5 Day Tanzania Safari

5 Day Northern Tanzania Safari

Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro Crater • Lake Manyara National Park

Overview

5 Days Tanzania Safari is a perfect balanced trip combining spectacular wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and authentic safari experience. Experience the very essence of Tanzania on this unforgettable safari trip. This itinerary is well designed for travellers who wish to see the country’s most famous destinations within a short time frame. It will take you deep into the legendary Serengeti National Park, the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater and the diverse ecosystems of Lake Manyara National Park. Every day brings new scenery, unbelievable wildlife encounters and experiences that will remain with you long after your trip is over.

Your safari begins in Tanzania with a warm welcome and an opportunity to relax after your international flight before venturing into the wilderness of Africa. The next day you will head to the world famous Serengeti National Park either via a scenic overland drive through the breathtaking Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Highlands or via a domestic flight that will take you directly into the heart of the park. Both options offer unique experiences, so you can either opt to experience Tanzania’s spectacular countryside or maximise your time exploring one of the greatest wildlife destinations on Earth.

The Serengeti is definitely the highlight of any Tanzanian safari. It covers almost 15,000 square kilometres of endless plains, rocky kopjes, river systems and scattered acacia woodlands and is one of the richest wildlife habitats anywhere in Africa. The park is also world famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, when over two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle move across the ecosystem in search of new grazing, providing one of nature’s greatest spectacles. But the Serengeti is good game viewing all year round, even without the migration. Lions stalk the plains, cheetahs hunt prey on the grasslands, elusive leopards lounge in the branches of sausage trees and elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles and myriad species of antelope flourish on its diverse landscapes.

Following two amazing days of exploring the Serengeti, your safari heads to the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one of Tanzania’s most cherished natural wonders. Descend more than 600 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater and you will find an extraordinary wildlife sanctuary. It is home to one of Africa’s greatest concentrations of animals, living within the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater offers one of the best opportunities to see the legendary Big Five in one game drive surrounded by breathtaking scenery that changes from open grasslands and freshwater lakes to dense forests and acacia woodlands.

Your final chapter takes you to the beautiful Lake Manyara National Park. This is a compact, yet incredibly diverse destination at the foot of the imposing Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park is famous for its lush groundwater forests, flamingos in season, entertaining baboons, majestic herds of elephant, hippos, giraffes, buffaloes and its legendary tree-climbing lions. On the game drive and Lake Manyara, there is always something new around each bend. Lake Manyara is the ideal place to end your safari before heading back to the airport.

You will be travelling throughout your journey in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced professional guide. His local knowledge and passion for Tanzania, as well as his wildlife expertise, will enhance each and every game drive. We promise you a comfortable and memorable safari, from the hand-picked lodges or tented camps to the delicious meals, seamless logistics to the personalised service. Every moment is a story that you will carry with you forever, be it watching the sunrise over the Serengeti, having a picnic amongst the game in the Ngorongoro Crater or watching elephants under the ancient baobabs of Tarangire.

This five-day safari is more than a holiday, it is an invitation to discover the wild beauty of Tanzania, where every sunrise brings a new adventure, every landscape tells a different story and every wildlife experience leaves a lasting memory. This is the ultimate safari for travellers who want to see the best of Northern Tanzania in one incredible trip.

Safari Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by a representative from Tanzaniatrail Experience Limited who will transfer you to your comfortable hotel in Arusha. Depending on the time of your arrival, you can relax after your long international flight or enjoy the lovely surroundings of your lodge or simply get ready for the exciting safari that awaits you ahead. Your guide will give you a quick overview of the adventure that awaits you over the next few days and make sure you are fully prepared for your journey into the spectacular wilderness of Tanzania. Have a pleasant dinner and a good rest overnight before starting your safari.

Meals: Not Included

Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel

Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge

Following breakfast, you will start your journey to the world famous Serengeti National Park. You may choose to take a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, or a domestic flight directly into the park. On arrival, your first game drive starts right away as you head out into the endless plains in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, leopards and many other wildlife species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a beautiful setting, then continue your afternoon safari. As the African sun sets over the Serengeti, arrive at your lodge or tented camp for dinner and your first overnight stay in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges

Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat

Enjoy a full day of exploration in Serengeti National Park. With your expert guide, you will track wildlife all day, exploring different areas. Look for the famous Big Cats, see families of elephants moving across the plains, watch giraffes feeding in the acacia trees and watch great herds of wildebeest and zebra stretching away to the horizon. Depending on the season you might just witness part of the spectacular Great Migration. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot before continuing your afternoon game drive through the diverse habitats of the park. In the evening return to your accommodation, relax, have dinner and share stories of yet another unforgettable day in the African wilderness.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges

Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat

You’ll have an early breakfast before leaving the Serengeti, catching your final wildlife sightings as you travel towards the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Spend a few hours descending into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater to explore one of the richest wildlife ecosystems in Africa. Look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos, hippos, hyenas, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles and flamingos while enjoying the breathtaking scenery surrounding the crater floor. After a picnic lunch, ascend the crater and proceed to the charming town of Karatu where your comfortable lodge awaits for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals: Full Board

Comfort Accommodation:  Marera Valley Lodge

Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge

After breakfast, leave Karatu for the beautiful Lake Manyara National Park, a hidden gem known for its diverse habitats and spectacular wildlife. Search for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, playful baboons, colourful birdlife and the famous tree-climbing lions. Explore the park’s lush groundwater forests, open plains and lakeshore. Have a final picnic lunch surrounded by nature before continuing your last game drive through the park. In the afternoon you will depart Lake Manyara and enjoy a relaxed transfer to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onwards flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s remarkable wildlife, landscapes and warm hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

MID-RANGE INCLUDES

MID-RANGE EXCLUDES

LUXURY INCLUDES

LUXURY EXCLUDES

FAQs

Any time of the year is safari time in Tanzania. The dry season from June to October is perfect for wildlife viewing, and the wildebeest calving in Ndutu is best from January to March. The Great Migration is a different place at a different time of year.

Tanzania is home to the famous Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino—as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, antelopes, and over 1,100 bird species. Wildlife sightings vary depending on the season and destination.

Yeah. Tanzania is one of the safest safari destinations in Africa. You will be travelling with a licenced tour operator (Tanzaniatrail Experience Limited) and your guide will ensure your safety on the trip and will adhere to all the National Park rules.

We recommend lightweight neutral-coloured clothing, a light jacket for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, and any personal medications. Soft-sided luggage is preferred for safari vehicles and domestic flights.

Safaris can be 2 to 14 days or longer. Most travellers opt for between 5 and 8 days to comfortably cover several national parks, but longer safaris offer more time to track the Great Migration or combine wildlife with cultural experiences and Zanzibar.

Sure. Many of our clients opt to end their safari with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar. Domestic flights run daily and it is easy to combine the incredible wildlife of Tanzania with the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Zanzibar.

Most international visitors require a Tanzanian tourist visa, usually available either online or on arrival, depending on nationality. We also recommend that you discuss recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention with your healthcare provider prior to travel.

Yeah. All our safaris are done in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional English speaking driver-guide unless you specifically ask for a shared safari, so you can travel at your own pace and have a personalised safari experience.

We have selected a variety of accommodation options ranging from comfortable mid-range lodges to luxury lodges, boutique tented camps and ultra-luxury safari camps. Each option has been chosen for great location, hospitality, comfort and dining experience.

At Tanzaniatrail Experience Limited we specialise in designing custom safaris to suit your interests, budget and travel style. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, our knowledgeable local guides, reliable safari vehicles, transparent pricing, tailor selected accommodations and personalised service guarantee an authentic, seamless and memorable safari experience.

Giving Back Through Every Journey

At Tanzaniatrail, we believe that travel should create lasting memories and make a positive difference. That’s why 1% of every safari package you book goes directly back to local communities in Tanzania. We regularly visit and support orphanages and community centers, and our dream is to establish a dedicated children’s home under Tanzaniatrail’s care. When you travel with us, you’re not only exploring Tanzania’s beauty — you’re also helping provide education, food, and brighter futures for vulnerable children. Your adventure changes lives. Travel with purpose.

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