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The journey
Embark on a 5-day safari through Tanzania's breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, from Tarangire National Park's elephant-rich plains and ancient baobab trees to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for rare black rhinos and exceptional game viewing. Continue to Lake Manyara National Park, where tree-climbing lions, pink-hued flamingos, and more than 400 bird species create an unforgettable finale. With full-day game drives, luxury accommodation, and private transport, this journey offers a rewarding introduction to some of northern Tanzania's most iconic parks.
Book this 5-day Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Manyara & Maasai Village with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a licensed Tanzania tour operator based in Arusha since 2017. Every itinerary can be tailor-made to your travel dates, budget and interests, and combined with Serengeti and Ngorongoro safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs or Zanzibar beach stays.
At a glance
Day by day
The route
The fine print
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
International flights
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Tips (tipping guideline: USD 10–15 per person per day for your guide)
Luggage
Choose a duffel bag or soft-sided bag. Ideally, the fabric should be hardy and waterproof, and the bag should be lockable. Put anything of value in a separate day pack, such as a backpack. Anything of real sentimental or monetary value should ideally be left at home.
Clothes
Pack for hot days and cool nights. Tanzania can be hot and dusty by day, but it is often cool and crisp by night. Layers are ideal for safari days. Pack clothing that can keep you cool but protect you from the sun and biting insects. Choose mid-tone colours and avoid white or bright colours that may distract the animals, as well as dark colours like black and blue, as these can attract tsetse flies. The best colours are the safari classics: olive, green, and khaki. For evenings at lodges, you can stay in your casual gear, as even the luxury lodges do not expect smart wear out in the bush. Check the temperature before you travel to make sure you have clothing that is warm enough for the season. It is always a good idea to bring a waterproof coat, whatever the season.
Shoes
As you want to be careful not to over-pack, you need to think carefully about what shoes to take. As long as you are not going on a safari that requires a lot of walking, you will be fine with some light hiking boots and some sports sandals. Sandals are also great for walking around the camp at night. You may also like to take flip-flops for the showers.
Sun Protection
The African sun can be brutal, so be sure to bring a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. You'll also need a hat that shades your face and covers your ears and neck so you have maximum sun protection. Of course, take plenty of high-protection sun cream and lip salve.
First Aid
This is a suggested list of first aid supplies:
Antiseptic ointment
Antihistamine cream & tablets
Nurofen or equivalent painkiller
Eye-drops
Anti-diarrhoea treatment
A couple of bandages
Medication for personal allergies/asthma, etc.
Insect repellent containing Deet
Rehydration sachets/vitamin tablets
Assorted plasters
Photography & Electrical Equipment
We recommend you bring:
A strong bag/carry case to protect the camera - zip-lock/plastic bags are useful for dusty/sandy conditions
Spare/extra batteries
Memory/storage media (2 x memory cards in case one gets corrupted)
Binoculars - these will be essential when you are out spotting wildlife
Photography Etiquette
It is forbidden in Tanzania to take photos of anything military. Bridges, border posts, and airports are also sensitive, so be careful or be prepared to have your film/camera confiscated. Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people - it is always better to ask first before you snap away!
Electrical Charging & Power Supply
All our safari vehicles have power/charging points. Please bring travel adaptors to ensure they are suitable for your appliances/devices.
Phones / Wi-Fi
Most lodges and tented camps have Wi-Fi.
Some campsites have Wi-Fi, but this should not be relied upon.
The signal strength is variable.
It is possible to buy a SIM card with data that can be used. If you want to use it on your phone, you will need to make sure it is unlocked.
You can also buy a fairly cheap phone in Tanzania for this purpose.
There are Vodacom and Airtel shops in Arusha that will be able to help and advise with this.
Security
All towns and cities have their share of petty crime, and sensible precautions need to be taken. Wearing expensive-looking jewellery/watches and carrying cameras will draw unnecessary attention. You may find a simple money belt is more discreet than a bag.
Always be aware of your surroundings and, when approached by people you do not know, be very careful. At night in towns, it's best to use a taxi rather than walk around the streets. Single women in particular need to be careful, and we suggest that it is safer to be in a group.
Your safety on safari: Our 4x4 Land Cruisers are checked and serviced before every trip, every vehicle carries a first aid kit, and our guides are first-aid trained. Guides carry radios to stay in contact where there is no internet, including with park rangers, and you can reach our Arusha office at any time by WhatsApp or phone call.
Arrival in Tanzania & Accommodation
You will be collected from the airport by a Serengeti Wildlife Safaris representative and taken to your accommodation in Arusha for a night's stay.
We are happy to book accommodation before and after your safari if needed.
On Arrival
Flying into Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airports is quite straightforward - English is widely spoken and used for signs and directions.
Arusha Airport is a 30-minute drive from Arusha.
Kilimanjaro Airport is roughly a one-hour drive from Arusha. If you are arriving in Kilimanjaro on an international flight, clearing immigration can be a lengthy process.
Money
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling. US dollars and euros are widely accepted. Most places will not accept older US dollar bills (anything printed before 2006).
Credit Cards
If you intend to use your credit or debit card to withdraw funds, we suggest taking more than one card with you, as you may find that your card is not accepted at the first ATM you try. Visa and Maestro cards are best.
We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked.
ATMs
These are available in Arusha and allow you to withdraw local currency.
Flight Information
We advise that you arrive in Arusha at least 1 day before your trip begins. Return flights can be booked for the late afternoon or evening of the final day of your safari, but please ensure your guide is aware of this so that you can arrive at the airport in plenty of time for your flight.
Visa & Passports
Please check with the relevant embassy in your country for up-to-date visa and passport information. Make sure your passport is not going to expire within six months of your trip (i.e., if your trip is in September, make sure your passport is valid until at least March of the following year) and that it has at least 3 clear pages.
You will probably need a visa to enter Tanzania. Check with your own country's government travel website to find out how to get your visa. Most visas can be bought on arrival into the country.
Vaccinations & Health
You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. However, the following vaccinations are normally recommended for Tanzania:
Tetanus
Polio
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Rabies
Yellow Fever
Malaria
Yellow Fever is compulsory when you are entering Tanzania from a country that has Yellow Fever. Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. If you are entering Tanzania from a country that does not have Yellow Fever, vaccination is not needed. Please visit the World Health Organization website for an up-to-date list.
Malaria: In some of the areas we visit, there is a risk of contracting malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria tablets you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your physical efforts against being bitten, which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset, so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them.
Accommodation before and after your safari can be arranged if needed.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you have extensive travel insurance to cover you for your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safekeeping. Your policy should include adequate medical emergency and repatriation coverage.
Tipping
There is a well-established culture of tipping in Tanzania. Guides: if you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is USD 10-15 per person, per day. The guides work extremely long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.
Tipping in accommodation is also discretionary. Most accommodation will have a tip box in reception. We recommend putting something in at the end of your stay, rather than giving individuals money. Depending on the level of service, we recommend $10 per day (for a group of 2).
Climate
In Tanzania, the year is loosely divided into the 'short' rains (November) and the 'long' rains (March to May). The 'rains' usually last for one or two hours each day, followed by hot sunny weather. Nights can be surprisingly cold at higher altitudes, e.g. Ngorongoro Crater.
Logistics
Your 5 days finish where they began, in Kilimanjaro Airport Rd.
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