Tanzania · Safari

5-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari with Maasai Village Visit

5 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore vast Serengeti savannahs on game drives in one of Africa's premier parks
02 Visit a Maasai village in the Ngorongoro Highlands and learn about local traditions
03 Descend 610 metres into the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari
04 Look out for endangered black rhino, giant tusked elephants, buffalo, zebra, and gazelles
05 Experience a safari that combines iconic wildlife viewing with Maasai cultural encounters

Embark on an adventure through Tanzania's landscapes and wildlife havens, beginning in Arusha before heading into the world-famous Serengeti National Park for thrilling game drives across vast savannahs. Along the way, enjoy a cultural encounter with a Maasai village in the Ngorongoro Highlands and learn about the beliefs and traditions of Tanzania's last nomadic tribe. Your journey continues to the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater, where remarkable wildlife viewing unfolds in one of Africa's most extraordinary natural settings. This 5-day safari blends iconic game viewing with meaningful cultural insight in northern Tanzania.

Upon arrival at the crater rim, you will descend 610 meters into the crater, where your safari truly begins.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Leisure Time

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a Benson Safaris Tanzania transfer driver, who will transfer you to your hotel. You will then spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Rest in your room, relax in the manicured gardens, enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, or explore Arusha and the surrounding areas on one of our day tours. The choice is yours.

Overnight - Tumbili Lodge, Arusha

Day 02

Drive to Serengeti via Ngorongoro and Maasai Village

After breakfast, you will drive to Serengeti National Park, one of Africa's premier game parks.
Driving through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward Serengeti National Park, you will begin to experience the vastness of this territory and marvel at the multitude of animal and bird life while cruising through this acacia-spotted savannah.
You will visit a Maasai village in the Ngorongoro Highlands (optional), where you will meet the Elders, Warriors, women, and children and learn about the culture, beliefs, and traditions of Tanzania's last nomadic tribe.
You will enjoy a game drive en route before arriving in the Serengeti in time for a half-day game drive.

Overnight - Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, Serengeti National Park

Day 03

Full-Day Game Drive in the Serengeti

Today, you will venture deeper into the world-famous Serengeti on a full-day game drive.

Overnight - Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, Serengeti National Park

Day 04

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

Today, you will be rewarded with a full-day game drive in the stunning Ngorongoro Crater. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and is one of the only places on earth where mankind and wild animals coexist in harmony.
Upon arrival at the crater rim, you will descend 610 meters into the crater, where your safari truly begins.
Spot the endangered black rhino, wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, eland, Grant's and Thomson's gazelle, and, of course, giant tusked elephants.
You will return to Arusha for your final evening in the late afternoon.

Overnight - Tumbili Lodge, Arusha

Day 05

Departure Transfer from Arusha

Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Where this trip takes you

Serengeti National Park, acacia-spotted savannah, Ngorongoro Crater, Maasai village in the Ngorongoro Highlands

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd 3 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Arrival and transfer from Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport to the hotel
English-speaking driver guide (other languages available upon request)
Custom-built, extended, open-roof 4WD safari Land Cruiser with fridge and inverter
Accommodation as specified
Meals as specified (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
Drinks during game drives (1 bottle of water and two sodas per person per safari day; drinks can be substituted to suit your preferences)
Drinks at Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge (bottled water, soda, house wines, local beers, and local spirits)
Unlimited game drives, including park and vehicle entry fees
Maasai village visit
Departure transfer from the hotel to Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport
All current government fees and taxes

What's Not Included

Drinks at hotels, lodges, and tented camps unless otherwise specified
Tips (tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of any African safari)

What to bring

What to Wear:

Layers: Dress in layers for chilly mornings and evenings. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton are ideal for warm weather.
Footwear: Wear durable, closed-toe shoes suitable for rugged terrain and walking safaris.
Protection: Shield yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses. Apply high-SPF sunscreen regularly and use insect repellent to deter mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Evening: Bring extra layers for warmth and mosquito protection during evening activities. Smart-casual attire is typically suitable for dinner.
Swimming: Pack a swimsuit if you plan to use lodge pools or encounter opportunities for swimming.
Jacket: Bring a lightweight jacket or poncho for unexpected rain showers and a scarf or shawl for cooler mornings or evenings. With these clothing tips, you'll be well prepared for a comfortable and enjoyable safari experience in Tanzania.

Know before you go

Insect repellent and clothing treated with permethrin are recommended to enhance protection against insects during your safari.
When packing for your safari, prioritize versatility to accommodate changing weather and varied activities, ensuring comfort and protection throughout your adventure.

Restroom Breaks:

Flexible stops will be arranged during travel between lodges or parks as needed.
It is advisable to carry toilet paper, as not all facilities provide it, especially in remote areas like Maasai villages or park picnic sites.
Some facilities, such as a hole in the ground, may be basic, so be prepared.
Lodge and tented camp facilities meet international standards.
A Maasai village visit is optional.

Road Conditions:

Road conditions vary, with poor conditions in some areas.
Paved roads often have potholes, and dirt roads are affected by environmental conditions.
Off-road driving is prohibited in most parks.

Wildlife Viewing Etiquette:

While on drives, the tops of vehicles will be raised, allowing passengers to stand up if desired.
Standing up in an open vehicle while it is moving is permitted but can be dangerous; do so at your own risk.
Avoid sitting on top of the vehicle.
Be cautious of trees, branches, and bumps in the road.
Exercise caution when entering or leaving the vehicle and when standing up.
Exiting the vehicle during a drive is only allowed for emergencies or designated locations.
Maintain quiet while observing wildlife to avoid disturbing them.

Adhering to these guidelines can enhance your safari experience while respecting the environment and wildlife around you.

Fun Facts:

The Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a year-round destination, and each season has its own special highlight, the most famous of which is the annual wildebeest migration, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Ngorongoro Crater is famous for Africa's best game viewing, as there is an ever-present abundance of wildlife due to the permanent water supply on the crater floor.
The crater also has the largest known population of lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as scavengers such as spotted hyenas, jackals, and rare wild dogs. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including white pelicans and flamingos.

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