All-around experience
6 Days Northern Tanzania Safari & Materuni Waterfalls
BOOK TOURThis 6 Days Northern Tanzania Safari & Materuni Waterfalls combines Tanzania’s iconic Northern Circuit safari destinations—Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park—with the lush landscapes of Kilimanjaro and the stunning Materuni Waterfalls. Travelers will experience Big Five wildlife, flamingos, crater scenery, and a waterfall hike, making this ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers who want a mix of safari and cultural exploration.
6 Days Northern Tanzania Safari & Materuni Waterfalls
Tour highlights
- Destinations: Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Kilimanjaro region, Materuni Waterfalls
- Attractions: Big Five game drives, flamingos, crater wildlife, scenic waterfall hike, local Chagga village experience
- Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, hiking, photography, cultural visits, picnic lunches
6 Days Northern Tanzania Safari & Materuni Waterfalls
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Materuni Village & Waterfalls
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet your guide for transfer to the Materuni Village near Mount Kilimanjaro. Embark on a guided trek to the Materuni Waterfalls, enjoying the lush rainforest scenery, coffee plantations, and Chagga village culture along the way. After the hike, return to Arusha for dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Rivertrees Country Inn
- Mid-range: Arusha Coffee Lodge
- Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
Day 2: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park
Depart Arusha and drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famed for tree-climbing lions and vibrant flamingo populations. After checking in at your lodge, head out for an afternoon game drive, spotting elephants, hippos, baboons, and various bird species. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
- Mid-range: Lake Manyara Sopa Lodge
- Luxury: Rift Valley Lodge
Day 3: Full-Day Lake Manyara & Transfer to Ngorongoro
Spend the morning exploring Lake Manyara further, enjoying a morning game drive with wildlife and bird watching. After lunch, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, checking in at your lodge overlooking the crater. Evening at leisure with dinner and breathtaking views of the crater rim.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Rhino Lodge
- Mid-range: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
- Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater—Full-Day Game Drive
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. Witness lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and possibly black rhinos on the crater floor. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the wildlife before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Rhino Lodge
- Mid-range: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
- Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Day 5: Ngorongoro – Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, travel to Serengeti National Park, passing scenic savannah landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and embark on an afternoon game drive, spotting predators and migratory herds if in season. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Serengeti Simba Lodge
- Mid-range: Serengeti Sopa Lodge
- Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Day 6: Serengeti – Morning Game Drive – Arusha/Kilimanjaro Departure
Begin with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti to catch wildlife at dawn. After breakfast, transfer back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your 6-day Northern Tanzania safari and Materuni Waterfalls adventure.
Best Time to Go on Safari
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June to October (Dry Season):
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Best overall wildlife viewing across East and Southern Africa.
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Animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making sightings easier.
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Ideal time for the Great Migration river crossings in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara (July–October).
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December to March:
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Great time for calving season in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains.
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Fewer crowds and lush green landscapes.
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Excellent for birdwatching with migratory species present.
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April to May (Long Rains):
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Some camps close due to heavy rains and muddy roads.
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Cheaper prices and fewer tourists.
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Beautiful, dramatic skies for photography, though game viewing can be harder.
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What to Pack for a Safari
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Clothing
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Neutral-colored, lightweight clothing (khaki, beige, green—avoid bright colors and dark blue/black which attract insects).
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Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun protection and cooler evenings.
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A warm fleece or jacket for chilly mornings and nights.
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Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
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A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
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Gear & Essentials
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Binoculars for close-up wildlife viewing.
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Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
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Reusable water bottle.
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Sunscreen and insect repellent.
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Small backpack or daypack for game drives.
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Travel Essentials
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Valid passport and required visas.
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Travel insurance documents.
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Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever often required).
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Personal medications and a small first aid kit.
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Local currency and/or cards for expenses and tips.
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For more info or to book this tour
Consult our specialist to design a personalized safari itinerary!
Safari Gallery
6 Days Northern Tanzania Safari & Materuni Waterfalls
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