The five parks at a glance
| Park | Road from Arusha | What you see | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serengeti | about 6 h to Naabi Hill gate, or fly | big herds, cats, migration | 3 days minimum, the big safari |
| Ngorongoro (crater) | about 2 h to the rim | possible black rhino, lions, hyenas, elephants | first safari, one day is enough |
| Tarangire | about 2 h | elephants in numbers, baobabs, dry season | easy first stop |
| Lake Manyara | about 2 h (120 km west) | birds, baboons, lake views | half day, a bridge park |
| Nyerere (ex-Selous) | flight from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam | boat safari, walking, wild dogs | second safari, a different mood |
With only 3 or 4 days
Take the Ngorongoro and one neighbouring park: Tarangire and Manyara combine well with the crater in 3 days. The Serengeti needs more time because Naabi Hill gate is about 6 hours from Arusha. A domestic flight saves a day but adds to the price. To compare lengths, read safari from Zanzibar.
With 5 to 7 days
The classic pattern: Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti (at least 2 nights), with Manyara as an option. It gives the best balance of scenery and driving time. See the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Entry fees change the budget
One operator's figures, adult non-resident, 2026, VAT extra: Serengeti about 84 USD a day, Ngorongoro about 82 USD a day plus 295 USD per vehicle to go down into the crater, Tarangire and Manyara about 59 USD each. The Serengeti and the crater therefore weigh heavily: see the cost of a safari.
When to come
The dry season (June to October) pushes animals to the water, especially at Tarangire. The migration crosses the northern Serengeti roughly from July to October depending on the source, and the herds sit further south and centre early in the year. Details in the best time for a safari.
FAQ
Do I have to do the Serengeti on a first safari?
No. If time or budget is short, Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro already give excellent days.
How many days for the Ngorongoro?
One day in the crater is enough; you then sleep on the rim or in Karatu.
What about Nyerere?
It is reached by plane from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam: see the Nyerere safari from Zanzibar.
La rédaction Zanzibar Authority, 30/10/2026.
