5 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Big Five Safari

Big Five Safari | Serengeti Wildlife Adventure | Ngorongoro Crater Experience

Overview

The 5 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Big Five Safari is Tanzania’s most sought-after Northern Circuit safari, combining three of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations into one unforgettable adventure.

Designed for travelers seeking maximum wildlife diversity within a manageable timeframe, this safari showcases the best of Tanzania’s renowned safari circuit. Guests experience Tarangire’s giant elephant herds and baobab-studded landscapes, the predator-rich plains of the Serengeti, and the extraordinary wildlife density of the Ngorongoro Crater.

This itinerary offers some of the highest chances of spotting the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino—while also providing opportunities to witness cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

Whether you’re visiting Tanzania for the first time, planning a family safari, celebrating a honeymoon, or pursuing wildlife photography, this 5-day safari delivers a complete East African safari experience.

Why This Is Tanzania’s Best-Selling 5-Day Safari

Unlike shorter itineraries that focus on only one or two destinations, this safari combines three vastly different ecosystems, creating exceptional wildlife variety and photography opportunities.

Three World-Class Parks

Visit Tanzania’s most famous safari destinations.

Outstanding Big Five Opportunities

Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti provide excellent chances of seeing all Big Five species.

Diverse Landscapes

Experience:

  • Tarangire’s baobab woodlands
  • Serengeti’s endless savannahs
  • Ngorongoro’s volcanic crater ecosystem

Excellent Wildlife Density

Enjoy some of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife.

Ideal Safari Duration

Five days allows meaningful exploration without feeling rushed.

Safari Highlights

  • Large elephant herds in Tarangire National Park
  • Ancient baobab tree landscapes
  • Full-day Serengeti game drives
  • Lion, leopard, and cheetah sightings
  • Great Migration viewing opportunities (seasonal)
  • Ngorongoro Crater safari
  • Big Five wildlife encounters
  • Black rhino viewing opportunities
  • Spectacular sunrise and sunset photography
  • Professional safari guide throughout

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park

Morning Departure from Arusha

Your safari begins after breakfast with a pick-up from your hotel in Arusha.

Following a safari briefing, depart for Tarangire National Park, located approximately two hours southwest of Arusha.

The drive passes through local villages, coffee farms, and Maasai communities, offering a glimpse into rural Tanzanian life.

Arrival at Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is one of Tanzania’s most wildlife-rich parks and is particularly famous for its elephant population.

During the dry season, thousands of animals gather around the Tarangire River, creating exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Morning Game Drive

Begin exploring the park’s diverse habitats.

Wildlife Frequently Seen

  • African elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Zebras
  • Wildebeest
  • Giraffes
  • Waterbucks
  • Impalas

Predators such as lions and leopards are also regularly encountered.

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a designated picnic site overlooking the park.

Afternoon Safari

Continue exploring Tarangire’s landscapes.

Highlights include:

  • Giant baobab trees
  • Seasonal wetlands
  • River ecosystems
  • Elephant breeding herds

Tarangire is considered one of the best elephant photography destinations in East Africa.

Dinner & Overnight

Accommodation in Karatu or near the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Day 2: Karatu → Serengeti National Park

Early Breakfast

Depart after breakfast for the world-famous Serengeti National Park.

Scenic Drive Through Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The route offers stunning views of:

  • Ngorongoro Highlands
  • Maasai villages
  • Crater viewpoints
  • Expansive savannahs

Arrival at Serengeti National Park

Enter through Naabi Hill Gate and begin your first Serengeti game drive.

The Serengeti ecosystem covers nearly 15,000 square kilometers and hosts one of the largest concentrations of wildlife on Earth.

Afternoon Game Drive

Search for:

  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Cheetahs
  • Hyenas
  • Elephants
  • Buffalo
  • Wildebeest
  • Zebras

Great Migration Opportunities

Depending on the season, travelers may witness:

  • Massive wildebeest herds
  • Zebra migrations
  • Predator interactions
  • Calving season activity

Sunset Safari

The late afternoon provides excellent conditions for wildlife photography.

Dinner & Overnight

Safari lodge or tented camp within Serengeti National Park.

Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti Safari

Sunrise Game Drive

Early morning is one of the best times to observe predators.

You may witness:

  • Lions on patrol
  • Leopards returning to trees
  • Cheetahs scanning open plains
  • Hyenas finishing nighttime activity

Full-Day Wildlife Exploration

Explore different Serengeti habitats including:

  • Open grasslands
  • Acacia woodlands
  • Seasonal river systems
  • Rocky kopjes

Wildlife Highlights

The Serengeti supports:

  • Africa’s largest lion population
  • Large leopard territories
  • Numerous cheetah coalitions
  • Resident elephant herds

Picnic Lunch

Lunch in the heart of the Serengeti.

Afternoon Safari

Continue tracking wildlife throughout the afternoon.

Your guide will focus on areas where recent sightings have been reported.

Sunset Over the Plains

One of the most iconic safari experiences in Africa.

Dinner & Overnight

Safari camp or lodge inside Serengeti.

Day 4: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Morning Game Drive

Enjoy a final Serengeti wildlife experience.

Morning drives often provide excellent predator sightings.

Breakfast at Camp

Return for breakfast before departure.

En Route Wildlife Viewing

Continue game viewing while traveling toward Ngorongoro.

Scenic Transfer to Crater Highlands

Travel through the conservation area and enjoy spectacular scenery.

Highlights include:

  • Maasai pastoral landscapes
  • Volcanic highlands
  • Wildlife corridors

Arrival at Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Arrive during the afternoon and enjoy panoramic views across the crater floor.

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

Dinner & Overnight

Lodge near the crater rim or Karatu area.


Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Safari → Arusha

Early Breakfast

Prepare for one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife experiences.

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater

The crater floor supports over 25,000 large mammals in a relatively compact area.

This extraordinary ecosystem offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa.

Morning Game Drive

Explore:

  • Lerai Forest
  • Open grasslands
  • Wetlands
  • Hippo pools
  • Seasonal lakes

Big Five Opportunities

Ngorongoro is one of the few places where all Big Five species can potentially be seen in a single day.

Species Include

✓ Lion

✓ Leopard

✓ Elephant

✓ Buffalo

✓ Black Rhino

Additional Wildlife

  • Hippos
  • Hyenas
  • Wildebeest
  • Zebras
  • Jackals
  • Gazelles

Picnic Lunch at Hippo Pool

Lunch surrounded by spectacular crater scenery.


Afternoon Return to Arusha

Ascend from the crater and drive back to Arusha.

End of Safari

Drop-off at:

  • Arusha Hotel
  • Kilimanjaro International Airport
  • Arusha Airport

Wildlife You May See

Big Five

✓ Lion

✓ Leopard

✓ Elephant

✓ Buffalo

✓ Black Rhino

Predators

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

Plains Game

  • Wildebeest
  • Zebra
  • Gazelle
  • Eland
  • Hartebeest
  • Waterbuck

Birdlife

  • Ostrich
  • Secretary Bird
  • Eagles
  • Vultures
  • Flamingos (seasonal)
  • Crowned Cranes

About the Destinations

Tarangire National Park

Famous For

  • Elephant herds
  • Ancient baobab trees
  • Birdlife diversity
  • Seasonal wildlife migrations

Serengeti National Park

Famous For

  • Great Migration
  • Big cats
  • Endless plains
  • Hot air balloon safaris

Ngorongoro Crater

Famous For

  • Big Five wildlife
  • Black rhinos
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Dense wildlife populations

Best Time to Visit

June – October

Peak wildlife viewing season.

Ideal For

  • Big Five safaris
  • Photography
  • Dry-season game viewing

January – March

Calving season in southern Serengeti.

Ideal For

  • Predator activity
  • Baby animals
  • Photography

July – September

Migration season.

Ideal For

  • Wildebeest herds
  • Predator interactions

November – December

Green season.

Ideal For

  • Scenic landscapes
  • Birdwatching
  • Fewer crowds

Accommodation Options

Budget Safari

  • Public campsites
  • Budget tented camps

From USD 1,250 Per Person

Mid-Range Safari

  • Comfortable safari lodges
  • En-suite tented camps

From USD 1,950 Per Person

Luxury Safari

  • Premium tented camps
  • Luxury lodges

From USD 3,500 Per Person

Safari Inclusions

  • Park entry fees
  • Ngorongoro Crater fees
  • Professional safari guide
  • 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Accommodation for 4 nights
  • Meals as specified
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Hotel transfers in Arusha
  • Government taxes

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Tanzania visa
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities
  • Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Yes. This itinerary offers some of Tanzania’s highest Big Five viewing opportunities, particularly in Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors?

Absolutely. It is Tanzania’s most recommended itinerary for first-time safari travelers.

How much time is spent in Serengeti?

Nearly two full days of game viewing, including a dedicated full-day safari.

Is Tarangire worth visiting?

Yes. Tarangire offers exceptional elephant sightings and beautiful baobab landscapes that differ significantly from Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

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