The Incredible 5-Day Tanzania Safari: Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Trip Overview

Experience an extended deep-dive into East Africa’s prime wildlife habitats on a five-day journey through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. By adding an extra night in the Serengeti National Park, this itinerary removes transit rush and provides a full dedicated day for deep game viewing across the Seronera Valley and surrounding wilderness circuits.

From the ancient baobabs and elephant herds of Tarangire National Park to two full nights immersed in predator-rich savanna and a final descent into the UNESCO-listed volcanic amphitheater of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this itinerary balances high-density wildlife encounters with optimal pacing and comfort.

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Land of Baobabs & Elephants

Depart from Arusha at 7:30 AM after a brief safari orientation, driving southwest through Maasai plains to Tarangire National Park. Enter the park for morning game viewing along the main river circuit, where giant elephant families congregate alongside wildebeests, zebras, and impalas. Stop for a picnic lunch overlooking the river before an afternoon drive through the Silale Swamp. In the late afternoon, exit the park and head up to the highlands of Karatu for dinner and rest.

• Drive Time & Distance: ~2 hours / 120 km (Arusha to Tarangire); ~1.5 hours / 90 km (Tarangire to Karatu)
• Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Farm of DreamsLodge / Marera Valley Lodge (Karatu)
• Luxury: Kitela Lodge / Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge (Karatu)

Day 2: Karatu to Central Serengeti National Park via Ngorongoro Highlands

Ascend through the misty rainforests of the Ngorongoro rim and drop into the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park. Pause at the Naabi Hill Gate for registration and a picnic lunch before entering the Seronera region. Spend the afternoon game driving through granite kopjes and acacia savannas, tracking lions, leopards, and cheetahs before arriving at your central tented camp for sunset.

• Drive Time & Distance: ~4 to 5 hours transit & en-route game viewing / ~170 km
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Kati Kati Tented Camp / Tanzania Bush Camps (Central Serengeti)
• Luxury: Ole Serai Luxury Camp / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge (Central Serengeti)

Day 3: Full Day Exploration in Central Serengeti

Dedicate the entire day to wildlife viewing in the Seronera Valley, home to resident prides of lions, leopards resting in acacia trees, and vast herds of grazers. Embark on an early morning game drive during peak predator activity, followed by breakfast in the bush or back at camp. In the afternoon, explore distant river circuits and kopjes, tracking cheetahs in the open grasslands before returning to camp for dinner under the stars.

• Drive Time & Distance: Full day game viewing across Central Serengeti
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Kati Kati Tented Camp / Tanzania Bush Camps (Central Serengeti)
• Luxury: Ole Serai Luxury Camp / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge (Central Serengeti)

Day 4: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy a final morning game drive across the central plains before beginning your transit back toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop for lunch at Naabi Hill Gate before ascending back into the cooler highland zone. Arrive at the crater rim in the late afternoon to take in panoramic views of the caldera floor before checking in to your lodge for dinner.

• Drive Time & Distance: ~3 to 4 hours transit back to crater rim / ~140 km
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Ngorongoro Safari lodge / Farm of DreamsLodge (Karatu)
• Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge / Lion’s Paw Camp (Crater Rim)

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration & Return to Arusha

Descend 600 meters onto the crater floor at first light for a morning of game viewing inside the volcanic caldera. Search for black-maned lions, spotted hyenas, bull elephants in the Lerai Forest, and the endangered Black Rhino. Pause for lunch near the hippo pool at Ngoitokitok Swamp. In the early afternoon, ascend the crater wall and begin the return drive to Arusha, dropping off at your hotel or transferring directly to JRO Airport for onward flights.

• Drive Time & Distance: ~3.5 hours return drive to Arusha / ~180 km
• Flight Option: Optional fly-back from Seronera Airstrip (SEU) to Arusha (ARK) or JRO on Day 4 or Day 5 morning.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Note on Lodging:

Accommodations listed are subject to availability upon booking. Should a specific property be unavailable, an equivalent property within the same standard and location category will be substituted.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What’s Included

• Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, fuel, and unlimited mileage
• Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
• All national park entry fees, transit fees, and Ngorongoro Crater descent permits
• 4 nights’ accommodation as selected
• All meals on safari (4 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners)
• Bottled mineral water and soft drinks in the vehicle

What’s Excluded

• International and domestic flights
• Tanzania tourist visa fees
• Travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance
• Gratuities for safari guide and lodge staff
• Premium alcoholic drinks and lodge laundry service
• Optional Serengeti hot air balloon safari ($550–$600 pp)
• Personal expenses and souvenir purchases

Pricing & Booking Policy

Pricing Basis

• Rates are quoted in USD per person based on Double Occupancy (2 guests traveling together).
• Single Supplement: Surcharges apply for solo travelers or individual room occupancy.
• Child Policy: Children under 12 sharing with adults receive a discounted rate (30–50% off adult land rates).
• Seasonal Variations: High Season rates apply July–October and December 20–January 5; Green Season discounts apply April–May.

Deposit & Cancellation Terms

• Deposit: A 30% non-refundable deposit is required at confirmation to secure park permits and lodging.
• Final Payment: Balance is due 45 days prior to arrival.
• Cancellation Fees: 60+ days prior = Loss of deposit; 45–59 days = 50% fee; under 44 days = 100% fee.

Health, Safety & Travel Preparation

• Vaccinations & Health: Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from endemic regions. Malaria prophylaxis (e.g., Atovaquone/Proguanil) is strongly recommended.
• Insurance: Comprehensive medical and emergency evacuation insurance (e.g., AMREF Flying Doctors) is required.
• Guide Standards: Drivers are fully licensed, first-aid certified, and trained in wildlife behavior and wilderness navigation.
• Packing: Pack neutral-colored clothing, warm layers for cold crater rim mornings, sun protection, sturdy shoes, and personal medications.

Sustainability & Community Impact

• Conservation Funding: Direct contribution to wildlife management and anti-poaching operations through TANAPA and NCAA park fee structures.
• Eco-Lodging: Lodges selected prioritize solar power, water conservation, and plastic-free operations.
• Community Support: Employment of local staff and sourcing of fresh produce from local agricultural communities in Karatu.