5 Days Tanzania Safari Central Serengeti and Ngorongoro
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Start/End Arusha
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Tour Type Private
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Age 16 - 59
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Language All
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Cancel Free
Overview
Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Arusha to Central Serengeti
- Day 2 & 3: Central Serengeti full-day game drives
- Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro
- Day 5: Ngorongoro back to Arusha
Distance Covered
- Day 1: Arusha to Central Serengeti – approx. 330 km
- Day 2 & 3: Central Serengeti full-day game drives – distances vary per route (~150 km per day)
- Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro – approx. 180 km
- Day 5: Ngorongoro back to Arusha – approx. 200 km
Transfer/Driving Hours
- Arusha to Central Serengeti: approx. 6–7 hours
- Serengeti full-day game drives: 5–6 hours per day
- Serengeti to Ngorongoro: 4–5 hours
- Ngorongoro to Arusha: 4–5 hours
Safari Highlights
- Serengeti National Park: Witness the vast golden plains, home to the Big Five and the legendary Serengeti migration with customized private game drives.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Explore a UNESCO World Heritage site, a natural amphitheater with dense wildlife populations and stunning landscapes.
- Private Game Drives: Experience exclusive game drives with a dedicated guide, tailored to your preferences for a unique adventure.
- Cultural Experiences: Engage with Maasai communities near Ngorongoro for a rich cultural immersion.
- Luxury Accommodations: Stay in premium lodges and camps, offering comfort and breathtaking views.
Trip Description
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day Tanzania safari exploring Tanzania’s most iconic national parks starting from Arusha city. This journey visits Central Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, offering thrilling wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and a rich cultural experience. Enjoy game drives in Tanzania’s top destinations, witnessing the incredible diversity of Africa’s wildlife.
Central Serengeti, the heart of Serengeti National Park, is renowned for its vast golden plains and extraordinary wildlife. It is home to the legendary Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—as well as zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and impalas. The park supports one of Africa’s densest populations of plains game, and during the Serengeti migration, massive herds of wildebeest and zebras sweep across the savannah, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle. Iconic kopjes rise from the grasslands, providing shelter for wildlife and perfect vantage points for observation. With its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife, Central Serengeti is one of Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations and an ideal setting for immersive game drives.
The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a natural amphitheater of unrivaled beauty and biodiversity. Its fertile crater floor hosts dense populations of lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos, and diverse antelope species. Birdlife flourishes here, including flamingos near crater lakes. Combined with the cultural heritage of the nearby Maasai communities, Ngorongoro offers a unique game driving experience where wildlife is abundant and landscapes are spectacular. The crater is a highlight of Tanzania’s northern circuit, providing unforgettable encounters and photographic opportunities at every turn.
What to Expect on 5 Days of Safari in Tanzania
Through this 5-day safari adventure in Tanzania you’ll immerse yourself in the country’s rich wildlife and stunning landscapes. Here’s what you can anticipate:
- Thrilling Wildlife Encounters: Spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) along with giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and more during private game drives in Central Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
- Scenic Beauty: Marvel at the Serengeti’s vast golden plains and the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Personalized Experience: Enjoy a private safari vehicle and expert guide, offering flexibility to tailor game drives to your interests and pace.
- Cultural Insights: Optional visits to Maasai villages near Ngorongoro provide a glimpse into Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage.
- Comfort and Luxury: Relax in premium lodges and camps, with gourmet meals and breathtaking views, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.
- Photography Opportunities: Capture iconic moments like the Serengeti migration, sunsets over the plains, and close-up wildlife shots with guidance from your private guide.
Expect a seamless blend of adventure, comfort, and discovery, with every detail tailored to create an unforgettable safari experience.
Destinations to be Covered on 5-Day Tanzania Safari
This 5-day safari itinerary takes you to Tanzania’s most iconic national parks, each offering unique wildlife and landscapes:
- Central Serengeti: Famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras traverse the plains. Home to the Big Five and vast savannahs, it offers unparalleled wildlife experiences.
- Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. This natural amphitheater hosts a dense concentration of wildlife, including black rhinos, lions, and flamingos.
Each destination is explored through private game drives, ensuring an intimate and immersive experience in Tanzania’s wilderness.
Detailed 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Central Serengeti
Your adventure begins at 8:00 AM with a hotel pick-up in Arusha. You will embark on a scenic drive of approximately 330 km to the Central Serengeti, taking about 6–7 hours. Along the way, the landscape transitions from bustling townscapes to rolling hills, farmlands, and acacia-dotted plains, giving you a taste of Tanzania’s northern circuit. Arriving in the Seronera area, the central heart of the Serengeti, you’ll be greeted by sweeping grasslands that stretch endlessly, merging seamlessly with the sky. This area is renowned for its dense concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five—elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo. Watch out for herds of giraffes, zebras, and impalas grazing peacefully. Iconic Serengeti Kopjes rise dramatically from the plains, providing shelter to a wide variety of flora and fauna and creating perfect photographic moments. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your game drive, then continue exploring until sunset. Return to your lodge for a sumptuous dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Central Serengeti Full-Day Game Drive
Wake up early to the sounds of the wild for a full day of game driving in the Serengeti. Today, your guide will take you deeper into the plains to explore Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations. You’ll follow the Seronera River, which draws a remarkable diversity of wildlife, from lions and cheetahs to herds of elephants and wildebeests. Stop at a scenic spot for a picnic lunch amidst the plains, with wildlife often wandering nearby. In the afternoon, the light changes the landscape into a palette of gold and shadow—perfect for photography and wildlife spotting. Today’s adventure gives you multiple opportunities to witness predator-prey interactions, observe birds, and enjoy the Serengeti’s rich biodiversity. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Central Serengeti Full-Day Game Drive
Another exciting day begins early with a hearty breakfast and preparation for a full-day wildlife adventure. Today, you’ll explore areas of the Serengeti where wildlife is abundant, including vast plains where zebra and wildebeest herds roam and predators hunt. Your guide will point out fascinating details about animal behavior, ecological patterns, and unique features of Tanzania’s most popular national parks. Picnic lunch will be served in a scenic spot where you can watch hippos and crocodiles near the river or enjoy the serenity of the open plains. Continue your afternoon game drive, spotting lions lounging atop Kopjes or elephants crossing the golden grasslands. Return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of the Serengeti.
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering approximately 180 km (4–5 hours). The drive winds through highland villages, forests, and scenic landscapes, offering occasional stops for photos and cultural glimpses of well-known Tanzania destinations. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and prepare for a short afternoon exploration along the Ngorongoro Crater rim. The crater rim provides panoramic views of the caldera, where wildlife is plentiful and the scenery is truly breathtaking. Watch flamingos near the soda lakes or herds grazing along the crater edge. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge near Ngorongoro complete the day.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Back to Arusha
Start your day early with a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full morning of game drives. The crater, one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas, is teeming with wildlife. Expect close encounters with rhinos, lions, elephants, and large herds of zebras and wildebeests. Stop for a picnic lunch in the crater while soaking in the stunning views. After lunch, begin the drive back to Arusha (about 200 km / 4–5 hours), reflecting on your journey through Tanzania’s northern circuit. The safari concludes upon arrival in Arusha, leaving you with unforgettable memories of wildlife encounters and visits to Tanzania's most popular national parks.
Accommodation Options for 5-Day Tanzania Safari
Choose from a range of accommodation options to suit your preferences, from luxury lodges to budget camps, all offering exceptional comfort and proximity to Tanzania’s wildlife:
- Singita Sasakwa Lodge (Serengeti): Offers panoramic views of the Serengeti plains, private plunge pools, and exceptional service.
- Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (Serengeti): Comfortable and spacious rooms with a central location, perfect for game drives.
- Tanzania Bush Camp (Serengeti): An authentic safari experience with simple accommodations and immersive wildlife encounters.
- Seronera Campsite (Serengeti): Experience the Serengeti up close while camping under the stars.
- Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (Ngorongoro): Opulent suites perched on stilts overlooking the crater floor, with breathtaking views and first-class service.
- Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (Ngorongoro): Comfortable accommodations blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
- Ngorongoro Farmhouse (Karatu): Spacious cottages in lush gardens, offering a peaceful retreat.
- Maasai Land Coffee Lodge (Karatu): Unique lodges surrounded by scenic coffee plantations.
- Rhino Lodge (Ngorongoro): Affordable and cozy accommodations, ideal for visiting Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding areas.
All accommodations are carefully selected for comfort, location, and quality, ensuring a memorable stay tailored to your preferences.
Costs for 5-Day Tanzania Safari Package
The 5-day Tanzania safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro from Arusha starts from USD 1,250 to USD 2,250 per person for the 2026/2027 season, depending on your choice of safari package and accommodation level.
| Safari Package | Accommodation Level | High Season Cost per Person (USD) | Low Season Cost per Person (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Luxury Lodges | 2,250 | 2,000 |
| Platinum | Mid-Range Lodges | 1,800 | 1,560 |
| Silver | Budget Lodges | 1,320 | 1,250 |
Prices include park fees, private game drives, meals, drinking water, accommodations, private guide, and transportation. Exclusions include international flights, tips, and personal expenses. Contact us for a customized quote based on your group size and preferences.
Meals During the 5-Day Tanzania Safari
Your 5-day safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro includes full board meals, thoughtfully planned to keep you energized for early morning and afternoon game drives while enjoying Tanzania’s most popular national parks.
- Breakfast: Served daily at your lodge or camp before morning game drives, typically including fresh fruits, eggs, cereals, bread, and tea or coffee.
- Lunch: Usually a picnic-style meal during full-day game drives, featuring sandwiches, salads, snacks, and soft drinks, allowing you to enjoy wildlife encounters and scenic landscapes.
- Dinner: Provided at your accommodation after the day’s adventures, offering a mix of local Tanzanian dishes and international cuisine for a hearty and satisfying end to the day.
- Vegetarian & Special Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian meals and other dietary preferences can be accommodated with prior notice to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience throughout your safari.
What to Pack for the 5-Day Safari
To make your safari comfortable, enjoyable, and safe, bring the essentials listed below:
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable clothes for daytime game drives
- Warm layers for early mornings and evenings
- Neutral or earth-toned clothing to blend with wildlife
- A light rain jacket in case of unexpected showers
Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Sandals or flip-flops for lodge/camp use
Accessories
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Binoculars for better wildlife viewing
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
Personal Items
- Insect repellent
- Personal toiletries and medications
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel documents, including passport and park permits
Optional Items
- Lightweight backpack for day excursions
- Guidebooks or field guides for wildlife and birds
Packing thoughtfully ensures you’re ready for Tanzania’s scenic landscapes, thrilling game drives, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Add-On Tours
Serengeti Add-Ons
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: USD 540 per person
- Rhino Tracking: USD 130 per person
- Short Walking Tour (up to 4 hours): USD 45 per person
- Long Walking Tour (up to 6 hours): USD 60 per person
All tours offer unique perspectives on Serengeti wildlife and landscapes.
Ngorongoro Add-Ons
- Maasai Village Tour: USD 25 per person
- Olduvai Gorge Museum Visit: USD 35 per person
- Ngorongoro Crater Rim Hike: USD 35 per person
Enhance your wildlife encounters and cultural experiences in Tanzania's northern circuit.
Flight and Transfer Costs
Flight Costs to Serengeti
- Arusha to Central Serengeti: USD 250 per person
- Zanzibar to Central Serengeti: USD 350 per person
- Dar es Salaam to Central Serengeti: USD 300 per person
Transfer Costs
- Airport pickup/drop-off: USD 50 per vehicle (KIA to hotel)
- Arusha to Moshi: USD 100 per vehicle
- Nairobi to Arusha (or vice versa): USD 275 per vehicle
Price Inclusions and Exclusions
Price Included
- Park Fees: All entry fees for Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.
- Activities: Private game drives, crater floor drives, and tailored excursions.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at premium lodges and during picnics.
- Drinking Water: Bottled water provided throughout the safari.
- Accommodation: Premium lodges as per the itinerary.
- Private Driver/Guide: Dedicated guide for a personalized experience.
- Transportation: Private safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
- Taxes/VAT: All applicable taxes and fees included.
Price Excluded
- International Flights: Airfare to and from Tanzania.
- Tips: Tips for guides and staff.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, and laundry.
Optional Activities
- Balloon Safari: Private balloon safari in Serengeti for 600 USD per person.
- Maasai Village Visit: Private cultural visit for 65 USD per person.
- Ngorongoro Crater Rim Walk: Scenic walk for 45 USD per person.
- Visit Olduvai Gorge: Private archaeological tour for 55 USD per person.
For Children
- Discounts for Children: Free for children under 5 sharing with two adults; discounts for ages 6-12.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Guided walks, educational talks, and campfire storytelling.
- Supervision and Safety: Parents must ensure children follow safety guidelines.
Other Terms
A deposit is required at booking, with the balance due 30 days prior to departure. Cancellations more than 30 days in advance incur a small fee; within 30 days, non-refundable. Travel insurance is recommended. Itinerary may adjust due to weather or park regulations. Luggage limited to one checked bag and one carry-on. Special requests (dietary, mobility) should be communicated at booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
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:
4.8
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Organization:
4.9
Recent reviews
900 reviews
"This 4-day safari itinerary was the best! The private game drives and luxurious accommodations made it a truly memorable experience. Rede Tours delivered beyond expectations."
"An amazing safari adventure! The tailored game drives in Serengeti and Ngorongoro were perfect, and the lodges were top-notch. Highly recommend this itinerary."
"This safari itinerary was perfectly planned. The private guides and luxurious lodges made our Tanzania adventure unforgettable. A must-do for wildlife lovers!"
