5 Days Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari in Tanzania
This 5 Days Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania Safari covers 1 night in Arusha City before the safari begins, 1 night near/within Tarangire National Park, 1 night inside Serengeti National Park, and 1 night in the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands. The safari starts with airport pick-up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) and ends with airport drop-off after the tour. Accompanied by our professional, experienced and passionate safari guides, this journey combines wildlife, landscapes, and some of the most famous safari destinations in Northern Tanzania.
Starting from Arusha City or Moshi Town, this safari is perfect for travelers who want to experience Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater in one well-planned itinerary. It offers a combination of mountain views, forests, lakes, elephant herds, endless plains, big cats, and spectacular wildlife encounters.
Your safari journey begins with your arrival in Arusha. You will spend the first night in Arusha City before entering the national parks. This gives you time to relax after your flight, meet your safari guide, receive a safari briefing, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
On the first day of Safari, after breakfast, your guide will take you to Arusha National Park. This scenic park is famous for Mount Meru, Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, lush forests, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, monkeys, and many bird species. You will enjoy a game drive before returning to Arusha for overnight stay.
During your visit to Arusha National Park, you may see giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, colobus monkeys, baboons, flamingos, and many bird species. The park offers beautiful views and a peaceful introduction to your Tanzania safari experience.
On the second day of Safari, you will depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park. This park is famous for its large elephant population, giant baobab trees, open savannah, and the Tarangire River that attracts wildlife throughout the year.
During your game drive in Tarangire National Park, you may encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, ostriches, warthogs, and many other animals before proceeding to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight stay.
On the third day of Safari, your journey continues through the Ngorongoro Highlands towards Serengeti National Park. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful scenery, Maasai villages, and changing landscapes before entering the endless plains of Serengeti.
Upon arrival in Serengeti National Park, you will enjoy an afternoon game drive while searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, cheetahs, and many other animals. Dinner and overnight stay will be inside Serengeti National Park.
On the fourth day of Safari, you will continue exploring Serengeti National Park with extensive game drives across the famous plains. Depending on the season, you may witness part of the Great Wildebeest Migration and excellent predator action.
Later in the day, you will drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you will spend the night near the crater rim or in the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands.
On the fifth day of Safari, you will descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive. The crater is home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, gazelles, and the rare black rhino.
The crater floor offers stunning scenery, including grasslands, swamps, forests, and lakes. This makes Ngorongoro one of the best wildlife viewing destinations in Africa and one of the highlights of this safari.
After your game drive, you will begin your journey back to Arusha. Depending on your travel plans, you can be dropped at your hotel, Arusha Airport, or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Throughout this safari, you will travel in a comfortable 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and sightseeing.
This 5 Days Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania Safari is ideal for families, couples, solo travelers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts looking to experience four of Northern Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations in one unforgettable journey.
5 Days Tanzania Safari at a Glance
- Safari Name: 5 Days Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania Safari
- Starting Point: Arusha City or Moshi Town
- Airport Arrival: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK)
- Ending Point: Arusha, Moshi, JRO Airport, or Arusha Airport
- Accommodation Before Safari: Optional overnight stay in Arusha or Moshi
- Night 1: Hotel in Arusha City
- Night 2: Lodge / Tented Camp near/within Tarangire National Park
- Night 3: Lodge / Tented Camp inside Serengeti National Park
- Night 4: Lodge / Tented Camp near/within Ngorongoro Highlands
- Main Attractions: Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
- Wildlife: Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, cheetahs, leopards, hippos, hyenas, rhinos and many more
- Best For: First-time visitors, wildlife lovers, photographers, couples, families, groups, and Tanzania safari holidays
Places You Will Visit on This 5 Days Tanzania Safari
Arusha National Park – Mount Meru, Forests and Momella Lakes
Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most scenic national parks. It is home to Mount Meru, the Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, lush forests, and abundant wildlife.
The park is famous for giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, waterbucks, flamingos, colobus monkeys, and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Tarangire National Park – Land of Giants
Tarangire National Park is renowned for its huge elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Tarangire River serves as a lifeline for wildlife and attracts large numbers of animals during the dry season, making the park one of the best safari destinations in Tanzania.
Serengeti National Park – Endless Wildlife Paradise
Serengeti National Park is world-famous for its vast plains, incredible wildlife density, and the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Game drives here provide opportunities to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and many other species in their natural habitat.
Ngorongoro Highlands – Beautiful Scenic Landscapes
The Ngorongoro Highlands offer breathtaking scenery, cool temperatures, Maasai villages, forests, and rolling green hills.
This area provides a perfect overnight stop before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater the following day.
Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Wildlife Eden
Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most remarkable wildlife destinations on Earth. Its unique ecosystem supports a wide variety of animals throughout the year.
Visitors enjoy excellent wildlife viewing and one of the best opportunities in Tanzania to see the endangered black rhino.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1 -Arusha to Lake Manyara. Game drives in Lake Manyara park
- Day 2 - Transfer to Central Serengeti. Afternoon game drives in Central Serengeti
- Day 3 - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu
- Day 4 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours). Transfer to Karatu/Tarangire
- Day 5 - Tarangire game drives and transfer to Arusha
Basic Camping Packages
Below are packages with basic camping for your private tour, starting on 2025, in a group of two adults. On basic camping tours, you sleep in small dome tents that are pitched at campsites & bathrooms are shared. A cook travels with you & prepares meals.
Option C1: $1,481 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Migombani Campsite, Mto Wa Mbu, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park)
- Day 2 - 3 : Stay at Seronera Campsite, Central Serengeti
- Day 3 - 4 : Stay at Ngorongoro Campsite, NCA
- Day 5 : Stay at Tarangire Campsite (Inside park), Tarangire (Within the Park)
Ensuite Accommodation Packages
Below are packages with a few popular ensuite options for your private tour, starting on Nov 13, 2023, in a group of two adults. Ensuite hotels are tented camps/lodges that can be inside/around national parks. You will have a private room with attached bathroom. Meals are provided by hotels.
Option E1: $1,642 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Omega View Hotel, Karatu
- Day 2 - 4 : Stay at Tukaone Camps, Central Serengeti
- Day 4 - 5 : Stay at Omega View Hotel, Karatu
Option E2: $1,974 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Migombani Cottage, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park)
- Day 2 - 3 : Stay at Tanzania Bush Camps, Seronera, Central Serengeti
- Day 3 - 4 : Stay at Rhino Lodge, NCA
- Day 5: Stay at Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Tarangire (Outside the Park)
Option E3: $2,250 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Manyara Best View Lodge - Silver Room, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park)
- Day 2 - 3 : Stay at Serenity Camp, Central Serengeti
- Day 3 - 4 : Stay at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, NCA
- Day 4 - 5: Stay at Tarangire Tortilis Camp, Tarangire (Within the Park)
Option E4: $2,715 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Manyara Best View Lodge - Platinum Room, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park)
- Day 2 - 3 : Stay at Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti - Safari Room, Central Serengeti
- Day 3 - 4 : Stay at Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp, NCA
- Day 4 - 5: Stay at Nimali Tarangire Camp, Tarangire (Outside the Park)
Option E5: $3,657 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Lake Manyara KIlimamoja Lodge, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park)
- Day 2 - 3 : Stay at Lemala Nanyukie, Central Serengeti
- Day 3 - 4 : Stay at Melia Ngorongoro Lodge, NCA - The Rim Room, NCA
- Day 4 - 5: Stay at Lemala Mpingo Ridge, Tarangire (Within the Park)
Option E6: $3,657 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge - Suite, Lake Manyara (Within the Park)
- Day 2 - 3 : Stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge - Terrace Suite Water Hole View, Central Serengeti
- Day 3 - 4 : Stay at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, NCA - Suite, NCA
- Day 4 - 5: Stay at Sanctuary Swala Camp, Tarangire (Within the Park)
TRIP ITINERARY
Day
1
Arusha/Moshi to Arusha National Park and Back to Arusha
Depart from your hotel in Arusha/Moshi after morning breakfast drive to the Arusha National Park. Entering to the Arusha National Park, you will start a game drive through the Arusha National Park passing you to different landmarks such as the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater. You will go under the Fig tree (Ficus thonningii) large enough for a Safari jeep car to pass underneath and where you may need to take photos. When lunch time you will be directed to a picnic point to get lunch. At around 04 will leave the Arusha National Park to Arusha Town in your hotel.
Day
2
Arusha to Tarangire National Park and overnight at Lake Manyara
After breakfast you will be traveling to Tarangire National Park with a 4 by 4 Land cruiser jeep adventuring for Tanzania Private Safaris where after entering in, you will do a game drive to Lunch hours. Then get a lunch picnic site where you will have an ability to view the various animals at gathering at the river drinking water.Then proceed with afternoon game drive around Lake Manyara National Park until the evening. Therefore, rest to the rim for dinner and overnight.
Day
3
Lake Manyara National Park to Serengeti National Park and overnight in Serengeti
After a fascinating breakfast in the Lake Manyara National Park, we travel towards the Central Serengeti National Park via Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We enter into the center of wild Africa; Serengeti National Park known as endless plain. We head to the central Serengeti area, the Seronera area, one of the richest wildlife habitats in the Serengeti National Park. With it beside Seronera River, as water source attracting wildlife animals’ representatives of most of the Serengeti’s wildlife species. We will arrive best time for lunch in the afternoon and proceed with game drive in the Serengeti National Park. Dinner and overnight at your hotel/camp.
Day
4
Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro and overnight near/within Ngorongoro
After breakfast time you will proceed with a game drive safari in Serengeti National Park with lunch box following the wildebeests Migration at the Northern Serengeti. You will be able to see wildebeest, zebra, a topi hartebeest, eland, antelope, hyena, varieties of birds on the trees also taking pictures of the beauty of Serengeti landscapes and nature. We will get lunch and then continue with game view in Serengeti towards the Serengeti gate checking out of Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Dinner and overnight at your accommodation site
Day
5
Ngorongoro Crater tour and go back Moshi/Arusha
In the early morning you wake up with healthy breakfast before descend into the Ngorongoro Crater with lunch box experiencing the game drive for more than six hours. The Ngorongoro Crater is the most crowded African wildlife area in the world. Ngorongoro Crater supports a variety of animals including herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo, and elephants, huge population of predators, like lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and leopards available near/within the Ngorongoro Crater floor. Then after a picnic lunch you will have a short game drive near/within Ngorongoro Crater and in the late afternoon you will ascend to Ngorongoro gate drive heading back to Arusha/Moshi Town.
Pre & Post Tour Hotels
Arusha is the base for safari tours in North Tanzania. If you need accommodation in Arusha before/after your safari tour you can check some popular hotel prices on bed and breakfast basis below.
Single Room
- - Crest Safari Lodge - USD 47
- - Kutoka Lodge - USD 64
- - Karama lodge - USD 113
- - The African Tulip - USD 149
- - Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional queen room - USD 205
- - Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 375
Double Sharing room
- - Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- - Kutoka Lodge - USD 49
- - Karama lodge - USD 76
- - The African Tulip - USD 112
- - Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional queen room - USD 120
- - Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 240
Triple Sharing Room
- - Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- - Kutoka Lodge - USD 40
- - Karama lodge - USD 73
- - The African Tulip - USD 93
- - Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 180
Transfers
This tour starts from Arusha. Kilimanjaro airport is the nearest international airport and Arusha airport is the nearest domestic airport.
Airport Pickup/Drop
Pickup or drop off at Arusha airport on the day of safari: No extra charge Pickup or drop off at Kilimanjaro airport on the day of safari: USD 30 per vehicle
Airport to Hotel transfers
Transfer from Arusha airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 25 per vehicle Transfer from Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 50 per vehicle
InterCity transfers
Transfer from Moshi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 100 per vehicle Transfer from Nairobi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 275 per vehicle
Flights
We do not book International Flights.
We can book local flights based on availability. Below are indicative additional costs for local flights.
Intercity Flights
- From Zanzibar to Arusha: From USD 100 per person (Morning flight)
- From Dar es salaam to Arusha: From USD 90 per person (Morning flight)
- From Arusha to Zanzibar: From USD 170 per person (Late Afternoon flight)
- From Arusha to Dar es salaam: From USD 110 per person (Late Afternoon flight)
Meals
- Day 1 - Lunch & Dinner
- Day 2 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 3 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 4 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 5 - Breakfast & Lunch
Safari Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
Below is a clear breakdown of what is included and excluded in your Tanzania safari package. This helps you understand exactly what to expect before your journey to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and other parks.
What’s Included in Your Safari
What’s Not Included
Office Location
Related Packages
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