6-Day Northern Tanzania Safari: Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Lake Natron
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness—able to board safari vehicles for long drives, walk short trails, and manage basic camping nights; optional strenuous sections (Oldoinyo Lengai ascent) require higher fitness.
Overview
A six-day loop through northern Tanzania that pairs classic game drives with cultural encounters—descend into Ngorongoro Crater, search the Seronera plains in Serengeti, meet Hadzabe hunter-gatherers at Lake Eyasi and watch flamingos stain Lake Natron pink. This trip blends intense wildlife days with a practical camping setup.
6-Day Northern Tanzania Safari: Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Lake Natron
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Dawn on day one arrives as a wash of gold that slides across the acacia crowns and pools on the wind-scoured plains. You climb into a pop-up roof 4x4 and the engine rumbles awake; the bush leans in close, as if listening. Over six days the landscape conspires to teach you how the Rift Valley moves: soda-scarred flats where flamingos crowd the shallows, the bowl of Ngorongoro that cradles herds against the sky, and the endless Serengeti plains that press the horizon back farther than you expect.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for predator action
Most big cats and active herds are visible at dawn—expect pickups before sunrise to reach prime viewing windows.
Pack malaria protection
Carry prescribed prophylaxis and use treated nets or repellent—malaria risk exists across the circuit.
Bring cash for tips and extras
ATMs are limited; small bills for guides, camp staff and local purchases are useful.
Layer for temperature swings
Mornings and crater descents can be cool while afternoons heat up—light insulating layers make drives and hikes comfortable.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- lion
- flamingo
History
The Ngorongoro basin formed from a collapsed volcano and has long been a grazing refuge for wildlife and people; the Hadzabe and Datoga maintain traditional lifeways in parts of the circuit.
Conservation
The route travels protected areas where community-based conservation balances pastoral use and wildlife protection; follow guide instructions to minimize disturbance and avoid leaving waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in Arusha
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars (8x–10x)
Close distant predators and scanning herds without disturbing wildlife.
Lightweight insulating jacket
Warm mornings and crater descents can be chilly, even after hot days.
Sturdy walking shoes
Support for short bush walks, campsite activity and uneven ground.
Sun protection (hat, SPF, sunglasses)
High UV and open plains make reliable sun protection essential.