5 Day Tanzania Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire
Private 4x4, experienced guide, realistic driving times and flexible days tuned to your pace.
Classic 5 day northern Tanzania safari from Arusha
This 5 day Tanzania safari follows an easy but productive route from Arusha to Tarangire, central Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. It combines some of the best wildlife areas in the country without rushing, with early starts, picnic meals and flexible game drives from a private 4x4 vehicle.
The journey starts with elephants and baobabs in Tarangire, continues with two nights in the Serengeti plains for big cats and open country, then finishes inside the Ngorongoro Crater before returning to Arusha for a day room and onward flight. Lodges and camps can be set at upper mid range, deluxe or luxury level according to your budget.
Day by day itinerary
Lodges shown here are examples. Final proposal can use African Tulip, Ngorongoro Farm Lodge, Serengeti Serena or similar properties at your preferred comfort level.
Day 1. Arrival at Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport a Hazina Afrika representative meets you in the arrivals area, assists with immigration and luggage and escorts you outside to your private driver. The road transfer to Arusha usually takes about one hour, depending on traffic and time of day.
Check in at African Tulip Hotel or a similar boutique property. After you settle in, your representative reviews the next day schedule, shares a simple safari safety checklist and answers any questions. The rest of the day is for rest, recovering from flights and a quiet start before you head into the parks.
Day 2. Tarangire National Park then overnight in Karatu
After breakfast at African Tulip your driver guide collects you for the drive to Tarangire National Park, usually about two and a half hours. Enter the park through the main gate and begin game driving along the river valleys and open plains that make Tarangire so distinctive.
Elephants, zebra, wildebeest and many bird species are common here and predators work the grasslands and woodland edges. You enjoy a picnic lunch at a quiet spot and continue exploring for the rest of the afternoon. Later you leave the park and drive up to the Ngorongoro Highlands, reaching Karatu for dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Farm Lodge or a similar country style lodge.
Day 3. Karatu to central Serengeti via Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast you drive up to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area gate and continue along the crater rim road toward the Serengeti. While your guide handles the paperwork at Naabi Hill Gate you can walk up the short path to the viewpoint, where the plains seem to run to the horizon.
From Naabi you begin game driving into the central Serengeti. Granite outcrops, or kopjes, break the grasslands and often shelter lion and leopard. During the afternoon you explore the Seronera Valley, where the mix of grassland and woodland supports a dense concentration of wildlife. You reach Serengeti Serena Lodge or a similar camp in time for sunset and dinner.
Day 4. Full day on safari in the central Serengeti
Today is a full day in the Serengeti with flexible timing. Many guests choose an early start with picnic breakfast to catch predators returning from the night and grazers moving through the valleys. Your guide works along river lines, plains and kopjes according to current wildlife movement and your interests.
After a relaxed midday break at the lodge you return to the field for a late afternoon drive, taking advantage of the soft light at the end of the day. Dinner and second overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge or another well located camp in the central area.
Day 5. Ngorongoro Crater game drive and return to Arusha
Leave the Serengeti after an early breakfast and drive back toward Ngorongoro. Descend into the crater for a long morning game drive on the floor of this remarkable natural amphitheater. This is often the best place on the route to look for black rhino, as well as lion, hyena, buffalo and many plains animals in a relatively small area.
Enjoy a packed breakfast or early lunch at a designated picnic site and continue exploring until you begin the climb back to the rim. From there you return to Arusha for a day room at African Tulip Hotel or similar, with time for a shower and early dinner before your transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your international flight.
Typical prices for this 5 day Tanzania safari
Per person guideline ranges for two adult travelers sharing, in United States dollars. Larger groups or families can often achieve slightly lower per person rates.
- Rates include private 4x4 vehicle with an experienced driver guide, park fees, full board accommodation on safari and most road transfers.
- Season, final lodge selection and group size influence the exact price. High season dates in the Serengeti and over busy holiday periods sit at the top of the range.
- International flights and travel insurance are not included in these sample figures.
If you prefer a different length you can compare with other routes in the dedicated Tanzania safari cost guide or request a tailored quote using the trip details box on this page.
What is included and what is not
Included in this 5 day safari
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop top roof from day 2 to day 5.
- Professional English speaking driver guide for the full safari.
- All park and conservation fees for Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
- Accommodation on a full board basis while on safari, except Arusha which is usually bed and breakfast.
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days.
- Drinking water in the vehicle during game drives.
Not included
- International flights, visas and comprehensive travel insurance.
- Some lodge drinks, laundry and items of a personal nature.
- Optional activities such as balloons or specific cultural visits not listed in the proposal.
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff, which are at your discretion.
Best time to take this 5 day route
This itinerary works throughout the year, but certain months offer particular strengths. The right choice depends on whether you prefer dry conditions, green landscapes or the chance to be near the migration herds.
June to October
Dry season with clear air and cooler nights. Tarangire is very strong in these months as elephants and other animals gather around the permanent river and swamps. Roads are firm and long views suit photography.
November and April to May
Green season offers softer light, fresh grass and fewer vehicles. Showers are possible but often short. These months can be excellent if you enjoy quieter sightings and moody skies over the crater and plains.
December to March
Good time for the southern and central Serengeti, with migration activity on the short grass plains around Ndutu and the surrounding areas. Calving usually falls from late January to early March, depending on rainfall.
Public holidays
Festive periods and Easter are popular, so camps and lodges often book out early. Planning ahead helps secure your preferred lodges and keeps routing flexible.
Why arrange this safari with Hazina Afrika
Simple, realistic driving plan
The route is tuned to keep drive times reasonable while still reaching the best areas. Early starts and picnic meals help you use first and last light well.
Good locations over labels
Camps and lodges are selected first for their position near productive wildlife zones, then adjusted for comfort level and style according to your budget.
Experienced guides
Your driver stays with you throughout the journey, learning your interests and pacing the days so the safari feels natural rather than rushed.
Flexible for families and photographers
Days can be shaped around children, first time travelers or photographers who need patient time at sightings. The private vehicle allows you to decide how long to stay in each place.
Scenes from recent 5 day safaris
These images come from recent journeys along this route, showing the kind of moments that are common when you combine Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
The points below cover the most common questions guests ask before confirming this 5 day Tanzania safari.
Is five days enough for Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Five days is a compact but complete route if you travel with a private vehicle from Arusha. You gain time in Tarangire, the central Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, plus travel between parks. If you prefer longer stays in each area you can easily extend to six or seven days.
Can this route start on the same day as arrival
When flights arrive early it is possible to drive directly to Tarangire on day one. Many guests still prefer a first night in Arusha to rest and adjust before starting the safari. We can offer both options in your quote.
Is this safari suitable for children
Yes. The driving legs are moderate, and lodges on this route generally welcome families. We choose properties with family rooms and space to move around between game drives. Child ages and interests help us suggest the best pacing.
Can I add a balloon flight in the Serengeti
Balloon flights can be added on the full day in the Serengeti when availability allows. They normally start before sunrise and finish with a bush breakfast. There is an extra cost, and early booking is recommended due to limited seats.
Is a fly in version of this itinerary possible
Yes. You can combine road and light aircraft flights to reduce some driving hours, or link this 5 day route with a beach stay in Zanzibar. We will outline these options if you mention them in your enquiry.
Send your enquiry
Your trip details are copied below so you can double check them before sending. Once we receive your enquiry we reply with a detailed proposal for this 5 day Tanzania safari.
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