6-Day Tanzania Safari: Tarangire – Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater

Experience the iconic wildlife landscapes of northern Tanzania on this 6-day safari covering Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Witness the Big Five, breathtaking savannahs, and spectacular crater views while enjoying luxury lodges and expert-guided game drives. This adventure combines wildlife, culture, and unforgettable photo opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and first-time safari-goers alike.

Safari Highlights

• Tarangire National Park: Famous for large elephant herds and baobab trees.

• Serengeti National Park: Witness predators and plains wildlife in endless savannahs.

• Ngorongoro Crater: Explore the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera with diverse wildlife.

• Cultural encounters: Optional visits to local Maasai villages.

• Scenic photography: Sunrise and sunset game drives with perfect lighting.

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park

• Activities: After breakfast, depart from Arusha and drive approximately 2 hours to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive, spotting zebras, impalas, giraffes, and a variety of bird species. Capture your first photographs of the Tanzanian bush against golden afternoon light.

• Accommodation: Tarangire Safari Lodge or similar

• Meals: Dinner & Overnight included

• Highlights: Witness elephants gathering around Tarangire River, enjoy a first taste of African wildlife, and relax in a scenic lodge setting.

Travel Tip: Bring binoculars and a camera; afternoon light is ideal for photography.

Day 2: Tarangire → Serengeti National Park

• Activities: Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Tarangire, when wildlife activity is high. After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Serengeti National Park (approx. 5–6 hours), passing rolling plains and traditional Maasai villages. Arrive in time for an evening game drive en route, capturing the Serengeti at dusk.

• Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge or luxury tented camp

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

• Highlights: Observe predator-prey interactions, expansive savannahs, and prepare for full Serengeti exploration the next day.

Travel Tip: Carry water and a light daypack for snacks and personal items during the transfer.

Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drives

• Activities: Embark on an early sunrise game drive, when wildlife is most active. Spend the day exploring the central Serengeti plains, home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and wildebeest. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by nature. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

• Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge or luxury tented camp

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

• Highlights: Big Five sightings, predator tracking, and expansive open landscapes perfect for photography.

Travel Tip: Use sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat during daytime drives; early mornings may be chilly—bring warm layers.

Day 4: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Activities: After breakfast, drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping optionally at a Maasai village to learn about local culture and traditions. Arrive near the crater in time for a late afternoon game drive, exploring the rim and surrounding highlands.

• Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge or lodge near crater rim

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

• Highlights: Spectacular views of the Ngorongoro Highlands, cultural immersion with Maasai communities, and the anticipation of tomorrow’s crater safari.

Travel Tip: Carry a light jacket and camera; high-altitude mornings can be chilly.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Tour

• Activities: Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s most unique wildlife habitats. Spend the day on a full-day game drive, searching for black rhinos, lions, hippos, elephants, and flamingos in the crater lake. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by wildlife, then ascend in the late afternoon to your lodge for relaxation.

• Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

• Highlights: Dense wildlife viewing, dramatic crater landscapes, and exceptional photographic opportunities of African wildlife in a confined natural amphitheater.

Travel Tip: Bring binoculars and a camera with zoom lens; a spotting scope is ideal for distant wildlife.

Day 6: Ngorongoro → Arusha / Departure

• Activities: Optional morning nature walk around the lodge area or crater rim viewpoints. After breakfast, transfer back to Arusha for your departure flight or onward travel. Reflect on your safari highlights and capture any last photographs of Tanzanian landscapes.

• Meals: Breakfast included

• Highlights: Scenic drive through northern Tanzania, farewell to the wildlife and landscapes of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

Travel Tip: Ensure all belongings are packed and your camera memory cards are backed up before departure.

Inclusive

• Accommodation with full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with experienced driver-guide

• Park fees & conservation fees

• Mineral water during game drives

• All game drives as per itinerary

Exclusive

• International flights & airport transfers

• Travel/medical insurance

• Visa fees

• Personal items, tips, and beverages outside of mineral water

• Optional cultural visits & hot air balloon safari

What to Pack

• Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing

• Warm jacket for early mornings & evenings

• Sturdy walking shoes & sandals

• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

• Camera with extra batteries/memory cards

• Binoculars

• Personal toiletries & medications

Travel Guidelines & Important Notes for Tanzania Safaris

We want your Tanzania safari experience to be smooth, safe, and memorable. To help with planning, please take note of the following guidelines and conditions:

1. Flexibility of the Itinerary

• The program provided is a sample itinerary, tailored to showcase Tanzania’s highlights. It can always be adjusted according to your preferences—whether you wish to extend your stay, change activities, or upgrade accommodations.

• While we always strive to follow the planned schedule, changes may occur due to weather, road conditions, government regulations, or operational requirements. In such cases, the route or order of activities may be adjusted for your comfort and safety.

2. Seasonal Activities & Advance Booking

• Some experiences, such as Serengeti Great Migration crossings, depend heavily on seasonal animal movements and cannot be guaranteed.

• Peak seasons (Christmas, Easter, and school holidays) see high demand, so early booking is strongly recommended to secure preferred lodges, flights, and activities.

3. Accommodation Options

• For most of our itineraries, we can provide luxury, midrange, or budget accommodation depending on your preferences and budget.

• All accommodation is carefully selected for comfort, location, and service standards. Availability may vary, but we will always offer the best alternatives.

4. Park Rules & Respect for Nature

• Tanzania’s national parks have strict conservation guidelines. Guests are required to respect wildlife and follow their guide’s instructions at all times.

• Feeding or disturbing animals is prohibited. Always maintain a safe distance when viewing wildlife.

• Park opening hours and regulations must be observed for the safety of both travelers and wildlife.

5. Health & Safety Guidelines

• A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may be required if you are traveling from or transiting through a Yellow Fever risk country.

• We recommend being up-to-date with routine vaccinations (such as tetanus and hepatitis A/B).

• Malaria prevention is strongly advised—please consult your doctor for medication.

• Carry a personal medical kit and sufficient supply of prescription medicines.

6. Travel Documents & Visa Requirements

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your date of entry into Tanzania is required.

• Most visitors need a tourist visa, which can be obtained online (e-visa) or on arrival at the airport/entry border.

• Ensure you also carry a copy of your travel insurance policy.

7. What to Pack

• Light, breathable clothing in neutral colors (avoid bright colors during game drives).

• Warm sweater/jacket for early morning and evening drives.

• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

• Insect repellent.

• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals.

• Swimwear for lodges with pools or Zanzibar extensions.

• Camera/binoculars for wildlife photography.

• A reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.

8. Money & Payments

• The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US Dollars are widely accepted in lodges, camps, and parks.

• Carry small denominations in clean, newer USD notes (issued after 2006).

• Credit cards are accepted in most lodges, but surcharges may apply. ATMs are available in major towns.

9. Responsible Travel

• We encourage sustainable tourism. Please respect local cultures and communities, ask before taking photos, and support local businesses where possible.

• Reduce plastic use by carrying a reusable water bottle or shopping bag.

• Tipping is customary in Tanzania, with guidelines available from your safari consultant.

10. Terms & Conditions

• By booking a safari, clients accept Pillars of Africa Safaris’ Terms & Conditions of business. These include details on cancellations, payments, liabilities, and service provisions.