Tanzania · Safari

5-Day Tanzania Big Five Safari through Serengeti and Ngorongoro

5 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the vast wildlife plains of Serengeti National Park on thrilling game drives
02 Discover the rich wildlife ecosystem inside the Ngorongoro Crater
03 Observe large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees in Tarangire National Park
04 Experience Tanzania's famous northern safari circuit with professional guides

Discover Tanzania's most iconic wildlife destinations on a five-day safari through Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Enjoy exciting game drives across vast plains filled with elephants, lions, giraffes, and diverse birdlife. Explore the spectacular landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater and experience the famous Serengeti wilderness. This guided safari from Arusha offers comfortable lodges, expert guides, and unforgettable encounters with Africa's incredible wildlife in some of Tanzania's most celebrated national parks.

Discover Tanzania's most iconic wildlife destinations on a five-day safari through Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Mount Meru, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park

Languages Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Lodge Stay

Arrive at the airport in Arusha and meet a representative for a warm welcome.
Transfer to your accommodation at Arusha Planet Lodge.
Relax and recover from your journey, depending on your flight schedule.
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the lodge located near Mount Meru.
Prepare for the upcoming safari adventure in Tanzania's northern safari circuit.

Overnight stay at Arusha Planet Lodge.

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast.

Day 02

Tarangire Game Drive and Transfer to Karatu

Depart after an early breakfast from Arusha to Tarangire National Park.
Enjoy a morning game drive in the park, known for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.
Spot wildlife such as lions, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species near the Tarangire River.
Continue to Karatu in the afternoon.
Check in at Africa Safari Lodge Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: All Meals Included.

Day 03

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Journey to Serengeti

Depart from Karatu after breakfast and travel to Ngorongoro Crater.
Descend into the crater for an exciting wildlife game drive.
Look for animals such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, and the rare black rhino.
Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater.
Continue your journey to Serengeti National Park.

Dinner and overnight stay at Serengeti Wild Camp.

Meal Plan: All Meals Included.

Day 04

Full-Day Serengeti Wildlife Safari

Spend the day exploring the vast plains of Serengeti National Park.
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives to maximize wildlife sightings.
Look for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.
Experience the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of one of Africa's most famous safari parks.

Return to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: All Meals Included.

Day 05

Morning Serengeti Game Drive and Return to Arusha

Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Serengeti National Park.
Observe wildlife during the most active hours of the day.
Depart for the return journey to Arusha via the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands.
Arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon or early evening and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight stay at Arusha Planet Lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.

Where this trip takes you

Serengeti National Park plains, Ngorongoro Crater bowl, Tarangire National Park baobabs

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 5 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees (for non-residents)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All taxes/VAT
Round-trip airport transfer
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks

What to bring

Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, beige)
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Comfortable walking shoes
Binoculars and a good camera
Light jacket for early morning game drives
Cash

Know before you go

The best time for wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park is during the dry season from June to October, when animals gather around water sources.
Safaris are available throughout the year in Tanzania, and each season offers different landscapes and wildlife experiences.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed because animals move freely in their natural habitat.
Patience during game drives often rewards travellers with memorable sightings of elephants, lions, and other wildlife, including the famous Big Five.

Logistics