Safari Overview

The 6 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Big Five Safari is one of the most popular and well-balanced wildlife itineraries in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.

It combines three of the country’s most iconic safari destinations into one seamless journey, offering exceptional wildlife diversity, extended time in the Serengeti, and some of the best Big Five viewing opportunities in East Africa.

This itinerary is designed for travelers who want more than a quick overview of Tanzania’s parks. With six days on safari, guests enjoy deeper game drive experiences, improved predator tracking opportunities, and more time to explore different ecosystems without rushing between destinations.

From the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire to the predator-filled savannahs of the Serengeti and the wildlife-dense floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, this safari delivers a complete East African wildlife experience.

Why Choose This Safari?

Classic Northern Circuit Experience

This is the most established and proven safari route in Tanzania.

Extended Serengeti Time

More time in Serengeti increases chances of:

• Predator sightings
• Migration encounters (seasonal)
• Large herbivore herds

Strong Big Five Potential

Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa.

Balanced Travel Rhythm

No rushed transitions, allowing full game drive immersion.

Excellent for First-Time Safari Travelers

Ideal introduction to Tanzania’s safari ecosystem.

Safari Highlights

• Tarangire elephant herds
• Ancient baobab tree landscapes
• Full-day Serengeti game drives
• Big cats: lions, leopards, cheetahs
• Ngorongoro Crater safari experience
• Big Five wildlife opportunities
• Scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes
• Predator tracking opportunities
• Diverse ecosystems in one itinerary

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Depart Arusha in the morning and drive to Tarangire National Park.

Tarangire is famous for its large elephant population and iconic baobab trees that dominate the landscape.

Enjoy your first game drive upon entry into the park.

Wildlife You May See

• Elephants in large herds
• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Wildebeest
• Lions resting under acacia trees

Dinner and overnight in the Tarangire or Karatu region.

Day 2: Full-Day Tarangire Safari

Spend a full day exploring Tarangire’s diverse ecosystems.

The Tarangire River acts as a magnet for wildlife, especially during the dry season.

Key Experiences

• Elephant family interactions
• Predator tracking (lions, leopards)
• Birdwatching (over 400 species)
• Scenic photography among baobab forests

Overnight in Karatu or nearby lodge.

Day 3: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, travel through the Ngorongoro Highlands toward Serengeti National Park.

Enjoy scenic views along the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Arrive in Serengeti for an afternoon game drive.

Wildlife Highlights

• Lions and cheetahs
• Wildebeest and zebras
• Giraffes and gazelles

Overnight in Serengeti tented camp or lodge.

Day 4: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drive

Spend a full day exploring Serengeti’s endless plains.

This is one of the best wildlife regions in the world.

Possible Sightings

• Big cat predators
• Elephant herds
• Hyenas and jackals
• Migrating herds (seasonal)

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy an early morning game drive before departing Serengeti.

Travel toward Ngorongoro with wildlife viewing en route.

Arrive at the crater rim in the afternoon.

Enjoy panoramic views over the crater floor.

Overnight at Ngorongoro lodge.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Safari → Return to Arusha

Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers one of the highest wildlife densities in Africa.

Wildlife You May See

• Lions
• Black rhinos
• Elephants
• Buffalo
• Hippos
• Hyenas

After the game drive, return to Arusha.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Big Five

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Black Rhino

Other Wildlife

• Cheetah
• Giraffe
• Zebra
• Wildebeest
• Hyena
• Hippo

Birdlife

• Flamingos (seasonal)
• Ostriches
• Eagles
• Secretary birds

Best Time to Visit

June – October

• Peak wildlife visibility
• Dry season game viewing
• Migration in northern Serengeti (seasonal)

January – March

• Calving season
• High predator activity
• Green landscapes

Safari Inclusions

• Park entry fees
• Professional safari guide
• 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Accommodation (5 nights)
• Meals during safari
• Bottled drinking water
• Government taxes
• Transfers from Arusha

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Tanzania visa
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities (balloon safari, Maasai village visit)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this safari good for first-time travelers?

Yes. This is one of the best introductory safaris in Tanzania.

Can I see the Big Five?

Yes. Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent chances of seeing all Big Five species.

Is Serengeti included for multiple days?

Yes. This itinerary includes extended Serengeti game drives for deeper wildlife viewing.

Can I upgrade to luxury lodges?

Yes. Accommodation can be fully customized to luxury or fly-in options.