Classic Wildlife Safaris

5-Day Ultimate Northern Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park

Safari in national parks: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park

Start your 5-day safari adventure through Northern Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Begin with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport and an overnight stay in Arusha before heading into Tarangire National Park, the expansive Serengeti, and the legendary Ngorongoro Crater, offering unforgettable encounters with Africa’s Big Five.

From the towering baobab trees and massive elephant herds in Tarangire to the endless golden plains of the Serengeti teeming with lions, cheetahs, and zebras, each day brings new wildlife spectacles and photographic opportunities. The journey culminates with a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the densest wildlife habitats on Earth, where you can observe a remarkable concentration of animals in their natural environment.

This safari blends adventure, comfort, and expert-guided experiences. Travelers enjoy game drives in 4×4 Land Cruisers, stay in carefully selected lodges and tented camps, and benefit from knowledgeable guides who bring each landscape and wildlife encounter to life. Ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers, this itinerary provides a rich and immersive experience of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit in just five unforgettable days.

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport → Transfer to Arusha

    Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your professional safari guide from Savanna Legacy Safaris will greet you and transfer you to a comfortable lodge in Arusha. Spend the day relaxing, adjusting to the new surroundings, and enjoying the lodge’s amenities after your flight.

    For those who wish, there is an opportunity to explore Arusha town, known as the safari capital of Tanzania. Stroll through local markets, admire Maasai cultural crafts, or enjoy a refreshing meal at one of the town’s restaurants. The evening is dedicated to preparing for the exciting days ahead, with a relaxing dinner and an overnight stay at your Arusha lodge.

  • night

    Recommended Properties to Stay


  • Day 2: Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Karatu

    Leave early from Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park, celebrated for its dramatic baobab-studded landscapes and large elephant herds. Your morning game drive explores winding riverbeds, open savannahs, and woodlands, providing opportunities to spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and an incredible variety of birdlife.

    The afternoon continues with wildlife viewing near the Tarangire River, where predators such as lions and leopards are often seen in their natural habitat. Witness elephants bathing in the river or giant herds moving across the plains. As the sun sets, leave the park and drive to Karatu, a charming highland town near Ngorongoro, for dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge, enjoying scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

  • night

    Recommended Properties to Stay


  • Day 3: Karatu → Serengeti National Park

    After breakfast, drive from Karatu through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands, stopping occasionally to capture stunning photos of the rolling hills and fertile landscapes. Enter the Serengeti National Park, one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in the world, where endless plains stretch as far as the eye can see.

    Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the central Serengeti, spotting lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and wildebeest grazing freely across the savannah. The park’s diverse ecosystems, from grassy plains to rocky kopjes, provide breathtaking photographic opportunities and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Return to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the sounds and sights of the African wilderness.

  • night

    Recommended Properties to Stay


  • Day 4: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drives → Ngorongoro Conservation Area

    Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. Visit the Seronera Valley, known for its high predator density, where lions, leopards, and cheetahs are often spotted hunting. Observe vast herds of herbivores, including giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest, moving gracefully across the plains. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch in the heart of the park, surrounded by panoramic views of the golden savannah.

    In the late afternoon, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing Maasai villages and farmland along the way. Arrive at your lodge near the crater rim for dinner and overnight, preparing for an early morning exploration of the legendary crater.

  • night

    Recommended Properties to Stay


  • Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha

    Rise early and descend approximately 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken caldera. Spend the morning on a game drive within this natural amphitheater, home to over 25,000 animals, including lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and the endangered black rhino.

    Take in the breathtaking scenery, from lakes and grasslands to the surrounding escarpments. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot inside the crater before ascending the rim and driving back to Arusha. Your safari concludes with drop-off at your hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport, leaving you with lasting memories of Tanzania’s iconic wildlife and landscapes.

    Important Note

    Accommodation on the final day of the tour is not included in the standard package. Clients who wish to stay overnight can request arrangements in advance. Additional charges may apply depending on the chosen hotel or lodge, availability, and room type. We recommend booking early to secure preferred accommodations and ensure a smooth end to your safari experience.

What is Included

Transfers

  • Pick-up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drop-off at Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport.
  • All safari transfers as per itinerary.

 

Accommodation & Meals

  • Accommodation in lodges as described in the program.
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary.
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, hot coffee, and tea provided while on safari in the jeep.

 

Guiding & Game Drives

  • Services of a certified and experienced English-speaking safari guide.
  • Comfortable 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, equipped with fridge, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
  • All national park fees, including park entry and crater service fees.
  • Free Wi-Fi availability in 60–75% of the traveled areas (depending on wilderness cell coverage).
    24/7 phone support throughout your safari.
  • Binoculars (1 per vehicle) for enhanced wildlife viewing.
  • Onboard medical kit for added safety.

What is Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania tourist visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips/gratuities for guide and lodge staff
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (balloon safari, cultural tours, etc.)
  • Alcoholic beverages at lodges/camps (unless specified)
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, or additional meals not listed

Important Notes

  • All tours include shared accommodation in twin or double rooms unless a different arrangement is requested and confirmed. Single-room supplements are available upon request.
  • Accommodation in Arusha and Moshi generally includes breakfast only, unless otherwise specified. Please refer to your detailed itinerary for meal plans associated with each night.
  • Most safari lodges do not include tea, coffee, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages in their standard packages. Guests may order and pay for these directly at the lodge or camp.
  • Many tented lodges within Tanzania’s wildlife areas operate partially or fully on solar power. This may mean bucket showers, limited Wi-Fi connectivity, and the absence of amenities such as hair dryers. These eco-friendly setups are designed to reduce environmental impact while offering an authentic safari experience.
  • We strongly recommend reviewing the accommodations listed in your itinerary to ensure they meet your personal travel style and expectations.

Similar Packages