Tanzania · Safari

5-Day Tanzania Great Migration Safari with Serengeti and Ngorongoro

5 Days Round trip from Africa Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover the Great Migration crossings at the Mara or Grumeti River with dramatic wildlife action
02 Explore Tarangire National Park with massive elephant herds, baobab landscapes, and rich biodiversity
03 Experience full-day Serengeti game drives with predator sightings across vast open plains
04 Visit Ngorongoro Crater and enjoy cultural cycling in Mto wa Mbu with Maasai cultural insights

Experience Africa's Great Migration on this 5-day Tanzania safari through Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mto wa Mbu. Witness dramatic river crossings, large elephant herds, and abundant predators across the Serengeti plains, then explore Ngorongoro's unique ecosystem and enjoy cultural cycling in local villages. With breathtaking landscapes, expert-guided game drives, and immersive wildlife encounters, this journey is designed for travellers seeking an affordable, action-packed East African safari adventure along Tanzania's northern circuit.

Witness dramatic river crossings, large elephant herds, and abundant predators across the Serengeti plains, then explore Ngorongoro's unique ecosystem and enjoy cultural cycling in local villages.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

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

Languages English, French, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Tarangire National Park Game Drive

Arrive at Kilimanjaro or Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park in approximately 2 to 3 hours.
Enter the park via Tarangire Gate and explore the Lemiyoni area, known for baobab trees and large elephant herds.
Enjoy scenic views and wildlife sightings, including buffalo and possible leopard activity around Matete picnic site overlooking the Tarangire River.
Continue game drives through Kitibong Area and Gurusi Wetland, where elephants, waterbucks, and other wildlife gather around water sources.
Stop at the Kuro area, where lion prides and other predators may be seen resting during the heat of the day.
Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park while observing wildlife in natural surroundings.
Proceed with afternoon game viewing before transferring to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay near the Mto wa Mbu region.

Day 02

Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti via Ngorongoro Highlands

After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Highlands, with scenic crater views along the way.
Enjoy en route game viewing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area while approaching Serengeti.
Spot wildlife such as lions, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, and topis along the southern Serengeti plains.
Enter Serengeti via Naabi Hill Gate, the natural boundary between short-grass and long-grass plains.
Continue your game drive en route to your tented camp while observing seasonal wildlife movements.
Arrive at your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay in Serengeti.

Day 03

Full-Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari

Start with an early morning game drive in Serengeti National Park, with breakfast before departure.
Explore different Serengeti circuits depending on migration movement, including Western Serengeti from June to July and Northern Serengeti from August to October.
Search for the Great Migration herds along with predators such as lions and cheetahs.
Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park, surrounded by vast plains and wildlife activity.
Continue afternoon game drives with expert guidance through changing landscapes and light conditions.
Return to your tented camp for dinner and an overnight stay in Serengeti.

Day 04

Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Experience

After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater.
Begin a game drive across the crater floor, exploring swamps, forests, springs, and diverse ecosystems.
Visit Mandusi Swamp, Lake Magadi, Munge River, and surrounding habitats rich in wildlife activity.
Enjoy sightings of elephants, hippos, flamingos, hyenas, and possibly black rhinos.
Have lunch at Ngoitoktok picnic site overlooking hippo pools and birdlife.
Continue exploration through Gorigor Springs and Lerai Forest with final crater game viewing.
Ascend the crater and transfer to your lodge or camp for dinner and an overnight stay near the rim or highlands.

Day 05

Mto wa Mbu Cultural Cycling and Departure

After breakfast, drive to Mto wa Mbu for a cultural cycling experience through the local village.
Explore banana plantations and interact with the local community for cultural immersion.
Enjoy a traditional hot meal at a nearby lodge.
Transfer back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro for departure.

Where this trip takes you

Mara or Grumeti River crossings, Serengeti National Park plains, Tarangire National Park baobab trees, Ngorongoro Crater

The route

Where you'll travel

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

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Safari park entrance and conservation fees
4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
Professional English-speaking guide
Game drives as specified
3 meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the trip
Drinking water and basic park logistics
Village cycling in Mto wa Mbu

What's Not Included

International flights and Tanzania visa
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Optional balloon rides or cultural extras
Drinks, alcohol, and personal expenses

What to bring

Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors (tan, green, brown)
Warm layers for early morning and evening game drives
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Camera with extra batteries or memory cards
Personal toiletries and medications
Reusable water bottle
Insect repellent
Small daypack for essentials during drives
Optional item: Travel pillow for long drives
Journal or notebook to record your experiences

Know before you go

Visa and travel documents: Most travelers to Tanzania require a visa; check your country requirements before departure.
Health and vaccinations: Recommended vaccinations include yellow fever (if arriving from a risk country), hepatitis A, and typhoid. Malaria prophylaxis is highly advised.
Currency: USD is widely accepted. Bring small denominations for tips and local purchases.
Connectivity: Wi‑Fi is limited in remote lodges and camps; prepare for offline time.
Safari etiquette: Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, do not feed animals, and follow your guide's instructions.
Climate: Early mornings and evenings can be cool, even in hot seasons. Daytime temperatures are usually warm.
Photography tips: Use neutral colors to blend in, keep noise low, and respect wildlife distances.
High season vs low season: June-October is the best for northern migration and dry-season game viewing. March-May is the rainy season, and some roads may be rough.
Spanish, French, and Italian guides are available on request.

Logistics