5-Day Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Tour

Summary

Wildlife Safari in Northern Tanzania: Game Drives & Local Encounters

If you’re after real wildlife moments—elephants up close, lions on crater floors, wildebeest herds stretching forever—and want to meet local people along the way, this 5-day Tanzania safari covers all the highlights without feeling rushed.

What’s the experience like?

The first morning kicked off early in Arusha. I remember the air was still a bit cool when our guide met us right at the hotel lobby—he had this easy smile and knew every shortcut out of town. The drive to Tarangire National Park took about two hours. Along the way, we passed small roadside stalls selling bananas and bright kitenge fabrics. Once inside Tarangire, it didn’t take long before we spotted a line of elephants lumbering toward the river. You could actually hear them sloshing around as they drank. Our guide, Joseph, pointed out baobab trees that looked like something out of a storybook. We stopped for a picnic lunch under some acacias—honestly, you’ll never forget the taste of fresh mango with dust on your fingers.

The next day was all about the Serengeti. It’s a long drive—four hours or so—but there’s always something to see: Maasai herders with their cattle, kids waving from the roadside. The Serengeti itself is just endless grassland; you feel tiny out there. We caught sight of wildebeest moving in these huge groups, and at one point a cheetah darted across the road so fast I almost missed it. That night at Signature Serengeti Camp, I fell asleep listening to distant hyenas calling—strange but kind of comforting.

We spent a full day exploring the Serengeti’s different corners. There’s this hippo pool where you can actually smell them before you see them (not exactly roses). If you’re up for it—and don’t mind an early wake-up—a hot air balloon ride is possible too; one couple in our group did it and came back grinning with stories about giraffes seen from above and champagne breakfast in the bush.

On day four we left for Ngorongoro Highlands after one last game drive in the morning mist. The descent into Ngorongoro Crater felt dramatic—the view from above is wild, like looking into another world. Down on the crater floor, we saw everything from lions lounging by the road to flamingos clustered around shallow lakes. Lunch was picnic-style again; I remember sharing cookies with our guide while zebra grazed nearby. Later that afternoon we visited a Maasai boma where an elder explained their traditions—he even showed us how they make fire using sticks (I tried… not as easy as it looks).

The final day brought us to Lake Manyara National Park. The forest here is thicker than anywhere else on the trip; sunlight barely gets through in places. We watched for tree-climbing lions (they’re famous here), but mostly saw monkeys leaping overhead and birds everywhere—hornbills, kingfishers, even some pink-backed pelicans near the water’s edge. There was an option for a treetop walkway if you want to stretch your legs above ground level, but I chose to join a village walk instead and chatted with locals about daily life over sweet milky tea before heading back to Arusha.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arusha to Tarangire

• Drive to Tarangire National Park with game drive
• See elephants drinking at the river

Day 2 — Tarangire to Serengeti

• Drive to Serengeti National Park with game drive
• Explore wildebeest migration and game viewing

Day 3 — Serengeti National Park

• Full day game drive in Serengeti National Park
• Visit hippo pool; optional hot air balloon ride

Day 4 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro

• Morning game drive then drive to Ngorongoro Highlands and crater game drive
• Visit Masai boma and learn about their culture

Day 5 — Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara

• Game drive with chance to see lions in trees
• Optional tree walkway
• Village walk to interact with locals

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for someone using a wheelchair?

Yes, vehicles and most areas are accessible for wheelchairs; let us know your needs when booking so we can make arrangements.

How much time do we spend driving each day?

Drive times vary: usually 2-4 hours between parks plus game drives inside each reserve—but there are plenty of stops for photos or snacks.

Are meals included during the tour?

Yes! All meals are provided during your safari—including picnic lunches during game drives and dinners at lodges or camps.

Can I book extra activities like hot air balloon rides?

You can add experiences such as hot air balloon rides in Serengeti for an extra fee—just let us know ahead of time so we can arrange it.

What’s included

Your safari includes all park entry fees, guided game drives with experienced local guides, accommodation at comfortable lodges or camps (with private bathrooms), all meals from lunch on day one through lunch on day five, bottled water during drives, airport transfers if needed, and options for accessible travel support if requested.