Tanzania 5-Day Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Maasai Visit

Summary

Private Tanzania Safari Tour with Game Drives & Local Culture

You’ll spot wild animals up close, meet Maasai locals, and wake up to sunrise over famous parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro—all with an expert guide handling every detail.

What’s the experience like?

Dust kicked up as we rolled into Tarangire National Park—our guide, Joseph, slowed down by a cluster of acacia trees where elephants were quietly munching. The air smelled faintly sweet and earthy after last night’s rain. We’d left our hotel early, coffee in hand, and by mid-morning had already spotted giraffes stretching for leaves and a group of zebras crossing the road like they owned it. Dinner that night at Baghayo Garden Suites was simple but hearty; I remember the sound of crickets outside my window as I drifted off.

The next morning started before sunrise. There’s something about Lake Manyara in those early hours—the light is soft and pinkish, hippos still half-submerged in the water. Our driver pointed out a pair of shy dik-diks hiding near the reeds. By afternoon we were bouncing along towards the Serengeti plains, passing Maasai herders wrapped in bright shuka cloths. That first evening at Serengeti Heritage Camp, I could hear distant lions calling as I zipped up my tent.

We spent a full day tracking the Great Migration—thousands of wildebeest moving in dusty waves toward the Grumeti River. It’s noisy: hooves thudding, birds squabbling overhead. Lunch was picnic-style under a lone sausage tree (watch out for falling fruit). Our guide knew just where to park for the best view without getting caught in the crowds.

On day four, we drove up to the rim of Ngorongoro Crater just as mist started to lift. Stopped at a Maasai boma on the way—kids laughing, women showing us how they bead their necklaces. Inside the crater itself? Lions lounging right by the track and flamingos scattered across a shallow lake. That night at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, I sat on my balcony with tea watching clouds roll over the forest below.

The last morning was quiet—just us and the wide open crater floor. Early drives mean you catch hyenas finishing up their breakfast and rhinos lumbering through tall grass before it gets too hot. After lunch we headed back toward Arusha airport; tired but honestly wishing it wasn’t over yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tarangire National Park Safari

• Drive to Tarangire National Park
• Game viewing with safari guide
• Dinner and overnight at Baghayo Garden Suites

Day 2 — Lake Manyara and Serengeti

• Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park
• Afternoon transfer to Serengeti with game drive en-route
• Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Heritage Camp

Day 3 — Serengeti National Park Exploration

• Full day game drive to see Great Migration and Grumeti river crossing
• Overnight at Serengeti Heritage Camp

Day 4 — Ngorongoro Crater and Maasai Culture

• Sunrise game drive
• Visit Maasai Boma to experience Maasai culture
• Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Day 5 — Ngorongoro Crater and Departure

• Early morning game drive in Ngorongoro Crater floor
• Afternoon transfer to airport for departure

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for families with young kids?

Yes—it’s family-friendly and there are options for prams or infant seats if needed.

Are meals included during the tour?

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included each day—you won’t go hungry!

Can you accommodate wheelchairs or special mobility needs?

Absolutely—the vehicles and lodges are wheelchair accessible throughout the trip.

What kind of accommodation will we stay in?

You’ll sleep in comfortable lodges or camps close to each park for easy access to game drives.

What’s included

Your private transport comes with an experienced local guide who knows every shortcut and animal hangout spot. All meals—breakfasts by sunrise, picnic lunches out on safari tracks, dinners at cozy lodges—are covered too. Wheelchair access is sorted everywhere you go so everyone can join in comfortably.