Arusha: 5-Day Safari to Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro

Planning a safari in Tanzania? This 5-day adventure from Arusha offers a chance to see the continent’s most iconic wildlife, including the Big Five and the Great Migration. With stays in comfortable lodges and camps, guided game drives, and spectacular landscapes, it promises an authentic yet manageable escape into nature.

What really makes this tour stand out are the quality of the guides, the unforgettable views across the Serengeti plains, and the chance to visit the stunning Ngorongoro Crater. However, travelers should be prepared for long days — game drives can be early and extensive — and consider the overall value in relation to the price of $2,287. This experience is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, first-timers wanting a comprehensive Tanzanian safari, or anyone craving a taste of Africa’s legendary wilderness.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: See the Big Five and witness the Great Migration in their natural habitat.
• Diverse Ecosystems: Experience a variety of landscapes, from the baobab-filled Tarangire to the lush Ngorongoro Crater.
• Comfort & Convenience: Stay in well-selected lodges and camps offering full board and a cozy base after long days.
• Expert Guides: Guides are highly knowledgeable, enhancing wildlife spotting and providing valuable insights.
• Efficient Itinerary: Well-planned routes maximize wildlife viewing without feeling rushed.
• Value for Money: The price includes park fees, transportation, guides, and accommodations, making it a good overall package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: A Wild Ride Through Tanzania’s Top Parks

We haven’t personally taken this safari (yet!), but from what we’ve gathered, it looks like a fantastic way to tick off Tanzania’s iconic parks in just five days. The tour is designed to hit the highlights — Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro — with each offering something unique.

What’s appealing is the balance of adventure and comfort: game drives in open 4WDs, stays in lodges or camps that receive praise, and the chance to see Africa’s most famous animals. We love that the guide’s expertise is emphasized, as seasoned guides often make or break a safari with their spotting skills and knowledge.

One thing to keep in mind is the length of the days — early mornings and long drives are part of the experience, so it’s best suited for those with a good level of fitness and patience for adventure. If you’re after a well-rounded, value-driven introduction to Tanzanian wildlife, this tour could be just the thing for you.

Why This Safari Is Worth Considering

Experience the Big Five and the Great Migration: The Serengeti is renowned for its abundance of wildlife, and the chance to see lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo in one trip is a huge draw. The added bonus of witnessing the massive herds of wildebeest and zebras during the migration (depending on timing) makes it even more special.

Visit the Ngorongoro Crater: Often called “Africa’s Eden,” this UNESCO site offers a dense concentration of wildlife within a volcanic caldera. The descent into the crater is a highlight, with a high chance of spotting the Big Five in a single day.

Game Drives in Tarangire: Known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire provides a different scenery and a quieter start to the safari. It’s a fantastic spot for birdwatchers, thanks to its diverse avian population.

Comfortable Stays & Full Board: Reviews highlight the quality of lodges and camps, which offer a cozy retreat after a day of exploring. Full board arrangements mean you won’t need to worry about meal planning or logistics.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

The adventure kicks off with a drive from Arusha through the scenic countryside, giving you your first glimpses of Tanzanian life — from small villages to lush farmland. Once in Tarangire, you’ll jump into your first game drive. This park’s reputation for large herds of elephants and diverse birdlife** makes it a captivating start. Expect to see giraffes, zebras, and possibly predators like lions stalking their prey.

A major plus here is the landscape — the towering baobabs create a distinctive silhouette and serve as landmarks during drives. After hours of wildlife spotting, you’ll settle into a lodge or camp nestled within the park, offering a comfortable base with good access to the wilderness.

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Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti

The journey to the Serengeti is scenic, with chances to spot wildlife along the way. Traveling through the open plains, you’ll see the landscape shift from the lush, river-lined Tarangire to the iconic savannah of the Serengeti.

Within the Serengeti, the terrain varies from endless grasslands to rocky outcrops, providing a habitat for a wide array of animals. Here, guides are particularly skilled at tracking the Big Five and observing the movements of migrating herds when in season.

Accommodation options are either in tents or lodges, with reviews consistently praising the authentic experience combined with comfort.

Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti

This entire day is dedicated to game drives. Breakfast is early, and you’ll spend hours exploring different regions of the park, maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities.

The goal is to encounter as many animals as possible — lions resting under acacia trees, cheetahs stalking prey, elephants crossing the plains. Guided by knowledgeable rangers, you’ll learn about each species’ behavior and the ecosystem’s dynamics.

Lunchtime is usually a packed picnic, with stops at scenic viewpoints. The day ends with another overnight stay at Serengeti Tortilis Camp, where the scenery and attentive staff earn high praise.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, you’ll leave the Serengeti and head toward the Ngorongoro Crater, arriving early enough for a full day exploring the “Eden of Africa.” Descending into the crater, you’ll witness a concentration of wildlife that’s hard to match — lions lounging, flamingos on the crater lakes, rhinos grazing.

The guide’s ability to navigate the terrain and spot elusive animals is a key part of the experience. The lush forest on the crater rim offers additional birdwatching and scenic views. You’ll stay overnight on the crater’s edge, with panoramic vistas making for a memorable sunset.

Day 5: Return to Arusha

Your final morning may include a quick game drive at the crater, providing one last chance to see wildlife. Then, it’s back on the road toward Arusha, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Once back in town, the options are many: relax at your hotel, explore local markets, or enjoy a meal featuring Tanzanian cuisine. The tour ends feeling fulfilled, with a camera full of images and a head full of stories.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package’s price of $2,287 per person covers most essentials: accommodation at carefully selected lodges or camps, full board meals, park entrance fees, game drives, and transportation in a 4WD safari vehicle. The guides are English-speaking, adding an educational layer to your adventures.

On the flip side, extras like visits to Maasai villages, international flights, visas, and personal expenses are not included. It’s worth noting that smoking, littering, and alcohol are prohibited in the vehicles**, ensuring a respectful environment for wildlife.

Transportation & Practical Considerations

Traveling in a well-maintained 4WD Land Cruiser, you’ll enjoy comfortable seating and excellent visibility for wildlife viewing. The drives are long — expect to start early and spend several hours in the vehicle daily — so packing snacks, a hat, and plenty of water is wise.

Group sizes tend to be small to medium, fostering a more intimate experience and easier wildlife spotting. The tour’s flexible booking policy allows you to reserve now and pay later, which adds a layer of convenience for planning.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Safari?

This 5-day Tanzania safari is ideal for those seeking a blend of adventure, comfort, and wildlife spectacle. The well-curated itinerary hits all the highlights without feeling overly rushed, making it suitable for first-time visitors or those with limited time.

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to see the Big Five and witness the Great Migration if timing aligns. The knowledgeable guides and comfortable lodges mean you won’t just be rushing from stop to stop — you’ll have time to appreciate the scenery and wildlife at a relaxed pace.

Travelers who value authentic experiences, stunning vistas, and expert guiding will find this tour a solid investment. It’s a chance to connect with Africa’s wilderness in a way that’s both memorable and manageable.

FAQ

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $2,287 per person, which includes accommodation, park fees, transportation, and guiding. Extras like flights, visas, and personal expenses are not included.

How long are the game drives?
Game drives are typically long and start early in the morning, lasting several hours each day, to maximize wildlife sightings and avoid the heat.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
Yes, reviews highlight the quality of lodges and camps, which offer full board and a cozy retreat after busy days in the field.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 3 years and may not be ideal for pregnant women due to the early mornings and extended game drives.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You’ll have a good chance of seeing the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino), along with wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and various bird species.

Can I customize or extend this safari?
While the standard tour doesn’t mention customization, you can reserve and pay later, giving some flexibility. For additional activities like cultural visits, you’d need to arrange separately.

This safari offers a fantastic balance of wildlife discovery, scenic beauty, and comfort. It’s a great option for anyone eager for a comprehensive taste of Tanzania’s wildlife treasures without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

You can check availability for your dates here: