Safari Overview

The 9 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Big Five Safari is one of Tanzania’s most complete wildlife itineraries, offering an immersive journey through the country’s most celebrated national parks.

Designed for travelers seeking a comprehensive Northern Circuit experience, this safari combines the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park, the predator-filled plains of Serengeti National Park, the wildlife-dense Ngorongoro Crater, and the scenic ecosystems of Lake Manyara National Park.

With extended time in Serengeti, travelers enjoy exceptional opportunities to encounter the Big Five, witness predator activity, and experience Tanzania’s diverse landscapes at a comfortable pace.

Route

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

Safari Highlights

• Large elephant herds in Tarangire
• Extended Serengeti game drives
• Excellent lion, leopard, and cheetah sightings
• Ngorongoro Crater Big Five opportunities
• Lake Manyara tree-climbing lions
• Great Rift Valley scenery
• Diverse ecosystems in one itinerary
• Outstanding wildlife photography opportunities

Why Choose This Safari?

Extended Serengeti Experience

More days in Serengeti mean:

• Increased wildlife encounters
• Better predator sightings
• Greater migration opportunities (seasonal)
• More relaxed game viewing

Big Five Opportunities

The combination of Serengeti and Ngorongoro offers some of East Africa’s best chances of seeing:

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Black Rhino

Diverse Wildlife Habitats

Experience forests, crater ecosystems, savannah plains, lakes, and baobab landscapes in a single safari.

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park.

Enjoy an afternoon game drive among giant baobabs and elephant herds.

Overnight near Tarangire.

Day 2: Full Day Tarangire Safari

Spend a full day exploring Tarangire’s wildlife-rich landscapes.

Possible sightings include:

• Elephants
• Lions
• Buffalo
• Zebras
• Giraffes

Overnight near Tarangire.

Day 3: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

Travel through the Ngorongoro Highlands en route to Serengeti.

Afternoon game drive upon arrival.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 4: Full Day Serengeti Safari

Explore Central Serengeti’s renowned wildlife areas.

Look for:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• Wildebeest
• Hyenas

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 5: Extended Serengeti Game Drive

Full-day game drive focusing on predator activity and seasonal migration movements.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 6: Another Full Day in Serengeti

Continue exploring different sectors of the park.

Excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Morning game drive before departing Serengeti.

Travel to the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Overnight near the crater rim.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day wildlife safari.

Possible sightings include:

• Black rhino
• Lions
• Buffalo
• Hippos
• Elephants

Overnight in Karatu.

Day 9: Lake Manyara National Park and Return to Arusha

Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park.

Look for:

• Tree-climbing lions
• Flamingos (seasonal)
• Hippos
• Baboons

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 Game

• Zebra
• Wildebeest
• Giraffe
• Gazelle
• Impala

Birdlife

• Flamingos
• Secretary Birds
• Eagles
• Hornbills
• Ostriches

Best Time to Visit

June to October

• Best wildlife viewing
• Dry season conditions
• Excellent predator sightings

January to March

• Calving season
• Active predators
• Green landscapes

November to December

• Fewer crowds
• Excellent birdwatching
• Scenic photography

Safari Inclusions

• Park entry fees
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle
• Accommodation for 8 nights
• All meals during safari
• Bottled drinking water
• Government taxes and levies
• Arusha transfers

Safari Exclusions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 9 days enough for a complete Tanzania safari?

Yes. Nine days allows visitors to comfortably explore Tanzania’s most famous Northern Circuit parks while enjoying extended time in Serengeti.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Yes. Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater provide excellent opportunities to see all members of the Big Five.

How many days are spent in Serengeti?

This itinerary includes multiple nights and several game drives in Serengeti, maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities.

Is Lake Manyara worth including?

Yes. Lake Manyara adds ecosystem diversity, scenic landscapes, excellent birdlife, and the possibility of seeing tree-climbing lions.

When is the best time for this safari?

Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round, with June to October offering the best dry-season game viewing conditions.

Can this safari be customized?

Yes. Accommodation levels, safari pace, and additional destinations such as Zanzibar can be added upon request.

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors?

Absolutely. This is one of the best safari itineraries for travelers visiting Tanzania for the first time.

Can I upgrade to luxury accommodations?

Yes. Luxury tented camps and premium safari lodges are available throughout the itinerary.