Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro with Guide

Summary

Private camping safari across Tanzania’s wildest national parks

You’ll travel deep into Tanzania’s wild heart with a local guide—watch elephants in Tarangire, camp under Serengeti stars, and descend into Ngorongoro Crater at dawn. With all meals included and hotel pickup arranged, you’ll experience moments—like sunrise over endless plains—you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget the first time I saw an elephant up close in Tarangire — it was so quiet you could hear the dust settling on the road, except for the low rumble from somewhere deep in its chest. Our guide, Joseph, just grinned and whispered something about “old friends.” I’d expected to see animals, sure, but not to feel like I was intruding on their morning routines. The air smelled faintly of woodsmoke and dry grass. We’d only left Arusha a few hours earlier but it already felt like another world.

The days blurred together in that way travel sometimes does — one minute we were bumping along red dirt tracks with giraffes poking out above the trees, next we were eating lunch from a battered tin box in the middle of the Serengeti. Joseph had this way of spotting things none of us could see: a lion’s tail flicking behind a rock, or a cheetah stretched out under an acacia tree. He laughed when I tried to pronounce “Ngorongoro” (I still can’t say it right). Nights at camp were colder than I thought they’d be — stars everywhere, hyenas whooping far off. Not scary exactly, just… alive.

Waking up before sunrise for coffee and biscuits became routine by day four. There’s something about that early light over the crater rim — everything goes gold and silent for a second before the birds start up. The descent into Ngorongoro Crater was steeper than I’d pictured; my heart thudded as we dropped down past layers of mist. We watched hippos snort at Lake Magadi and flamingos turning the water pinkish-white. Lunch was simple but tasted better than any restaurant meal after hours watching wildebeest herds move like shadows across the grass.

I didn’t expect to feel so small or so lucky at once — that’s what sticks with me most about this five-day Tanzania safari tour. Even now back home, sometimes I catch myself listening for those distant animal sounds at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arusha to Tarangire Park

• Drive to Tarangire National Park and afternoon game drive

Day 2 — Serengeti National Park Arrival

• Drive to Serengeti National Park with game drive en route

Day 3 — Full Day Serengeti Game Drive

• Full day game drive in Serengeti with picnic lunch

Day 4 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro Area

• Morning game drive then transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Day 5 — Ngorongoro Crater and Return

• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for wildlife viewing and visit Lake Magadi, then transfer to Arusha

Top questions

How many days is this Tanzania safari tour?

The safari lasts 5 days in total.

Which national parks are visited on this tour?

You’ll visit Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Arusha is included.

Are meals provided during the safari?

All meals are included throughout the tour.

Will there be a local guide on this safari?

Yes, you’ll have a private local guide throughout your trip.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay at campsites such as Twiga Camp and Seronera Campsite.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels except pregnant travelers.

Are transfers back to Arusha or airport included?

Yes, transfer back to Arusha city or airport is included after the tour ends.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Arusha, all park entry fees, private 4x4 transport with your own local guide throughout each day’s game drives, full board meals (breakfasts, lunches—often picnic style—and dinners), plus overnight stays at comfortable campsites before returning to Arusha or airport drop-off at the end of your adventure.