Skip to content
Safari Land Cruisers at a tented camp in the Serengeti

5 Day Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire

Explore Tanzania on the 5 Day Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire in a private open-roof 4x4 safari cruiser with Haradali.

Duration
5 days
Difficulty
Easy
Location
Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit
Group size
1–10 climbers (private & small groups)

Signature Experience Highlights

  • Comprehensive journey through Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit
  • Optimal 5 days acclimatization schedule
  • Daily health checks & medical oxygen support on all mountain stages
  • 100% fair porter treatment compliant with high ethical standards

Tour Overview

The 5-Day Northern Tanzania Safari represents our premier classic wildlife journey. Combining the elephant haven of Tarangire, two days immersed in the predator-rich plains of the Central Serengeti, and the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater, it offers unmatched game viewing in private, open-roof 4x4 safari vehicles.

Serengeti Ecosystem Highlights & Sector Access

This 5-day itinerary brings you right into Seronera (Central Serengeti), Africa's premier big cat territory. You will explore:

  • Central Seronera River Valley: Dense resident leopard territories in riverine acacias and iconic lion prides lounging on granite kopjes.
  • Moru Kopjes Exploration: Track endangered black rhinos and admire historical Maasai rock paintings at Gong Rock.
  • Ngorongoro Crater Floor: A thrilling 6-hour descent tracking black rhinos, hippos, and thousands of flamingos in the volcanic caldera.
  • Optional Sunrise Balloon Safari: Glide over Seronera plains at dawn followed by a five-star champagne bush breakfast.

Best Time for the Serengeti & Migration Stages

The Serengeti offers exceptional year-round resident game viewing. When planning this 5-day itinerary, consider the Great Migration seasonal calendar:

  • December to March: The herds congregate in Ndutu and southern plains for the calving season. Millions of wildebeest and zebras cover the plains, attracting apex predators.
  • April to June: Massive columns move northwest towards the Western Corridor and Grumeti River.
  • July to October: Dry season peak! Wildlife concentrates around the Seronera River, and northern herds navigate dramatic river crossings.
  • November: Short rains prompt herds to move south through Seronera, creating thrilling migration encounters across central plains.

Optional Dawn Hot Air Balloon Safari

Elevate your safari experience with a magical sunrise flight over the Serengeti:

Rise before dawn (05:00 AM) for transfer to the Seronera balloon launch site. Take to the skies as the sun breaks over the horizon, drifting above wildlife awakening on the plains below. Upon landing, celebrate with chilled champagne and an English breakfast served beneath an acacia tree in the open wild. (Price: $599 per person, bookable in advance).

Geographic Profile

Route & Terrain Dynamics

Start & Base Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit
Apex Elevation Peak Trail Summit
Trek Pacing "Pole, Pole" (Slow & Steady)

Daily walking times range from 4 to 7 hours across distinct biomes (rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and arctic summit scree). Elevation gains are strategically calculated to give your body adequate time to produce oxygen-carrying red blood cells naturally.

Transparency

What Is Included & Excluded

What's Included

  • All government taxes and 18% Value Added Tax (VAT)
  • All meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • All national park entrance, conservation and camping fees
  • Drinking water during the safari
  • Experienced safari driver-guide in custom 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking wilderness guides & certified safari drivers
  • Unlimited game drives according to national park hours (06:00 to 18:00)

Not Included

  • Alcoholic beverages, sodas and laundry services at lodges/camps
  • International flights and Tanzania tourist entry visas
  • Optional activities (Hot Air Balloon Safari, Olduvai Gorge visit, Maasai Boma)
  • Pre- and post-safari hotel accommodation in Arusha (available on request)
  • Tips and gratuities for safari driver-guide and lodge staff
  • Travel and medical evacuation insurance (strongly recommended)

Day by day

Detailed Itinerary

5Days Itinerary

Day by day • Detailed daily breakdown

  1. 1
    Arusha to Tarangire National Park

    Pick up from Arusha and transfer to Tarangire National Park. Full day game drive exploring the baobab-studded savannah and Tarangire River basin, home to the greatest concentration of elephants in East Africa. • Activity: Full Day Game Drive

  2. 2
    Tarangire to Serengeti National Park via Ngorongoro Highlands

    Scenic drive climbing through the mist of the Ngorongoro conservation highlands and descending onto the vast endless plains of the Serengeti. Afternoon game drive in Seronera Valley. • Activity: Game Drive en route

  3. 3
    Full Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

    Full day dedicated to exploring the Seronera River valley and kopjes. Track big cats (lions, leopards, cheetahs), watch migrating herbivores, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the wild. • Activity: Full Day Game Drive

  4. 4
    Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area Rim

    Sunrise game drive in the Serengeti to catch active morning predators. Midday departure toward Ngorongoro with optional stop at Olduvai Gorge. Arrive at the crater rim for sunset. • Activity: Morning Game Drive & Transit

  5. 5
    Ngorongoro Crater Tour & Return to Arusha

    Early descent to the crater floor for a 6-hour game drive. Spot black rhinos, golden jackals, flamingos, and magnificent bull elephants before ascending and transferring to Arusha. • Activity: 6-Hour Crater Drive & Transfer

Accommodation Standards & Comfort

On trekking itineraries, we provide four-season expedition mountain tents with thick high-density foam sleeping pads, private chemical toilet tents, and a spacious all-weather mess tent with dining tables and back-supported chairs. On safari days, lodging matches your chosen comfort tier (hand-picked eco-lodges or luxury tented safari camps with en-suite bathrooms and solar hot water).

4-Season Tents Wind & waterproof
Private Toilet Tent Sanitary & private
Dining Mess Tent Hot prepared meals
Lodge Options Comfort to Luxury

Preparation

Difficulty & Fitness Requirements

Grade: Easy No technical climbing gear required

This trip requires good cardiovascular fitness and leg endurance. Prior mountaineering experience is not mandatory, but you should be capable of walking 5 to 7 hours per day with a 6–8 kg daypack. We recommend 8 to 12 weeks of training before departure: stair climbing, trail hiking with a loaded backpack, and aerobic workouts (jogging, swimming, cycling).

Aerobic Training 3x weekly cardio sessions
Hiking Practice Hill walking with daypack
Mental Focus Patience and steady pacing

Clear value

Pricing & Departure Schedule

Indicative Base Fare

From $1,850 per person

Private Departure Year-Round Includes all park conservation fees and crew wages

Private Treks: Start any day of the year you choose. No penalty for solo or duo parties.

Open Group Treks: Scheduled weekly departures during the dry seasons (June–October & December–March).

Solo Climbers: Join an existing open departure or book a dedicated private expedition.

Our Standard

Medical Safety & Ethical Crew Care

Safety Protocols

  • Twice-daily pulse oximeter and Lake Louise AMS evaluations.
  • Emergency medical oxygen cylinders on every climb.
  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified lead mountain guides.
  • Direct satellite and radio communication with base dispatch in Moshi.

Fair Porter Welfare

  • Fair, timely wages exceeding national park statutory minimums.
  • Enforced 20 kg strict porter load limit verified at gate scales.
  • Warm all-weather mountain tents and three hot meals provided daily.
  • Medical care and emergency mountain transport for all crew members.

Gear Checklist

Packing & Equipment Checklist

Essential Gear Essentials

Clothing Layers:

  • Moisture-wicking thermal base layers
  • Insulating fleece or down mid-layer jacket
  • Waterproof Gore-Tex hard-shell jacket & pants
  • Heavy summit mittens and windproof gloves

Footwear & Gear:

  • Broken-in waterproof hiking boots
  • Four-season sleeping bag (rated to -10°C)
  • Headlamp with spare lithium batteries
  • Telescopic trekking poles with rubber tips
Gear rental is available in Moshi before departure. Read gear & preparation advice →

Travelled with us? Share your feedback

Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a hot air balloon flight to this 5-day safari?

Yes! On Day 3 during your full day in the Serengeti, you can easily add the sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safari. Your safari vehicle will meet you directly at the bush breakfast site to continue your morning game drive without losing any safari time.

Was this answer helpful?
Which wildlife will I see in the Seronera Valley?

Seronera is famous for the Big Five—lion prides, leopards resting in trees, African elephants, and buffalo herds. Cheetahs frequent the surrounding plains, and hyenas, jackals, giraffes, hippos, and over 500 bird species are regularly observed.

Was this answer helpful?
How long is the 5 Day Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire?

The 5 Day Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire runs for 5 days. It starts with Arusha to Tarangire National Park and finishes with Ngorongoro Crater Tour & Return to Arusha.

Was this answer helpful?
What is included in the 5 Day Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire?

Included: All government taxes and 18% Value Added Tax (VAT); All meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner); All national park entrance, conservation and camping fees; Drinking water during the safari; Experienced safari driver-guide in custom 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof; Professional English-speaking wilderness guides & certified safari drivers; Unlimited game drives according to national park hours (06:00 to 18:00). The full list of inclusions and exclusions is on this page.

Was this answer helpful?

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What is included in your safari and tour packages?

Most of our packages include accommodation, meals, park fees, private 4x4 safari transport, professional guides, airport or hotel transfers, and activities mentioned in the itinerary. Specific inclusions may vary depending on the tour.

Was this answer helpful?
What is the best time to visit Tanzania?

Tanzania can be visited year-round, but the best time for safaris is usually during the dry season from June to October. Zanzibar is also beautiful during this period, while Kilimanjaro climbs are ideal from January to March and June to October.

Was this answer helpful?
Can I customize my safari itinerary?

Yes! We specialize in personalized experiences and can tailor your safari, Zanzibar holiday, or Kilimanjaro trek based on your travel style, budget, and preferences.

Was this answer helpful?
What type of accommodations do you offer?

We offer a variety of accommodations including budget camps, mid-range lodges, luxury safari lodges, beachfront resorts, and mountain camps during Kilimanjaro treks.

Was this answer helpful?
Are your safaris private or shared?

We offer both private and group safari options. Private safaris provide a more personalized experience, while group safaris are a great option for travelers looking for a more affordable adventure.

Was this answer helpful?
Is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro difficult?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is physically challenging but achievable for most people with proper preparation and determination. Choosing the right route and itinerary greatly improves acclimatization and summit success.

Was this answer helpful?

All questions

Plan with confidence

What travellers ask before they book

Keep reading

Related guides and articles

All guides →