5 Days Tanzania Safari | Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Customer Reviews
4.9
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Start Arusha
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End Arusha
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Age 5+
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Language English
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Cancel Free
Safari Description
The 5 days Tanzania safari is an immersive journey through Northern Tanzania's premier parks: Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. This safari offers extensive game drives, stunning landscapes, and comfortable accommodations, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive adventure.
Trip Highlights
- Game drives in Tarangire National Park with large elephant populations and iconic baobab trees.
- Exploration of Serengeti National Park, renowned for the Great Migration and predators.
- Full-day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, hosting the Big Five in a unique caldera.
- Two full days in Serengeti for optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Professional guides and 4x4 safari vehicles for a seamless experience.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park – Karatu
8:00 AM: After breakfast at your Arusha hotel, your guide picks you up in a 4x4 safari vehicle for the drive to Tarangire National Park. Upon arrival, begin a full-day game drive through the park, famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, zebras, giraffes, lions, and diverse birdlife. The Tarangire River attracts wildlife throughout the day, creating excellent opportunities for game viewing and photography. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated scenic spot inside the park before continuing with the afternoon game drive.
In the late afternoon, leave Tarangire and drive toward Karatu, a convenient base between Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Serengeti. Arrive at your lodge in the evening, enjoy dinner, and relax after your first day of safari.
Accommodation at:
- Karatu (e.g., Fig Tree Lodge, Manyara Best View, Manyara Secret, Marera View Lodge, or similar)
Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge)
Day 2: Karatu – Serengeti National Park
7:00 AM: After breakfast, depart from Karatu toward Serengeti National Park. The journey takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering beautiful highland scenery and opportunities for wildlife sightings along the way.
Continue toward the Serengeti with an en-route game drive as you enter the park. After lunch, explore the vast Serengeti plains, searching for lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and other wildlife. The Serengeti is also one of Tanzania's best destinations for experiencing the Great Migration, depending on the season and location of the herds.
Continue with an afternoon game drive before arriving at your Serengeti lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation at:
- Serengeti (e.g., Tumbili Campsites, Kubukubu Camps, Pori Pori Camps, Matawi Serengeti Camp, Serengeti Serena, Meliá Serengeti, or similar)
Meals: Breakfast (lodge), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge/camp)
Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti National Park
6:00 AM: Start your day with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti, when wildlife is particularly active. Look for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and large herds of wildebeests and zebras moving across the plains.
After the morning game drive, continue exploring the Serengeti, particularly the Seronera Valley and surrounding areas, which are well known for their concentration of wildlife and excellent predator sightings. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing with an afternoon game drive.
In the late afternoon, return to your Serengeti accommodation for dinner and another overnight inside the park.
Accommodation at:
- Serengeti (same lodge or camp as Day 2)
Meals: Breakfast (lodge/camp), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge/camp)
Day 4: Serengeti National Park – Karatu
6:30 AM: Begin the day with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti. This is another opportunity to see predators and other wildlife before they become less active during the warmer hours of the day.
After the morning game drive, continue your journey out of the Serengeti with an en-route game drive as you travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before continuing to Karatu.
Arrive in Karatu in the afternoon or early evening and check into your lodge. You can relax at the property or, depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short local activity or cultural experience. Dinner and overnight are in Karatu, positioning you close to the Ngorongoro Crater for the following day's game drive.
Accommodation at:
- Karatu (e.g., Fig Tree Lodge, Manyara Best View, Manyara Secret, Marera View Lodge, Kitela Lodge, The Retreat, or similar)
Meals: Breakfast (lodge/camp), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge)
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
6:00 AM: After breakfast in Karatu, depart for the Ngorongoro Crater and descend into the crater for an exciting game drive. The crater is home to a remarkable concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, zebras, wildebeests, flamingos, and the endangered black rhino.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated area inside the crater before continuing your game drive through the crater floor. In the afternoon, ascend from the crater and begin the drive back to Arusha.
Arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon or evening for drop-off at your hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), depending on your travel plans.
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast (lodge), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (not included)
Map
Gallery
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Safari Packages with Accommodations
These prices may vary depending on the number of travelers, travel season, and accommodation availability.
Budget Packages
| Accommodation Combo (4 Nights) | Included | Price per Person (Low Season) | Price per Person (High Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karatu: Fig Tree Lodge + Serengeti: Tumbili Campsites (2 Nights) + Karatu: Fig Tree Lodge | Meals, park fees, game drives, accommodation, transfers | $1,650 | $1,800 |
| Karatu: Manyara Best View + Serengeti: Pori Pori Camps (2 Nights) + Karatu: Manyara Best View | Meals, park fees, guided game drives, accommodation, transfers | $1,700 | $1,850 |
| Karatu: Manyara Secret + Serengeti: Matawi Serengeti Camp (2 Nights) + Karatu: Manyara Secret | Meals, park fees, game drives, accommodation, transfers | $1,750 | $1,900 |
Mid-Range Packages
| Accommodation Combo (4 Nights) | Included | Price per Person (Low Season) | Price per Person (High Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karatu: Marera View Lodge + Serengeti: Kubukubu Camps (2 Nights) + Karatu: Marera View Lodge | Meals, park fees, game drives, accommodation, transfers | $2,050 | $2,200 |
| Karatu: Kitela Lodge + Serengeti: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (2 Nights) + Karatu: Kitela Lodge | Meals, park fees, guided game drives, accommodation, transfers | $2,150 | $2,300 |
| Karatu: The Retreat + Serengeti: Matawi Serengeti Camp (2 Nights) + Karatu: The Retreat | Meals, park fees, game drives, accommodation, transfers | $2,200 | $2,350 |
Luxury Packages
| Accommodation Combo (4 Nights) | Included | Price per Person (Low Season) | Price per Person (High Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karatu: Maasailand Coffee Lodge + Serengeti: Meliá Serengeti Lodge (2 Nights) + Karatu: Maasailand Coffee Lodge | All meals, park fees, private game drives, luxury accommodation, transfers | $2,400 | $2,550 |
| Karatu: Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge + Serengeti: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (2 Nights) + Karatu: Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge | All meals, park fees, private game drives, premium accommodation, transfers, luxury services | $2,500 | $2,700 |
| Karatu: Ngorongoro Lodge by Meliá + Serengeti: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti (2 Nights) + Karatu: Ngorongoro Lodge by Meliá | All meals, park fees, private game drives, luxury accommodation, transfers, premium services | $2,650 | $2,850 |
| Karatu: Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge + Serengeti: Meliá Serengeti Lodge (2 Nights) + Karatu: Ngorongoro Lodge by Meliá | All meals, park fees, private game drives, luxury accommodation, transfers, premium services | $2,750 | $2,950 |
Included:
- Park fees and government taxes
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Professional English-speaking guide
- All safari drives in a 4x4 vehicle
- Transfers from/to Arusha
- Comfortable lodges or camps with essential amenities
- Bottled water during activities
Not Included:
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Visa and passport fees
- Travel and health insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, beverages)
Optional Add-ons
Enhance your 5 days Tanzania safari with these optional add-ons:
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: Float above the Serengeti plains at sunrise for spectacular aerial views. Price: $550–$650 per person, including champagne breakfast.
- Walking Safari: Guided walks in safe areas around Tarangire or Ngorongoro for a closer connection with nature. Price: $80–$120 per person for 2–3 hours.
- Maasai Village Visit: Experience Maasai culture and traditions. Price: $30–$50 per person, including local guide fees.
- Private Game Drives: Upgrade to a private vehicle for a personalized experience. Price: $150–$250 per vehicle per day.
Pre- and Post-Safari Hotel Stays
Stay in Arusha before or after your safari for added convenience:
- Budget: Arusha Backpackers or Mount Meru Hotel – clean and affordable.
- Mid-range: Arusha Coffee Lodge – boutique lodge with gardens and pool.
- Luxury: Arusha Serena Hotel – spacious rooms and fine dining.
Pre-safari stays allow for briefings and rest, while post-safari hotels provide a comfortable spot before departure.
Travel Logistics
Transfers
Transfers ensure a smooth and safe journey:
- Airport Pickup/Drop: Private transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. Price: $50 per way.
- Hotel to Safari Park Transfers: 4x4 safari vehicle transfers between Arusha/Moshi and parks. Price: $100 from Arusha to Moshi, $100 from Moshi to Arusha.
- Intercity Transfers: Comfortable road transfers in 4x4 jeeps, included in the safari package unless otherwise arranged.
Transfers are customizable based on arrival/departure times and comfort preferences.
Driving Hours
Expect 4–8 hours of driving per day, with early departures to maximize wildlife sightings.
Distance Covered Per Day
- Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire (~120 km).
- Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti (~280 km).
- Day 3: Full day Serengeti (minimal driving).
- Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro (~145 km).
- Day 5: Ngorongoro to Arusha (~180 km).
Meals
Meals are included based on the accommodation package:
- Breakfast at the lodge.
- Lunch as a picnic or at lodges.
- Dinner at the lodge after game drives.
- Special dietary needs accommodated with advance notice.
Tips
Tipping is customary:
- Driver/Guide: $10–15 per day per person
- Lodge staff: $5–10 per day per person
- Optional: Balloon safari or Maasai village guides $5–10 per person
Passport & Visa
A valid passport is required. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival (~$50) or via eVisa. Check requirements before travel.
Vaccination
Health recommendations:
- Yellow fever vaccination (mandatory for some countries).
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended.
- Routine vaccinations (tetanus, polio, hepatitis A/B).
Insurance
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and safari activities is advised.
Clothing
Dress for safari conditions:
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing.
- Warm layers for early mornings in Ngorongoro.
- Closed-toe shoes or boots.
- Hat, sunglasses, and scarf for dust protection.
What to Bring
Essentials for your safari:
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Reusable water bottle and snacks.
- Travel documents and medications.
- Small daypack for game drives.
For Children
- Discounts for Kids: Free for children under 5 with two adults; discounts for ages 6-12.
- Activity Suitability: Family-friendly with some restrictions for add-ons.
- Supervision and Safety: Parental supervision required.
Other Terms
A deposit is required at booking, with the balance due 30 days before departure. Cancellations over 30 days incur a small fee; within 30 days, non-refundable. Travel insurance is recommended. Itineraries may adjust due to weather or park regulations. Luggage limit: one checked bag and one carry-on.
Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
Review Summary
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Transportation:
4.9
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Value for Money:
4.8
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Support Services:
4.9
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Organization:
4.9
Recent Reviews
115 reviews
"This 5-day safari was incredible! Two full days in Serengeti gave us amazing migration views, Tarangire's elephants were spectacular, and Ngorongoro was the highlight with all Big Five!"
"Perfect itinerary! The extended time in Serengeti made all the difference. Guides were excellent, lodges comfortable. Highly recommend this Tarangire-Serengeti-Ngorongoro route!"
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