Tanzania · Safari

6-Day Tanzania Safari through Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire

6 Days Round trip from Babati Rural Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Tarangire National Park, known for some of Africa's largest elephant herds
02 Experience game drives across the endless plains of Serengeti National Park
03 Visit the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Conservation Area and crater floor
04 See the Seronera River and the Gurumet River, home of crocodiles
05 Learn about nearby Masai villages called Boma

Embark on this Tanzanian Northern Circuit safari through Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. Look out for some of Africa's largest elephant herds in Tarangire, explore the endless plains of the Serengeti and the wildlife-rich Seronera River, and descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater to spot wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and more. The journey also includes Lake Manyara and opportunities to learn about nearby Masai villages called Boma.

Embark on this Tanzanian Northern Circuit safari through Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 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, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Tarangire Game Drive and Elephant Herds

Leave Moshi early in the morning and drive to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game-viewing experience until the afternoon, with a picnic lunch en route. Enjoy wildlife sightings, including big groups of elephants, lions, zebras, baobab trees, and much more. Then drive to your camp or lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Game viewing drives = PM

Other activities (additional cost) = Visit to Masai Village*

Non-game-viewing travel time = 2½ hours

Day 02

Drive to Serengeti via Seronera River

After breakfast, drive to Serengeti with game viewing en route until sunset. Enjoy wildlife at the Seronera River and a fantastic view, then continue to your camp or lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Game viewing drives = PM

Other activities (additional cost) = NIL

Non-game-viewing travel time = 6 hours

Day 03

Full-Day Safari to the Western Corridor and Gurumet River

After breakfast, spend the whole day on a game drive up to the western corridor. Enjoy the endless plains of the Serengeti and visit the Gurumet River, home to crocodiles, before returning to your camp or lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Game viewing drives = Full day

Other activities (additional cost) = Hot air balloon*

Non-game-viewing travel time = NIL

Day 04

Early Seronera Wildlife Viewing and Transfer to Ngorongoro

An early morning game drive at the Seronera River is the best time to watch wildlife active during the night. Then drive to camp for brunch breakfast, continue with another game drive, and later drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for dinner and the night at your lodge or campsite.

Game viewing drives = PM

Other activities (additional cost) = Hike to crater rim* or visit Masai village*

Non-game-viewing travel time = 4 hours

Day 05

Ngorongoro Crater Floor Safari

After driving down to the Ngorongoro Crater floor, enjoy a full day of game viewing until later in the afternoon. Then drive to your camp or lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Game viewing drives = PM

Other activities (additional cost) = NIL

Non-game-viewing travel time = 3½ hours

Day 06

Lake Manyara Game Drive and Return to Moshi

After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara for a full-day game drive until late afternoon, then drive back to Moshi.

Game viewing drives = Early AM

Other activities (additional cost) = Visit to Masai Village*

Non-game-viewing travel time = 2 hours

Where this trip takes you

Tarangire National Park elephant herds, Serengeti National Park plains, Seronera River, Ngorongoro Crater

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Babati Rural 7 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport for safari: Toyota Land Cruiser with 4WD pop-up roof, fridge, charging sockets, and WiFi on board
National Park fees & government taxes
Driver guide & assistant
English-speaking professional guide
Camping gear
Camping/lodging fees
Salary for driver and cook
Three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and mineral water) containing an appetizer, main dish, and dessert. Also known as a three-course meal or a standard-course meal. We also provide vegetarian meals on special request.
1.5 L of mineral drinking water
Tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and eating utensils

What's Not Included

Tips for driver and cook
Extra activities like visiting Maasai village, etc.
Extra personal needs like alcohol, cigarettes, etc.
Concession fee if lodging
Tips are not included for the driver ($25-$30/day) and assistant/chef ($25/day). Obligatory.
All accommodations during the safari are included in your booking; however, accommodations before and after the safari are excluded. Extra nights in Moshi can be booked if necessary.

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! 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.
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 to offer a laundry service due to the mobile nature. 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 that you feel comfortable in - especially regarding your walking or 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 and 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 colours are more suitable for safari; white and/or bright colours are impractical as they tend to stand out - not advisable on a walking safari. Cotton clothing is recommended, although the newer synthetic safari clothing lines are quick-drying and highly 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 severe cold weather gear, which will help with the luggage limit.
Phone, music, tablet, or laptop
You must pack your phone, music, tablet, or laptop for your safari, along with their respective chargers and country-specific adaptor plugs.
Preventative pharmaceuticals
This is just a fancy way of saying 'meds' - stuff you need, just in case the worst happens: diarrhoea, headaches, heartburn, insect repellent, hand sanitiser, bites (antihistamine), indigestion, sore throat (lozenges), eye drops, and most important - anti-malarial tablets (I DO NOT RECOMMEND).
Odds & ends
A good torch (flashlight) is a must. It can be pitch black in the bush or 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 exciting book when travelling. You never know when you will 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 on safari that the only way to maintain a good record will be to write it down. It does require discipline but will serve as an invaluable record of your safari adventure.
Hand luggage
Firstly, 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. That one item should be of a size acceptable as airline carry-on luggage.
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.
Remember 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 humour, 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 colouring. 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, which could result in you being questioned or harassed by the police. It can potentially cause you grief, so don't do it.
Do not take any expensive personal jewellery on safari. Be minimalist or take only those everyday items you usually wear, like your wedding band and inexpensive earrings.
About 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 around your suitcase can also deter this, whilst shrink-wrapping facilities are available at some airports.
No short skirts - especially Zanzibar!!!!