Tanzania · Safari

5-Day Tanzania Safari to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro

5 Days Round trip from Babati Rural Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Witness big groups of elephants, lions, zebra, and ancient baobab trees in Tarangire National Park
02 Enjoy sunset and early sunrise game drives in the Serengeti's wildlife-rich Seronera area
03 Spend a full day on the endless plains of the western corridor at Gurumeti River, home of crocodiles and plenty of other wildlife
04 Explore the Ngorongoro crater floor on a full-day game drive with abundant wildlife viewing
05 Optional extra activities include a Maasai village visit and a hot air balloon experience

Explore Tanzania's iconic northern safari circuit across Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Encounter big groups of elephants, lions, zebra, and ancient baobab trees in Tarangire, then continue to the endless plains of the Serengeti for game drives in Seronera and the western corridor at Gurumeti River. Conclude with full-day wildlife viewing on the Ngorongoro crater floor, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Along the way, enjoy picnic lunches en route and opportunities for additional activities such as a Maasai village visit or hot air balloon ride.

Conclude with full-day wildlife viewing on the Ngorongoro crater floor, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Moshi, Babati, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Tarangire Game Drive Among Elephants and Baobabs

Leave Moshi early in the morning and drive to Tarangire National Park for full-day game viewing until the afternoon, with a picnic lunch en route. Enjoy wildlife including big groups of elephants, lions, zebra, baobab trees, and much more. Dinner and overnight at camp/lodge.

Game viewing drives = PM

Other Activities (Additional Cost) = Visit Maasai Village*

Non-Game viewing travel time = 2.5 hours

Luxury Lodge = Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Day 02

Drive to Serengeti and Sunset at Seronera River

After breakfast, drive to the Serengeti with game viewing en route, and enjoy a sunset game drive at Seronera River. After that, drive to camp/lodge for dinner and overnight.

Game viewing drives = PM

Other Activities (Additional Cost) = NIL

Non-Game viewing travel time = 6 hours

Luxury Lodges = Serengeti Serena Lodge

Day 03

Full-Day Safari on the Gurumeti River Plains

After breakfast, spend a whole day game viewing and enjoy the endless plains towards the western corridor at Gurumeti River, home of crocodiles and plenty of other wildlife. After that, drive to camp/lodge for dinner and overnight.

Game viewing drives = AM/PM

Other Activities (Additional Cost) = Hot Air Balloon*

Non-Game viewing travel time = NIL

Luxury Lodges = Serengeti Serena Lodge

Day 04

Sunrise Safari in Serengeti and Transfer to Ngorongoro

Enjoy an early sunrise game drive in the Serengeti Seronera area, where you can see plenty of wildlife taking advantage of the cooler temperatures of the early morning and experience predators hunting prey, among much more. After that, drive back to the camp for a full breakfast, then continue with a game drive with a picnic lunch box en route until the afternoon. Afterwards, drive to camp/lodge for dinner and overnight.

Game viewing drives = PM

Other Activities (Additional Cost) = Hot Air Balloon*

Non-Game viewing travel time = 4 hours

Luxury Lodge = Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Day 05

Ngorongoro Crater Floor Wildlife Viewing

After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro crater floor for full-day game viewing and enjoy plenty of wildlife in the crater with a picnic lunch en route. After that, drive back to Moshi.

Game viewing drives = Hike to crater rim/Maasai Village*

Other Activities (Additional Cost) = Crafts Market*

Non-Game viewing travel time = 4 hours

Luxury Lodge = NIL

Where this trip takes you

Tarangire National Park, Seronera River at sunset, Gurumeti River plains, Ngorongoro crater floor

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Babati Rural 6 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

National Park fees & government taxes
English-speaking professional driver and guide
Camping gear
Salary for driver and cook
Three meals a day
1.5L of mineral drinking water
Tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and eating utensils

What's Not Included

Tips for the driver and cook
Extra activities like visiting a Maasai village, etc.
Extra personal needs like alcohol, cigarettes, etc.
Concession fee if lodging
Tips not included for driver ($25-$30/day) and assistant/chef ($25/day) - obligatory
Camping/lodging fees

What to bring

Passport, itinerary, travel insurance documents, and eTickets
It seems obvious, but we would be remiss if we didn't put this at the top of the list of what you must pack for your safari.
Prescription medications
Remember to put your prescription medications in your hand luggage (in case your check-in bag goes astray... it happens!) and make sure you have enough of each type to last your entire safari.
Prescription glasses (sunglasses, hat, sunblock, insect repellent et al.)
If you wear prescription glasses, pack more than one set in case you lose one or they get broken. You will be outdoors for much of the time, so be prepared. Pack a hat, sunblock, long sleeves, and lip balm. Make sure you have insect repellent, as there are tsetse flies in Tarangire National Park!
Camera, video, and binoculars
While most people will remember to take their camera and/or video (or will use their mobile phone), not everyone thinks they need binoculars.
Binoculars are essential for optimum wildlife viewing on safari, and a good pair of binoculars will make a big difference to your safari. We strongly recommend a pair of binoculars on safari. Get the most expensive you can afford (at least 8x or 10x magnification). I will also provide a pair from my store.
Africa is a photographer's dream. Not only does the boundless wildlife come in all shapes and sizes, but the continent is also blessed with stunning landscapes, colourful people, and fabulous light. Don't miss out. Buy a camera if you don't already have one.
Clothes and toiletries
Of course, you're not going to forget clothes! But are you taking the right clothes, and are you within those weight restrictions your travel agent told you about for those light aircraft flights?
Most international airlines restrict your check-in luggage to around 20 to 30 kgs (55 lbs). However, if your safari itinerary includes light aircraft flights, this can mean as little as 12 to 15 kgs, sometimes including your hand luggage.
Don't panic! Remember, a same-day laundry service is usually available in most safari camps and lodges. This means you do not need a change of clothes for each day you are on safari. The exception will be for mobile tented safaris, where it is often difficult, due to the mobile nature, to offer a laundry service. It may also be possible to leave a bag with the charter company, or person meeting you, for the duration of the safari portion. When in doubt, ask us please!
Casual but comfortable
Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year when on safari. Whilst you may elect to start a completely new safari 'wardrobe', it is unnecessary to look like an extra on the set of Out of Africa! Apart from selecting reasonably neutral or 'non-bright' coloured clothing, safari wear is generally casual and practical. Be sure you take clothes you feel comfortable in, especially regarding your walking/hiking boots. The newer quick-drying fabrics, shirts with ventilation, and trousers that convert into shorts are all worth considering.
Layering is key
Wearing clothes in layers is the most practical way to cope with fluctuating day/night temperatures and cool evenings whilst on safari. As the day warms up, you can peel off another layer. Then you can put them back on as it begins to cool toward evening. Here are the 'must-haves' to pack for your safari:
- T-shirt, shirt, or blouse - long sleeves and collars help to protect from the sun and mosquitoes
- Fleece or warm jacket
- A pair of safari trousers - those that zip off at the knees are convenient, too
- Comfortable walking shoes (or boots) and socks
- Hat
- Bandanna or cotton scarf and a sarong (kanga, pareo, kikoi)
- Maybe a pair of open sports sandals for general daytime use in warmer months
- Swimsuit - several lodges and camps have swimming pools
- An elegantly casual outfit for dinner at the more brilliant hotels
- A light, compact raincoat if it is likely you will encounter rain
- Slippers or sandals
- And, of course, your undergarments
Dull and/or neutral colors are more suitable for safari. White and/or bright colours are not practical, as they tend to stand out - definitely not advisable on a walking safari. Cotton clothing is recommended, although the newer synthetic safari clothing lines are quick-drying and extremely comfortable.
Check the weather
Ask your travel agent (or check online) and find out what the weather will be like where you are going. You may not need any serious cold weather gear at all, and that will really help with the luggage limit!
6. Phone, music, tablet, or laptop
What you must pack for your safari are your phone, music, tablet, or laptop - and their respective chargers and country-specific adaptor plugs. Our vehicle has UK style sockets, and we use 220-240 volts.
Preventative pharmaceuticals
This is just a fancy way of saying 'meds' - stuff you need, just in case the worst happens: diarrhea, headaches, heartburn, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, bites (antihistamine), indigestion, sore throat (lozenges), eye drops, and most important - anti-malarial tablets (personally I do not recommend).
Odds & ends
A good torch (flashlight) is a must. It can be pitch black in the bush or in your tent in the middle of the night. A rechargeable torch is ideal, but a small battery-powered torch is sufficient. The new LED miner's lights that fit on your head (and leave your hands free) are also a good option. A smaller (pencil) torch for emergencies or looking at star maps is also worth considering. Most camps will provide a torch, or will walk you back to your tent as required, but being self-sufficient is always a good idea.
A good book. It never hurts to have an interesting book when travelling. You never know when you are going to be delayed at the airport or fall victim to Africa time!
A travel diary or journal is something we recommend. You will see and experience so much in such a short period of time on safari that the only way to maintain a good record of it will be to write it down. It does require discipline, but will serve as an invaluable record of your safari adventure.
Hand luggage
Firstly, try to restrict your hand luggage to one item only, if for no other reason than more than one item makes travel that much harder. And yes, a handbag qualifies as a second item! Obviously, that one item should be of a size that is acceptable as carry-on luggage by the airlines.
If you are a photographer, then this will mean you must have sufficient space in your camera bag for travel documents, your prescription medication and/or glasses, binoculars, and even a change of clothes.
Bear in mind that restrictions on what can and cannot be taken on board an aircraft are still in place, including for liquids, flammables, and sharp objects. The rules change frequently, so please double-check and take heed.
Finally, don't forget your sense of humor, patience, and some common sense!
A word (or two) of warning:
It is not advisable to wear any form of clothing that may be construed as "camouflage". By this we mean any form of brown/green "combat" style coloring. Even if it is the latest fashion statement - and even if it is your 14-year-old wearing it - and even if it is just a cap. Many African authorities have a disproportionate phobia about such garments, and this could conceivably result in you being questioned or harassed by the police. It has the potential to cause you grief, so don't do it.
Do not take any expensive personal jewelry on safari. Be minimalist, or take only those everyday items that you normally wear, like your wedding band or inexpensive earrings.
With regard to securing your luggage, we would strongly suggest using one or more combination locks to secure zips together if your suitcase does not have its own locking mechanism. Luggage tampering in airports does occur, unfortunately. Luggage straps that wrap around your suitcase can also deter, whilst shrink-wrapping facilities are available at some airports.
No short skirts - especially Zanzibar!!!!