5-Day Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Grand Explorer
Embark on an extraordinary Tanzania Safari adventure! Witness colossal elephant herds in Tarangire National Park, explore the iconic endless plains and track the famous Great Migration in Serengeti National Park, and descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater to encounter the rare Black Rhino and complete Big Five.
Circuit Overview
- Giant Elephant Herds Tarangire NP
- Endless Plains & Big Cats Serengeti NP
- Crater Floor & Black Rhino Ngorongoro Crater
- Estimated Park Fees ~$448.40 Statutory/person
Best Time to Visit: Serengeti Migration & Seasons
Wildlife movement across the northern Tanzania ecosystem is dictated by rainfall and grass availability. Toggle below to compare Serengeti National Park migration movements with conditions in Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
July to October: Dry Season & Mara River Action
Massive wildebeest herds cross the treacherous Mara and Grumeti rivers in Northern Serengeti, while Central Seronera delivers incredible resident lion and cheetah sightings. Concurrently, Tarangire's riverbanks swell with giant elephant herds under golden baobab trees.
Safari Experience Metrics (Score 1–10)
5-Day Grand Northern Circuit Itinerary
Click each day tab below to explore game drives, travel routes, meal plans, and estimated wildlife sighting probabilities.
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Drive Time: ~2.5 Hours from Arusha
Schedule & Activities
- 07:30 AM: Pick up from your hotel in Arusha. Scenic morning drive through Maasai plains to Tarangire National Park gate.
- 10:00 AM – 01:00 PM: Mid-morning game drive along the Tarangire River observing massive family elephant herds, giraffes, wildebeests, and zebras.
- 01:00 PM: Scenic picnic lunch at Matete view site overlooking the river valley.
- 02:30 PM – 05:00 PM: Afternoon safari tracking lions and tree-climbing pythons near the Silale Swamps before heading to Karatu for overnight.
Wildlife Sightings Probability
Meals: Lunch & Dinner included
Overnight: Karatu Lodge / Tented Camp
Karatu to Central Serengeti via Ngorongoro Highlands
Drive Time: ~4 to 5 Hours en-route game drive
Schedule & Activities
- 07:00 AM: Breakfast followed by departure through the lush green Ngorongoro highlands. Brief stop at the Crater Viewpoint.
- 10:30 AM: Cross Naabi Hill Gate into Serengeti National Park and begin an immersive game drive across the endless savannah.
- 01:00 PM: Picnic lunch under the acacia shade at Naabi Hill or near a granite kopje.
- 02:30 PM – 05:30 PM: Afternoon game drive searching for prides of lions, leopards in sausage trees, and cheetahs in Seronera Valley.
Wildlife Sightings Probability
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Central Serengeti Tented Camp / Lodge
Full Day Serengeti Exploration & Predator Pursuit
Full Day Safari in Seronera & Retima Hippo Pool
Schedule & Activities
- 06:00 AM: Dawn safari drive capturing predators during active hunting hours across the golden plains of Central Serengeti.
- 10:00 AM: Visit Retima Hippo Pool to witness over 200 hippos jostling in deep pools alongside giant Nile crocodiles.
- 01:00 PM: Bush lunch at a secluded picnic site surrounded by boundless horizons.
- 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM: Afternoon drive tracking Great Migration migratory columns, wildebeest herds, and resident big cats.
Wildlife Sightings Probability
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Central Serengeti Tented Camp
Serengeti Morning Game Drive to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Drive Time: ~3.5 Hours Transition Drive
Schedule & Activities
- 06:30 AM: Final morning game drive in Serengeti, enjoying sunrise over the kopjes.
- 11:00 AM: Begin scenic en-route game drive toward Naabi Hill Gate and enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- 01:00 PM: Picnic lunch on Naabi Hill with dramatic views across the plains.
- 04:00 PM: Arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater Rim lodge in time for sunset vistas over the 2,000 ft caldera floor.
Highlights & Scenery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater Rim Lodge / Karatu Highland Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater Floor Safari & Return to Arusha
Drive Time: ~3.5 Hours back to Arusha
Schedule & Activities
- 06:00 AM: Early morning descent 600 meters into the world's largest unbroken volcanic caldera.
- 07:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Intensive game drive tracking rare Black Rhinos, black-maned lions, hyenas, flamingos on Lake Magadi, and bull elephants.
- 12:30 PM: Scenic picnic lunch beside the Ngoitokitok Hippo Pool.
- 02:00 PM – 05:30 PM: Ascend the caldera walls and return transfer to Arusha for your evening flight or hotel stay.
Wildlife Sightings Probability
Meals: Breakfast & Picnic Lunch
Drop-off: Arusha Hotel / Airport (~5:30 PM)
Interactive 5-Day Safari Cost Calculator
In Tanzania, official conservation fees, concession tariffs, mandatory crater permits ($348.10/vehicle), and private 4x4 Land Cruiser charters are shared among travelers. Configure your trip details below.
Configure Travel Options
- • Tarangire Park Entry Fee: $59.00 (incl. VAT)
- • Serengeti Park Entry Fee (2 Days): $165.20 (incl. VAT)
- • Serengeti Concession Fees (2 Nights): $141.60
- • Ngorongoro Area Entry Fee: $82.60
- • Ngorongoro Crater Permit (Shared): $348.10 per vehicle
Includes all statutory park & concession tariffs, private customized 4x4 Land Cruiser with professional guide, fuel, 4 nights accommodation, full board meals, and mineral water.
Cost Breakdown Visual
Comparing the Three Destinations
This 5-day safari covers three distinct biomes. Filter by wildlife focus to highlight destination strengths.
Tarangire National Park
2,850 km²Red dust, baobabs, and swamp circuits home to East Africa's dense elephant concentrations along the Tarangire River.
Serengeti National Park
14,763 km²World-famous endless savanna hosting 1.5 million wildebeest during the Great Migration, with granite kopjes inhabited by lions and cheetahs.
Ngorongoro Crater
260 km² FloorA intact volcanic caldera featuring dense wildlife populations enclosed within 600m walls. Premier sanctuary for endangered black rhinos.
Safari Inclusions & Exclusions
Review what is fully covered in your package quotation and what optional or personal expenses are excluded.
What's Included
- Professional, English-speaking driver-guide specialized in Tanzania wildlife safaris.
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing and photography.
- All statutory park entry fees, concession fees, and Ngorongoro Crater service fees.
- Full-board accommodation (4 Nights) at selected lodges or tented camps.
- Unlimited mineral bottled drinking water during game drives.
What's Excluded
- International flights, local domestic flights, and Tanzania tourist entry visas.
- Travel insurance, medical evacuation cover, and personal liability coverage.
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guides, camp staff, and hotel porters.
- Personal expenses such as laundry services, souvenir shopping, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks.
- Optional activities not specified in the main itinerary (e.g., Olduvai Gorge museum fees or balloon safaris).
Essential 5-Day Safari Packing Checklist
Prepare for dusty game drives across the Serengeti as well as crisp, chilly mornings high on the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
Clothing & Apparel
- Soft duffel bag (max 15kg for 4x4 cruiser)
- Neutral tones (Khaki, Beige, Olive green)
- Warm fleece jacket for cold crater mornings
- Lightweight safari hat & UV sunglasses
Optics & Tech Gear
- High quality Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42)
- DSLR / Mirrorless camera with telephoto lens
- High capacity power bank & extra memory cards
- UK Type G plug adapter & dust cover bag
Documents & Health
- Passport & printed Tanzania eVisa copy
- Yellow Fever vaccination booklet
- DEET-based mosquito repellent & sunscreen
- USD cash notes (crisp post-2009 bills)