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

Summary

Private Safari Adventure: Wildlife & Culture in Northern Tanzania

If you want real wildlife encounters—lions hunting at dawn, elephants by your window—and genuine moments with local Maasai families, this 6-day Tanzania safari is for you. You’ll travel with an expert guide who knows every shortcut and secret spot across Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Natron. Sleep under canvas tents where hyenas sing you to sleep and wake up each day somewhere new.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked off our trip in Arusha with a hot cup of coffee and a quick chat with our driver before heading out to Lake Natron. The first couple hours on the road were smooth, but after that—wow—the track got bumpy and dusty. You’ll see the landscape shift from green hills to dry open plains. Somewhere along the way, we spotted giraffes nibbling on acacia trees and a few kids waving as we passed their tiny village. Lunch at the lodge tasted extra good after all that shaking around. Later that afternoon, we hiked up to a waterfall—cool mist on your face feels amazing after the heat—and watched the sun dip behind Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano while flamingos gathered at the lake’s edge.

The next morning started early with a drive to what locals call “small Serengeti,” near Lake Natron’s hot springs. Zebras and wildebeest grazed nearby; you could hear them snorting if you listened close enough. At the springs, I dipped my feet in—tiny fish nibbled at my toes (it tickles more than you’d think). Lunch was back at the guesthouse—simple but filling—and then we visited a Maasai boma. Our host, Daniel, showed us how they build their houses from mud and sticks and explained why cattle mean everything here.

On day three, we set out for Serengeti National Park through Klein’s Gate up north. It’s a long drive but worth every minute once you hit Lobo Valley—herds of zebras everywhere, wildebeest crossing right in front of us, birds darting between bushes. Our guide knew all the best spots for photos and even pointed out a cheetah lounging under a thorn tree (I almost missed it). Nights in the tented camp are something else—you fall asleep to hyenas whooping somewhere far off.

The fourth day was all about exploring deeper into Serengeti. We bumped along dusty tracks from sunrise till late afternoon. Saw lions sprawled across warm rocks, elephants moving quietly through tall grass, even caught sight of a leopard high up in an acacia tree. There’s nothing quite like eating lunch from a box while watching giraffes wander by just meters away.

Leaving Serengeti felt bittersweet but descending into Ngorongoro Crater made up for it. The view from above is unreal—a huge bowl filled with animals everywhere you look: buffaloes wallowing in mud pools, hippos grunting by waterholes, flocks of birds swirling overhead. Locals call it “Noah’s Ark” for good reason; I’ve never seen so much wildlife packed into one place.

Our last day took us to Tarangire National Park—a bit quieter than Serengeti but just as wild in its own way. Elephants strolled down to drink at the river while baboons squabbled over fruit nearby. We ate lunch overlooking the water as herds came and went below us. By late afternoon we were back on the road to Arusha—dusty, tired, but honestly wishing it wasn’t over yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arusha to Lake Natron

• Drive to Lake Natron and hike to waterfalls
• Lunch at lodge
• Dinner at lodge

Day 2 — Hotsprings and Maasai Visit

• Visit Lake Natron hotsprings and swim
• Lunch at guesthouse
• Visit Maasai boma

Day 3 — Serengeti Game Drive

• Drive to Serengeti and game drive
• Overnight at tented camp

Day 4 — Serengeti Wildlife Observation

• Full day wildlife observation in Serengeti
• Dinner at tented camp

Day 5 — Ngorongoro Crater Tour

• Descend and explore Ngorongoro Crater
• Overnight in conservation area

Day 6 — Tarangire Park and Return

• Game drive at Tarangire National Park
• Lunch overlooking river
• Drive back to Arusha

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions?

Yes! Just let us know your needs when booking—we can accommodate vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diets without any problem.

How rough are the roads? Will I get carsick?

The roads can get pretty bumpy especially near Lake Natron and parts of Serengeti—if you’re prone to motion sickness bring some medication just in case.

Are there bathrooms during game drives?

You’ll find basic facilities at picnic sites inside parks but sometimes nature calls when there’s nothing around—it’s part of the adventure!

What kind of tents or rooms will I stay in?

You’ll sleep in comfortable tented camps or lodges with beds and private bathrooms—definitely not rough camping!

What’s included

Your private safari includes all transport in a 4x4 vehicle with pop-up roof for wildlife viewing; accommodation as listed (tented camps or lodges); daily game drives; meals; visits to local Maasai villages; plus flexible options for special diets if needed.