Overview.
This 5-day Tanzania Wildlife Safari takes you through the highlights of the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit, offering unforgettable encounters with diverse wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and world-renowned national parks. Explore Tarangire or Lake Manyara, the legendary Serengeti, and the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater — all home to Africa’s “Big Five” and a spectacular variety of other species.
From vast savannahs to volcanic highlands, this safari promises an experience filled with adventure, beauty, and lifelong memories.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Tarangire / Lake Manyara National Park – Game Drive
Day 2: Transfer to Serengeti National Park – Game Drive
Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti Exploration – Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari
Day 4: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration – Transfer to Arusha
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Tarangire / Lake Manyara National Park – Game Drive
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and drive to either Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara National Park, depending on the season and your preference.
At Tarangire National Park, enjoy an afternoon game drive across its grasslands, swamps, and ancient baobab forests. The park is famous for its large herds of elephants and other wildlife, including buffalos, giraffes, leopards, lions, and an abundance of birdlife. During the dry season (June–November), animals gather around the Tarangire River, offering spectacular viewing opportunities.
Alternatively, Lake Manyara National Park offers lush forests, hippo-filled pools, and the chance to spot the park’s famous tree-climbing lions and diverse bird species.
In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Eileen’s Tree Inn (or similar)
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Serengeti National Park – Game Drive
After breakfast, depart for the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destination and home to the world-famous Great Migration.
As you drive through the scenic highlands toward the park, the landscape gradually opens into the “endless plains” that inspired the name Serengeti. The park spans over 14,700 km² and teems with wildlife — from wildebeests and zebras to big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive as you head to your lodge or tented camp, taking in the raw beauty of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness.
Accommodation: Into Wild Africa Tented Camp (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti Exploration – Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari
Spend the entire day exploring the magnificent Serengeti. To maximize your experience, carry a picnic lunch and embark on full-day game drives across the park’s diverse regions.
You’ll traverse open grasslands, riverine forests, and rocky outcrops known as kopjes, where lions often bask in the sun. The Serengeti ecosystem supports an extraordinary range of wildlife, making every game drive a thrilling adventure.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you may opt for a Hot Air Balloon Safari (available at an additional cost), offering breathtaking aerial views of the plains and wildlife below.
Accommodation: Into Wild Africa Tented Camp (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti to catch sight of any animals you may have missed earlier — perhaps a leopard lounging in a tree or a pride of lions finishing their morning hunt.
Later, begin your journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arriving by afternoon. The drive offers stunning views as you ascend to the crater rim, overlooking the vast grasslands and herds below.
Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge overlooking the crater.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration – Transfer to Arusha
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most breathtaking wildlife havens on Earth. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 25,000 animals, including the Big Five — lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos — all thriving within the crater’s natural enclosure.
Enjoy game viewing around the crater floor and stop for a picnic lunch at the scenic Hippo Pool, where you can relax and take in the surroundings.
In the afternoon, ascend from the crater and drive back to Arusha, arriving in time for your evening flight or drop-off at your preferred location.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
