
Afternoon: Return to Arusha
- Drive Back to Arusha: Begin your journey back to Arusha, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way.
- Lunch En Route: Stop for lunch at a local restaurant or lodge.
Evening: Departure
- Arrive in Arusha: Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Arusha or visit a local market for last-minute souvenirs.
- Transfer to the Airport: Your guide will take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, marking the end of an unforgettable family safari.