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5-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari in Tanzania

5-day private safari

5-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

Two full nights inside the Serengeti plus a crater day — the shortest itinerary that does the migration justice.

From

$1,290

USD per person

Duration

5 days / 4 nights

Parks

Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater

Group

Private departure — usually 2 to 6 guests

Five days is the sweet spot for a first Tanzania safari. You get enough time in the Serengeti to follow the herds properly rather than passing through, plus Tarangire's elephants on the way in and the Ngorongoro Crater on the way out. Depending on the month we position you in the southern Ndutu plains, the central Seronera valley or the northern Mara River area.

Best for
Great Migration, big cats, photographers, first safari done properly
Best months
July–October for the crossings; January–March for calving
Accommodation options
Camping from $1,290 pp · Lodge from $1,790 pp (USD)

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. 1

    Arusha → Tarangire National Park

    Morning departure from Arusha and a full day game drive in Tarangire, the best elephant park in the north. Ancient baobabs, swamp edges and long views over the Maasai Steppe. Evening transfer to Karatu.

    Meals: Lunch, dinner · Overnight: Karatu — campsite or lodge

  2. 2

    Karatu → Serengeti National Park

    Cross the Ngorongoro highlands, stop at the crater rim viewpoint and Olduvai Gorge, then drop onto the Serengeti plains through Naabi Hill Gate. Afternoon game drive to your camp in the central Seronera area.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Serengeti — campsite or lodge

  3. 3

    Full day in the Serengeti

    A full day with an early start, exploring wherever the game is best — the migration columns, the Seronera river for leopard, or the kopjes for lion. Optional dawn balloon safari (extra cost, book in advance).

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Serengeti — campsite or lodge

  4. 4

    Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater rim

    Morning game drive as you work your way east out of the park, arriving at the crater rim in the late afternoon for sunset over the caldera.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Ngorongoro rim or Karatu — campsite or lodge

  5. 5

    Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha

    First-light descent to the crater floor for the Big Five, with a picnic lunch inside the caldera. Afternoon drive back to Arusha, arriving around 18:00.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch

What's included

  • Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and window seat guaranteed
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • All national park and conservation area fees
  • Accommodation as listed
  • All meals on safari as listed
  • Drinking water throughout the safari
  • Pick-up and drop-off in Arusha or at Kilimanjaro Airport
  • Government taxes and VAT
  • 10% of your payment donated to the Fruitful Orphanage

Not included

  • International flights and Tanzania visa
  • Travel and medical insurance (required)
  • Tips for your guide and camp staff
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Personal items, laundry and souvenirs
  • Optional activities (balloon safari, cultural visits, canoeing)

How payment works

No payment is taken online. We confirm availability and send a written quote in US dollars. A 30% deposit by bank transfer secures your dates, and the balance is payable on arrival in Arusha in cash USD or by transfer. Once your safari is paid, 10% of the total is transferred to the Fruitful Orphanage & Day Care Center and we send you confirmation.

Read the full payment & booking terms →

Parks on this safari

Tarangire National ParkSerengeti National ParkNgorongoro Conservation Area

Other safaris

Questions about dates, group size or combining this with volunteering? We answer within 24 hours from Arusha.

Enquire about this safari