5 days Tarangire Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania

Travelers looking for a compact but comprehensive safari experience in Tanzania will find this 5-day tour by Moraka Africa Safaris offers a fantastic snapshot of some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife. While it’s designed to fit within a limited timeframe, it doesn’t skimp on the chances to witness the Great Migration, the Big Five, and stunning scenery that make Tanzania a top safari destination.

What we love about this trip is its focus on key wildlife hotspots, the knowledgeable guides who bring the experience alive, and its overall value considering the inclusions like meals and park fees. That said, the short duration means it’s a whirlwind tour—more about highlights than deep exploration. It’s best suited for travelers with limited time, budget-conscious explorers, or those who want a taste of Tanzania’s wildlife without the longer commitment of a traditional safari.

Key Points

• Focused Itinerary: Designed to maximize wildlife viewing in just 5 days, emphasizing the Great Migration and Big Five.
• Expert Guides: Friendly guides with strong local knowledge, including multilingual options.
• Balanced Price: At $1,250 per person, it offers a good blend of guided adventure, park fees, and meals.
• Flexible and Convenient: Pickup from Arusha with mobile tickets makes logistics smoother.
• Authentic Encounters: Opportunities to see cheetahs, lions, rhinos, and elephants up close.
• Limited Group Size: With a max of 9 travelers, it feels intimate without sacrificing flexibility.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: From Arusha to Serengeti via Ngorongoro

Starting with a morning pickup, the journey takes you through Tanzania’s striking Masai steppe, with an eye on the Rift Valley. The drive to the Serengeti is scenic, winding past rolling plains and occasional Maasai villages. You have the option to visit Olduvai Gorge, a site of archaeological significance where early humans’ tools were discovered, adding a touch of history to your wildlife trip.

The highlight? Traveling into the Serengeti, home to vast herds of wildebeest and zebras. The drive includes a picnic lunch, which is a practical touch allowing game viewing without interruption. The day ends at your camp or lodge, where the anticipation of the coming days builds.

Day 2: Chase the Great Migration in Ndutu

This day is dedicated to following the migration in the southern Serengeti plains, especially around Ndutu. It’s an area famed for high densities of plain animals and predators. Reviewers mention how plentiful the cheetahs and large cats are here, making it an excellent spot for predator sightings.

Expect to spend around six hours on game drives, with chances to see herds of wildebeest, zebras, Thomson and Grants gazelles, and possibly lions stalking their prey. The landscape here is stunning—vast, open plains with acacia trees punctuating the horizon—and the feeling of being part of the great wildebeest migration is palpable, especially when witnessing movement in the hundreds.

Day 3: Early Morning Game Drives & Serengeti’s Sunrise

The early morning game drives are a personal favorite for many travelers because of the incredible lighting and animal activity at dawn. Traveling with a packed breakfast, you’ll witness predators like cheetahs and lions beginning their day’s hunt, and the scenery as the sun rises over the plains is unforgettable.

Later in the day, you get some leisure time at camp—perfect for relaxing or taking in the views—before heading out again for sunset game drives. This day emphasizes the magic of Serengeti’s mornings and the chance to see wildlife in action.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater – A Wildlife Paradise

Departing after breakfast, you’ll head to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a picnic lunch in tow. The crater’s stunning bowl-shaped landscape offers one of Africa’s best game-viewing spots, home to nearly 25,000 animals.

Expect to see the Big Five and a variety of other mammals and birdlife. Reviewers praise guides like Latipher for their vigilance and knowledge, making game drives both educational and exciting. The picnic lunch at Ngoitokitok Springs, where hippos wallow and waterbirds gather, is a highlight—an iconic safari moment.

The afternoon involves more game drives before heading back to your lodge. The crater’s diverse habitats—swamps, forests, and grasslands—mean you’re likely to see a broad array of animals in a relatively small area.

Day 5: Return to Arusha

After breakfast, you’ll have some leisure time before heading back to Arusha for lunch and airport drop-off. This day is more relaxed, giving you a moment to reflect on your adventures and possibly chat with your guide about future safari plans.

What We Think About the Experience

Transportation & Group Size

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is its small group size—up to 9 travelers—which ensures a more personalized experience. The transportation is typically comfortable and suited for game drives, with timing carefully planned to maximize wildlife sightings, especially during early mornings and late afternoons. The pickup service from Arusha simplifies logistics, especially for travelers arriving in Tanzania.

Guides & Expertise

Reviewers repeatedly mention how friendly and vigilant guides like John and Latipher made a difference, pointing out animals and explaining behaviors in accessible ways. Their local knowledge and ability to spot wildlife early are key to making the most of each game drive.

Meals & Inclusions

The tour includes all park fees, taxes, and meals—five breakfasts, dinners, and lunches—making it easier to budget and reducing the hassle of organizing food on your own. The picnic lunches, often enjoyed in scenic spots like Ngoitokitok Springs, add a special touch of adventure.

Value for Money

At $1,250 per person, this safari offers significant value considering the inclusions, the opportunity to see the Great Migration, and the chance to spot the Big Five in their natural habitats. While some travelers might wish for more days or additional activities, this tour strikes a good balance between cost and experience.

Reviews & Authentic Feedback

Two reviews highlight how “everything was fantastic” and praised the guides’ vigilance and friendliness, noting how the trip was filled with many new sights and encounters. Another reviewer called Tanzania an “excellent destination for solo travelers,” emphasizing the friendliness of the guides and the ease of meeting fellow travelers.

Practical Considerations

• Timing: Tour starts at 7:00 am, so early mornings are a must. Be prepared for long days in the vehicle—around six hours on most days—so comfortable clothing and a good mindset are essential.
• Group Size: Max 9 travelers, which is ideal for those wanting a more intimate experience but still social.
• Weather & Packing: Expect warm days and cooler mornings; pack lightweight clothing, sun protection, and a hat. Don’t forget binoculars and your camera!
• Accessibility: The tour is suited for most travelers, but be aware of the long drives and variable road conditions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This safari is perfect for those with a limited schedule but who still want to experience the highlights of Tanzania’s wildlife. It’s great for first-timers who want an organized, guided trip that covers the essential parks and wildlife without the complexity of planning every detail themselves. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the all-inclusiveness and the focus on key sightings.

If you’re seeking a fast-paced, wildlife-packed adventure with reliable guides and comfortable logistics, this tour checks those boxes. However, if you want in-depth exploration or more remote areas, longer safaris might be better.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, this 5-day safari from Moraka Africa Safaris delivers a well-rounded taste of Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations. From the dramatic landscape of Ngorongoro to the endless plains of Serengeti and the migration herds, you’ll come away with unforgettable images and stories, especially thanks to guides who know their stuff.

The tour’s value lies in its ability to combine key wildlife experiences with comfortable logistics and friendly service—all in a manageable time frame. It’s ideal for those new to Africa safaris or travelers wanting a snapshot of the best without investing weeks or a hefty budget.

Whether you’re chasing the thrill of spotting big cats or marveling at vast herds moving across the plains, this safari offers an authentic glimpse into Tanzania’s natural wonders. Just pack your camera, a sense of adventure, and be ready for some truly spectacular moments.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers all park fees and taxes, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), drinking water and soft drinks, and the services of a professional English-speaking guide. It also includes pickup from Arusha and mobile tickets.

Are accommodations included?
While the review mentions camps or lodges, it’s implied that the tour provides overnight stays in comfortable lodges or camps arranged for you, with meals included.

How many people are typically in the group?
The maximum group size is 9 travelers, which helps ensure a more personalized safari experience.

What should I pack?
Bring lightweight clothing suitable for warm days and cooler mornings, sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, binoculars, and a camera. Comfortable shoes for game drives and a light jacket for early mornings are also recommended.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, reviewers note Tanzania is excellent for solo travelers, and the small group setting fosters friendly interactions.

Can I visit Olduvai Gorge during this trip?
Optional visits to Olduvai Gorge are available, but they depend on your schedule and interest. It’s a short visit if you choose to include it.

What animals are most likely to be seen?
You’ll have good chances of seeing lions, elephants, black rhinos, buffalo, cheetahs, zebras, gazelles, hippos, and various bird species.

What is the best time to go?
While not specified, the focus on the migration suggests traveling during the migration season for the best wildlife viewing, typically from June to October.

This safari offers a practical, exciting way to see some of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife and landscapes in just five days. Perfect for a quick getaway or first-time safari-goers eager to tick off the Big Five and witness the Great Migration.