5 Day Safari - Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Serengeti National Park
The Complete Northern Circuit - Elephants, Crater & Endless Plains
Overview
About This Safari
Five days is widely considered the sweet spot for a Tanzania northern circuit safari - long enough to experience the full breadth of the ecosystem, short enough to maintain momentum and excitement throughout.
This itinerary covers the classic trio: Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Each park offers an entirely different landscape and wildlife profile. Tarangire delivers massive elephant herds moving through ancient baobab forests. Ngorongoro gives you the concentrated drama of the crater - Big Five in one phenomenal arena. And then the Serengeti: endless golden plains stretching to every horizon, alive with predators, prey and - depending on the season - the Great Migration.
Comfortable lodge accommodation throughout means quality food and reliable service without sacrificing time in the bush. This is the itinerary that defines Tanzania for most first-time visitors.
Trip Highlights
Quick Facts
Day by Day
Detailed Itinerary
Every day has been carefully planned for optimal acclimatization, scenery, and experience.
The Experience
Early pickup and drive south to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive. This is elephant country - Tarangire has the highest elephant density of any park in Tanzania, with super-herds of 200-300 animals converging on the Tarangire River during the dry season. Ancient baobab forests provide a spectacular backdrop, with lion draped over the roots, leopard in the fever trees, and giraffe silhouetted against the sky. Overnight at a comfortable lodge just outside the park.
Key Highlights
Trip Logistics
Distance
≈ 2.5 hours from Arusha
What's Included
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- All park & crater entrance fees
- Expert TANAPA-certified safari guide
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- 4 nights lodge accommodation
- All meals as per itinerary
- Hotel pickup & drop-off (Arusha)
- Bottled water in vehicle
- Government taxes & VAT
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa ($50)
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for guide & lodge staff
- Optional balloon safari
- Personal items & souvenirs
Transparent Pricing
Prices & Booking
All prices are per person. Larger groups enjoy better rates.
* All prices per person. Park fees, 4 nights accommodation, meals as per itinerary, guide & vehicle included.
Photos
Trip Gallery
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The wildebeest calving season runs January-March in the southern Serengeti. The dramatic river crossings occur July-October in the north near the Mara River. Wildlife is present year-round across the Serengeti.
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