5-Day Tanzania Lodge Safari – Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

This 5-day Tanzania Lodge Safari is a perfectly balanced journey through the highlights of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, designed for travelers who want comfort, authentic wildlife encounters, and a well-paced adventure. From the giant elephant herds of Tarangire National Park to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, this safari delivers unforgettable game viewing while staying in carefully selected lodges that blend nature, comfort, and classic African hospitality.

Ideal for first-time visitors and seasoned safari lovers alike, this lodge safari allows you to explore Tanzania’s most iconic parks without rushing, giving you time to truly absorb the landscapes, wildlife, and rhythm of the wild. Each day builds naturally into the next, just like safaris have always been done — early starts, rewarding game drives, and peaceful evenings under African skies.

5-Day Tanzania Lodge Safari – Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Game Drive

Your safari adventure begins with a morning pickup from Arusha, followed by a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most underrated wildlife gems. Upon entering the park, you’ll begin your first game drive, immediately immersing yourself in a landscape dominated by ancient baobab trees and wide savannahs. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds, and it’s not uncommon to see families crossing the road or gathering near the Tarangire River.

As the day unfolds, you’ll encounter a rich variety of wildlife including giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, and a wide range of antelope species. Predators such as lions and leopards are often spotted resting in the shade, especially during the warmer hours. The Tarangire River acts as a lifeline for animals, making wildlife viewing especially rewarding.

In the late afternoon, you’ll exit the park and drive to your lodge, where you can relax, enjoy a warm dinner, and reflect on your first day in the Tanzanian wilderness.

Acacia Farm Lodge - Karatu

Day 2: Karatu - Serengeti National Park – Game Drive en Route

After breakfast, you’ll depart for the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, driving through the scenic highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey itself is an experience, with changing landscapes, local villages, and vast open plains gradually unfolding before you. As you approach the Serengeti, the land opens dramatically — this is where the true sense of Africa’s wilderness begins.

Upon entering the Serengeti, you’ll enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge, with wildlife encounters starting almost immediately. The Serengeti is home to an incredible concentration of animals, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and large herds of plains game. The sheer scale of the park makes every game drive feel like a new discovery.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your lodge located within or near the park, allowing you to enjoy the sounds of the wild as the sun sets over the endless plains.

Serengeti Acacia Camp

Day 3: Serengeti National Park – Full-Day Game Drive

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Serengeti, giving you a full day of game drives in one of the most famous wildlife destinations on Earth. After an early breakfast, you’ll head out with your guide to track wildlife across the plains, river systems, and rocky kopjes where predators often rest and survey their territory.

Depending on the season, you may witness parts of the Great Migration, with vast herds of wildebeest and zebras moving across the plains in search of fresh grazing. Even outside migration periods, the Serengeti offers exceptional wildlife viewing year-round, including frequent sightings of big cats.

A picnic lunch in the bush allows you to maximize your time in the park, surrounded by nature and open skies. In the afternoon, you’ll continue your game drive before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight, ending the day with stories shared over the sounds of nocturnal wildlife.

Serengeti Acacia Camp

Day 4: Serengeti Early Morning Game Drive – Drive to Karatu

You’ll rise early for a sunrise game drive, one of the most magical times to be in the Serengeti. The early morning hours offer excellent chances to see predators on the move, as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas take advantage of the cooler temperatures. The soft golden light also makes this an ideal time for photography.

After returning to the lodge for breakfast, you’ll begin your journey out of the Serengeti, passing once again through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive is relaxed and scenic, offering a peaceful transition from the vast plains of the Serengeti to the greener highlands around Karatu.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your lodge in Karatu, a charming town nestled among rolling hills and coffee plantations. The evening is yours to unwind, enjoy a warm meal, and prepare for the grand finale of your safari.

Acacia Farm Lodge

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive – Return to Arusha

After an early breakfast, you’ll drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, often described as the Eighth Wonder of the Natural World. Descending into the crater floor, you’ll find yourself in a natural wildlife sanctuary with one of the highest concentrations of animals in Africa. The crater’s unique ecosystem supports elephants, lions, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, and a remarkable variety of birdlife.

This is one of the best places in Tanzania to spot the endangered black rhino, making the game drive especially exciting. The enclosed nature of the crater allows for excellent wildlife viewing within a relatively short time, offering a fitting and powerful conclusion to your safari experience.

After your game drive and a picnic lunch, you’ll ascend the crater rim and drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon with unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes, and timeless safari traditions.

Kibo Palace Hotel

From budget to mid-range to luxury, we tailor every detail to fit your travel style. Get in touch with us anytime, and let’s start planning your Tanzania adventure.

Includes

Transportation in 4×4 safari vehicle

All transport and accommodations

National Park gate entry fees

Professional English speaking guide

Unlimited game drive in the parks

Lunch boxes and drinking water

Pick up at the airport

Excludes

International and domestic flight tickets

Travel Insurance

Personal items

Visa

Tips

5-Day Tanzania Lodge Safari – Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Request Your Free Quote Today!

We understand that planning your perfect safari is a big decision, and we’re here to make it easy. Feel free to request a personalized, no-obligation quote tailored to your preferences. Rest assured, requesting a quote does not commit you to booking the tour—it's simply a way for us to help you explore your options and ensure your safari experience is everything you dream it to be.

We'll send you a quote for free, booking the tour is absolutely optional.

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🦁 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How is the price of a safari calculated?

The cost of a safari is influenced by several important factors. These include the number of people in your group, the total number of days on safari, the category of accommodation (budget, mid-range, or luxury), park entrance fees, the type of safari vehicle, and whether it’s a private or shared tour. Additional elements like internal flights, special experiences (such as hot air balloon rides), and the time of year also play a role. For example, prices during the Great Migration season in the Serengeti are generally higher due to increased demand. Each safari quote is carefully crafted to match your preferences, making your experience both personal and flexible.

2. Can I reduce the cost of my safari?

Yes, there are several ways to make your safari more affordable without compromising the experience. Traveling in a group is one of the easiest ways to lower costs, as expenses like vehicle use, fuel, and guide fees are shared. You can also choose budget accommodations, which are still comfortable and well located. Traveling during the low or shoulder season—outside of major holidays or migration peaks—can also significantly reduce costs. Additionally, opting for fewer days or choosing parks that are close to each other (like Tarangire and Lake Manyara) helps cut down on driving time and fuel expenses.

3. What increases the price of a safari?

A safari becomes more expensive when you choose high-end lodges or tented camps, especially those with exclusive amenities like private plunge pools or personal butlers. Booking a private safari vehicle with a dedicated guide also increases the cost but offers a more personalized experience. Other price boosters include internal flights (which save time but come at a premium), visiting remote parks that require long drives or charter flights, and adding unique extras like hot air balloon safaris, Maasai village visits, or bush dinners. Peak season travel—typically from July to October or during the December holidays—also comes with higher rates due to demand.

4. Is it cheaper to join a group safari?

Yes, joining a group safari is a great way to reduce the cost, especially for solo travelers or small groups. You’ll share the vehicle, guide, and some accommodation with others, which spreads out the fixed costs. Group safaris are also a fun way to meet fellow travelers from around the world, and many guests enjoy the social aspect. However, keep in mind that group tours follow a fixed itinerary, so if you’re looking for flexibility or privacy, a private safari might suit you better.

5. Do children get discounted safari rates?

Absolutely! Many lodges and national parks in Tanzania offer discounted rates for children, and we always include these savings when planning a family safari. The exact age cut-off and percentage varies by provider, but typically children under 12 receive reduced rates on both accommodation and park entry. For families, we also recommend lodges with family-friendly facilities, child-safe environments, and flexible meal options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.

6. Can I pay in installments or reserve my safari with a deposit?

Yes, we offer flexible payment options to make your safari planning stress-free. A small deposit is usually required to confirm your booking, especially for securing accommodations and park permits. After that, you’re welcome to pay the remaining balance in manageable installments before your travel date. We’ll work with you to create a payment schedule that suits your timeline and budget, so you can focus on getting excited about your adventure.

7. What’s included in the safari price?

Our safari packages are mostly all-inclusive to give you peace of mind. Typically, the price covers all park entrance fees, government taxes, accommodation, daily meals (usually breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a professional English-speaking safari guide, and transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing. Bottled drinking water during game drives is also included. Not included are items such as international flights, visas, personal travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, tips for staff, and optional activities not listed in your itinerary.

8. Will I be sharing my vehicle with other travelers?

This depends on the safari option you choose. If you book a private safari, you will have the entire vehicle and guide to yourself or your group. If you join a group safari, you’ll be sharing the vehicle with other travelers who booked the same itinerary and dates. Group safaris are more cost-effective, while private safaris offer greater comfort, flexibility, and privacy—especially ideal for couples, families, or photographers.

9. How do I know if my safari is private or group-based?

We’ll make it crystal clear in your quotation and tour description. If it’s a private safari, you’ll see that the vehicle, guide, and accommodations are reserved just for you. For group safaris, we’ll mention the number of participants, fixed departure dates, and shared services. If you’re not sure which option is better for you, we’re happy to advise based on your travel style and budget.

10. Can I customize my safari experience?

Absolutely—custom safaris are our specialty! Whether you're planning a romantic honeymoon, a wildlife-focused adventure, or a family trip with kids, we can tailor everything to your interests. You can choose the parks you visit, the type of lodges or camps, how many days you stay, and even add optional experiences like a cultural tour or a beach extension in Zanzibar. Just let us know what you’re dreaming of, and we’ll design a safari that’s perfect for you.