5 Days Tanzania Big Five Safari – Discover Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
5 Days Tanzania Big Five Safari Overview
Plan on an exciting 5-day Big Five safari in Tanzania, taking you through some of the most iconic national parks: Tarangire, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. This journey is designed to give you the best chance to see the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – while immersing yourself in Tanzania’s stunning landscapes and rich wildlife diversity.
Beginning and ending in Arusha, this well-paced safari provides an unforgettable combination of game drives, scenic beauty, and comfortable lodges or camps. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a returning adventurer, this safari promises thrilling wildlife encounters and a deeper appreciation of Tanzania’s natural treasures.
Tour Highlights
Track the Big Five across three major parks
Explore Tarangire’s baobab-dotted plains and large elephant herds
Spend two days in Serengeti National Park, famous for big cats and vast herds
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife paradise
Enjoy scenic drives through the Rift Valley and crater highlands
Stay in hand-picked mid-range or luxury lodges
5 Days Serengeti Big Five Safari Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Leave Arusha after breakfast and head to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive. The park is renowned for its high concentration of elephants, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal migration of wildebeest and zebras. After the game drive, transfer to your lodge in Karatu.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge/Camp in Karatu
Day 2: Karatu to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, travel through the Ngorongoro Highlands en route to Serengeti National Park. Enjoy game viewing along the way and arrive in time for an afternoon game drive. Explore the endless plains teeming with wildlife including lions, leopards, hyenas, and various antelopes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge/Camp in Serengeti
Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti
Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti ecosystem. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration or focus on spotting the park’s famous predators. Game drives can be customized with options for sunrise drives or visiting specific areas like the Seronera River Valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge/Camp in Serengeti
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy a morning game drive in Serengeti as you exit the park and head towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop for a picnic lunch en route and reach your accommodation near the crater rim by evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge/Camp near Ngorongoro Crater
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Return to Arusha
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater early in the morning for a half-day game drive. The crater is home to an incredible density of wildlife including rhinos, elephants, lions, and flamingos. After a picnic lunch, return to Arusha in the late afternoon, marking the end of your safari.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Short Important Information
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Main Parks: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
Start/End: Arusha
Best Travel Months: June to October (dry season)
Accommodation Style: Lodges and/or tented camps (customizable)
What’s Included: Park entry fees, crater fees, accommodation, guide, 4×4 vehicle, meals
What’s Not Included: Flights, visa, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can this safari be customized for families or groups?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted to suit family needs, group sizes, or special interests.Is Wi-Fi available in the lodges or camps?
Most accommodations provide Wi-Fi in common areas, but connection speeds may vary based on location.How far is the Serengeti from Arusha?
By road, it takes about 7–8 hours to reach the Serengeti from Arusha. Flights are also available for a quicker transfer.Are vegetarian or special meals available?
Yes, dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.Is this safari suitable for children?
Absolutely. Most lodges are child-friendly, and we can provide family-sized accommodations and child-appropriate activities.Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?
Yes, most travelers require a visa, which can be obtained online or on arrival. Check with your local Tanzanian embassy or consulate.
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Price Includeds
Park entry fees and government taxes
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Full-board accommodation during the safari
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Price Excludeds
International and domestic flights
Travel insurance and visa fees
Tips for the guide and lodge staff
Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges
Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, laundry)
Optional activities (e.g. balloon safari, Maasai village visit)