Tanzania · Safari

5-Day Tanzania Safari through Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Manyara

5 Days Round trip from Babati Rural Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Tarangire National Park for large elephant herds, baobab trees, and predators
02 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a Big Five safari with a picnic by the hippo pool
03 Experience a sunrise game drive in the Serengeti while looking for predators in action
04 Spot tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and hippos in Lake Manyara National Park

Embark on a 5-day safari through Tanzania, exploring Tarangire National Park for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, descending into the Ngorongoro Crater for a Big Five safari, and heading into the Serengeti for a sunrise game drive in search of predators in action. Along the way, enjoy picnic lunches inside the parks and relax in lodges and camps set in beautiful surroundings. The journey ends at Lake Manyara National Park, where you can spot tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and hippos before returning to Arusha.

The journey ends at Lake Manyara National Park, where you can spot tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and hippos before returning to Arusha.

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 Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Babati, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire National Park Safari

Breakfast at the lodge, then drive to Tarangire National Park (2-3 hours).
Enjoy a game drive to see large elephant herds, baobab trees, and predators.
Have a picnic lunch inside the park.
Continue with an afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River.

Overnight stay at a lodge/camp near Tarangire.

Day 02

Ngorongoro Crater Safari to Serengeti

Early breakfast and drive to Ngorongoro Crater (about 2 hours).
Descend into the crater for a Big Five safari.
Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool.
Continue with an afternoon drive to Serengeti National Park (3-4 hours).
Enjoy an evening game drive en route to the lodge/camp.

Overnight stay in central Serengeti.

Day 03

Sunrise Serengeti Safari to Karatu

Set out on a sunrise game drive in the Serengeti, looking for predators in action.
Have breakfast at the lodge/camp, followed by a mid-morning safari.
Drive back towards Karatu with wildlife spotting along the way.
Arrive in Karatu, a beautiful town near the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Relax and overnight at a lodge in Karatu.

Day 04

Lake Manyara Safari and Return to Arusha

Morning drive to Lake Manyara National Park.
Enjoy a game drive to spot tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and hippos.
Have a picnic lunch inside the park.
Drive back to Arusha in the afternoon (about 2 hours).
Transfer to the airport or your next destination.

Where this trip takes you

Tarangire National Park, baobab trees, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park sunrise

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

Pick-up and drop-off at the airport or hotel in Arusha
All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
Park entrance fees for all national parks in the itinerary
Full-board accommodation (lodges/camps) during the safari
Meals as per the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
Game drives as per the itinerary
Ngorongoro Crater descent fees
Government taxes and levies

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights
Visa fees for Tanzania
Travel insurance
Alcoholic and soft drinks (unless stated otherwise)
Personal expenses (laundry, tips, souvenirs, etc.)
Optional activities (e.g. Maasai village visit, balloon safari)

What to bring

Lightweight, breathable clothes (neutral colors like khaki, beige, or green)
Long-sleeved shirts & pants (for sun and insect protection)
Warm jacket/fleece for cool mornings and evenings
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection
Swimsuit (some lodges have pools)
Binoculars for better wildlife viewing
Camera with extra batteries & memory cards
Power bank or portable charger
Flashlight/headlamp
Small backpack for daily essentials
Insect repellent
Personal medications & first aid kit
Travel documents (passport, visa, travel insurance)
Reusable water bottle
Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
Guidebook or wildlife checklist
Notebook & pen for journaling your safari experiences
Snacks (if you have specific preferences)

Know before you go

Most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania. You can get one on arrival or apply online in advance.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if coming from a yellow fever zone.
Malaria is present, so bring mosquito repellent and consider anti-malarial medication.
Travel insurance is recommended for medical emergencies.
The local currency is Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but USD is widely accepted.
ATMs are available in major towns, but lodges and safari camps mostly accept cash or card payments.
Tipping is customary for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
The dry season (June - October) offers the best wildlife viewing.
The wet season (March - May) has lush landscapes and fewer crowds, but may bring rain.
Mornings and evenings can be chilly, so pack warm clothing.
Safaris involve long drives on bumpy roads, so prepare accordingly.
Wildlife is unpredictable; patience is key for great sightings.
Follow your guide's instructions and keep noise levels low during game drives.
Stay inside the vehicle unless instructed otherwise for safety.
Most lodges have limited Wi-Fi and mobile network coverage.
Electricity in remote camps may be solar-powered, with limited charging hours.
Tanzania uses Type D & G plugs (UK-style) - bring an adapter if needed.