Embark on a journey through the heart of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit with the Best 5-Day Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Tarangire Itinerary. This immersive adventure showcases three of Africa’s most iconic destinations — the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, and Tarangire National Park — each offering an unforgettable window into Tanzania’s rich wildlife and natural beauty.

Perfect for travelers short on time yet seeking a complete safari experience, this 5-day itinerary is the ideal blend of diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and authentic cultural encounters.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first African safari, this trip guarantees breathtaking moments, from sunrise over the Serengeti plains to elephants grazing beneath Tarangire’s giant baobabs.

Why Choose the 5-Day Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Tarangire Safari?

1. Experience Tanzania’s Top Three Parks

This itinerary combines the highlights of northern Tanzania into a compact, action-packed adventure:

• Tarangire National Park – Known for massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal migrations.

• Serengeti National Park – A world-renowned UNESCO site home to the Great Wildebeest Migration and an abundance of predators.

• Ngorongoro Crater – A natural wonder boasting one of the densest wildlife concentrations in Africa.

2. Unmatched Game Viewing

Enjoy daily game drives in three distinct ecosystems, each with its unique terrain and wildlife species. You’ll have a chance to spot all the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos — as well as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and cheetahs.

3. Short Yet Comprehensive

This 5-day itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a short but complete safari that doesn’t compromise on experience.

4. Comfortable Lodges and Camps

Stay in hand-picked lodges or tented camps that blend luxury, comfort, and wilderness charm, all within close proximity to the parks.

Safari Overview

• Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

• Destinations: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater

• Start/End Point: Arusha / Kilimanjaro International Airport

• Safari Type: Private or Group Safari (Mid-Range or Luxury Options)

• Best Season: June – October (Dry Season) or December – March (Calving Season)

Detailed 5-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Transfer to Tarangire National Park

Morning:

Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. After a short briefing, you’ll drive toward Tarangire National Park, approximately 2.5 hours away.

Upon arrival, you’ll enter a landscape dotted with towering baobabs and acacia trees, where elephants roam in large family groups.

Afternoon Game Drive:

Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch before embarking on your first game drive. Watch for elephants cooling off at the Tarangire River, lions resting in the shade, or herds of wildebeest and zebras grazing on the golden plains.

Evening:

Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in the evening. Relax by the campfire and enjoy dinner while listening to the sounds of the African night.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Tarangire Treetops / Sanctuary Swala Camp

• Mid-Range: Tarangire Safari Lodge / Maramboi Tented Camp

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Tarangire – Serengeti National Park

Morning:

After breakfast, depart Tarangire for Serengeti National Park, a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley and the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Along the way, you may stop at a Maasai village (optional) to experience local traditions and cultural dances.

Afternoon Game Drive:

Enter Serengeti through Naabi Hill Gate and enjoy a thrilling game drive across the vast plains. Depending on the time of year, you might witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, a breathtaking spectacle of millions of animals moving in search of greener pastures.

Evening:

Settle into your Serengeti lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Four Seasons Serengeti / Melia Serengeti Lodge / Lemala Ewanjan

• Mid-Range: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge / Embalakai Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

Morning:

Wake up early for a sunrise game drive, the best time to spot predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs in action. The golden light across the plains makes this the perfect moment for photography.

Midday:

Enjoy a bush picnic lunch under an acacia tree as herds of zebra and wildebeest graze nearby.

Afternoon:

Continue exploring different areas of the Serengeti depending on wildlife movement and your guide’s expertise. You might visit the Seronera Valley, known for year-round game viewing, or the Northern Serengeti if the migration is passing through.

Optional Activity:

• Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Serengeti at sunrise (additional cost).

Evening:

Return to your camp for a warm shower, a hearty dinner, and stories around the campfire.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater

Morning:

After breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying en route game drives as you leave the Serengeti plains behind.

Upon arrival, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most unique wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.

Wildlife Experience:

The crater floor is home to over 25,000 animals — including elephants, hippos, lions, flamingos, and the endangered black rhino. It’s one of the few places in Africa where you can spot all the Big Five in a single day.

Afternoon:

Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool, surrounded by breathtaking crater views.

In the late afternoon, ascend to the crater rim for your overnight stay.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge / Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge

• Mid-Range: Rhino Lodge / Ngorongoro Farm House

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Ngorongoro – Arusha – Departure

Morning:

After a relaxed breakfast, drive back to Arusha, passing scenic coffee plantations and local markets.

Depending on your schedule, you may enjoy lunch in Arusha before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation Highlights

Tarangire National Park

• Tarangire Treetops (Luxury): Elevated rooms with stunning views over the baobab landscape.

• Maramboi Tented Camp (Mid-Range): Elegant tented rooms near Lake Manyara with walking safari options.

Serengeti National Park

• Four Seasons Serengeti (Luxury): World-class amenities, infinity pool, and panoramic savannah views.

• Serengeti Serena Lodge (Mid-Range): Stylish stone-built lodge blending with the natural surroundings.

Ngorongoro Crater

• Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (Luxury): Perched on the rim with breathtaking crater views.

• Rhino Lodge (Mid-Range): Cozy and eco-friendly lodge close to the crater floor.

Wildlife Highlights

This 5-day safari offers excellent chances to see:

• Big Five: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and black rhinos.

• Predators: Cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and servals.

• Plains Game: Giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, and gazelles.

• Birdlife: Flamingos, eagles, ostriches, storks, and lilac-breasted rollers.

Each park has its unique character — Tarangire’s elephant herds, Serengeti’s endless plains, and Ngorongoro’s concentrated wildlife make for a truly diverse safari.

Best Time to Visit

• June – October (Dry Season): Best for wildlife viewing; animals are easy to spot around waterholes.

• December – March (Calving Season): Perfect for witnessing baby animals and predator interactions.

• April – May (Green Season): Fewer tourists and lush landscapes ideal for photography.

Packing Essentials

• Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors

• Comfortable safari hat and sunglasses

• Sunscreen and insect repellent

• Sturdy walking shoes or boots

• Binoculars and camera

• Warm jacket for cool mornings and evenings

Travel Tips

• Always listen to your guide for a safe and rewarding experience.

• Avoid bright colors that may startle animals.

• Carry enough memory cards — photo opportunities are endless!

• Stay hydrated and bring reusable water bottles.

• Respect wildlife and maintain a safe viewing distance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can this 5-day safari be customized?
Yes, it can be tailored to include luxury or mid-range accommodations and even extended with a Zanzibar beach holiday.

Q2: When is the best time to see the Great Migration?
From June to October in the Northern Serengeti, and December to March in the Southern Serengeti.

Q3: Are park fees and meals included?
Yes, this package includes all park entry fees, meals, accommodation, and professional guides.

Q4: What kind of vehicles are used?
Custom-built 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for optimal game viewing.

Q5: Can children join the safari?
Absolutely! Family-friendly lodges and activities make it suitable for all ages.

SEO Keywords

• 5-day Ngorongoro Serengeti Tarangire itinerary

• Best Tanzania safari itinerary

• Northern Tanzania safari 5 days

• Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti safari

• Tarangire Serengeti 5-day tour

• Tanzania Big Five safari itinerary

Conclusion

The Best 5-Day Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Tarangire Itinerary captures the true essence of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. From Tarangire’s elephant-filled landscapes to Serengeti’s boundless plains and Ngorongoro’s wildlife-rich crater, every moment is a breathtaking encounter with nature at its finest.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a honeymooning couple, or a first-time safari traveler, this itinerary offers a compact yet complete Tanzanian safari experience — rich in wildlife, culture, and unforgettable beauty.

Embark on this journey and discover why Tanzania is the ultimate African safari destination.