Experience three of Tanzania’s most famous wildlife destinations on this 5-day Tanzania safari from Arusha. The journey combines the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park, the vast wildlife plains of the Serengeti, and the incredible concentration of wildlife inside the Ngorongoro Crater.
Tarangire is especially known for its large elephant herds and distinctive baobab landscapes. The Serengeti provides extensive game-viewing opportunities across its open plains, while Ngorongoro offers a compact ecosystem where visitors can encounter a wide range of wildlife.
This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience the Northern Tanzania safari circuit within five days without adding unnecessary destinations. The route starts and ends in Arusha and combines game drives with comfortable overnight stays.
Why Choose This 5-Day Tanzania Safari?
This route combines three major Northern Tanzania safari destinations without adding unnecessary parks.
You experience the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire, spend meaningful time in the Serengeti, and finish with a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Five-day Northern Circuit routes commonly use this structure because it gives travelers time in the Serengeti while still including Tarangire and Ngorongoro
Your 5-day Tanzania safari begins in Arusha with an early morning pickup from your hotel.
After a safari briefing with your professional driver-guide, travel toward Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania's best-known wildlife areas.
The park is famous for its elephants, baobab trees and wildlife concentrations, particularly around the Tarangire River. TANAPA describes Tarangire as a year-round wildlife destination and notes that the dry season from June to October can bring large concentrations of animals around water sources.
Enjoy a game drive looking for:
- Elephants
- Lions
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Wildebeest
- Buffalo
- Antelopes
- Warthogs
- Birds and other wildlife
After the game drive, continue toward your accommodation in the Tarangire, Mto wa Mbu or Karatu area.
Overnight: Budget / Mid-Range Lodge or Tented Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy breakfast before continuing toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park.
The journey takes you through the scenic northern Tanzania highlands and toward the Serengeti plains.
As you approach the Serengeti, the landscape gradually changes into wide-open grasslands and wildlife-rich plains.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Serengeti.
Possible wildlife sightings include:
- Lions
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Elephants
- Buffalo
- Zebras
- Wildebeest
- Giraffes
- Hyenas
- Gazelles
Your guide will select suitable wildlife-viewing areas based on the season, road conditions and recent animal activity.
Overnight: Serengeti Budget / Mid-Range Camp or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is dedicated to a full-day Serengeti wildlife safari.
After an early breakfast, head out with your safari guide for a full day of game viewing.
The Serengeti is particularly important for travelers looking for large concentrations of wildlife and, depending on the season and location, opportunities to witness parts of the Great Migration.
Your guide will monitor wildlife movements and choose areas offering the best possible game-viewing opportunities for the time of year.
A picnic lunch can be enjoyed during the day's game drive, allowing you to spend more time in the park.
Keep your camera ready for sightings of:
Lions • Leopards • Cheetahs • Elephants • Buffalo • Wildebeest • Zebras • Giraffes • Hyenas • Hippos • Gazelles
Return to your camp in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Serengeti Budget / Mid-Range Camp or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Migration note: The Great Migration is a natural wildlife movement, so sightings and river crossings cannot be guaranteed. Your guide will adjust the route according to seasonal wildlife movements.
Wake up early for another opportunity to enjoy wildlife in the Serengeti.
After breakfast, begin your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The route provides additional opportunities for wildlife viewing along the way.
As you leave the Serengeti behind, the scenery changes from open plains toward the Ngorongoro highlands.
Arrive at your accommodation near the Ngorongoro Crater and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
If time allows, you can enjoy views around the crater rim or relax at the lodge before dinner.
Overnight: Budget / Mid-Range Lodge near Ngorongoro or Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a memorable game drive.
The crater provides a compact wildlife environment and is one of the highlights of the Northern Tanzania safari circuit.
Spend the morning exploring the crater floor in search of:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffalo
- Zebras
- Wildebeest
- Hippos
- Hyenas
- Gazelles
- Antelopes
- Black rhino, when conditions and sightings permit
Enjoy a picnic lunch during the crater excursion before beginning the drive back toward Arusha.
Arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon or evening, depending on road conditions and the day's schedule.
Your 5 Days Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari ends in Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch