5 Days – Northern Tanzania Classic Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha—Gateway to the Northern Circuit

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport followed by transfer to your lodge in Arusha. The city sits beneath Mount Meru and acts as the starting point for Tanzania’s northern safari parks.

The afternoon remains at leisure to relax and prepare for the journey ahead. A safari briefing introduces the route, seasonal wildlife movement, and what to expect in each park.

Overnight Stay: Arusha Coffee Lodge / Gran Meliá Arusha
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park. The landscape gradually shifts to open savannah dotted with towering baobab trees.

Tarangire is known for large elephant herds, particularly during the dry season when animals gather along the Tarangire River. Lions are frequently spotted resting beneath acacias, and giraffe, zebra, and wildebeest move across the plains.

An extended afternoon game drive allows you to explore varied habitats before heading to your lodge near the park.

Overnight Stay: Tarangire Treetops / Nimali Tarangire
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, travel through the Ngorongoro highlands toward the Serengeti. The journey itself offers scenic transitions from forested slopes to expansive plains.

Upon entering Serengeti National Park, wildlife sightings often begin immediately. The open terrain supports one of Africa’s highest concentrations of predators. Depending on season, migration herds may dominate sections of the plains.

An afternoon game drive en route to camp provides your first full Serengeti experience.

Overnight Stay: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti / Lemala Nanyukie Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Begin with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti, when predators are most active. Lions often patrol open plains at dawn, and cheetahs scan from termite mounds.

Late morning departure toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As you ascend the highlands, cooler temperatures and lush scenery replace open savannah.

Arrive at the crater rim where panoramic views stretch across the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.

Overnight Stay: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge / The Highlands Ngorongoro
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Return to Arusha

Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. The crater floor supports dense wildlife populations within a compact area, including black rhino, lion, elephant, and large buffalo herds.

The mix of open grassland, swamp, and forest creates diverse wildlife encounters in a short time. After lunch, ascend the crater and return to Arusha.

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your 5 Days Northern Tanzania Classic Safari.

Overnight Stay: Not applicable
Meal Plan: Breakfast