C.A.T.S Safaris
4-Day Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Safari | Crater & Forest Gems
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4 Daystanzania

4-Day Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Safari | Crater & Forest Gems

Big Five in the Crater + Tree-Climbing Lions in the Rift Valley Forest

Four days exploring two of Tanzania's most distinctive parks. The Ngorongoro Crater offers the highest density of wildlife per square kilometre in Africa, with all Big Five present. Lake Manyara's groundwater forest and alkaline lake create a completely different experience.

Ngorongoro Conservation AreaLake Manyara National Park
Starting from
$1,400/ person

Tour Highlights

Full Ngorongoro Crater floor game drive — all Big Five possible
Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions and flamingo-covered shore
Two dramatically different ecosystems in four days
Rift Valley escarpment views and groundwater forest walks
Ideal short safari for travellers based in Arusha

Wildlife You'll Encounter

Species commonly sighted on this safari route

Black rhinos on the crater floor
Lion prides in the Lerai Forest
Flamingos on Lake Magadi crater lake
Massive elephant bulls — the largest tuskers in Tanzania
Dense populations of wildebeest and zebra
Spotted hyenas and golden jackals
Hippos in the crater swamp
Tree-climbing lions lounging in mahogany branches
Flamingos on the soda lake
Elephants in the groundwater forest
Blue monkeys and olive baboons
Hippos at the hot springs

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arusha to Lake Manyara

~130km | Approx. 2.5 hrs

7:00 AM. Depart Arusha for Lake Manyara National Park. Enter through the main gate into towering groundwater forest — fig trees, mahogany, and sycamores with blue monkeys and baboons. Emerge onto the lakeshore where flamingos stand in thousands and hippos wallow near the springs. Search for the famous tree-climbing lions.

Day 2 — Full Day Lake Manyara
2

Full Day Lake Manyara

Full Day

6:00 AM. Full day exploring Manyara's diverse habitats. Forest zone primates and birds, hot springs in the south, over 400 bird species. Afternoon along the lakeshore watching flamingo flocks.

Day 3 — Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
3

Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater Rim

~50km | Approx. 1 hr

Short drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Climb to the crater rim through misty montane forest. Arrive at your crater-rim lodge — the view 600 metres down into the caldera is staggering. Afternoon rim walk through the forest.

4

Ngorongoro Crater Floor — Return to Arusha

Crater Floor + Return

6:00 AM. Dawn descent into the crater. 260 square kilometres of enclosed grassland, forest, and lake. Black rhinos graze openly, lion prides patrol, bull elephants in the Lerai Forest, Lake Magadi pink with flamingos. Picnic lunch. Ascend and return to Arusha by late afternoon.

Booking Information

  • All prices are per person sharing in a double/twin room
  • Single room supplement available on request
  • Children under 12 receive discounted rates
  • Custom itineraries available — contact us for a personalised quote
  • Prices valid for 2025/2026 season — subject to park fee changes

What's Included

  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • All park entrance fees
  • Full-board accommodation
  • Airport/hotel transfers
  • Drinking water during game drives
  • Game drives as per itinerary

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities not in itinerary

Safari Season Guide

Peak SeasonJul – Oct & Dec – Mar

Best wildlife viewing. Great Migration in the Mara (Jul–Oct). Dry weather, sparse vegetation makes animals easy to spot.

Shoulder AJan – Mar

Calving season in the Serengeti. Good birding. Pleasant weather with occasional showers.

Shoulder BJun

Transition to dry season. Fewer crowds, good rates. Early migration movements begin.

Low SeasonApr – May & Nov

Long rains (Apr–May) and short rains (Nov). Lowest prices. Lush landscapes, excellent birding, newborn animals.

Safari Pricing

Prices per person sharing in double/twin room

Group SizeEconomyComfortLuxurySuperior Luxury
1 Person$1,840$2,020$2,230$2,780
2 Persons$1,150$1,270$1,390$1,740
3 Persons$1,080$1,190$1,310$1,640
4 Persons$1,050$1,150$1,270$1,580
5 Persons$1,020$1,130$1,240$1,550
6-7 Persons$990$1,090$1,200$1,500
Single Room Supplement$140$180$220$280
Child Rates: Children below 3: FreeChildren 3-11: 75% of adult rateChildren 12+: Adult rate

Prices are in USD per person sharing. Exact rates may vary based on specific accommodation choice and availability at time of booking. Contact us for a personalized quote.

Book This Safari

Personalised itinerary, guaranteed departures

4 days
tanzania
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park

Starting from

$1,400

per person sharing

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