4 Days - Arusha NP, Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro
This itinerary includes Arusha National Park(1N), known for its scenic walking safaris, colobus monkeys, and views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro; Tarangire National Park(1N), known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees; Lake Manyara National Park(1N), with diverse habitats, rich birdlife and tree-climbing lions; and Ngorongoro Crater, renowned for its breathtaking views and high wildlife density, before returning back to Arusha.
Short Itinerary
Day 1 (May 17, 2026) - Arusha to Arusha National Park. Game drives and walking tour in the park.
Day 2 (May 18, 2026) - Transfer from Arusha to Tarangire. Game drives in Tarangire.
Day 3 (May 19, 2026) - Transfer to Lake Manyara National park for game drives.
Day 4 (May 20, 2026) - Ngorongoro crater tour (5 hours) in the morning and afternoon transfer to Arusha.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arusha to Arusha National Park. Game drives and walking tour in the park
Today our safari begins! Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in or around Arusha between 8 to 8:30 AM and take you to Arusha National Park. This is a scenic park with a decent number of animals. The park is at the base of Mount Meru and has a range of habitats including forest – home to the black-and-white colobus monkey – and is excellent for birding. Lakes here often host flocks of flamingo. The park's appeal is mainly its scenery. After short game drives, we explore the park on foot where you might come across giraffes, buffalos and other animals from a distance. Post the game drive, you will head back to your camp/lodge where a delicious dinner awaits you.
Day 2 - Transfer from Arusha to Tarangire. Game drives in Tarangire
We start at around 7:00 AM from Arusha and drive to Tarangire National park with packed lunch boxes. Tarangire gate will be about 2.5 hours drive away. Once we reach the park, we start game drives here. Tarangire National park is known for its majestic baobab trees that dot the landscape, dwarfing the animals that feed beneath them. The Tarangire River is the centerpiece of this park which is famous for some of the largest herds of elephants in Africa. Here you may see lion, leopard, cheetah, lesser kudu, buffalo, Oryx, eland, giraffe and zebra. We will have a lunch break at a picnic scenic picnic spot. Post lunch, we will continue with game drives till around 5:00 PM or so. Dinner and overnight at lodge.
Day 3 -Transfer to Lake Manyara National park for game drives
After a good nights's rest, finish your breakfast and get ready by around 8:30 AM. Depart to Lake Manyara National Park with a picnic lunch for a full day game drive. As you enter the national park, lush forests of Acacia and Mahogany trees begin to set the mood for what is waiting ahead. The game drive will go on till around 5:00 PM or so with a small break for picnic lunch. During the game drive watch out for buffaloes, giraffes, impalas, baboons and the blue monkeys. Another spectacle of Lake Manyara National park is the tree climbing lions, however spotting them is a game of luck. In the right season, you can see the shoreline turning pink with millions of flamingos flocking there. Post the game drive, you will head back to your lodge to reach before 6:00 PM where a delicious dinner awaits you.
Optional add-on tours this day: Canoeing at Lake Manyara for about 2.5 hours ($74 per person ), Night game drives ($114 per person).
Day 4 - Ngorongoro crater tour (5 hours) in the morning and afternoon transfer to Arusha
After an early breakfast, descend to the crater floor for game drive(5 hours). You can expect to see lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, hyenas, Jackals, rhinos and many birds. The birds seen here include eagle, vulture, flamingos in the Crater Lake, storks, giant vulture,and many more. Post the picnic lunch at the beautiful Hippo pool, you will begin a steep ascend to the top exit of the crater. With a 3.5 hr drive left to your accommodation in Arusha, the day will come to a close. This is also the last day of our tour! Bid goodbye to your guide with lots of good memories. Hotel in Arusha can be arranged at extra cost.
Maps
Weather Information
In May, Tarangire, Tanzania typically experiences the transition from the wet season to the dry season. Historical averages indicate that temperatures during this month generally range from about 17°C (63°F) at night to around 28°C (82°F) during the day.
Rainfall is still common in May, with average precipitation often around 60-80 mm. Humidity levels are relatively high due to the residual moisture from the wet season. Overall, the weather can be characterized by warm days, cooler nights, and the possibility of rain, especially in the early part of the month. As the month progresses, conditions usually begin to dry out.
In May, Karatu, Tanzania experiences mild and wet weather, as it is part of the long rainy season. Average temperatures typically range from around 14°C (57°F) at night to about 25°C (77°F) during the day. May usually sees significant rainfall, with precipitation amounts often reaching around 150-200 mm (around 6-8 inches) throughout the month. Humidity levels are generally high due to the rain, contributing to the lush green landscape characteristic of the region during this time.
In May, Lake Manyara, Tanzania, typically experiences a transition from the wet season to the cooler, drier months. Historical averages indicate that daytime temperatures usually range from around 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 81°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 12°C to 15°C (54°F to 59°F).
May sees significant rainfall, with averages often exceeding 100 mm (about 4 inches) for the month. The weather is often humid, and you'll likely encounter cloudy or overcast skies, along with occasional thunderstorms. This time of year can also bring lush vegetation and vibrant wildlife, making it a beautiful period to visit the region, despite the rain.
In May, Arusha, Tanzania typically experiences mild weather as it falls within the long rainy season. Historical averages show that daytime temperatures usually range from about 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 10°C to 13°C (50°F to 55°F).
May is characterized by increased rainfall, with an average of 100-150 mm (4-6 inches) of precipitation over the month. The days can be cloudy with intermittent rain, and it is advisable to prepare for wet conditions if traveling during this time. Humidity levels are also higher due to the rainfall.
Pre & Post Tour Hotels
Arusha is the base for safari tours in North Tanzania. If you need accommodation in Arusha before/after your safari tour you can check some popular hotel prices on bed and breakfast basis below (Prices are per person).
Single room:
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 69
- Gold Crest Hotel - USD 106
- The African Tulip - USD 167
- Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional queen room - USD 229
- Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 417
Double sharing room:
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 44
- Gold Crest Hotel - USD 59
- The African Tulip - USD 129
- Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional queen room - USD 132
- Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 282
Triple sharing room:
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 41
- Gold Crest Hotel - USD 52
- The African Tulip - USD 108
- Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 214
All of the above prices are on per person per night on bed and breakfast basis. More hotel options can be shared upon request
Transfers
This tour starts from Arusha. Kilimanjaro airport is the nearest international airport and Arusha airport is the nearest domestic airport. Please check our page on how to get to Arusha
Airport Pickup/Drop
Pickup or drop off at Arusha airport on the day of safari: No extra charge
Pickup or drop off at Kilimanjaro airport on the day of safari: USD 50 per vehicle
Airport to Hotel transfers
Transfer from Arusha airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 25 per vehicle
Transfer from Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 50 per vehicle
InterCity transfers
Transfer from Moshi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 100 per vehicle
Transfer from Nairobi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 275 per vehicle
Flights
We do not book International Flights.
We can book local flights based on availability. Below are indicative additional costs for local flights.
Intercity Flights
From Zanzibar to Arusha: From USD 100 per person (Morning flight)
From Dar es salaam to Arusha: From USD 90 per person (Morning flight)
From Arusha to Zanzibar: From USD 170 per person (Late Afternoon flight)
From Arusha to Dar es salaam: From USD 110 per person (Late Afternoon flight)
Note: Rates mentioned above are indicative and subject to change based on airlines and party(group) size
Meals
Day 1 (May 17, 2026) - Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 (May 18, 2026) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 (May 19, 2026) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 (May 20, 2026) - Breakfast & Lunch
Transfer Times
Day 1 (May 17, 2026) - Arusha to Arusha National Park takes about 1 to 1.5 hours (40 km)
Day 2 (May 18, 2026) - Arusha to Tarangire takes about 2.5 to 3 hours (106 km)
Day 3 (May 19, 2026) - Tarangire to Lake Manyara takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (88 km)
Day 4 (May 20, 2026) - Lake Manyara to NCA takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour (42 km) & NCA to Arusha takes about 4 to 4.5 hours (154 km)
Note: These are estimated drive times. Because of the traffic, location of the accommodations, and several other factors, actual drive times may vary. Driving distances are approximate and do not account for exact places.
Inclusions
Meals as per itinerary.
Drinking water while on safari (2 litres per person per day).
Daily game drives while on Safari.
A professional English speaking driver/ guide.
4x4 Land Cruiser.
Concession/ Camping Fees.
All Taxes and VAT.
Park Fees (for Non-Residents).
Exclusions
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Unless mentioned otherwise).
Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, etc.).
Airport Transfers (Unless mentioned otherwise).
Government imposed increase of Taxes and or Park Fees.
Tips (Tipping guidelines).
International flights.
Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Addons
Add-on tours in Lake Manyara
Canoeing in Lake Manyara: USD 74 per person
Night Game drives in Lake Manyara NP: USD 114 per person
Treetop Walkway: USD 54 per person
Information on Lake Manyara Add-on tours
Add-on tours in Tarangire
Hot Air Balloon Ride: USD 540 per person
Short Walking Tour (upto 4 hours): USD 45 per person
Long Walking Tour (upto 6 hours): USD 60 per person
Night Game Drives (for clients staying inside): USD 100-200 per person depending on lodge
Add-on tours in Arusha NP
Canoeing in Lake Momella: USD 79 per person
4 Days - Arusha NP, Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro
This itinerary includes Arusha National Park(1N), known for its scenic walking safaris, colobus monkeys, and views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro; Tarangire National Park(1N), known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees; Lake Manyara National Park(1N), with diverse habitats, rich birdlife and tree-climbing lions; and Ngorongoro Crater, renowned for its breathtaking views and high wildlife density, before returning back to Arusha.
We use equipment of international standards & our guides are trained in First aid & personal protection equipment
We reward our staff based on your feedback & that results in all of us working towards making your trip memorable
Our guides are trained to pay attention to each clients requirements & situation & customize the program accordingly
Once a tour is booked, its guaranteed to go, even if there is only single client for the entire trip
Book by paying advance by card on our website. Balance can be paid upon arrival, before the tour
Our minimum requirement for operation is only one client. So we can offer the tour any day of the year for you