5-Day Tanzania Safari through Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro

5 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Tarangire National Park, known for its famous elephants and baobab trees
  • 02 Travel through the Serengeti's endless plains with seasonal routing that follows the wildlife and migration
  • 03 Discover the wildlife-rich Seronera area, renowned for excellent year-round game viewing
  • 04 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular game drive among dense wildlife populations

Experience Tanzania's Northern Circuit on a carefully planned 5-day safari through Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. This journey combines elephant-rich landscapes, endless plains, and exceptional wildlife viewing with comfortable accommodation and a well-paced route. Ideal for couples, honeymooners, families, first-time safari travelers, and travelers with limited time, it offers a refined balance of wildlife, comfort, and flexibility.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park
Languages Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Safari Briefing

Welcome to Tanzania.

  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and meet your representative.

  • Enjoy a private transfer to your lodge in Arusha, followed by a safari briefing and dinner.

  • Transfer: Approx. 1-1.5 hours

  • Meals: Dinner

  • Overnight: Kutoka Lodge, Arusha

2
Day 02

Tarangire Game Drive and Transfer to Karatu

Into Tanzania's Elephant Country

  • After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park for a game drive among its famous elephants, baobab trees, and diverse wildlife.

  • Enjoy a packed lunch in the park before continuing with afternoon game viewing.

  • Later, exit the park and drive to Karatu for dinner and your overnight stay.

  • Distance: Approx. 105 km to Tarangire + 95-120 km to Karatu

  • Drive: Approx. 2 hours + 2-2.5 hours to Karatu

  • Activities: Game drive

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Box & Dinner

  • Overnight: Eileen's Tree Inn, Karatu

3
Day 03

Journey Through the Highlands to the Serengeti

Into the Heart of the Serengeti

  • After an early breakfast, travel through the Ngorongoro Highlands toward the Serengeti.

  • Your route and overnight location are adjusted according to the season, with Northern Serengeti/Kogatende or Ndutu/Southern Serengeti selected to follow the wildlife and migration.

  • Enjoy en-route game viewing before arriving at your camp.

  • Distance: Approx. 200-250 km to Northern Serengeti or 100-130 km to Ndutu

  • Drive: Approx. 5-7 hours to Northern Serengeti or 2.5-4 hours to Ndutu

  • Activities: En-route game drive

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Box & Dinner

  • Overnight: Tanzania Bush Camp - Kogatende or Ndutu

4
Day 04

Wildlife Viewing in Central Serengeti

Following Wildlife Through the Endless Plains

  • After breakfast, continue south toward Central Serengeti, enjoying an en-route game drive.

  • Explore the wildlife-rich Seronera area, known for its permanent water sources and excellent year-round wildlife viewing.

  • Continue with afternoon game viewing before arriving at your camp.

  • Distance: Approx. 90 km

  • Drive: Approx. 3-4 hours, excluding wildlife stops

  • Activities: En-route & afternoon game drive

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Box & Dinner

  • Overnight: Tanzania Bush Camp, Central Serengeti

5
Day 05

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

A Grand Finale in the Crater

  • Depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular game drive.

  • Explore the crater floor, home to an exceptional concentration of wildlife, with opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, and, with luck, the endangered black rhinoceros.

  • After the crater experience, continue to Arusha or the airport according to your departure schedule.

  • Crater Game Drive: Approx. 3-4 hours

  • Ngorongoro -> Arusha: Approx. 190-210 km

  • Drive: Approx. 4-5 hours after the crater

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Box

  • Safari Ends: Arusha / Airport

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arusha 4 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
  • 4 nights' accommodation as per itinerary
  • Park, conservation, and crater entry fees
  • Game drives as per itinerary
  • Packed lunch boxes as indicated
  • Meals as indicated
  • Drinking water/soft drinks throughout the safari
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Government taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Personal expenses and laundry
  • Optional activities
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions

What to bring

  • Comfortable clothing

  • Hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Comfortable shoes

  • Light jacket

  • Personal toiletries

  • Camera

Know before you go

  • Best time to travel: This safari can be enjoyed throughout the year, with wildlife viewing varying by season.

  • Safari style: Private safari with a dedicated safari vehicle and professional driver-guide.

  • Accommodation: Accommodation is provided in carefully selected mid-range lodges and camps, depending on availability.

  • Park fees: National park and conservation fees are included in the package unless otherwise stated.

  • Travel time: Some days involve several hours of driving between destinations. The journey is part of the safari experience, with opportunities for scenic views and wildlife sightings along the way.

  • Health: Travelers should consult their doctor or travel-health professional regarding recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention before traveling to Tanzania.

  • Weather: Weather conditions can vary, so carrying layers and a light rain jacket is recommended.

  • Flexibility: The exact accommodation may vary depending on availability, while maintaining the same standard and location requirements.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
At the airport or hotel
Tour start
Arusha
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

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Starting from

USD 1,300 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,500.00 — $1,800.00
Double Sharing $1,300.00 — $1,600.00

When

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