Safari Overview

The 10 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Big Five Safari is a classic Northern Tanzania itinerary designed for travelers who want the most complete wildlife experience in the region.

This safari combines extended game viewing in the Serengeti National Park, the dense wildlife population of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park, with a scenic stop at Lake Manyara National Park.

With ten days in the field, this itinerary allows for deeper exploration, relaxed pacing, and higher chances of encountering all members of the Big Five.

Route

Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Lake Manyara National Park → Arusha

Safari Highlights

• Tarangire elephant herds and baobab landscapes
• Full-day Serengeti game drives across open plains
• Big cat sightings: lion, leopard, and cheetah
• Ngorongoro Crater dense wildlife population
• Lake Manyara tree-climbing lions
• Scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes
• Strong Big Five wildlife opportunities
• Extended time in key safari ecosystems

Why Choose This Safari?

Classic Northern Tanzania Experience

This itinerary covers all major Northern Circuit parks in one journey:

• Serengeti for predators and migration (seasonal)
• Ngorongoro for dense wildlife encounters
• Tarangire for elephants and unique landscapes
• Lake Manyara for forest and lake ecosystems

Higher Chance of Big Five Sightings

The combination of Serengeti and Ngorongoro offers excellent opportunities to see:

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Black rhino

Relaxed 10-Day Safari Pace

Compared to shorter safaris, this itinerary allows:

• More game drive hours
• Less rushed travel between parks
• Better wildlife photography opportunities
• Extended wildlife observation time

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your lodge in Arusha. Safari briefing and preparation.

Overnight in Arusha.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Drive to Tarangire National Park for an afternoon game drive.

Highlights:

• Elephant herds
• Baobab trees
• Lions and giraffes

Overnight near Tarangire.

Day 3: Full Day Tarangire Safari

Full-day game drive exploring deeper regions of Tarangire.

Overnight near Tarangire.

Day 4: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

Drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands into Serengeti with en-route game viewing.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 5: Full Day Serengeti Game Drive

Full-day exploration of Serengeti plains.

Wildlife:

• Lions
• Cheetahs
• Leopards
• Wildebeest and zebras

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 6: Extended Serengeti Safari

Another full day in Serengeti focusing on predator tracking and wildlife photography.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 7: Serengeti Exploration

Final Serengeti full-day game drive with sunset photography.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 8: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Morning game drive before heading to Ngorongoro Highlands.

Overnight near crater rim.

Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Full-day crater descent.

Wildlife:

• Black rhino
• Lions
• Elephants
• Buffalo
• Hippos

Overnight in Karatu.

Day 10: Lake Manyara Safari & Return to Arusha

Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park.

Return to Arusha in the afternoon.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Big Five

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Black Rhino

Predators

• Cheetah
• Hyena
• Jackal
• Serval cat (rare)

Plains Wildlife

• Zebra
• Wildebeest
• Giraffe
• Impala
• Gazelle

Birdlife

• Flamingos (seasonal)
• Hornbills
• Eagles
• Kingfishers

Best Time to Visit

June to October

• Peak wildlife viewing
• Dry season game drives
• Excellent predator visibility

January to March

• Calving season in Serengeti
• High predator activity
• Green landscapes

November to December

• Fewer crowds
• Scenic photography conditions

Safari Inclusions

Inclusions

• Park entry fees
• Professional safari guide
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle
• Accommodation for 9 nights
• All meals during safari
• Bottled drinking water
• Government taxes and levies
• Airport transfers

Exclusions

• International flights
• Tanzania visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Optional balloon safari
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors to Tanzania?

Yes. It is one of the most recommended itineraries for first-time safari travelers.

Can I see all Big Five animals on this safari?

Yes, especially in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

How much time is spent in Serengeti?

Several full days are dedicated to Serengeti for maximum wildlife exposure.

Is Lake Manyara necessary in this itinerary?

Yes. It adds a unique forest and lake ecosystem not found elsewhere in the circuit.

Can this safari be customized?

Yes. It can be upgraded to luxury, fly-in, or combined with Zanzibar.