Tanzania · Safari

5-Day Tanzania Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire

5 Days Round trip from Babati Rural Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Tarangire National Park's vast elephant herds and iconic baobab trees
  • 02 Experience a magical sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti Plains
  • 03 Descend into Ngorongoro Crater to witness the Big Five and pink flamingos
  • 04 Enjoy a game drive in the wildlife-rich Serengeti Seronera area

Embark on a 5-day unforgettable Tanzania safari adventure through Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti Plains, and Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy thrilling game drives as you spot majestic elephants, predators, and other wildlife across some of Tanzania's most breathtaking landscapes. The journey also includes the rich history of Olduvai Gorge and the remarkable wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater, home to lions, flamingos, elephants, and more. An optional hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti adds a once-in-a-lifetime perspective to this safari experience.

Embark on a 5-day unforgettable Tanzania safari adventure through Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti Plains, and Ngorongoro Crater.

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, Moshi, Babati, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arusha or Moshi to Tarangire National Park Safari

  • Pick up from Arusha or Moshi after breakfast and drive to Tarangire National Park.
  • Enjoy a game drive in Tarangire. The park is known for its dense concentration of elephants and iconic baobab trees, and it offers excellent wildlife sightings along the Tarangire River and swamps, which attract a variety of animals during the dry season.

Dinner and overnight at your preferred accommodation near Tarangire National Park.

2
Day 02

Journey to Serengeti via Karatu and Ngorongoro

  • Breakfast at your accommodation and then travel towards Serengeti National Park.
  • En route, enjoy the scenic views of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as you descend from the highlands into the vast Serengeti plains.

  • Arrive in the Seronera area of central Serengeti, known for its abundant wildlife and the Seronera River.

  • After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive in Serengeti.

  • Dinner and overnight stay in the Seronera area, with the option to choose from various accommodation types based on your preference.

3
Day 03

Serengeti Game Drives and Optional Balloon Safari

  • Hot Air Balloon Safari (optional and at an additional cost, pre-arranged): Start your day early by floating silently over the Serengeti plains, enjoying breathtaking aerial views of wildlife and the landscape below.
  • After breakfast, enjoy a game drive along the Sogore River Circuit, where you may spot lions, Thomson's gazelles, topi, ostriches, and possibly cheetahs.

  • Visit the Serengeti Visitor Centre near the Seronera Lodge to learn about the park's wildlife and history, enjoy refreshments, and relax under the shade of acacia trees.

  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Visitor Centre.

  • In the afternoon, drive along the Kopjes Circuit around the Maasai Kopjes, where lions often rest and where you can also spot other wildlife.

Dinner and overnight in the Seronera area.

4
Day 04

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater via Olduvai Gorge

  • After breakfast, depart Serengeti for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
  • Stop at Olduvai Gorge for a brief visit, a significant archaeological site where the Leakey family made important discoveries about human evolution.

  • Arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater and have lunch at your lodge.

  • In the afternoon, descend over 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. This natural amphitheater is home to diverse wildlife, including wildebeest, zebras, buffalo, and elephants.

  • Visit Lake Magadi, a shallow alkaline lake where you might see flamingos, hippos, and other water birds.

Dinner and overnight at your accommodation in Ngorongoro.

5
Day 05

Return to Arusha or Moshi

  • Breakfast at your lodge and then begin your journey back to Arusha or Moshi.
  • On arrival, enjoy a farewell lunch.

  • Afterward, tip the guide ($30/day) and the assistant ($25/day), and you will be dropped off at your hotel or chosen destination, marking the end of your unforgettable Tanzania safari adventure.

Tarangire National Park, Seronera area of central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge

Where this trip takes you

Tarangire National Park, Seronera area of central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge

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

  • Park fees

  • All activities

  • All accommodation

  • A professional driver/guide

  • All transportation

  • All taxes/VAT

  • Roundtrip airport transfer

  • Meals on safari

  • Water on safari

  • Drinks

What's Not Included

  • International flights

  • Additional accommodation before and after the tour

  • Tips

  • Personal items

  • Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

  • Warm Clothing (Layered): Early mornings in the Serengeti can be chilly, so wear layers that you can remove as the day warms up.
  • Comfortable Shoes: Closed-toe shoes such as sneakers or hiking shoes are ideal for getting in and out of the balloon basket safely.

  • Binoculars: Enhance your wildlife viewing experience from above, especially for spotting distant animals.

  • Camera / Smartphone: Capture stunning aerial shots of the Serengeti. A neck strap is recommended to avoid dropping your device.

  • Hat / Cap: The sun can get strong quickly after sunrise, so bring a hat or cap to protect your head.

  • Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the glare of the sun, particularly as it rises over the plains.

  • Sunscreen: Even in the early morning, UV rays can be strong at high altitude, so be sure to apply sunscreen.

  • Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during your flight, though light refreshments are often provided.

  • Personal Medications: If you need any medications in the morning or are motion-sensitive, don't forget them.

  • Small Backpack: Bring a small, comfortable backpack to carry your essentials during the experience.

Know before you go

  • Bird's Eye View: Soar above the treetops for breathtaking panoramic views of the Serengeti and its wildlife.
  • Sunrise Magic: Experience the magical colors of the Serengeti at dawn as golden light bathes the vast plains.

  • Champagne Celebration: End your balloon safari with a traditional champagne toast to mark the adventure.

  • Captured Memories: Enjoy free photos taken by the company's photographer and pilot, plus the freedom to snap your own during the flight.

  • Experienced Pilots: Fly with skilled, knowledgeable pilots who guide you safely and enrich your journey with insights.

  • The Great Migration: Witness the incredible wildebeest migration from the sky-an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime sight.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Mwanza Street, Arusha, Tanzania
Tour start
Babati Rural, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Babati Rural.

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Starting from

USD 1,670 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,670.00 — $2,211.00
Double Sharing $1,670.00 — $2,211.00

When

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