5-tägiges Lake-Manyara-Safari mit Maasai-Kulturbesuch

This 5 day Lake Manyara safari fits a lot of Tanzania into a short trip. You look for tree-climbing lions and flamingos at Lake Manyara, spend a day with Maasai hosts in the Ngorongoro Highlands and drive down into Ngorongoro Crater. Everything starts and ends in Arusha, with full board, a private vehicle, a local driver guide and all park fees included.

Lake Manyara packs a lot of scenery into one park. The Great Rift Valley wall frames a tall groundwater forest that opens into grassland, open woodland and an alkaline lake. You look for elephants, giraffe, hippos and many birds, and for the lions that climb trees. Flamingos gather on the lake depending on the season and the water level. Our guide to the game drives explains what each outing involves.

On day three you spend time with Maasai hosts in the Ngorongoro Highlands and hear about pastoral life, beadwork and the role of cattle. Read our guide to Maasai cultural experiences before you go. On day four you descend into Ngorongoro Crater, where steep volcanic walls enclose grassland, marsh and forest full of wildlife. See the Tanzania destination page and our Big Five safari guide for what to expect.

Easy to moderate. Almost all of the wildlife viewing is from the safari vehicle, so there is no hiking. The Maasai visit involves walking on uneven, dusty or muddy ground. The roads are part of the journey: Arusha to Lake Manyara is about 125 km and two to two and a half hours, and Karatu to Arusha on the last day takes three to four hours. The crater descent is rough. Guests with back problems or limited mobility should tell us before booking.

June to October is the driest season, with the best game viewing and the least mud. January and February are also dry and good for the crater. The long rains from March to May bring muddy tracks, fewer visitors and green scenery. Mornings and evenings in the Ngorongoro Highlands are cool at any time of year.

This safari suits couples, families with older children, solo travellers and small groups who have only a few days. For a longer trip with more parks, see the 8-day Tanzania safari or the 5-day Tanzania cultural experiences tour. Families can also read the family-friendly safari guide.

Read what to pack in our Tanzania safari packing list and check entry rules in the visa guide. Your lodges are confirmed once you book. If you want a safari that supports conservation and communities directly, see our Signature Journeys.