6-Day Northern Tanzania Safari with Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

6 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro International Airport{KIA} Moderate pace
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park, famous for large elephant herds and towering baobab trees
  • 02 Scenic journey through the Ngorongoro Highlands with an en-route game drive into Central Serengeti (Seronera)
  • 03 A full day of Serengeti safaris with chances to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, and vast herds on the plains
  • 04 Early-morning Ngorongoro Crater game drive in search of the Big Five, including the rare black rhino

Take in the very best of Northern Tanzania on this 6-day safari, blending iconic parks, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Travel from Arusha to elephant-rich Tarangire, continue through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands, and explore the vast plains of the Serengeti with multiple game drives in prime big-cat territory. End your journey with an early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most extraordinary natural sanctuaries. With private transfers, scenic drives, and comfortable lodge or tented-camp stays, this itinerary is designed for maximum wildlife viewing.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Arusha

  • Activities: Meet and greet, private airport transfer, hotel check-in, and safari briefing.

  • Details: Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your private safari guide-driver will meet you and transfer you to your lodge in Arusha, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours away. Depending on your arrival time, spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or taking a brief tour of Arusha city. In the evening, enjoy dinner and a briefing about your upcoming safari.

  • Meals: Dinner

2
Day 02

Tarangire Game Drive and Transfer to Karatu or Mto wa Mbu

  • Activities: Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park.

  • Details: After breakfast, depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park, approximately a 2-hour drive. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Enjoy a game drive as you watch wildlife gather near the Tarangire River. Stop for a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing with your afternoon game drive. Later in the afternoon, head to your lodge in Karatu or Mto wa Mbu.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

3
Day 03

Ngorongoro Highlands Drive to Central Serengeti

  • Activities: Scenic drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands and an afternoon game drive in Central Serengeti.

  • Details: Depart Karatu after breakfast and drive toward the central plains of the Serengeti in the Seronera region. Pass through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying views of the highland forest and crater rim. Upon entering the Serengeti, begin an en-route game drive across the vast savannahs, spotting big cats, zebras, and impalas. Arrive at your tented camp or lodge in the evening.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

4
Day 04

Full-Day Safari in Central Serengeti

  • Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, or a full-day game drive with picnic lunch.

  • Details: Spend a full day exploring Serengeti National Park. Follow resident big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, along with large herds of wildebeest and zebras across the plains. You may choose an early morning sunrise game drive followed by a late afternoon safari, or head out with a packed lunch for a full day in the wild.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

5
Day 05

Morning Serengeti Game Drive and Transfer to Ngorongoro

  • Activities: Morning game drive in Serengeti and transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater rim.

  • Details: Enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti to catch predators during their active morning hours. After lunch, begin your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive at your lodge on or near the crater rim in time for dinner and panoramic evening views.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

6
Day 06

Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive and Departure via JRO

  • Activities: Descend into Ngorongoro Crater, game viewing, and airport transfer.

  • Details: Descend early in the morning 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive. Search for the Big Five, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, and hippos in the crater lake. After a scenic picnic lunch on the crater floor, ascend and drive back toward Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your evening or night departure flight.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kilimanjaro International Airport{KIA} 5 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport Transfers: Hassle-free pickup and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

  • Transportation: Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.

  • Professional Guide: A dedicated, experienced, English-speaking driver-guide throughout the trip.

  • Park & Conservation Fees: All national park entrance fees, transit fees, and Ngorongoro Crater service fees.

  • Accommodation: Standard or mid-range lodge and tented camp stays as specified in the itinerary.

  • Meals: All meals included during the safari - breakfast, lunch/picnic box, and dinner.

  • Refreshments: Unlimited bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights: Airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

  • Visa Fees: Tanzania Tourist Visa, available online or upon arrival.

  • Travel Insurance: Personal medical, luggage, and travel insurance is strongly recommended.

  • Tips & Gratuities: Tips for your safari guide and lodge or camp staff.

  • Personal Expenses: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks at lodges, laundry, souvenirs, and telephone costs.

  • Optional Activities: Hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti, Maasai village cultural visits, or extra guided walks.

What to bring

  • Clothing & Footwear

    • Neutral-Colored Clothing: Khaki, tan, beige, or olive-green lightweight clothes. Avoid dark blue and black, as they attract tsetse flies, and avoid bright neon colors.

    • Layered Clothing: Bring a warm sweater or fleece and a light jacket or windbreaker for cold mornings and evenings, especially near Ngorongoro Crater.

    • Comfortable Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, along with light socks.

    • Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed sun hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

    • Evening Wear: Casual, comfortable clothes for dinner at the lodges or camps.

  • Gear & Electronics

    • Binoculars: Essential for viewing distant wildlife.

    • Camera & Telephoto Lens: Ideal for capturing wildlife shots.

    • Power Bank / Portable Charger: Extra battery power for long game drives.

    • Plug Adapters: Type G plug adapters (UK standard 3-square-pin).

  • Health & Personal Care

    • Sunscreen & Lip Balm: High-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen.

    • Insect Repellent: Mosquito repellent containing DEET or Picaridin.

    • Personal Medication: Antimalarial medication, motion sickness tablets, and basic first-aid items such as band-aids, painkillers, and anti-diarrhea medication.

    • Personal Toiletries: Biodegradable wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and lip balm.

  • Documents & Essentials

    • Passport & Visa: A valid passport with extra pages and your e-Visa or visa paperwork.

    • Vaccination Card: Yellow Fever certificate, if applicable.

    • Cash (USD): US Dollars printed after 2013 for tips, souvenirs, and incidental expenses.

  • Soft-Sided Duffle Bag: To fit easily in safari vehicle compartments.

Know before you go

  • Visa & Entry Requirements

    • Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date and have at least 2 blank pages.

    • Tanzania Tourist Visa: Most nationalities require a visa. You can apply for an e-Visa online before arrival or obtain a Visa on Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The fee is approximately $100 USD for US citizens and $50 USD for most other nationalities.

  • Health & Vaccination

    • Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever endemic country.

    • Malaria Precaution: Northern Tanzania is a malaria-risk area. Consult a travel clinic or doctor before your trip for recommended antimalarial medication and insect repellent.

  • Money & Tipping

    • Currency: Cash is widely preferred. US Dollars printed after 2013 are accepted in most tourist areas. Small local purchases are best paid in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS).

    • Credit Cards: Major credit cards are accepted at larger lodges, but usually incur a 3% to 5% surcharge.

    • Tipping Culture: Tipping is customary in Tanzania's safari industry.

  • Luggage & Clothing

    • Duffle Bags Recommended: Soft-sided duffle bags are preferred, as they pack easily into the safari vehicle's luggage compartment.

    • Luggage Limits: Standard internal flight and safari limits are around 15 kg to 20 kg (33-44 lbs) per person.

    • Dress Code: Neutral-toned clothing such as khaki, tan, and olive is recommended. Avoid dark blue and black colors, which attract tsetse flies, as well as bright red or neon colors. Pack warm layers for early mornings and late evenings, as temperatures drop significantly near the Ngorongoro crater rim.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
At hotel
Tour start
Kilimanjaro International Airport{KIA}
End of the journey

Your 6 days run from Kilimanjaro International Airport{KIA} to Kilimanjaro International Airport{KIA}.

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Estimated room rates

Single Room $2,650.00 — $2,850.00
Double Sharing $2,300.00 — $2,500.00
Triple Sharing $2,150.00 — $2,350.00

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