Experience the best of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit with this 5-day adventure through Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. With two nights in the Serengeti, this itinerary gives you the chance to witness the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration, spot the Big Five, and explore breathtaking landscapes—all while traveling in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with an expert guide.

Top 5 Highlights

1. Serengeti Migration – Over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras on their ancient journey.

2. Ngorongoro Crater – Spot the Big Five in the world’s largest volcanic caldera.

3. Tarangire National Park – Famous for giant elephant herds and baobab landscapes.

4. Dramatic Scenery – From Rift Valley views to endless Serengeti plains and crater floor.

5. Unforgettable Game Drives – Daily safaris in prime wildlife areas with expert guides.

🗓 Best Time to Visit

The safari is rewarding year-round, but the dry season from June to October is best for spotting wildlife easily, with the Serengeti river crossings taking place between July and September. From January to February, the Serengeti’s southern plains host the calving season, when thousands of wildebeest calves are born daily and predators follow the herds. November to December also offers lush scenery and newborn animals, though brief showers occur. The only less favorable period is March to May, when heavy rains make travel more difficult and wildlife disperses.

📍 Detailed Itinerary

Day 0 – Arrival in Arusha

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Meet and transfer (~1 hour) to Planet Lodge Arusha or similar. Rest and prepare for the safari.
Meals: Bed & Breakfast

Day 1 – Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Drive ~2–3 hrs to Tarangire National Park for an afternoon game drive with picnic lunch. Spot elephants, lions, leopards, tree-climbing pythons, and over 500 bird species in a baobab-studded landscape.
Overnight at Marera Valley Lodge or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 – Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

Drive via the Rift Valley escarpment and Ngorongoro Highlands to Serengeti National Park (~4–5 hrs). Evening game drive en route to camp.
Overnight at Into Wild Africa Tented Camp or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Serengeti National Park (Full Day)

Full day of game drives in Serengeti National Park with picnic lunch. Witness the Great Migration (seasonal) and predator-prey interactions. Expect to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebra.
Overnight at Into Wild Africa Tented Camp or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Sunrise game drive in Serengeti, then drive ~4 hrs to Ngorongoro. Option to stop at Maasai village or Olduvai Gorge.
Overnight at Marera Valley Lodge or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

Descend 600 m into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive with picnic lunch. Spot Big Five and other wildlife in this natural wonder. Afternoon drive (~4 hrs) back to Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Arusha (Bed & Breakfast).

Day 6 – Departure

Transfer from Arusha hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for departure.

✅ Inclusions

• Park entry fees for Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro.

• Accommodation as per itinerary (Full Board during safari, B&B in Arusha).

• Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide.

• Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, window seat for all.

• Drinking water in vehicle during safari.

• Airport transfers (JRO–Arusha–JRO).

❌ Exclusions

• International flights & visa fees.

• Travel insurance.

• Tips for driver/guide and lodge staff.

• Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, etc.).

• Optional activities (balloon safari, cultural tours, etc.).

🎒 Packing & Equipment

• Neutral-colored clothing, light jacket/fleece, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.

• Comfortable shoes + sandals for lodge.

• Insect repellent and personal toiletries.

• Camera, binoculars, extra batteries/memory cards.

• Small daypack and reusable water bottle.

• Personal medications and first aid kit.

🩺 Health & Safety

• Vaccinations: Yellow fever certificate may be required if transiting through risk countries.

• Malaria: Prophylaxis recommended; carry insect repellent.

• Water: Safe bottled water provided in safari vehicles and lodges.

💵 Money & Tipping

• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS); USD widely accepted.

• Tips: $10–20 per guest per day for guides; small tips for lodge staff.

➕ Optional Add-Ons

• Hot air balloon safari over Serengeti.

• Maasai cultural village visit.

• Olduvai Gorge museum.

• Lake Eyasi or Lake Natron excursions.

📌 Important Notes

• Safaris involve long drives on rough roads; guests should be prepared.

• Wildlife is wild – sightings are excellent but not guaranteed.

• Recommended for children 7 years and older (younger on request).