6-Day Tanzania Big Five Safari through Serengeti and Ngorongoro

6 Days Round trip from Arusha City Hotels Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Tarangire National Park, famous for giant elephant herds and ancient baobab trees
02 Discover Lake Manyara's lush groundwater forests, colorful birdlife, and Rift Valley scenery
03 Experience the Serengeti's endless plains with thrilling game drives and sunrise safari moments
04 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for Big Five viewing, including possible black rhinoceros sightings
05 Travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Highlands
06 Enjoy picnic lunches in the bush with expert local safari guiding

Discover Tanzania's legendary Northern Safari Circuit on a 6-day Big Five adventure through Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. This immersive safari combines iconic wildlife destinations, diverse landscapes, and authentic wilderness experiences for travelers seeking the very best of Tanzania. Travel with an experienced local safari guide, enjoy expertly timed game drives and picnic lunches in the bush, and experience the adventure's peak with a descent into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, known for its incredible concentration of wildlife and dramatic volcanic scenery.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

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

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Tarangire Safari Among Elephants and Baobabs

Arusha -> Tarangire National Park | Approx. 2-3 hours drive

Morning: Safari Welcome & Departure from Arusha

Your 6-day Tanzania Big Five Safari begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Meet your professional safari guide, receive a safari briefing, and begin your journey into Tanzania's legendary Northern Safari Circuit.

Travel through beautiful countryside landscapes, passing local villages, farms, and views of the Great Rift Valley as you approach Tarangire National Park.

Afternoon: Tarangire Game Drive - Land of Elephants & Baobabs

Enter Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees, seasonal river systems, and some of the largest elephant herds in Tanzania.

Enjoy your first wildlife encounter while searching for:

Large elephant families near the Tarangire River
Lions resting beneath acacia trees
Giraffes moving through woodland areas
Zebras, wildebeest, and antelopes
Buffaloes and colorful bird species

Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park while surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Evening: Relax at Your Safari Lodge

Continue to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Standard safari lodge/tented camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Highlights: Tarangire elephants, baobab landscapes, first safari experience

Day 02

Lake Manyara Safari Through Forests, Birdlife, and Rift Valley Scenery

Tarangire Area -> Lake Manyara National Park -> Karatu | Approx. 3-4 hours drive

Morning: Explore Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, continue to Lake Manyara National Park, a beautiful wildlife destination located beneath the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Enjoy a morning game drive through diverse habitats, including groundwater forests, open plains, and lakeside areas.

Look out for:

Elephants walking through lush forests
Tree-climbing lions (season and luck dependent)
Giraffes and zebras
Buffaloes and monkeys
Flamingos and hundreds of bird species

Afternoon: Scenic Drive Through the Highlands

After your game drive and picnic lunch, continue through the scenic landscapes toward the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Enjoy views of volcanic mountains, farming communities, and traditional Maasai areas.

Evening: Overnight Near Karatu

Arrive at your lodge near Karatu, where you can relax and enjoy dinner.

Accommodation: Karatu safari lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highlights: Lake Manyara wildlife, birdlife, Rift Valley scenery

Day 03

Journey Through Ngorongoro Highlands to the Endless Plains of Serengeti

Karatu -> Serengeti National Park | Approx. 4-5 hours drive

Morning: Ngorongoro Highlands Scenic Journey

After breakfast, depart toward the legendary Serengeti National Park.

Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at viewpoints overlooking the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater.

Enjoy spectacular scenery of volcanic landscapes, highlands, and wildlife corridors.

Afternoon: First Serengeti Game Drive

Enter Serengeti National Park and begin your first game drive across the world-famous endless plains.

Search for:

Lions moving through the grasslands
Leopards resting in trees
Cheetahs hunting across open plains
Elephants and buffalo herds
Zebras and wildebeest

Experience the incredible scale of the Serengeti ecosystem, one of the greatest wildlife areas on Earth.

Evening: Serengeti Wilderness Stay

Arrive at your safari lodge or tented camp for dinner and relaxation under the African sky.

Accommodation: Serengeti safari lodge/tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highlights: Ngorongoro Highlands, Serengeti entrance, predator sightings

Day 04

Full-Day Serengeti Safari with Big Five Encounters and Sunrise Wildlife Viewing

Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

Morning: Sunrise Game Drive

Wake early for an unforgettable sunrise safari when wildlife activity is at its peak.

Your expert guide will explore the best wildlife areas based on recent sightings and animal movements.

Possible encounters include:

Lion prides resting or hunting
Cheetahs scanning the plains
Leopards near river habitats
Large elephant and buffalo herds
Hippos and crocodiles near water sources

Afternoon: Picnic Lunch in the Wild

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of Serengeti before continuing your adventure.

Explore different areas of the park, from open grasslands to river valleys, each offering unique wildlife opportunities.

Depending on the season, you may experience areas connected to the famous Great Migration.

Evening: Serengeti Sunset Experience

Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and a relaxing evening surrounded by wilderness.

Accommodation: Serengeti safari lodge/tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highlights: Full-day Serengeti safari, Big Five viewing, Great Migration ecosystem

Day 05

Ngorongoro Crater Safari in Africa's Natural Wildlife Sanctuary

Serengeti -> Ngorongoro Crater -> Karatu Area

Morning: Descend Into Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, travel toward the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Tanzania's most extraordinary wildlife destinations.

Descend into the crater floor for a game drive among:

Lions on the open grasslands
Large buffalo herds
Elephants in forest areas
Hippos in crater pools
Flamingos around seasonal lakes
Possible black rhinoceros sightings

The crater offers one of Africa's highest concentrations of wildlife in a breathtaking natural setting.

Afternoon: Picnic Lunch & Crater Exploration

Enjoy lunch inside the crater before continuing your wildlife exploration.

Later, ascend from the crater and continue to your lodge near Karatu.

Evening: Relax in the Highlands

Enjoy dinner and relaxation after an incredible day of wildlife viewing.

Accommodation: Karatu safari lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highlights: Ngorongoro Crater, Big Five opportunities, volcanic landscapes

Day 06

Final Safari Morning and Scenic Return to Arusha

Karatu -> Arusha | Approx. 3-4 hours drive

Morning: Cultural Landscapes & Scenic Journey

After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in Tanzania's beautiful northern landscapes.

Depending on your schedule, optional stops can be arranged for local cultural experiences or souvenir shopping.

Afternoon: Return to Arusha

Travel back to Arusha through scenic countryside and Great Rift Valley landscapes.

Enjoy your final views of Tanzania's countryside while reflecting on your safari adventure.

Evening: Safari Ends

Arrive in Arusha in the afternoon or evening. Your guide will drop you at your hotel, airport, or preferred location.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Highlights: Scenic return journey, final Tanzania memories

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha City Hotels 6 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Professional English-speaking safari guide with expert knowledge of Tanzania's wildlife, conservation areas, national parks, and local culture
Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for comfortable game viewing, photography, and wildlife observation
All transportation during the safari including transfers between Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and return to Arusha
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by prior arrangement
All national park entrance fees for Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Crater conservation and crater service fees for the crater game drive experience
5 nights accommodation in selected standard safari lodges or tented camps with private rooms and en-suite facilities
Daily meals as specified in the itinerary including breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the safari
Picnic lunches during full-day game drives inside the national parks
Unlimited game drives across Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater with flexible wildlife viewing stops
Bottled drinking water during safari activities throughout the journey
Safari vehicle charging facilities for cameras, phones, and personal electronic devices
Wildlife tracking and route planning support from your experienced driver-guide to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities
Government taxes and service charges related to included safari services

What's Not Included

International flights and domestic flights to and from Tanzania
Tanzania visa fees and passport-related expenses
Travel insurance including medical coverage, trip cancellation, and baggage protection
Tips and gratuities for safari guides, drivers, lodge staff, and camp teams (recommended but not mandatory)
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry services, phone calls, and additional lodge or camp services
Alcoholic beverages including wine, beer, cocktails, and imported drinks
Soft drinks and beverages outside the included bottled drinking water
Optional activities and excursions such as hot air balloon safari, cultural village visits, Maasai experiences, or other activities not listed in the itinerary
Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
Airport transfers outside the scheduled Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) pick-up and drop-off service
Accommodation before or after the safari unless added to your booking
Souvenirs and personal shopping expenses
Additional services, upgrades, or activities requested during the safari that are not included in the package
Any items or services not specifically listed under

What to bring

Camera or smartphone for capturing wildlife and scenic landscapes
Binoculars for better wildlife viewing during game drives
Sun hat or cap for protection from the African sun
Sunscreen with high SPF protection
Insect repellent for outdoor comfort
Comfortable safari clothing in neutral colors suitable for wildlife viewing
Warm jacket or fleece for early morning and evening game drives
Comfortable closed shoes for lodge areas and outdoor activities
Personal medication and essential toiletries
Reusable water bottle for staying hydrated
Small daypack for carrying personal items during safari excursions

Know before you go

A valid passport is required for all travelers joining the safari.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed because animals move freely in their natural environment, but our experienced safari guides use local knowledge and wildlife tracking skills to maximize viewing opportunities.
Expect several hours of driving between destinations, as this safari covers multiple national parks across Northern Tanzania.
Safari roads can be uneven and dusty, especially inside national parks. Travelers should be comfortable spending extended periods in a safari vehicle.
Bring layered clothing, as temperatures vary between warm afternoons and cool mornings or evenings, especially in Serengeti and Ngorongoro areas.
Inform us of dietary requirements or allergies before arrival so suitable meals can be prepared.
Follow park regulations and your guide's instructions to ensure a safe and responsible wildlife experience.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical emergencies, cancellations, and unexpected travel situations.
The itinerary may change slightly depending on wildlife movements, weather, road conditions, and national park regulations.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Pick-up from your hotel reception in Arusha or the arrivals area at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Look for the Africantrust Safari representative holding a sign with your name or booking details. Pick-up time will be confirmed after booking.

Tour start

Arusha City Hotels, Arusha Airport, or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Tanzania