Commence on a captivating 5-day Tanzania safari, traversing Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Encounter majestic elephants, elusive big cats, and abundant wildlife amid breathtaking landscapes. Immerse in Maasai culture, enjoy expert-led game drives, and witness nature raw beauty in one of African most spectacular safari destinations.
Your adventure kicks off in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s iconic Northern Safari Circuit. A scenic 3-hour drive west brings you to the northern entrance of Tarangire National Park, renowned for its diverse landscapes and thriving wildlife.
Spend the day on an exhilarating game drive, exploring the park’s vast savannahs, winding rivers, and ancient baobab trees. For a more immersive experience, opt for a guided walking safari, bringing you closer to nature like never before.
Covering 2,850 km², Tarangire is Tanzania’s sixth-largest park, named after the life-sustaining Tarangire River that runs through it. This park is world-famous for its massive elephant herds, with numbers exceeding 5,000 during peak migration from July to October.
The dry season is the best time to visit, as migratory herds gather near water sources, offering spectacular wildlife viewing. While there are two incredible picnic spots in the park, catering services are unavailable—so be sure to bring a packed meal. Most tour operators provide lunch as part of the safari package.
While you can stay overnight in Tarangire, most travelers opt for a 2-hour drive to Karatu, a lively town on the doorstep of the Ngorongoro Highlands. Staying here cuts down travel time to the Serengeti the following day and provides more budget-friendly accommodation options.
A thrilling 4-hour journey from Karatu brings you to the famed Serengeti National Park. After a short stop at the park gates, the real adventure begins as you enter one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. You’ll spend the remainder of Day 2, all of Day 3, and the morning of Day 4 exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti.
Alongside exhilarating game drives across the open savannah, an unforgettable highlight is a hot air balloon safari at sunrise. Floating above the Serengeti provides a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the golden plains and, if you're lucky, a glimpse of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Though expensive ($450–$550 per person), the experience is truly once-in-a-lifetime. Walking safaris and night drives are not permitted in the Serengeti.
Derived from the Maasai word for "endless plains," the Serengeti is one of the greatest safari destinations on Earth, spanning a staggering 30,000 km². It is home to the Big Five and one of the world’s highest concentrations of predators, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. Unique to the Serengeti, you may even witness tree-climbing lions!
The best time to visit is during the dry months from June to October or January to February for optimal wildlife sightings.
From July to September and October to November, you can witness the dramatic Mara River crossing as thousands of wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters. However, patience is required, as herds can hesitate for hours before making the daring leap.
January to March is ideal for the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti, attracting big cats on the hunt.
From May to July, head to the western Serengeti to see the spectacular Grumeti River crossing, a less-crowded alternative to the Mara River migration.
Spend two nights deep in the Serengeti wilderness. On the morning of Day 4, embark on a sunrise game drive before journeying to the legendary Ngorongoro Crater. After exiting the Serengeti, a scenic 2-hour drive brings you to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you will stay on the crater’s rim, overlooking one of nature’s most breathtaking wonders.
At sunrise, descend 2,000 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, an ancient volcanic caldera that feels like a lost world. Encircled by towering crater walls, this natural sanctuary is home to an astonishing density of wildlife.
Spend the morning on a game drive across the crater floor, where you will encounter an array of animals, including lions, buffaloes, zebras, and the rare black rhino. A highlight is lunch on the shores of Lake Magadi, a striking alkaline lake inhabited by flamingos and hippos.
In the afternoon, ascend the crater walls and visit a traditional Maasai village. Experience their famous jumping dance and learn about their nomadic way of life. Later, enjoy a guided nature walk along the crater rim, where breathtaking panoramic views await.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the crater was formed millions of years ago when a massive volcano collapsed. Today, it serves as one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife havens. Unlike other conservation areas, Ngorongoro is unique in allowing the Maasai people to live alongside the wildlife, though no one is permitted to reside within the crater itself.
Start early to avoid crowds and increase your chances of spotting the elusive black rhino. These rare creatures are most active in the morning.
A pre-arranged hot lunch by Lake Magadi is a must—enjoy spectacular views while surrounded by flamingos. Your safari operator can arrange this for you.
Unlike seasonal migration areas, Ngorongoro’s resident wildlife ensures year-round game viewing, though the best months are January–February (for baby animals) and June–October (for shorter grass and optimal visibility).
The best 5-day Tanzania safari takes you through Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, offering breathtaking landscapes, unparalleled wildlife encounters, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re watching a baby elephant play in a waterhole, witnessing a dramatic predator hunt, or experiencing Maasai traditions, this journey promises unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.