5 Days in Tarangire, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
This five-day guided safari takes you through three of the best-known parks on the northern Tanzania safari circuit: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. You travel in a specially equipped 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for the best views, and stop for picnic lunches in the African bush. The Big Five of Africa (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) can all be seen across these parks, along with a wide range of other wildlife.
You begin in Tarangire, known for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. You then travel past the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and down onto the open grasslands of the Serengeti, passing Maasai settlements on the way. After two days of Serengeti game drives, you finish with a morning in Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wildlife enclosure with some of the best game viewing in Africa.
The Three Parks You Will Visit
Tarangire National Park
Large elephant herds, baobab and acacia trees and rolling grassland. Look for zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, lion, cheetah and leopard, plus excellent birdlife.
Serengeti National Park
Endless plains and about 3,000 lions in roughly 300 prides across some 14,750 square kilometres, plus elephants, cheetahs, leopards and huge herds of herbivores.
Ngorongoro Crater
About 610 m deep and 260 square kilometres across, with grassland, swamp, forest and lake. It is one of the best places in Tanzania to look for black rhino.
Maasai landscapes
On the drive between the parks you pass remote Maasai settlements, where people live as pastoralists in the highlands.
5 Days Tanzania Safari Quick Facts
| Duration | 5 days of safari plus an arrival day |
|---|---|
| Parks | Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater |
| Vehicle | 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up viewing roof |
| Guide | Professional English-speaking driver/guide |
| Meals | Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) |
| Start and finish | Arusha, Moshi or Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) |
| Optional extra | Serengeti balloon excursion (about US$600 per person) |
Explore the Detailed Itinerary
Day 0Arrival in Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a Kilimanjaro Joyful Adventures representative and transfer to your hotel. The hotel provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay, and your guide will brief you on the safari.
Day 1Tarangire National Park game drive
After breakfast you drive to Tarangire for a full-day game drive, with a picnic lunch in the bush. Tarangire is one of Africa's little-known gems. Ancient baobab trees and large termite mounds dot the landscape, and the Tarangire River is the main source of water in the dry season. The park is famous for its large elephant herds and is also home to zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, waterbuck, baboons and impala, with lion, cheetah and leopard among the predators. Birdlife is rich: look for green wood hoopoes, lovebirds, herons, white-bellied go-away birds, giant kingfishers, kori bustards and ostriches.
Day 2Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the Serengeti
After an early breakfast you drive to the entrance of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and stop at the crater rim viewpoint when the weather allows. You then travel down the outer slopes of the crater highlands and onto the wide, open grasslands of the Serengeti, passing Maasai settlements where people live as pastoralists. You reach the Serengeti in time for a first afternoon game drive before dinner and an overnight stay in the park.
Day 3Full day in the Serengeti
Wake up to birdsong and the sounds of the bush. Today is a full day of game drives across the Serengeti plains with your guide, who knows where the animals have been seen. The Serengeti is home to roughly 3,000 lions in around 300 prides spread across about 14,750 square kilometres, and you can also look for elephants, giraffes, hippos, cheetahs, leopards and large herds of zebra and wildebeest. Lunch can be a picnic in the bush, and the late afternoon light is excellent for photographs.
Day 4Serengeti morning drive, then to Ngorongoro
Enjoy one more game drive in the Serengeti this morning. Your guide handles the park exit formalities at the gate, and you then drive back through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to your lodge or camp near the crater rim or in Karatu, where you rest and prepare for the crater tomorrow.
Day 5Ngorongoro Crater, then to Arusha or the airport
Start early for the crater so you reach the floor while the animals are most active. Misty sunrise views over the rim are common. The crater is about 610 m deep and covers roughly 260 square kilometres, with grassland, swamp, forest and lake habitats that support thousands of animals. A major goal of the day is to find a black rhino, along with lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, hyenas and flamingos. After a picnic lunch you climb out of the crater and drive to Arusha, Moshi or Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey.
Overnight stops, driving times and sightings can change with weather, park conditions and the season.
Other Tanzania Safari Lengths
| Safari | Parks |
|---|---|
| 3 days | Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater |
| 4 days | Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater |
| 5 days (this safari) | Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater |
| 6 days | Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater |
| 7 days | Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Eyasi |
You can also choose a camping safari, a luxury tented and lodge safari or a great migration safari.
Price Includes & Excludes
Includes
- Full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- All game drives in a custom-built 4x4 safari Land Cruiser
- All park and entrance fees
- Transport in 4x4 vehicles with viewing roofs
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide during the safari
- Bottled water in the safari vehicle
- Ngorongoro Crater car supplement fee
- Transfers to and from the airport
- Current government taxes and levies
- 24-hour support during the safari from our office in Moshi
Excludes
- International or internal flights
- Balloon excursion (US$600 per person)
- Entry visa to Tanzania
- Travel and health insurance
- Gratuities for your guide, hotel staff and porters
- Meals, drinks and excursions not described in the itinerary
- Personal items such as laundry, telephone and postage
Read our booking terms and check the Tanzania visa guide before you travel.
How to Prepare for Your Safari
Pack light layers
Days can be warm and mornings cool, especially on the crater rim. Bring neutral colours, a warm layer, a hat and sunscreen.
Bring binoculars
Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens make a big difference, and the pop-up roof gives clear views.
Check your documents
You need a valid passport and a Tanzania visa. See our traveller visa page.
Choose your season
The dry season from late June to October is excellent for wildlife. January to March is good for calving in the south.
5 Days Tanzania Safari: Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 5-day Tanzania safari include?
It includes full board accommodation, game drives in a custom-built 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, all park and entrance fees, a professional English-speaking driver-guide, bottled water in the vehicle, the Ngorongoro Crater car fee, airport transfers, government taxes and levies, and 24-hour support from our office in Moshi.
Which parks do we visit on this safari?
You visit Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, three of the most famous parks on the northern Tanzania safari circuit.
Can we see the Big Five?
The Big Five are lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. They can all be seen across these parks, although wildlife is wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed. The crater is the best place to look for rhino, and Tarangire is known for its elephants.
Do we get picnic lunches?
Yes. On game-drive days you usually stop for a picnic lunch in the bush or at a designated picnic site.
What vehicle is used for the safari?
A custom-built 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, so every guest has a window seat and clear views for photographs.
Is the hot-air balloon ride included?
No. A Serengeti balloon excursion is optional and costs about US$600 per person. Please ask us if you would like to add it.
What is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?
The dry season, from late June to October, is excellent for game viewing because animals gather near water. January to March is good for calving season in the southern Serengeti, and the green season has fewer visitors and lower rates.
What is not included in the price?
International or internal flights, a balloon excursion, entry visa to Tanzania, travel and health insurance, tips for your guide and hotel staff, meals, drinks and excursions not described in the itinerary, and items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone and postage.
How do I book the 5-day safari?
Send us your preferred dates and the number of travellers through the quote form or by WhatsApp on +255 757 561 168. We will confirm availability and send you a clear quote.