Tanzania · Safari

5-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari with Serengeti and Ngorongoro

5 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore lively Arusha through its streets, local food, markets, and museums
02 Look for big cats in the Central Serengeti's savannah grasslands and acacia-dotted plains
03 Enjoy an early morning game drive with soft light ideal for wildlife photography
04 Descend into Ngorongoro Crater to see hyenas, black rhinos, elephants, and lions

Embark on a 5-day Tanzania safari through Arusha, the Central Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Explore lively Arusha before heading into some of northern Tanzania's most iconic wildlife areas, where savannah grasslands, acacia trees, and dramatic crater landscapes set the scene for unforgettable game viewing. Look out for big cats in the Serengeti, enjoy an early morning game drive and bush breakfast, and descend into Ngorongoro Crater to search for hyenas, black rhinos, elephants, and lions. This journey combines beautiful landscapes, rich wildlife, and classic safari experiences in one memorable adventure.

From early morning, mist rises from the crater, revealing steep, forested walls, secret waterways where hippos wallow, and a world of abundant wildlife hidden away from the rest of the world.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and Transfer to Arusha

This is where your planning becomes a reality: your 5-day Amazing Tanzania Tour starts now. Tanzania is a wonderful country when it comes to wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
After we greet you and answer any questions you might have, we'll take great pleasure in showing you exactly what we mean.
Arusha is a fun city to explore, offering a fascinating urban complement to the thrills of northern Tanzania's safari parks.
Here, you'll experience lively streets, tasty local food, and busy markets and museums. More than anything else, it offers a window into life in a provincial Tanzanian city.

Accommodation

Dinner and overnight at Gran Melia Arusha.

Day 02

Journey from Arusha to the Central Serengeti

There is nowhere in Tanzania where you have a better chance of seeing big cats than in the Central Serengeti.
You'll also see many other animals as you explore the savannah grasslands and silhouetted acacia trees with us. This is the Serengeti's heartland, and it is the most popular area of the park for very good reason.
Elephants and baobabs will probably be your highlights when you visit Tarangire, but sightings of lions are also possible, as are wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, baboons, vervet monkeys, and zebras.

Dinner and overnight at Farm of Dreams Lodge.

Day 03

Guided Game Drive in the Central Serengeti

Return to the Central Serengeti to further explore this impressive place. Enjoy your 5-day Amazing Tanzania Tour and all the incredible wildlife possibilities on a guided game drive through the Central Serengeti.

Dinner and overnight at Shuhudia Adventure Camp.

Day 04

Early Morning Game Drive and Bush Breakfast

Put on some warm clothes and enjoy an early morning game drive.
This is the perfect time to experience the wildlife and the landscapes they inhabit. The light is soft and warm - perfect for photography - and most animals are out and about and active.
If you're not an early riser, you'll want to make an exception here.
Join us for one of the most memorable meals you can imagine when we take you out for a bush breakfast.
It's perfectly safe, but you'll feel the thrill of being out in the wild. We also choose the location carefully to make sure you have a lovely view.

Dinner and overnight at Shuhudia Adventure Camp.

Day 05

Ngorongoro Crater Safari Experience

Ngorongoro is a special place, and the first time you descend onto the crater floor is unlike any other safari experience in Africa. This is a world unto itself, where you'll encounter the crater's 600-strong population of hyenas, as well as critically endangered black rhinos.
You'll also find elephants with larger-than-average tusks and more than 50 lions living in the crater. But it's the sheer beauty of Ngorongoro that will most likely live longest in your memory.
From early morning, mist rises from the crater, revealing steep, forested walls, secret waterways where hippos wallow, and a world of abundant wildlife hidden away from the rest of the world.
Your Tanzanian safari draws to a close, and we're sure that you will have enjoyed it as much as we have.

Where this trip takes you

Arusha streets, Central Serengeti savannah, Ngorongoro Crater floor

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd 4 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation (lodges, tented camps, or hotels)
All park entrance fees and government taxes
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing
Game drives in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti
Meals (full board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the safari
Drinking water during game drives
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Emergency evacuation insurance

What's Not Included

International flights to/from Tanzania
Travel insurance (other than emergency evacuation)
Tips for the guide/driver
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Optional activities (e.g. hot-air balloon rides)
Visa fees (if applicable)

What to bring

Clothing:

Lightweight, breathable clothes: Neutral-colored clothes (khaki, brown, beige) to blend with the surroundings and avoid attracting insects.
Layers: Light clothing for daytime, with a warm jacket or fleece for cooler mornings and evenings.
Comfortable shoes: Sturdy walking shoes for safaris and casual shoes for evening wear.
Hat and sunglasses: Protection from the sun.
Swimwear: If your lodge has a pool.

Safari Essentials:

Binoculars: For spotting wildlife from a distance.
Camera: Bring extra memory cards and batteries.
Sunblock: High SPF, as sun exposure can be intense.
Insect repellent: For protection against mosquitoes.
Daypack: For carrying personal items on game drives.
Water bottle: To stay hydrated during the safari.
Flashlight or headlamp: For evening use at camps.

Health & Safety:

Personal medications: Bring any prescription medications in sufficient quantities.
Malaria prophylaxis: Consult your doctor for any recommended vaccinations or malaria prevention.
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: For hygiene on the go.

Documents & Extras:

Passport: Valid for at least six months from your travel date.
Travel insurance: Bring a copy of your policy, including coverage for medical emergencies.
Visa: If required, check before travel.
Credit cards and small cash: For tips or personal expenses.

Optional:

Power bank: For charging devices on long drives.

Know before you go

Health & Safety:

Vaccinations & Health Requirements: Make sure you're up to date on routine vaccinations, such as hepatitis A, B, and typhoid, and consider taking malaria prophylaxis. Consult your doctor. It's also a good idea to bring a basic first-aid kit with you.
Yellow Fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you're arriving from a country where yellow fever is present.
Travel Insurance: Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including evacuation.

Visa Requirements:

Visa: Most travelers will need a visa to enter Tanzania. You can obtain one on arrival or apply online via the Tanzanian Immigration website. Always check the latest requirements based on your nationality.
Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

Currency & Payments:

Currency: The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency. However, U.S. dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, so it's worth carrying some. Make sure to bring newer (post-2006) bills, as older ones might not be accepted.
ATMs: These are available in cities like Arusha, but are less common in remote areas, so carry cash when travelling to national parks.
Tipping: It's customary to tip your guide, driver, and lodge staff. Typically, guides are tipped $10-$20 per day, and drivers $5-$10 per day.

Weather & Packing:

Weather: Tanzania has a tropical climate with a dry season (June-October) and a rainy season (March-May). The dry season is best for wildlife viewing, as animals tend to gather around water sources.
Clothing: Bring neutral-colored clothes, light layers for the day, and something warmer for the cooler mornings and evenings. Don't forget a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.

Wildlife Etiquette:

Respect Wildlife: While you'll be getting close to wildlife, always maintain a safe distance. Follow your guide's instructions for safe interactions and never feed animals.
Noise: Keep noise to a minimum during game drives. This ensures the animals remain undisturbed and you can experience them in their natural habitat.

Time Zone & Electrical Voltage:

Time Zone: Tanzania is in East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC +3. There is no daylight saving time.
Voltage: The electrical voltage is 230V, with type D and G plugs (3 rectangular pins). If you're coming from a country with a different plug type, you'll need an adapter.

Communication & Connectivity:

SIM Cards: You can buy a local SIM card at the airport or in towns like Arusha. However, be aware that service may be limited in remote areas such as national parks.
Internet: Many lodges have Wi-Fi, but it can be slow or unavailable in some areas. If you need to stay connected, plan ahead.

Respecting Local Culture:

Dress Modestly: While Tanzania is a tourist destination, it's still important to dress modestly, especially in more rural or conservative areas.
Language: Swahili is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Local Customs: Tanzanians are friendly and welcoming. A simple "Jambo" (hello) in Swahili will always be appreciated.

Conservation and Responsible Tourism:

Leave No Trace: Always take your trash with you and avoid disrupting the environment. Stick to designated paths during game drives.
Wildlife Conservation: Many of the parks are part of significant conservation efforts. Your visit contributes to the preservation of these unique ecosystems and species.

Safeguard Your Belongings:

Security: While Tanzania is relatively safe for tourists, always keep an eye on your belongings. Use hotel safes to store valuables and avoid carrying large sums of money.

Logistics