Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro in 8 days (7 nights)

8 days · Tanzania

A version of the northern Tanzania circuit. It starts with a night in Arusha, then drives to Lake Manyara, a compact park with forest and a lake shore that draws flamingos. From there the route crosses the highlands to the Serengeti for three nights of game drives. It ends with two nights at Ngorongoro, which leaves a full day for the crater before the drive back to Arusha. The first two nights are short hops, and the middle of the trip is spent in one place.

The route, stop by stop

1. Arusha, Tanzania · 1 night

Arrive by fly — Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arusha

A night in town between the long-haul flight and the first game drive.

2. Lake Manyara, Tanzania · 1 night

Arrive by drive — By road from Arusha

A small park with forest, lake shore and flamingos, suited to a short first game drive.

3. Serengeti, Tanzania · 3 nights

Arrive by drive — By road over the Ngorongoro highlands to the Serengeti

The main part of the trip, with full days on the plains watching plains game and predators.

4. Ngorongoro, Tanzania · 2 nights

Arrive by drive — By road from the Serengeti; return to Arusha by road at the end

Two nights here leave a full day for game drives on the floor of the crater.

Experts who can arrange this trip

• The Safari Vibe, who works in Tanzania.

More trip ideas · Tanzania