Arusha 4-Day Safari Review: Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro

Alright, so, if you are considering a shorter trip to Tanzania that hits a bunch of big wildlife spots, a four-day safari touching on Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, plus the Ngorongoro Crater, it could be just what you want, really. We went, plus honestly, I have a few things I think you would definitely want to know going in, more or less. I am going to break down the daily stuff plus some overall stuff about the experience, you know.

Day 1: Lake Manyara – Pretty Close Encounters

The drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara is alright, like your standard scenic Tanzania views. Turns out, this part can get quite dusty, that is if it has been dry for a bit, so just something to consider for sure, especially, actually, if you have any kind of sensitivity to dust. When you get to Manyara, right away the thing I noticed is that, very, the wildlife viewing is, like, very close. We are talking elephants walking right past the jeep. Also, there is tons of bird life – flamingos that are just amazingly pink are basically everywhere when they are in season. We actually caught sight of tree-climbing lions which, to be honest, are supposed to be pretty common there yet seem like a specialty deal. This whole area is a bit compact in some respects; you can often get a huge amount of different animal sightings in just a few hours. Overnight stay tends to be in or near Karatu, too, so, which sets you up well for hitting Ngorongoro the next morning.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater – A Natural Wonder that Just Amazes

The Crater day begins super early, and honestly that’s great since you would want to get down into it quickly, before, just a little, way too many other jeeps start arriving, kind of. Driving down into the Ngorongoro Crater is pretty cool – the views from the rim looking down could be unbelievable if there are no clouds. It is almost like you are looking down into, I don’t know, one of those lost worlds you see in movies. Because the crater is so unique, in that there is a large concentration of animals always living in a rather small space, you, like your, almost guaranteed to see tons of game. Lions, rhinos (if you are super very lucky), plus herds of zebra and wildebeest that appear to never end. Lunch by the hippo pool, I mean, that can get busy and actually watch out for the kites trying to get at your sandwich, I guess. The drive back up can be a bit slow as the road is very steep. Spend the night back in Karatu more or less, that sets up the next drive.

Day 3: Serengeti – Into the Endless Plains, Literally

Now that day is when you really get into safari vibes, sort of. That drive from Karatu up into the southern Serengeti – it seems so, actually, it takes the bulk of the morning to complete, right. You will drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, plus can often see Maasai tending their herds along the way, clearly. Then you get to the plains, that really is when it hits you, very, just how vast the Serengeti genuinely is, arguably. Game driving this afternoon often involves looking for the resident cats or any migration action, right. The evening normally ends in a tented camp somewhere in the central Serengeti. To be honest, being in a tent listening to the sounds of the African bush all night – nothing can beat it, arguably, for the wildlife experience. Just make certain you zip that tent up! Some nights can also get rather cool out on the plains too it’s almost, so pack accordingly.

Day 4: Serengeti – More Plains and a Flight Back

Early morning game drive can bring some absolutely stunning light, very. If you like photography, you might be into getting out there the moment the sun comes up, or maybe before. Often you may drive back toward Seronera to, in that case, catch a flight back to Arusha from the local airstrip instead, as a matter of fact. The flight actually avoids that long drive. From above you may spot a few animals from the air which makes for just one last little game sighting as you leave the plains if that makes sense. I actually did enjoy seeing the huge scope of the Serengeti from up in the air, though. Be aware these bush flights may be bumpy if the winds are not favorable, to be honest. After getting back to Arusha, very, a day room or transfer to your hotel is typically organized. So if your flying out you’ll head right to the airport or maybe catch up on all the social media you have neglected. That said I think its time for the top tips!

Tips and Stuff to Know if That Helps

• What to Wear: Light, neutral clothes work well. Long sleeves and pants will do good to guard against bugs, basically, and that equatorial sun actually can be intense. The mornings, by the way, particularly up in the Crater area could be super cool, too, so it’s worthwhile layering up.
• Best time for this safari? Basically anytime is good although the dry season (June to October) often gives great animal sightings as animals mass by sources of water. The wildebeest migration, yet, tends to be passing through the Serengeti, too, just depending on the month.
• What about the “Small Five”? Usually if you know about the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, plus leopard), you, like your, can look for the Small Five on your trip also! Elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, ant lion, rhino beetle, or buffalo weaver. That always could be something fun and just a bit different to try and spot.
• Staying safe: To be honest, listen to your guide plus always stay in the jeep except in dedicated safe spots. It’s, like your, seriously wild out there! You also should think about taking malaria pills. In some respects consult a travel doctor beforehand for their take, arguably.
• Tipping: Guides and other staff in Tanzania commonly will expect tips so, to be honest, figure that into your budget. A rule of thumb I know about is approximately $20 a day for your guide; by the way, porters plus other staff commonly get smaller tips.

So overall, this trip tries to hit a ton in a short space of time, alright. Expect some pretty long drives on those transfer days plus, you, like your, be ready for dust. Actually seeing a ton of animals in diverse locations in a few days, still, can really deliver that essential Tanzanian safari feel. #safari #tanzania #arusha #serengeti #lakemanyara #ngorongoro #wildlife