5-Day Tanzania Safari – Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Adventure
Two nights in the Serengeti for more time with its predators, framed by Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Days / nights
- 5 / 4
- Starts
- From Arusha
- From, per person
- $1,144
- Destinations
- Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife of northern Tanzania on this unforgettable 5-day safari with NAVOI. Combining three of Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations, this carefully planned adventure takes you from the elephant-rich savannahs of Tarangire National Park to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Experience exciting game drives, remarkable wildlife encounters, and the beauty of Tanzania's diverse ecosystems while traveling through some of the continent's most iconic protected landscapes.
Your journey begins in Arusha, where your professional safari guide welcomes you for a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees, impressive elephant herds, and diverse wildlife. Continue toward the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and enormous populations of grazing animals. With two nights in the Serengeti, you will have additional opportunities to explore its vast plains, rocky kopjes, and wildlife-rich habitats. Depending on the season and the location of the herds, you may also witness part of the spectacular Great Migration, one of nature's most remarkable wildlife events.
The final stage of your adventure leads to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most remarkable natural wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. Descend into this ancient volcanic caldera to search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and the endangered black rhinoceros before returning to Arusha. Throughout the journey, enjoy the flexibility of a private 4×4 safari vehicle, the expertise of an experienced local guide, and accommodation suited to your preferred travel style. Whether you choose an authentic budget camping experience, a comfortable mid-range safari, or a premium lodge arrangement, this five-day adventure offers an exceptional introduction to Tanzania's legendary northern safari circuit.
Choose your comfort level.
- Night 1 Lake Manyara / Karatu Jua Manyara Lodge & Campsite Heart & Soul Lodge Manyara Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge
- Nights 2–3 Central Serengeti Nyani Public Campsite Serengeti Safari Haven Serengeti Sametu Camp
- Night 4 Ngorongoro / Karatu highlands Simba Public Campsite Farm of Dreams Lodge Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge
All accommodation is subject to availability. If a lodge is full for your dates, we'll propose an equivalent of the same standard for your approval.
Highlights of the journey
- Explore Tarangire's Elephant KingdomDiscover impressive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and scenic river landscapes in one of Tanzania's most distinctive national parks.
- Spend Two Nights in the SerengetiEnjoy extended wildlife viewing across the Serengeti's legendary plains, rocky kopjes, and predator-rich habitats.
- Discover Great Migration CountryExplore the extraordinary Serengeti ecosystem, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move seasonally in search of grazing.
- Descend into the Ngorongoro CraterExplore a spectacular volcanic caldera with exceptional wildlife concentrations and breathtaking natural scenery.
- Search for Africa's Big FiveEnjoy opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and the rare black rhinoceros across the safari circuit.
Your route
Your itinerary.
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Your safari begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha, where you will meet your professional safari driver-guide and receive a short briefing before departing for Tarangire National Park. The scenic drive takes you through the beautiful countryside of northern Tanzania, passing traditional villages, open plains, and rural landscapes. Upon arrival at Tarangire, your guide will complete the entrance formalities before you begin your first exciting wildlife game drive. Famous for its impressive elephant populations and magnificent ancient baobab trees, Tarangire offers excellent opportunities to observe elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, and various antelope species. The park is also home to predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, although sightings depend on wildlife movements and natural conditions.
Around midday, stop at a designated picnic area to enjoy your packed lunch surrounded by the park's beautiful landscapes. Continue your afternoon game drive through different sections of Tarangire, exploring habitats near the Tarangire River, seasonal wetlands, and open savannah plains. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the park's ecosystems, animal behavior, and conservation efforts while searching for wildlife. Later in the afternoon, leave the park and travel toward the Lake Manyara or Karatu region, where your selected accommodation awaits. Check in, enjoy dinner, and relax in preparation for your journey to the Serengeti the following morning.
Karatu to Serengeti National Park
After an early breakfast at your lodge, depart for the legendary Serengeti National Park, traveling through the scenic highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, Maasai pastoral landscapes, and the beautiful countryside of northern Tanzania. As you continue toward the Serengeti, the highland scenery gradually transforms into vast open grasslands stretching toward the horizon. Your guide will stop at suitable viewpoints and designated rest areas along the route, allowing you to appreciate the changing landscapes and take photographs. Upon entering Serengeti National Park, you will immediately begin discovering the remarkable wilderness that has made this destination famous around the world.
Enjoy a picnic lunch during your journey before continuing with an afternoon game drive through the central Serengeti. Explore open grasslands, riverine habitats, and rocky kopjes, which provide important resting and lookout areas for predators. Keep your eyes open for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and numerous antelope species. Your guide will follow suitable wildlife-viewing routes based on seasonal conditions and animal movements, providing opportunities to observe the Serengeti's diverse ecosystems. As the afternoon draws to a close, travel to your selected campsite or lodge for check-in. Enjoy dinner and spend the evening surrounded by the unforgettable atmosphere of the African wilderness.
Full-Day Serengeti National Park Safari
Wake up to the sounds of the Serengeti wilderness and prepare for an exciting full day of wildlife exploration. After breakfast, depart with your safari guide to discover different sections of the central Serengeti, where diverse habitats support an extraordinary variety of animals. The early morning hours often provide rewarding opportunities to observe predators and other wildlife as they become active in the cooler temperatures. Explore open plains, rocky kopjes, and riverine woodlands in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, and large herds of grazing animals. Your guide will use local knowledge and current wildlife activity to select rewarding game-viewing routes while explaining the fascinating relationships between the animals and their environment.
Continue your safari adventure through the afternoon, enjoying a picnic lunch at a designated location or returning to your accommodation for a meal, depending on the day's arrangements. The Serengeti's landscapes change beautifully throughout the day, creating excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and observation. Depending on the season, you may encounter large concentrations of wildebeest and zebras moving through the ecosystem as part of the Great Migration. However, migration sightings depend on the timing and location of the herds and cannot be guaranteed. After an exciting day in the wilderness, return to your campsite or lodge for dinner and another peaceful evening in the heart of the Serengeti.
Serengeti Game Drive – Ngorongoro Highlands
Begin your fourth safari day with breakfast at your accommodation before departing for a final morning game drive through the Serengeti. Take advantage of the cooler morning hours to explore wildlife-rich habitats, where lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, and various grazing animals may be encountered. The morning light provides beautiful opportunities for photography, while the Serengeti's open plains and rocky kopjes create a remarkable backdrop for wildlife viewing. Your guide will continue searching for interesting animal activity as you gradually make your way toward the eastern section of the park and the route leading to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
After enjoying a packed lunch along the way, continue your scenic journey through the Ngorongoro highlands, where the landscape changes from open savannah to rolling hills and lush vegetation. Stop at suitable viewpoints to appreciate the dramatic scenery and, where conditions allow, enjoy spectacular views across the Ngorongoro Crater. This immense volcanic caldera is one of Africa's most extraordinary natural wonders and will be the focus of your final safari day. In the late afternoon, travel to your selected accommodation near the crater rim or in the Karatu highlands. Check in, enjoy dinner, and relax in preparation for an early departure the following morning.
Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Return to Arusha
After an early breakfast, depart for the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most celebrated wildlife destinations in Africa. Travelers staying in Karatu will first drive toward the crater rim, while guests at Simba Public Campsite begin closer to the descent route. Your safari vehicle will then descend approximately 600 meters into the ancient volcanic caldera, revealing a remarkable landscape of open grasslands, wetlands, forests, and freshwater habitats. The crater supports an exceptional concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, spotted hyenas, and the endangered black rhinoceros. Your experienced guide will help you identify different species and explain the unique ecological characteristics that make this natural sanctuary so extraordinary.
Continue exploring the crater floor, visiting suitable wildlife-viewing areas and observing animals in their natural environment. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated location, often near the scenic Ngoitokitok picnic area, before completing your game drive within the permitted visit duration. Afterward, ascend the crater wall and begin the journey back to Arusha, passing through the beautiful highland scenery and rural landscapes of northern Tanzania. Depending on road conditions and departure time, you will generally arrive in Arusha during the late afternoon or early evening. Your guide will transfer you to your hotel or another agreed drop-off location, bringing your unforgettable five-day Tanzania safari with NAVOI to a close.
What's included
Includes
- Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof.
- Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide.
- All scheduled game drives in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.
- National park entrance fees for Tarangire and Serengeti.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area entrance fees.
- Ngorongoro Crater descent and vehicle service fees.
- Applicable Serengeti camping or concession fees.
- Four nights of accommodation in the selected safari category.
- Camping equipment and necessary camping support for the Budget camping package.
- Meals as specified in the daily itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water during safari activities.
- Safari vehicle fuel and transportation expenses.
- Pickup from Arusha and return transfer to the agreed Arusha location.
- Applicable government taxes and statutory tourism fees covered by the agreed package.
Excludes
- International and domestic flights.
- Tanzania visa fees.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Accommodation in Arusha before or after the safari.
- Alcoholic beverages and additional drinks.
- Tips and gratuities for safari guides, camping crew, and lodge staff.
- Optional activities and cultural excursions.
- Laundry services, souvenirs, and personal expenses.
- Airport transfers not specifically confirmed in the booking.
- Additional services outside the agreed itinerary.
Optional experiences.
Added before, during or after your safari, at an extra cost. Ask us when you enquire.
Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari
Experience the Serengeti from above during an unforgettable sunrise balloon flight, followed by a special bush breakfast. Advance booking and an itinerary adjustment are required.
Maasai Cultural Experience
Discover Maasai traditions, community life, and cultural heritage through a locally hosted visit.
Zanzibar Beach Holiday Extension
Extend your Tanzania adventure with a relaxing beach holiday on Zanzibar's beautiful coastline, including optional excursions and cultural experiences.
Price per person, by group size.
US dollars per person, sharing a private vehicle and double or twin rooms. Tap any price to see your total.
Prices are per person in US dollars, sharing a private vehicle and double or twin rooms. Solo travellers and groups larger than six: price on request.
Request this journey
This holds your place as an enquiry. We confirm availability and follow up personally before anything is finalised. Nothing is charged at this stage.
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What our guests say
“They gave us a Tanzania we did not believe existed any more — empty horizons, lions at our feet, a guide who knew every bird by call. Eleven days that reset ou…”
M. Henrikssen — Copenhagen
“Every detail was considered before we even asked. Navoi somehow knew exactly what we needed, without ever making us feel managed.”
A. & J. Sinclair — London
“A private vehicle, a guide who understood light as well as wildlife, and the patience to wait for the frame. This is how a photography safari should be run.”
R. Kimura — Tokyo
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