5-Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day Tanzania safari, exploring some of the most breathtaking national parks and witnessing the country’s abundant wildlife. This adventure begins and ends in Arusha and includes visits to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara National Parks, and a cultural tour in a Maasai village. You will stay at the charming Marera Valley Lodge, the beautiful Acacia Tented Camp, and a unique cultural lodge.Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
- 07:00 AM: Pick-up from your hotel in Arusha. Meet your safari guide and receive a briefing about the upcoming adventure.
- 07:30 AM: Depart for Tarangire National Park (approximately 3 hours). Tarangire is known for its large elephant population, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and zebras.
- 10:30 AM: Arrive at Tarangire National Park and begin your game drive. Your guide will help you spot wildlife and share interesting facts about the animals and their ecosystem.
- 01:00 PM: Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes and the sounds of nature.
- 02:00 PM: Continue your game drive to spot more wildlife and discover different habitats within the park.
- 05:00 PM: Arrive at Marera Valley Lodge, check-in, and relax. The lodge offers comfortable accommodations and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- 07:30 PM: Dinner at the lodge. Share stories with fellow travelers and enjoy a delicious meal.
Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park
- 07:00 AM: Breakfast at Marera Valley Lodge. Fuel up for the day ahead.
- 08:00 AM: Depart for Serengeti National Park (approximately 6 hours). Serengeti is known for its endless plains, abundant wildlife, and the famous wildebeest migration that usually takes place from November to July.
- 12:00 PM: Stop for a picnic lunch en route. Enjoy your meal amidst the beautiful landscapes that Tanzania offers.
- 02:00 PM: Arrive at Serengeti National Park and begin your game drive. Keep an eye out for the Big Five and other fascinating wildlife in their natural habitat.
- 05:30 PM: Arrive at Acacia Tented Camp, check-in, and relax. The camp offers an authentic safari experience amidst the Serengeti wilderness.
- 07:30 PM: Dinner at the camp. Enjoy a meal under the stars and listen to the sounds of the African night.
Day 3: Full day in Serengeti National Park
- 06:00 AM: Early morning game drive in Serengeti National Park. Experience the park in the soft morning light and spot animals that are most active during this time.
- 09:00 AM: Return to Acacia Tented Camp for breakfast.
- 10:30 AM: Continue your game drive in Serengeti National Park. Explore different areas of the park and observe a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.
- 01:00 PM: Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park, surrounded by the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
- 02:00 PM: Resume your afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park. Your guide will help you spot more wildlife and learn about their behaviors and ecosystems.
- 05:30 PM: Return to Acacia Tented Camp and relax. Enjoy the serene surroundings and share your experiences with fellow travelers.
- 07:30 PM: Dinner at the camp. Savor a delicious meal under the stars and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the African wilderness.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
- 06:00 AM: Early morning game drive in Serengeti National Park. Capture the beauty of the park in the soft morning light and spot animals that are most active during this time.
- 09:00 AM: Return to Acacia Tented Camp for breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: Depart for Ngorongoro Crater (approximately 4 hours). The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a high concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five.
- 12:00 PM: Stop for a picnic lunch en route. Enjoy a break and take in the beautiful scenery.
- 02:00 PM: Arrive at Ngorongoro Crater and begin your game drive. Your guide will help you explore the diverse habitats within the crater, and you’ll have a chance to spot a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos.
- 05:00 PM: Exit the crater and head to Marera Valley Lodge (approximately 2 hours). Take in the stunning views as you travel through the lush highlands of Ngorongoro.
- 07:00 PM: Arrive at Marera Valley Lodge, check-in, and relax. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and comfortable accommodations after a day of exploration.
- 07:30 PM: Dinner at the lodge. Connect with fellow travelers and share your experiences from the day.
Day 5: Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara National Park and back to Arusha
- 07:00 AM: Breakfast at Marera Valley Lodge. Prepare for your final day of adventure.
- 08:00 AM: Depart for Lake Manyara National Park (approximately 1 hour). Lake Manyara is known for its diverse habitats, large flocks of flamingos, tree-climbing lions, hippos, and a variety of bird species.
- 09:00 AM: Arrive at Lake Manyara National Park and begin your game drive. Your guide will help you spot the unique wildlife and learn about the park’s ecosystems.
- 01:00 PM: Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park, surrounded by the beauty of Lake Manyara.
- 02:00 PM: Continue your game drive, observing more wildlife and exploring different areas of the park.
- 04:00 PM: Depart for Arusha (approximately 2.5 hours). Reflect on your incredible safari experience as you journey back to the city.
- 06:30 PM: Arrive in Arusha and drop-off at your hotel, concluding your unforgettable 5-day Tanzania safari adventure.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. This period offers optimal wildlife viewing opportunities and is also when the Great Migration occurs.
Inclusions
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Arusha
- Transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing and photography
- Services of an experienced and knowledgeable English-speaking safari guide
- All park entrance fees for Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park
- Accommodation for 4 nights at Marera Valley Lodge and Acacia Tented Camp
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, unless specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs
- Gratuities for safari guide and lodge/camp staff
- Any other items not mentioned in the inclusions
Please note that this is a general list of inclusions and exclusions. Specific inclusions and exclusions may vary depending on the safari package you book. It is essential to review the detailed inclusions and exclusions provided by your safari operator before confirming your booking.
What to Expect
- Distances covered: Approximately 800km throughout the entire tour.
- Animals to be seen: Elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, hippos, various bird species, and more.