5 Days Last Minute Safari: Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater

With Tanzania safari source tours

Weekend Special - Best Value Deal!

Perfect for quick getaways with maximum wildlife viewing in a short period.

Description

5-Day Last Minute Safari price from $ 2600 per person

Perfect for a quick weekend getaway, this 5-day last minute safari covers Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater. Ideal for travelers with limited time, this package offers maximum wildlife viewing in a short period with comfortable accommodations and expert guides.

Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its unique tree-climbing lions, large flamingo populations, and diverse birdlife. Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the highest densities of wildlife on Earth, including the Big Five. This package combines the best of Tanzania's northern circuit at an unbeatable price.

Day 01: Arusha → Lake Manyara National Park

Depart from Arusha in the morning and drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Enjoy a full day of game viewing around the soda lake, home to flamingos, hippos, and over 400 bird species. The park's diverse habitats support a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, giraffes, and baboons. Look for the famous tree-climbing lions that make Lake Manyara unique. Overnight in the Karatu area.

Day 02: Full Day Lake Manyara & Optional Cultural Visit

Spend a full day exploring Lake Manyara National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. Search for the rare tree-climbing lions in the acacia trees. Visit the groundwater forest where elephants and buffalos seek shelter. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake watching flamingos and pelicans. Optional visit to a nearby Maasai village for cultural experience. Overnight in Karatu.

Day 03: Lake Manyara → Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive offers stunning views of the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim with spectacular views of the caldera. Spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Overnight on the crater rim.

Day 04: Ngorongoro Crater Full Day Game Drive

Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater floor for spectacular wildlife viewing. This natural amphitheater hosts approximately 25,000 large animals including the Big Five. Look for endangered black rhinos, lions, elephants, hippos, and flamingos. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the hippo pool. Overnight on the crater rim.

Day 05: Ngorongoro → Arusha (Departure)

Enjoy a final morning viewing of the Ngorongoro Crater before driving back to Arusha. Stop at a local market for souvenir shopping (time permitting). Enjoy a farewell lunch in Arusha before being dropped off at your hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.

Included
  • All park entry fees and conservation fees
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • 4x4 Safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Accommodation as per itinerary (4 nights)
  • All meals during safari (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Drinking water throughout the tour
  • Ngorongoro Crater descent fee
  • Lake Manyara park fees
Excluded
  • International flights and visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Tips for guides and hotel staff
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Optional activities (balloon safari, etc.)
  • Airport transfers (can be arranged separately)

Book This Best Last Minute Deal Now!

or call us immediately: +255 688 375 743

Frequently Asked Questions

Last minute bookings are available year-round. The dry season from June to October offers the best wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources. The green season (March-May) offers lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices with beautiful scenery and excellent birdwatching opportunities, especially for flamingos. The calving season brings newborn animals to the area.
Yes, Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions. While not guaranteed, the chances of spotting them in the acacia trees are highest during the dry season. Our experienced guides know the best spots to look for these unique lions, with a success rate of over 70%. The lions are often seen resting in the branches of acacia trees during the heat of the day.
The package includes comfortable lodge or tented camp accommodation. Options range from budget-friendly campsites to luxury lodges depending on availability and your preference. In Karatu, you'll stay in a lodge with views of the Great Rift Valley. On the Ngorongoro rim, you'll stay in a lodge with spectacular views of the crater. All accommodations include private bathrooms and meals as per itinerary.
Airport transfers are not included in the base price but can be arranged separately upon request. We offer convenient pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for an additional fee. Please contact us at least 48 hours before arrival to add airport transfer service to your booking.
Recommended items include neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, beige - avoid bright colors and camouflage), comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket/fleece for early morning game drives, sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent with DEET, binoculars (essential for wildlife viewing), camera with extra batteries and memory cards, any personal medications, power bank, reusable water bottle, and a small daypack. A light rain jacket is recommended during the green season.
Yes, this safari is family-friendly. Children of all ages are welcome. This shorter safari is perfect for families with young children due to its manageable distances and diverse wildlife viewing. Children aged 3-15 years receive discounted rates (typically 30-50% off adult prices). Many lodges offer family rooms or connecting rooms. Please inform us of children's ages when booking.
Our safari vehicles accommodate a maximum of 6 passengers per vehicle, ensuring window seats for everyone and a more personalized experience. Private safaris are also available upon request for solo travelers, couples, or families who prefer an exclusive experience. For larger groups, we can arrange multiple vehicles traveling together.
Most international visitors require a visa to enter Tanzania. Visas can be obtained online through the official Tanzania eVisa system (recommended for convenience) or upon arrival at major entry points including Kilimanjaro International Airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport, and border crossings. Please check visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling, as some countries are visa-exempt.
Cancellations made 30+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a 10% processing fee. Cancellations made 15-29 days before departure receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than 14 days before departure receive no refund. We offer free date changes up to 14 days before departure, subject to availability. Travel insurance is highly recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
Yes, we accommodate all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and kosher options. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or allergies at the time of booking so we can make appropriate arrangements with our lodges and camps. Most accommodations are well-equipped to handle special dietary needs with advance notice.
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