Signature Itinerary
5 Days Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari from Arusha
Private-guided mid-range Tanzania safari exploring Tarangire National Park, Central Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with Big Five game drives and an expert local guide.
From $2,205 per person
Safari Snapshot
Designed for travelers seeking a perfectly paced and immersive safari, this 5-day itinerary covers Tarangire National Park, Central Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with seamless logistics. Every safari vehicle is private, equipped with a 4x4 Land Cruiser, and guided by an experienced local professional.
Why Choose This Safari
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser and flexible pacing
Travel at your own pace with a private 4x4 Land Cruiser across Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Enjoy flexible game drive schedules without sharing vehicles or rushing between parks.
Expert local safari guides
Our guides are highly experienced in Northern Tanzania and provide deep wildlife knowledge, excellent tracking skills, and real-time coordination with park rangers for the best sightings.
Prime mid-range lodges and camps
Stay in carefully selected lodges and tented camps near top wildlife areas, including Tarangire River ecosystems, the Seronera region of Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
Day-by-Day 5 Days Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari
This 5-day mid-range Tanzania safari is carefully designed for smooth travel, exceptional wildlife encounters, and maximum comfort. Enjoy a private safari guide, exclusive 4x4 Land Cruiser, and optional experiences such as a Serengeti hot air balloon safari or Maasai cultural visit.
Arrival in Arusha (Optional)
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, where your private safari guide will welcome you. Enjoy a complimentary airport transfer to your hotel in Arusha. Accommodation for this night is provided free of charge, allowing you to rest before your safari begins.
Arusha Greenside Hotel
A comfortable mid-range hotel offering spacious rooms and a peaceful environment, ideal for relaxing before your safari adventure.
Forest Hill
A cozy lodge surrounded by greenery, providing a calm atmosphere and convenient access for early safari departures.
Day 1 | Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Depart Arusha in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser and drive to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch. Tarangire is famous for its ancient baobab trees, vast elephant herds, and diverse wildlife along the Tarangire River.
Destination Attractions
Spot elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and antelope species in one of Tanzania’s most scenic parks.
Day 2 | Tarangire to Central Serengeti
After breakfast, journey toward Serengeti National Park, passing through breathtaking landscapes and endless plains. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Central Serengeti (Seronera area), one of Africa’s richest wildlife regions.
Destination Attractions
Explore kopjes, river systems, and open savannahs while tracking lions, cheetahs, leopards, and large herbivore herds.
Day 3 | Full Day Central Serengeti Safari
Spend the day on extensive game drives in the heart of the Serengeti. Choose between early morning and afternoon drives or a full-day safari with packed lunch. Optional hot air balloon safari is available for a unique aerial perspective.
Destination Attractions
Witness intense predator activity, vast wildebeest plains, and classic Serengeti scenery ideal for photography and wildlife encounters.
Day 4 | Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy a morning game drive in Serengeti before departing toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Travel through scenic highlands and arrive near the crater rim for dinner and overnight.
Destination Attractions
Take in dramatic crater views, cooler highland air, and wildlife sightings along the Ngorongoro conservation routes.
Day 5 | Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 5-hour game drive on the crater floor. Encounter the Big Five, including black rhino, lions, elephants, buffalo, and hippos. After a picnic lunch, ascend the crater and return to Arusha by evening.
Destination Attractions
Experience one of the world’s most unique wildlife sanctuaries, enclosed within volcanic walls and teeming with animal life.
Accommodation & Lodge Details
Day 1: Karatu Villa
📍 Karatu
A stylish and comfortable retreat in Karatu, Karatu Villa offers spacious rooms, beautiful garden views, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for unwinding after arrival and preparing for the safari adventure.
Day 2 & 3: Shuhudia Adventure Camp
Set in the heart of the Serengeti’s Seronera region, Shuhudia Adventure Camp places you close to prime wildlife areas. Expect comfortable en-suite tents, authentic safari ambiance, and exceptional access to big cats and year-round game viewing.
Day 4: Hhando Coffee Lodge
📍 Karatu
Located in the lush highlands of Karatu, Hhando Coffee Lodge offers a tranquil coffee-estate setting with spacious rooms, warm hospitality, and excellent meals. Ideal for relaxing after a full day exploring Ngorongoro Crater.
Prefer a different lodge style or an upgrade? We can tailor accommodations to your needs — from classic mid-range to luxury lodges and premium tented camps. Simply send us the package screenshot or request, and we’ll arrange the best available options, even during peak safari seasons.
What’s Included & Not Included
✅ What’s Included
- ✈️ Airport pick-up and drop-off in Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- 🛂 All national park entrance fees and government conservation taxes
- 🚙 Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for wildlife viewing and photography
- 👨💼 Professional English-speaking safari guide and driver
- 🏨 Accommodation as specified in the itinerary (Karatu Villa, Shuhudia Adventure Camp, Hhando Coffee Lodge)
- 🍽️ All meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- 🐘 Unlimited game drives according to the itinerary
- 💧 Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- 🎯 All scheduled activities and experiences listed in the itinerary
- 📝 Safari planning, park permits, logistics, and route coordination
❌ What’s Not Included
- 🌍 International and domestic flights
- 🛂 Tanzania visa fees
- 💊 Travel, medical, or evacuation insurance
- 💰 Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, beverages)
- 🍹 Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks unless specified by the lodge
- 💵 Tips and gratuities for safari guides, drivers, and lodge staff
- 🎟️ Optional activities not outlined in the itinerary (e.g., hot air balloon safari)
Priority Hold
Reserve This 5-Day Northern Circuit Safari
Send us your trip details and we’ll respond within 12 hours with live availability and pricing. We can place a complimentary 7-day hold on partner lodges while you review your options.
- Dedicated planner assigned as soon as your request is received.
- WhatsApp coordination for fast tweaks to dates or itinerary.
- Transparent pricing sheet covering lodge upgrades, add-ons, and transfers.
Best Time to Travel
This 5-day safari is available year-round, with accommodations and game drives tailored to seasonal wildlife behavior for optimal viewing.
Lush landscapes, abundant birdlife, and excellent wildlife sightings, including calving season in the Serengeti. Short rains may occur.
Shoulder season with fewer visitors, green scenery, and active wildlife—ideal for photography and relaxed drives.
Dry season offers easier wildlife spotting, especially elephants in Tarangire and dense game in Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Perfect for clear skies and long drives.
Short rains rejuvenate the parks; wildlife remains abundant with vibrant landscapes and fewer tourists.
Who This Safari Serves Best
Couples & Honeymooners
Private guides, scenic lodges, and flexible pacing make this 5-day safari an intimate escape through Northern Tanzania.
Families with Teens
Moderate daily drives, abundant wildlife, and comfortable lodges keep teens engaged while minimizing fatigue.
First-Time Safari Travelers
Carefully planned 5-day itinerary ensures a complete introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife without being overwhelming.
Photographers
Excellent opportunities in Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara with abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes for action and scenic photography.
How Pricing Works
Pricing for this 5-day safari typically starts around $2,205 per person for mid-range accommodations. Rates may vary depending on season, group size, and lodge selection.
- Seasonality: Dry-season travel (July–October) can have higher demand, but game viewing is easier and scenery is clear.
- Group Size: Per-person costs decrease for 2–4 guests sharing a vehicle; solo travelers may choose a private guide supplement.
- Accommodation Mix: Upgrading to luxury lodges or premium tented camps will increase the nightly rate accordingly.
Local Northern Circuit Team
- Based in Arusha, the team coordinates safari logistics for the Northern Circuit.
- Local staff handle vehicle maintenance, itinerary planning, and guest support.
- Guides are trained and experienced in navigating the parks and reserves.
- The company complies with Tanzanian tourism regulations and park entry requirements.
Ready to Customize Your Northern Circuit Safari?
Share your preferred dates, group size, and wish list. A senior planner replies within 12 hours with a tailored budget, lodge options, and next steps.
5-Day Tanzania Safari FAQ
Everything you need to know about a 5-day Tanzania safari covering Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara, including costs, itinerary, and planning tips.
Absolutely! A 5-day Tanzania safari offers unforgettable encounters with wildlife across multiple iconic parks. You’ll experience elephants in Tarangire, the great migration and predators in Serengeti, diverse species in Ngorongoro Crater, and tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara. Plan your safari
Prices for a 5-day Northern Circuit safari typically start around $2,205 per person for mid-range lodges with private 4x4 vehicles. Costs vary depending on season, lodge selection, and optional activities or add-ons. Request a quote
The 5-day safari covers the Northern Circuit, including Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. This comprehensive itinerary includes private guides, full-day game drives, mid-range accommodations, and an immersive wildlife experience across Tanzania’s top parks. See itinerary
For a complete Northern Circuit experience, 5 days is ideal. This allows time to visit Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara at a relaxed pace, with ample opportunity for wildlife viewing, photography, and cultural encounters. Learn more
Accommodation is carefully selected for each night: Day 1: Karatu Villa, Day 2 & 3: Shuhudia Adventure Camp, and Day 4: Hhando Coffee Lodge. Lodges are mid-range, well-located for game drives, and can be upgraded upon request. View lodges