5 Days Tanzania Safari- Tarangire Np, Serengeti Np and Ngorongoro Crater

Exploring the 5 Days Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Taking a safari in Tanzania is a bucket-list adventure, and this 5-day tour offers a well-rounded taste of some of the country’s most iconic parks. While we haven’t personally been on this exact trip, the detailed itinerary and reviews paint a clear picture of what to expect: a mix of wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and expertly guided game drives.

What we love about this experience? First, the attention to detail and knowledgeable guides make a big difference, turning what could be a standard safari into something truly memorable. Second, the variety of parks visited showcases Tanzania’s diversity—from vast plains to volcanic craters. Lastly, the combination of comfortable hotels and authentic tented camps offers a balance of luxury and adventure.

A potential drawback? The long travel days might be tiring for some, especially those not used to extended game drives or bumpy roads. But if you’re eager to see as much wildlife as possible in a short time, this itinerary is designed to maximize your experience.

This tour appeals most to travelers who want a comprehensive, guided safari with guaranteed wildlife sightings, and who are comfortable with a bit of roughing it at night in safari tents. If you love nature, photography, and learning from guides, this adventure is likely to hit all the right notes.

Key Points

• Expert guidance enhances spotting animals and understanding their behavior.
• Diverse locations like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire showcase Tanzania’s wildlife variety.
• Authentic tented camps provide a genuine safari experience with good comfort.
• Long travel days can be tiring, but offer plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Good value considering the inclusion of park fees, accommodations, and multiple game drives.
• Small group size (max 6) ensures personalized attention and a more flexible itinerary.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

This tour kicks off with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your driver-guide will introduce you to Arusha. Often called the safari capital of East Africa, Arusha provides a gentle start—perched at 1400 meters, it’s cooler than you might expect after your flight. Expect to see Mount Meru, and if the weather cooperates, even the towering Kilimanjaro in the distance.

You’ll stay overnight in a hotel in Arusha or Moshi, giving you a chance to recover from travel and get excited for the adventures ahead. According to reviews, your guides are friendly and eager to share insights about Tanzanian culture and geography, setting a welcoming tone for the days to come.

Day 2: Journey to Serengeti & First Game Drive

The highlight here is setting out early with a packed lunch, heading toward the legendary Serengeti. The drive itself is a spectacle—vast open plains stretching as far as the eye can see, with occasional glimpses of local Maasai villages. The duration is about 8 hours, so bring snacks and a good playlist.

Arriving in the Serengeti, you’ll enjoy your first game drive in this UNESCO World Heritage Site—known for its incredible concentration of wildlife. Our reviews highlight how guides enhance these moments, sharing stories about animal behavior and the park’s history. Expect to see herds of wildebeest, zebras, and predators in their natural habitat, often under changing light that makes for unforgettable photos.

Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti & Wildlife Encounters

This day is dedicated to exploring the Serengeti’s famed Hippo Pool and surrounding areas. You’ll spend long hours on game drives, with a picnic lunch en route. The reviews mention how guides are eager to teach about animal habits—like the migration patterns, which vary depending on the season.

One reviewer noted how the landscapes change dramatically, from lush riverbanks to open plains, keeping every game drive fresh. Depending on the time of year, you might witness the spectacle of the great migration, with hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras moving across the plains.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater & More Wildlife

Early risers will be rewarded with an exciting morning game drive in Serengeti before heading down into Ngorongoro Crater. This massive volcanic caldera is often called one of the greatest wildlife habitats on Earth—home to over 25,000 large mammals.

Our sources describe the crater as a “jaw-dropping” setting, with animals grazing in lush grasslands and drinkwater from permanent pools. The guide’s expertise makes a difference in spotting elusive predators like leopards and even a rare black rhino. The picnic lunch here adds a scenic touch to the day.

Day 5: Ngorongoro & Departure

Your last morning involves a final game drive in Ngorongoro, giving you a chance to see some of the last wildlife on this adventure. The crater’s vibrant ecosystem, full of elephants, lions, hyenas, hippos, and more, makes for a fitting ending.

In the afternoon, travelers often have a relaxed visit to Masai Central Market, where you can soak in local culture and maybe pick up souvenirs. This day wraps up your safari experience, leaving you with memories of extraordinary landscapes and wildlife.

The Value of This Tour

With a price tag of about $2,388.47 per person, this safari offers good value, especially considering park fees, accommodations, and multiple game drives included. The small group size (max 6 people) ensures personalized attention, giving you more chances to ask questions and get close to wildlife.

The accommodation mix—from comfortable hotels in Arusha to authentic tented camps—strikes a balance between comfort and adventure, letting you truly feel part of the safari environment without sacrificing quality. Travelers consistently praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to spot animals that might otherwise be missed, making each drive a rewarding experience.

The tour’s long days are suited for those eager to maximize their wildlife sightings, but it’s important to be prepared for some driving fatigue and bumpy roads. The itinerary is fast-paced, with early starts and late evenings, but the payoff is witnessing some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes and animals.

Who Should Consider This Safari?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want an immersive experience in Tanzania’s top parks. It’s perfect if you value expert guides and authentic wildlife encounters over luxury, as the tents and basic accommodations provide a genuine safari feel.

It’s also suited for those who don’t mind long days on the road and are keen to see a wide variety of animals in a short span. If you’re a photography enthusiast, the frequent game drives and stunning scenery will give you ample opportunities for great shots.

FAQs About the 5 Days Tanzania Safari

What is included in the tour?
The tour covers all park entry fees, accommodations, meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners), and game drives.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup from specified locations in Arusha or Moshi is included.

How many travelers will be in the group?
The experience is designed for a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and flexible safari.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
Guests stay in a combination of hotel in Arusha and safari tented camps that are categorized as “Comfort,” balancing functionality with a taste of adventure.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, and possibly black rhinos, with guides helping you spot and learn about each species.

How long are the game drives?
Game drives typically last around 8 to 10 hours each day, with breaks for meals and rest.

Can I see the Great Migration?
It depends on the time of year—October-November is the best window for witnessing herds moving through the Serengeti.

What should I pack?
Light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, and camera batteries are recommended. Remember to bring some comfortable shoes for walking around camps.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before the start. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day Tanzania safari presents a fantastic opportunity to experience the continent’s legendary wildlife in a manageable timeframe. With knowledgeable guides who genuinely seem passionate about sharing their expertise, travelers benefit from a more enriching journey. The mix of parks—Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro—means you’ll encounter everything from predator sightings to massive herds and stunning landscapes.

While the days are long and the pace busy, the payoff is worth every minute. If you’re after a well-organized, authentic safari experience with a focus on wildlife and scenic beauty, this tour is tough to beat. It’s perfect for those eager to pack a lot into a short window, and who want to come away with stories that will last a lifetime.

For nature lovers, photography buffs, and curious explorers eager to discover Tanzania’s wildlife treasures, this safari offers both adventure and value in a package that’s hard to match.