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5 Days Big Five Tanzania Safari
TARANGIRE, SERENGETI, AND NGORONGOROCRATER
Overview
5 Days Big Five Tanzania Safari
The 5 Days Big Five Tanzania Safari takes you into three of Tanzania’s most famous wildlife destinations: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. This carefully planned safari gives you the opportunity to search for the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino while enjoying Tanzania’s diverse landscapes and rich wildlife.
Your 5 Days Big Five Tanzania Safari combines exciting game drives, comfortable accommodation, and the knowledge of experienced local guides who know the parks and wildlife areas well. From the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the unique wildlife environment of the Ngorongoro Crater, each day offers a different side of Tanzania’s natural beauty. The itinerary is suitable for couples, families, friends, and solo travelers looking for a memorable Tanzania safari experience.
Best Time for the 5 Days Big Five Tanzania Safari
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The 5 Days Big Five Tanzania Safari runs year-round, with each season offering a different experience:
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June–October: Dry season with excellent wildlife viewing and clear skies.
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January–March: Wildebeest calving season in the Serengeti and Ndutu, with increased predator activity.
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April–May & November: Green season with lush scenery, fewer visitors, and good safari experiences.
Tour Highlights – 5 Days Big Five Tanzania Safari
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Big Five Wildlife Viewing – Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos.
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Tarangire National Park – Discover elephants, baobab trees, and diverse wildlife.
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Serengeti National Park – Enjoy exciting game drives across the famous Serengeti plains.
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Ngorongoro Crater – Explore a unique wildlife-rich ecosystem and search for the Big Five.
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Scenic Landscapes – Experience Tanzania’s diverse savannas, woodlands, and crater scenery.
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Expert Local Guide – Travel with an experienced guide who shares local knowledge and helps you spot wildlife.
What Makes the 5 Days Big Five Tanzania Safari Special
The 5 Days Big Five Tanzania Safari combines Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater in one exciting wildlife adventure. Enjoy private game drives, experienced local guides, comfortable stays, and the chance to experience Tanzania’s incredible wildlife and landscapes.
Start Planning
Ready for your safari? Book today.
Plan Your Safari
Explore Your Safari Itinerary
1
Day
Arusha → Tarangire National Park
After breakfast in Arusha, your guide will pick you up and start the safari with a drive to Tarangire National Park (about 2–3 hours). When you arrive, enjoy a full game drive inside the park. Tarangire is famous for large elephant herds, old baobab trees, and seasonal rivers that attract many animals. You may see lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and many bird species. You will stop for a picnic lunch inside the park and continue the game drive in the afternoon. Later, drive to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.
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Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
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Activities: Game drive, picnic lunch, photography
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Wildlife Highlights: Elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, many birds
Accomodation
Farm of Dream Lodge(Karatu
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
2
Day
Tarangire → Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, leave Tarangire and drive towards Serengeti National Park. This is a long but beautiful drive (about 6–7 hours) passing through local villages and the highlands. You will also pass near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and enjoy amazing views along the way. You may stop for photos and lunch. When you enter the Serengeti, start your game drive right away. The park is known for its large number of animals and open plains. Dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp in Serengeti.
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Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
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Activities: Transfer game drive, photography, sightseeing
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Wildlife Highlights: Lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes
Accomodation
Tanzania Bush Camp
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
3
Day
Full Day Serengeti National Park
Today you will spend a full day exploring Serengeti National Park. Start with an early morning game drive when animals are most active. This is the best time to see predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. After breakfast, continue with another game drive or relax at the camp before going out again in the afternoon. You will see many animals including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and large groups of wildebeest and zebras. If you visit during the right season, you may also see part of the Great Migration. All meals and overnight in Serengeti.
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Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
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Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, picnic lunch, photography
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Wildlife Highlights: Lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes
Accomodation
Tanzania Bush Camp
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
4
Day
Serengeti → Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive in Serengeti National Park. This is a great time to take photos and see animals hunting or feeding. After breakfast, continue with a short game drive before leaving the Serengeti. Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area while enjoying wildlife along the way. You will arrive near the crater rim in the afternoon, where you can enjoy amazing views of the crater. Dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp.
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Main Destination: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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Activities: Morning game drive, transfer, sightseeing, photography
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Wildlife Highlights: Lions, elephants, hyenas, zebras, wildebeest
Accomodation
Ngorongoro Wild Camp
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
5
Day
Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive (about 5–6 hours). This is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the Big Five in one day. The crater has many animals living in a small area, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and the rare black rhino. You will also see hippos and many birds around the lake. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater before driving back to Arusha in the afternoon. Drop-off at your hotel or airport.
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Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
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Activities: Crater game drive, picnic lunch, photography
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Wildlife Highlights: Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino), hippos, birds
Safari Includes
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Park entry fees for Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater
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All game drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
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Professional English-speaking safari guide
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Accommodation during the safari (lodges or camps)
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All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
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Drinking water during the safari
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Airport pick-up and drop-off in Arusha
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Government taxes and VAT
Safari Excludes
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International and domestic flights
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Visa fees for Tanzania
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Travel insurance
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Tips for the guide and safari crew
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Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs)
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Optional activities (like balloon safari in Serengeti National Park)
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Alcoholic and soft drinks
Good To Know
Practical tips of the day
Sun Protection
Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially during the daytime game drive and outdoor activities.
Bring a Camera
Keep your camera or phone ready for wildlife, birds, Mount Meru views, forests, and beautiful landscapes.
Comfortable Clothing
Wear light, comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes. Mornings can be cool, so a light jacket is recommended.
Carry Some Cash
Bring some USD or Tanzanian shillings for guide tips, drinks, souvenirs, or other personal purchases.
Stay Hydrated
Carry a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during warmer hours.
Suitable for Most Travelers
The tour can be enjoyed by couples, families, friends, and solo travelers. Some walking activities may be included, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Important Safari Information
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By default, our tours include shared accommodation in twin or double rooms, unless you request something different. A single room is available at an extra cost. Please check your program for full accommodation details.
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In Arusha and Moshi, most hotels include breakfast only, unless stated otherwise. Please check your itinerary to see your meal plan for each night.
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Most safari lodges in Tanzania do not include drinks like tea, coffee, soft drinks, or alcohol. This helps keep your safari cost lower. You can order and pay for drinks directly at the lodge or camp.
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Tented lodges are very common during safari. These camps are comfortable but also eco-friendly. Many use solar power, so you may have limited Wi-Fi, bucket showers, or no hair dryers. This helps protect nature and reduce environmental impact.
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We recommend checking the accommodation details in your itinerary to make sure the safari matches your travel style and comfort level.
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