5 Days Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater Expedition

Your safari adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel, residence, or Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport. From there, embark on a scenic drive that takes approximately 3 hours to reach Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most fascinating wildlife destinations. The park is renowned for its elephant herds, where groups of up to 300 elephants are often seen scraping the riverbed for water during the dry season. Predators such as lions and cheetahs are abundant, attracted by the park’s high concentration of game, including wildebeest, zebras, buffalo, and impala. Tarangire is also one of the only places in Tanzania where you’ll encounter unique dry-country species like the fringe-eared oryx and the long-necked gerenuk. After an exhilarating game drive, enjoy a hot lunch inside the park before heading to your camp or lodge for a restful evening.

After a hearty breakfast, depart Tarangire and begin your journey towards the world-famous Serengeti National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass through the stunning landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and even glimpse the Ngorongoro Crater, which you’ll explore later. Upon arrival in the Serengeti, enjoy lunch at your lodge or camp, and then set off on a thrilling afternoon game drive through the vast plains. The Serengeti is teeming with wildlife, including big cats, elephants, and giraffes, offering endless opportunities for incredible safari experiences. As the sun sets, return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation, ready for the adventures of the following day.

Start your day with an optional hot air balloon safari (at an additional cost of $500 per person), where you’ll drift over the Serengeti plains as the first light of day illuminates the landscape. This breathtaking experience is accompanied by a champagne breakfast with panoramic views over the park. For those who prefer a traditional safari experience, embark on a full day of game drives, with a picnic lunch in the heart of the Serengeti. The park is home to the Great Migration, and no matter when you visit, you’re likely to witness exciting scenes of predators and prey in action. In the afternoon, visit a Masai village, where you’ll learn about the culture and traditions of this nomadic tribe, including a welcoming dance and song. After a full day of safari and cultural discovery, return to your camp or lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Begin the day with a morning game drive in the Serengeti before departing for Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, stop at Olduvai Gorge, known as the “cradle of humanity,” where some of the world’s earliest human fossils have been discovered. Explore the museum dedicated to the pioneering work of Dr. David Leakey and learn about the evolution of mankind. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at your accommodation on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater before embarking on a descent into this breathtaking natural wonder. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most remarkable places on Earth, home to a dense concentration of wildlife including the Big Five—lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino. After your exploration, return to your accommodation for dinner and a chance to marvel at the stars.

On your final day, rise early and enjoy breakfast at your camp or lodge before heading out for a morning game drive in Ngorongoro Crater. The crater floor is teeming with wildlife, offering one of the best opportunities for spotting predators and their prey in a concentrated area. After bidding farewell to this natural wonder, enjoy a scenic drive as you make your way back to Arusha, passing through picturesque towns and villages along the way. Upon arrival in Arusha, your driver will take you to a local restaurant for a farewell lunch before transferring you to your hotel, residence, or the Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey.