5 Days Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

Discover Tanzania's Big Five and Endless Plains

5 Days Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Experience Tanzania's iconic northern circuit—from vast elephant herds in Tarangire to endless Serengeti plains and the breathtaking depths of Ngorongoro Crater.

Safari Overview

This 5-day safari offers a complete northern Tanzania wildlife experience, taking you through three of the country’s most iconic destinations: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater.

Your journey begins in Tarangire, a park known for its vast elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal swamps that attract a wide variety of wildlife. From there, you continue into the world-famous Serengeti, home to endless savannah plains, big cat predators, and the spectacular Great Migration (seasonal), offering some of the best game viewing in Africa.

The adventure concludes at the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder often referred to as the “Eden of Africa.” Descend into this collapsed volcanic caldera to explore a unique ecosystem where lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and the rare black rhino thrive in a concentrated wildlife environment.

Designed for travelers seeking a deeper and more immersive safari, this itinerary combines diverse landscapes, exceptional wildlife encounters, and unforgettable scenery across Tanzania’s most legendary parks.

Safari Highlights

  • Game drives in Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
  • 3,000+ elephants in Tarangire's ancient baobabs
  • Serengeti great migration (seasonal)
  • Leopards, lions, cheetahs & rhinos
  • 600m deep Ngorongoro Crater experience
  • Expert English-speaking guide
  • Premium full-board accommodation
  • Scenic crater rim and savannah views

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Your safari begins with an early morning departure from Arusha, heading to Tarangire National Park. The park is famous for its large elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, and rich wildlife concentrated around the Tarangire River.

Enjoy a full-day game drive exploring diverse habitats where you may encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and numerous bird species. A picnic lunch will be served inside the park.

In the late afternoon, drive to your lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2 — Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, depart for the legendary Serengeti National Park, passing through the scenic Ngorongoro highlands and Great Rift Valley.

Game viewing begins en route as you enter the Serengeti plains, where wildlife becomes increasingly abundant. Depending on the season, you may witness part of the Great Migration.

Arrive for an afternoon game drive before heading to your camp or lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 — Full Day in Serengeti

Spend a full day exploring the vast plains of Serengeti National Park, one of the richest wildlife ecosystems in the world.

Search for predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, along with large herds of herbivores roaming freely across the savannah. If traveling during migration season, you may witness dramatic wildlife movements.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing afternoon game drives. Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim

After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive as you exit Serengeti and journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Travel through scenic highlands and optional cultural areas, with views of Maasai villages along the way. The landscape changes dramatically from open plains to lush highlands.

Arrive at your lodge near the crater rim or Karatu area for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 — Ngorongoro Crater & Return to Arusha

After an early breakfast, descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive.

The crater floor offers one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa, giving you an excellent chance to spot the Big Five in a single day. Expect sightings of lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, hippos, and the rare black rhino.

Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater before ascending the rim and driving back to Arusha, marking the end of your safari.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation Tiers

Budget

Eileen's Trees Inn

  • Shared or private rooms
  • Authentic local experience
  • Full board meals
  • Social atmosphere

Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp

  • Comfortable tented rooms
  • Traditional safari setting
  • Full board included
  • Excellent value
Mid-Range

Tarangire Safari Lodge

  • Private rooms with en-suite
  • Quality meals & bar
  • Professional service
  • Park views & location

Tukaone Weavers Camp

  • Well-appointed rooms
  • Modern amenities
  • Excellent dining
  • Community-focused
Luxury

Serengeti Pioneer Camp

  • Premium spacious suites
  • Spa & wellness facilities
  • Gourmet dining
  • Personalized service

Ngorongoro Melia Hotel

  • Luxury suites with views
  • Fine dining restaurant
  • Full spa services
  • Concierge support
All accommodations include full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and are handpicked for quality, comfort, and authentic African experience.

Quick Facts

  • Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
  • Best Season: June–October
  • Group Size: 2–8 people (private tours available)
  • Tarangire: 2,850 km²
  • Serengeti: 14,763 km²
  • Crater Depth: 600m
  • Wildlife: Elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, black rhino
  • Highest Point: 3,550m above sea level (Ngorongoro rim)

Included

  • All park & crater fees
  • All scheduled game drives
  • Professional safari guide
  • 4×4 vehicle with fuel
  • Full-board meals
  • 4 nights accommodation
  • Bottled water daily

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visa & insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities
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