5 Days Tanzania Safari, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti

This 5-Day Tanzania Safari from Arusha offers a well-structured northern circuit experience covering Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park. The safari is designed for strong wildlife viewing with opportunities to see the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and with luck, the rare black rhino in Ngorongoro Crater. Tarangire is known for large elephant herds and baobab trees, while Serengeti offers excellent chances to see big cats and large plains wildlife. This itinerary is ideal for travellers who want a short but rewarding Tanzania safari with comfortable lodge or tented camp accommodation and well-planned game drives.

Safari highlights

Pick up from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport
Game drive in Tarangire National Park, known for elephant herds
Visit Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s best wildlife areas
See Lake Magadi, flamingos, and crater wildlife
Transfer to Serengeti National Park with en route game viewing
Two full days of game drives in Central Serengeti
Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and zebras
Optional flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar
Travel in a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a professional guide

Detailed itinerary

Day 1, Arusha to Tarangire National Park, Afternoon Game Drive

Elephant herd in Tarangire National Park Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or depending on your location in Arusha, meet your safari guide for a short briefing before departure. Drive to Tarangire National Park, about 2 to 3 hours from Arusha. Arrive in time for lunch, then proceed for an afternoon game drive. Tarangire is known for elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, buffaloes, baboons and other wildlife. The park is especially famous for large elephant herds and baobab trees. Later, drive to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation Karatu Tented Lodge for mid-range, Eileen’s Trees Inn for budget

Day 2, Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive and Transfer to Serengeti

After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend about 600 metres into the crater for a game drive. The crater is one of the best wildlife areas in Tanzania, supporting a high concentration of animals. You may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, jackals, and with luck, the rare black rhino. Visit Lake Magadi, a shallow alkaline lake that attracts flamingos and other bird species. Enjoy your packed lunch in the crater before continuing with wildlife viewing. Later, proceed to Serengeti National Park with an en route game drive. Accommodation Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp for mid-range, Osinon Lodges and Camp for budget

Hippos bask in the Hippo Pool in Ngorongoro Crater

Day 3 and 4, Full Day Central Serengeti Game Drive, Big Cats and Wildlife

After breakfast, head out for a full day game drive in Central Serengeti with a packed lunch. This area is known for strong predator activity, including lions, leopards and cheetahs. You may also see elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, antelopes and hyenas across the plains. A second full day allows you to explore different areas, follow wildlife movement and improve your chances of sightings. You may also visit kopjes and river areas where animals gather. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation Same as Day 2.

Day 5, Serengeti to Arusha or Optional Zanzibar Flight

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Arusha, a 6 to 7-hour drive. You will be dropped off at your hotel or at the airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, you may choose an optional flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar for a beach extension. This marks the end of your 5-Day Tanzania Safari.