Arusha, Tanzania · We reply within 12 hours, seven days a week

Cheetah on the open plains of the Serengeti
Safari Packages

5 Days Wildlife Safari: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

The classic northern circuit in five days. Tarangire elephants, two full days in the Serengeti and a full crater descent, with enough time in each park to follow a sighting properly rather than rushing between gates.

  • Based in Arusha, on the doorstep of the northern circuit
  • Reply within 12 hours
  • No payment to enquire, free itinerary changes
  • Private vehicle and guide as standard
Duration 5 days, 4 nights
Difficulty Easy
Group size 2 to 6 guests per Land Cruiser
Starts Arusha to Arusha
Best time June to October, December to March

Trip highlights

  • Two full days in the Serengeti, the best big cat territory in East Africa
  • Ngorongoro Crater descent with black rhino potential
  • Tarangire elephant herds and ancient baobabs
  • Optional sunrise balloon safari over the Seronera plains
  • Unhurried pacing: two nights inside the Serengeti, not one

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Morning pick-up in Arusha and a two hour drive to Tarangire. Full day game drive along the river circuit where elephant, giraffe, zebra and eland concentrate. Tarangire is also outstanding for birds, with over 550 recorded species. Overnight near the park.

Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

Drive across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and through the Naabi Hill gate into the Serengeti. The change is abrupt: endless short-grass plains opening in every direction. Afternoon game drive in the central Seronera valley, the most reliable leopard and lion territory in the park.

Day 3: Full day in the Serengeti

A full day to work the Serengeti properly. Dawn departure while the cats are still active, following the herds depending on the season: the southern plains from December to March, the western corridor around June, the northern Mara River from July to October. Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise, followed by a champagne bush breakfast.

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands

Morning game drive as you exit the Serengeti, with a stop at Olduvai Gorge where the Leakeys uncovered hominin remains dating back 1.9 million years. Continue up to the crater rim for sunset and dinner with the caldera below you.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater and return to Arusha

Early descent to the crater floor for a half day game drive among lion, elephant, hippo, hyena and black rhino. Picnic lunch at the springs, then the drive back to Arusha, arriving late afternoon.

Want this itinerary shifted a day, or a different lodge?

Every trip is private, so the plan is yours to change. Tell us what you would rather do.


What is included

Included

  • All park entry fees, crater service fee and concession fees
  • Private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Professional English speaking driver-guide
  • Full board accommodation throughout
  • Unlimited drinking water
  • Arusha airport and hotel transfers

Not included

  • International flights, visa and insurance
  • Balloon safari (optional, quoted on request)
  • Alcoholic drinks, laundry and personal items
  • Tips

Questions about this trip

Will I see the Great Migration on this safari?

It depends on the month. The herds move continuously through the Serengeti ecosystem. We position your Serengeti nights in the region where the herds are expected, and if you travel in July to October we recommend the 7 Days Great Migration Safari which includes the Mara River crossings.

Is the balloon safari worth it?

It is the single most requested add-on we sell. You lift off at first light, drift at treetop height over the plains for around an hour, and land to a full bush breakfast. It is quoted separately and must be booked well in advance, because seats are limited.

Can this safari be done as a private trip?

Every Gepard Reise Afrika safari is private by default. You have your own vehicle and guide, and the itinerary can be adjusted day by day.

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