5-Day Tanzania Safari: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
A five-day wildlife journey combining the diverse landscapes of northern Tanzania with time to explore the famous Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater.
Overview
Experience five days of Tanzania’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes on a private safari designed to bring together some of the country’s most celebrated national parks. Begin with a game drive in Lake Manyara or Tarangire, depending on the season, before travelling into the vast plains of Serengeti for two nights of wildlife exploration, including a full day on safari. Complete your journey with a game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, where diverse habitats and rich wildlife create a memorable final chapter before returning to Arusha or the airport.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania (Karibu Tanzania!)
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. The rest of the day is set aside for settling in after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may have an opportunity to relax at the lodge, explore the nearby area or review the safari arrangements with your guide before the adventure begins the following day.
Day 2: Lake Manyara or Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, meet your guide and depart for your first wildlife experience in northern Tanzania. The park visited on this day will depend on the time of year. January to June: Lake Manyara National Park Explore a varied landscape of groundwater forest, open woodland, grassy areas and lakeshore scenery. Keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, baboons and a range of birdlife. Wildlife sightings vary with conditions and the time of year, making each game drive a different experience. July to December: Tarangire National Park Travel through a landscape characterised by ancient baobab trees and open savannah. Tarangire is particularly known for its elephants, with other wildlife including giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and various antelope. The Tarangire River is an important water source, especially during the dry season, when animals may gather nearby. After your game drive, continue to your accommodation in the Karatu area, where you can relax and prepare for the journey to Serengeti.
Day 3: Journey to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park, travelling through the scenic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before reaching the vast plains of Serengeti. The journey itself offers changing scenery, from highland landscapes to open grasslands dotted with acacia trees. Depending on the route, wildlife sightings and arrival time, you may enjoy game viewing along the way and begin exploring the park on arrival. Serengeti is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and other plains animals. Your guide will help you look for wildlife and explain the behaviour and surroundings of the animals you encounter.
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti
Spend a full day exploring Serengeti with your guide, allowing more time to discover its varied habitats and search for wildlife. Depending on your interests and the conditions on the day, you may explore open plains, areas around rocky outcrops known as kopjes, or sections of the park where recent wildlife sightings have been reported. Look out for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes and large herds of grazing animals. Serengeti's wildlife moves with the seasons, so the experience will depend on the time of year and the areas visited. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the day's game drive before continuing your exploration. Later, return to your accommodation to unwind after a day in the wilderness.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater and Departure
After an early breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive on its remarkable crater floor. The crater's grasslands, woodland, wetlands and water sources support a rich variety of wildlife. During your game drive, you may encounter zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, elephants, hippos and, with some luck, the endangered black rhino. Your guide will help you explore the area while allowing time to appreciate the scenery and wildlife. After the game drive, begin the journey back to Arusha or transfer directly to the airport for your onward flight. Airport transfers on this day should be planned around your departure time, as the drive from the crater area can take several hours.
What's included
- Pick up and drop off from Kilimanjaro International airport
- Private 4×4 Toyota Land cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional and Experienced English-speaking safari guide
- All national park fees and Conservation Fees
- All accommodation in safari lodges under your program
- Three meals per day on safari
- Bottled drinking water throughout the tour
- A Pair of Binocular in each jeep
- Unlimited Mileage for Game drives
What's not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and staff
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry)
Where You'll Stay
- Pamoja Africa camps
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