6 days Tanzania Safari

• Safari
• Tanzania Safaris

In just six tightly crafted safari days in Tanzania, this itinerary delivers the absolute essence of this magnificent country without the fluff or the fatigue that longer trips sometimes bring. The northern circuit of Tanzania packs a punch; it is like all the flavours are concentrated in one corner of the country. It’s the perfect “greatest hits” package for people who want the real Africa but have limited time—or who simply refuse to waste a single day on long, boring transfers. Here’s everything that makes this particular 6-day journey so good:

1. Perfect pacing – never rushed, never dull
   One park per day or night means you actually get to feel each place instead of ticking boxes from a jeep window. Two nights in the Serengeti give you proper sunrise and sunset game drives (the golden hours when the cats hunt), yet you still see Tarangire’s elephants, Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions, and the incomparable Ngorongoro Crater.
2. The Crater on day 5 is pure magic
   You descend into the Ngorongoro Crater when it’s at its quietest and most beautiful—fewer vehicles than on longer itineraries that hit it on day 2 or 3. Many guests say their crater morning was the single best wildlife experience of their lives: black rhinos at 50 metres, lions strolling past the picnic site, 30,000 animals living inside a perfect volcanic bowl.
3. Hand-picked accommodations that punch way above their price
   Places like Eileens Tree Inn (Karatu), Nyota Luxury Camp (central Serengeti), and the intimate lodges on the crater rim aren’t just “mid-range”—they’re stylish, soulful properties with incredible food, warm staff, and views that people post on Instagram for years. Upgrading to luxury is an option, but most travellers say the standard level already feels special.
4. Real value for money
   Six days keeps park fees and vehicle costs lower than 8–10 day trips, yet you still see Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara—four completely different ecosystems. Many operators stretch the same route into eight days with filler; this one doesn’t waste your time.
5. Small, intimate moments built in
   • Sunrise coffee watching hot-air balloons drift over the Serengeti from your camp veranda
   • Picnic lunches under giant acacia trees while zebras graze ten metres away
   • Driving past Maasai boys herding cattle in red shukas against green hills
   • Falling asleep to hyena whoops and waking to birdsong
6. Ideal for first-timers and repeat visitors alike
   First-timers leave saying, “I’ve seen everything I dreamed of and more.” Repeat visitors love it because they finally get to linger in the Serengeti instead of the usual whistle-stop tours.
7. Birdwatchers and photographers go home ecstatic
   Tarangire and Lake Manyara alone deliver over 500 species—flamingo carpets, fish eagles, lilac-breasted rollers in perfect morning light, and elephants silhouetted against 1,000-year-old baobabs.
8. You finish strong, not exhausted
   After the crater, you’re back in Arusha by mid-afternoon on day six—relaxed, full of stories, and ready for your flight home or a few lazy days in Zanzibar. No red-eye drives or 4 a.m. transfers.

Day to Day Itinerary of the 6 days Walking Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Transfer to accommodation in Arusha.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Game drive and overnight in Karatu.

Day 3: Karatu to Serengeti National Park – Transit through Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park – Full-day game drives in the Serengeti.

Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro – Drive to Ngorongoro Crater, wildlife viewing, and overnight in Karatu.

Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park – Visit Lake Manyara for a game drive and drop-off at a chosen location.

6 days Tanzania Safari Highlights

• Tarangire National Park: Witness elephant families, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of wildlife in the park known for its abundant bird species and ancient Baobab trees.
• Serengeti National Park: Experience the vast open grasslands and incredible wildlife, including impalas, buffalo, crocodiles, hippos, and the chance to spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
• Ngorongoro Crater: Explore this pristine wilderness with its sweeping savannah, acacia woodlands, and glistening lakes, where you can encounter wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and have a chance to see the endangered black rhino.
• Lake Manyara National Park: Discover the diverse landscapes of the park, including the Great Rift Escarpment and the shallow, salt lake. Spot thousands of wading birds, baboons, and elephants, and keep an eye out for the famous tree-climbing lions.
• Authentic Accommodation: Stay in mid-range lodges and camps such as Arusha Planet Lodge, Eileen’s Tree Inn, and Nyota Luxury Camp, and experience the unique charm of each location. There is also an option to upgrade the accommodation.
• Scenic Drives: Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and rolling hills of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area during your transit, capturing the beauty of Tanzania’s countryside.
• Memorable Game Drives: Embark on thrilling game drives with experienced guides, giving you the opportunity to encounter a wide range of wildlife, from large herds to elusive predators.
• Picnic Lunches: Delight in delicious meals amidst the wilderness, surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature.
• Cultural Encounters: Meet the local Maasai people and their vibrant culture as you pass through villages and interact with the community.
• Birdwatching: Immerse yourself in the world of birds, with Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park offering incredible birdwatching opportunities, including flamingos and over 500 other bird species.

Starting the 6-Day Safari from Arusha

Arusha is the real safari capital of Tanzania, and the easiest place to begin. You land at Kilimanjaro Airport, someone meets you with a smile, and drives you straight to a comfortable hotel. Next morning you’re off—no long flights, no stress. You head to Tarangire, then Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, all in the perfect order. Everything runs smoothly, and you’re in the bush seeing animals within 24 hours of landing.

Read more about safaris starting from Arusha

Starting the 6-Day Safari from Dar es Salaam

If your international flight lands in Dar es Salaam, it’s no problem. Spend your first night in the city (maybe enjoy some fresh seafood by the ocean), then take a quick one-hour morning flight to Arusha. From there, the safari is exactly the same: Tarangire → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Lake Manyara. You get a little taste of city life before jumping into the wild. More: Southern Tanzania Safaris from Dar es Salaam

Starting the 6-Day Safari from Zanzibar

Many people finish their beach holiday in Zanzibar and then fly straight to the safari. The flight from Zanzibar to Arusha is only about an hour. You leave the island in the morning, land, have lunch, and by afternoon, you’re already watching elephants in Tarangire. Perfect for anyone who wants sun, sand, and lions in one trip. See more safaris from Zanzibar

Add Zanzibar After Your 6-Day Safari

Do the safari first, then fly to Zanzibar for a few days (or a week) of doing absolutely nothing on perfect beaches. Swim in warm turquoise water, walk around historic Stone Town, eat fresh fish and spices, and let the safari dust wash off. Most people say the beach feels even better after seeing lions in the morning and sleeping on a beach bed at night. More about safaris and the Zanzibar beach

Add a Kilimanjaro Climb to Your 6-Day Safari

For the adventurous, you can do the 6-day safari and then (or before) climb Kilimanjaro. You’ll see elephants and rhinos one week and stand on the roof of Africa the next. You walk through jungle, moorland, and snow to reach the summit at 5,895 m. Guides take great care of you, and coming down to do the safari afterwards feels like a victory celebration with cold drinks and hot showers. It’s two bucket-list trips rolled into one unforgettable journey. All these options are easy to arrange and can be adjusted to fit exactly what you want—more beach days, shorter climb route, whatever makes you happy. You just tell us, and we make it happen. More about Kilimanjaro treks and safaris