A 5-day safari to Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most popular itineraries in Tanzania’s northern circuit. It offers a perfect blend of wildlife, landscapes, and the chance to see the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino).
Discover the wonders of Tanzania’s renowned wildlife destinations on this 5-day safari. From the elephant-filled plains of Tarangire to the iconic Serengeti savannahs and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, this adventure offers an unforgettable journey into nature’s most extraordinary landscapes.
Trip Summary
• Highlights: Large elephant herds in Tarangire, the Great Migration in Serengeti, and Ngorongoro’s Big Five.
• Accommodation: Choose between luxury lodges, mid-range tented camps, or budget camping depending on preference.
• Best Time to Visit:
• Drive from Arusha: After breakfast, depart from Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park (about 2-3 hours). • Highlights: Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse bird species. The Tarangire River is a key feature where animals congregate, especially in the dry season. • Wildlife: Elephants, lions, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and various bird species. • Overnight: Lodge or campsite inside or near Tarangire.
• Morning game drive: Start with a short early morning game drive in Tarangire. • Drive to Serengeti: After lunch, head towards the Serengeti National Park (a 4-6 hour drive, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area). • Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge: Visit this famous archaeological site, considered the "cradle of mankind." • Afternoon in Serengeti: Arrive in the Serengeti in time for a late afternoon game drive. • Wildlife: Expect to see lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and possibly the migration (depending on the time of year). • Overnight: Lodge or campsite in the central Serengeti (Seronera area).
• Full day game drives: Explore the Serengeti plains and its wildlife-rich regions. Depending on the season, you might witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. • Wildlife: In addition to the usual suspects (lions, elephants, giraffes), you may see leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. The Serengeti is known for its large predator population. • Overnight: Same lodge or campsite as the previous night.
• Morning game drive: Have one last game drive in the Serengeti before heading back toward Ngorongoro. • Drive to Ngorongoro: After lunch, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (3-4 hours). • Crater Rim: Arrive in time to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Ngorongoro Crater from the rim. • Overnight: Lodge or campsite on the crater rim, offering stunning views.
• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater: After breakfast, descend 600 meters (2,000 feet) into the crater for a half-day game drive. • Wildlife: The crater is home to one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and flamingos. The chance to see the critically endangered black rhino is high here. • Lunch at a picnic spot: Often near a hippo pool. • Return to Arusha: After your crater game drive and lunch, drive back to Arusha (2-3 hours).
Reserve your ideal trip early for a hassle-free trip; secure comfort and convenience!
Leave a comment: