5-Day Tanzania Safari – Tarangire to Ngorongoro

Overview - 5-Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary – wildlife adventure

This 5-day Tanzania safari takes you through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the legendary Serengeti, and the UNESCO‑listed Ngorongoro Crater—four of the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Experience thrilling game drives, spot the Big Five, and witness breathtaking landscapes from baobab-studded plains to the vast Serengeti savannah. With comfortable lodge and tented camp stays, this itinerary offers an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.

Day by day itinerary

Day-1 Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Drive Time: ~2 hrs (120 km)

Depart Arusha after breakfast and drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its massive elephant herds, baobab trees, and seasonal swamps.

Enjoy a full-day game drive with picnic lunch.

Arrive at your lodge/camp in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Destinations: Arusha , Tarangire National Park

Accommodations: Tarangire Simba Lodge (or similar)

Main Attractions: Elephants, Lions, Baobabs, Birdlife

Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner

Day-2 Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park

Drive Time: ~1.5 hrs (100 km)

After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park.

The park features groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and the soda lake itself – home to flamingos and other birdlife.

Enjoy a game drive, then head to your lodge in Karatu for overnight.

Destinations: Lake Manyara National Park , Karatu

Accommodations: Marera Valley Lodge (Karatu)

Main Attractions: Tree-climbing lions, Flamingos, Hippos, Forest Scenery

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-3 Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park

Drive Time: ~5–6 hrs (via Ngorongoro)

Depart after breakfast for the world-famous Serengeti National Park, via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

En route, enjoy scenic views and optional cultural stops.

Arrive in Serengeti for an afternoon game drive.

Destinations: Serengeti National Park , Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Accommodations: Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp

Main Attractions: Big Cats, Wildebeest Migration (seasonal), Vast Savannahs

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-4 Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Spend the full day exploring central Serengeti with game drives in search of lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and more.

Your guide will tailor the day to your interests and animal activity.

Return to camp for overnight.

Optional: Hot air balloon safari (extra cost).

Destinations: Serengeti National Park

Accommodations: Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp

Main Attractions: Lions, Cheetahs, Elephants, Giraffes

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day-5 Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Arusha

Drive Time: ~6–7 hrs (via Ngorongoro and back to Arusha)

Early morning departure from Serengeti with packed breakfast.

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 5–6 hour game drive.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts the Big Five, including black rhino.

After lunch at the hippo pool picnic site, drive back to Arusha for drop-off in the late afternoon or early evening.

Destinations: Serengeti National Park , Ngorongoro Crater , Arusha

Main Attractions: Big Five, Crater Floor Ecosystems, Scenic Caldera Views

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions & Exclusions in this Tour

Inclusions

WiFi in the safari vehicle
4x4 Toyota minibus with a pop-up roof or safari Jeep
Experienced driver-guide
All park fees
Full-board accommodation in lodges and camps
Fresh bottled water or a water dispenser fitted in the vehicle during game drives