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5 Day Northern Tanzania Safari

Lake Manyara NP Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti National Park Tarangire National Park

Booking Overview Highlights Includes/Excludes Cancellation Faqs Services Reviews

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Overview

Duration:5 days 4 nights
Travelers:2 - 14 guests
Tour Type:Private tour

This 5-day safari takes you through some of the most remarkable wildlife destinations in northern Tanzania. The journey begins in Arusha and explores four iconic parks: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park.

You will experience diverse landscapes ranging from ancient baobab-studded savannahs and vast plains to lush forests and wildlife-rich crater floors. The safari offers excellent opportunities to see large elephant herds in Tarangire, witness the endless plains of the Serengeti, explore the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater—home to the famous Big Five—and enjoy birdwatching at Lake Manyara.

Led by a professional safari guide and travelling in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing, this safari offers an unforgettable wildlife experience in Tanzania.

Explore the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park
Discover the endless plains and abundant wildlife of Serengeti National Park
Chance to witness the famous Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal)
Descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Opportunity to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat
Enjoy birdwatching and scenic landscapes in Lake Manyara National Park
Travel with an experienced safari guide in a 4x4 vehicle with a pop-up roof

Includes/Excludes

Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Accommodation during safari on Full Board basis
All park entry fees and government conservation fees
Ngorongoro Crater service fee
Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide
All game drives as per itinerary
Bottled drinking water during safari
Picnic lunches during game drives
Government taxes and VAT

Accommodation in Arusha (before and after safari)
International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Optional activities
Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, tips, etc.)
Tips and gratuities for driver guide and lodge staff
Government imposed increase of taxes

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 30 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Itinerary

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Arrival

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.

You will receive a short safari briefing covering the program, accommodations, and essential travel information.

Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha for a short safari briefing before beginning your drive to Tarangire National Park.

Tarangire is famous for its expansive savannah landscapes, seasonal swamps, and towering baobab trees. The park is particularly known for its large elephant population, often seen gathering near the life-giving Tarangire River.

During the game drive, you may encounter giraffes, zebras, bushbuck, hartebeest, and warthogs, as well as buffalo and wildebeest. Predators such as lions are frequently spotted, while leopards may occasionally be seen resting in the trees.

Enjoy the views from the open roof of your safari vehicle while observing wildlife and taking photographs of the spectacular scenery.

Later in the afternoon, proceed to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation:
Meals: Lunch | Dinner

Day 2: Tarangire → Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, you will depart for Serengeti National Park. The journey takes you through the fertile highlands where the Iraqw people grow wheat, coffee, and corn.

As you pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you may enjoy breathtaking views of the famous Ngorongoro Crater.

Arriving in the Serengeti by midday, you will begin your game drive across the park’s vast plains. The Serengeti is known for its incredible biodiversity and is home to lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, and countless antelope species.

Depending on the time of year, you may witness part of the Great Wildebeest Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains in search of fresh grazing. Dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp inside the park.

Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3: Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro Highlands

Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Serengeti National Park, when wildlife activity is at its peak.

After the game drive and breakfast, you will continue your journey toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of the rolling hills and volcanic landscapes within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Upon arrival, you will settle into your lodge within the conservation area, where you can relax and enjoy spectacular views of the highlands.

Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater → Karatu

After an early breakfast, you will descend into the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive.

The crater floor is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Within this natural amphitheater, you have an excellent chance to see the Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard.

Other animals commonly seen include zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, warthogs, and hippos, as well as over 500 bird species.

After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, you will ascend the crater and continue to Karatu for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park → Arusha

After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic park located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Lake Manyara is well known for its diverse birdlife, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and cormorants. The park’s forests and open plains are home to baboons, monkeys, zebras, wildebeest, and occasionally lions and leopards.

After an extensive game drive, you will leave the park in the afternoon and return to Arusha, marking the end of your safari.

Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your onward flight.

Tour maps

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Tanzania located?

Tanzania is located in East Africa and is one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. It borders Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique and is home to world-famous wildlife areas such as Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

What is the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania?

Tanzania is a year-round safari destination.
June to October: Dry season and best time for wildlife viewing.
December to March: Excellent for calving season in the southern Serengeti National Park.
April to May: Green season with fewer tourists and lush landscapes.
Wildlife can be seen throughout the year in parks like Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.

What animals can I see on a Tanzania safari?

Tanzania offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa. Visitors commonly see:

- Lion
- Elephant
- Buffalo
- Leopard
- Rhino

These animals are known as the Big Five, and they can often be spotted in Ngorongoro Crater.
You may also see giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

What is the Great Migration?

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world. Each year, over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains of Serengeti National Park and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve in search of fresh grazing.

How long should a Tanzania safari be?

Most visitors choose safaris lasting 4 to 7 days. This allows enough time to explore several national parks such as:

- Tarangire National Park
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Lake Manyara National Park

Shorter safaris of 2–3 days are also possible for travelers with limited time.

Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Most travelers require a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. Visas can usually be obtained online through the e-visa system or on arrival at major airports such as Kilimanjaro International Airport.

What vaccinations are recommended for Tanzania?

Travelers are often advised to consult a medical professional before traveling. Common recommendations include:

- Yellow fever (required if coming from a yellow fever risk country)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Malaria prevention medication

What should I pack for a safari?

Recommended items include:

- Lightweight clothing in neutral colors
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars
- Camera with extra batteries
- Insect repellent

Temperatures can vary, so a light jacket for early morning game drives is also recommended.

Are safaris safe in Tanzania?

Yes, safaris in Tanzania are generally very safe when organized with a professional tour operator and experienced safari guides. Visitors should always follow their guide’s instructions and park regulations when viewing wildlife.

What type of vehicles are used on safari?

Most safaris use 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicles with pop-up roofs. These vehicles allow excellent wildlife viewing and photography during game drives in parks like Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park.

Where do visitors stay during a safari?

Accommodation options range from:

- Budget camps
- Mid-range lodges
- Luxury tented camps

Many are located inside or near national parks such as Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Can I combine a safari with other activities?

Yes, many travelers combine their safari with:

- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
- A beach holiday in Zanzibar
- Cultural visits to local villages
- Walking safaris or hot air balloon safaris

from$ 50 /person

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Guest

You can select between 2 to 14 travelers in total.

AdultAge 13+

ChildrenAge 3 - 12

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 30 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tanzania located?

What is the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania?

What animals can I see on a Tanzania safari?

What is the Great Migration?

How long should a Tanzania safari be?

Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Most travelers require a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. Visas can usually be obtained online through the e-visa system or on arrival at major airports such as Kilimanjaro International Airport.

What vaccinations are recommended for Tanzania?

What should I pack for a safari?

Are safaris safe in Tanzania?

What type of vehicles are used on safari?

Where do visitors stay during a safari?

Can I combine a safari with other activities?

Yes, many travelers combine their safari with:

- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
- A beach holiday in Zanzibar
- Cultural visits to local villages
- Walking safaris or hot air balloon safaris

Words From Our Clients

    
 
 
      Verified Highly Recommend Across Tanzania Expeditions Team
Across Tanzania Expeditions is the most reliable company in Tanzania. I have not been disappointed traveling with them. Because they are friendly with their customers and treat them like family. Their devotion, reliability, responsibility, respect for others attracted me deeply. I strongly recommend Across Tanzania Expeditions Company. I Highly Recommend 100%. Especially Thanks To Mr. Hezron
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Luis Rico 
 4 March 2025
 
 
 
     Verified Best Experience
Luxurious travel experience with Across Tanzania Expeditions. The most popular destination of our trip was Serengeti National park one of the most famous Parks and visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. It was our first safari, and it was the best experience. We are very happy and impressed to travel with them
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Salvi Dona 
 15 February 2025
 
 
 
     Verified Our haneymoon was really Amazing!!
Across Tanzania Expeditions made our honeymoon trip truly magical! We wanted a romantic and adventurous experience, and they delivered. The private dinners under, the luxurious accommodations, and the unforgettable wildlife encounters all contributed to making this a trip of a lifetime. Thank you, Across Tanzania Expeditions, for creating memories we will cherish forever!" Remember to: Across Tanzania Expeditions!! Dream Safari!, Unforgettable wildlife, Amazing guides, perfect planning, Highly Recommended Across Tanzania Expeditions Team!
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Roger.Lacy 
 31 January 2025
 
 
 
     Verified Superb experience in Tanzania.
The team Across Tanzania Expeditions was incredibly professional, responsive, and attentive to our preferences. They took the time to understand what we wanted and tailored the itinerary perfectly to meet our expectations. Our guide & driver was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the culture, wildlife, and landscapes of Tanzania. They shared fascinating insights about the animals, plants, and local traditions, making every moment enriching. Across Tanzania Expeditions Owner were super professional very helpful and knowledgeable. They are very good and helpful in everything. We are very happy with their amazing customer service!!!. We already looking forward to planning our next trip with them!
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Gwaniri Z 
 31 December 2024
 
 
 
     Verified Great experience of across tanzania expeditions.
Our journey began with a safari in the Serengeti, and we were instantly awed by the sheer beauty of the park. The abundance of wildlife was incredible. We saw the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, along with countless giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. The expert guide knew exactly where to find the animals and provided us with fascinating insights into their behavior and the ecosystem. The picnic lunch by the was one of the highlights of our trip. Zanzibar The island’s blend of history, culture, and natural beauty was the perfect way to , our Tanzania expedition.Tanzania is a place of unparalleled beauty, and our trip was a dream come true. The combination of wildlife, landscapes, and rich cultural experiences made this an unforgettable adventure. We are already planning our next trip. I would wholeheartedly recommend Across tanzania expeditions Tours to anyone looking for an authentic and unforgettable Across tanzania expeditions travel experience.
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   John Mac 
 12 December 2024
 
 
 
     Verified Thanks Across team.
We started our adventure in Serengeti National Park with Across Tanzania Expeditions, where we were awed by the vast incredible wildlife. Witnessing the Great Migration together was like watching a live nature documentary the sheer number of wildebeests and zebras was mesmerizing. We visited the Ngorongoro Crater, a place that felt almost mythical. The lush greenery, serene lakes, and diverse wildlife atmosphere. We trip concluded on the serene beaches of Zanzibar.Tanzania gave us more than we could have imagined. It wasn’t just a trip it was a shared adventure, and a reminder of the beauty of the world. Thanks Across team for providing a great experience.
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Harley 
 4 December 2024
 
 
 
     Verified A truly memorable experience with Across Tanzania Expeditions.
Our 5 days safari with Across Tanzania Expeditions was nothing short of spectacular! Upon arrival in Tanzania, we were greeted by our wonderful guide, Fazo, who quickly made us feel at home. His expertise and enthusiasm for wildlife were infectious. Faoz's ability to spot animals was astounding – he could point out a leopard lounging in a tree from what felt like a mile away! His extensive knowledge about the ecosystems, animal behaviors, and local cultures enriched our experience beyond just the sights. The itinerary was perfectly crafted, allowing us to explore the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Each park offered unique landscapes and wildlife encounters. They go above and beyond to ensure that your time in Tanzania is as enriching and unforgettable as possible. We will definitely be back for another adventure!
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Castiel 
 20 November 2024
 
 
 
     Verified Highly recommend this company!
We had a wonderful time with Across Tanzania Expeditions. Our guides Fazo were friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience enjoyable and educational. The breathtaking sceneries and well-organized tours made this an unforgettable journey. Across Tanzania Expeditions provided an incredible balance of wildlife adventure and cultural immersion. This trip will stay with our lifetime.
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Polanco 
 16 November 2024
 
 
 
     Verified Across Tanzania Expeditions was absolutely exceptional.
From the moment we arrived, the team made us feel welcomed and well taken care of. The pre-trip communication was excellent, with clear information on what to expect and a personalized itinerary that met all our interests. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate about Tanzania’s wildlife, ensuring we saw all the major animals we were hoping for lions, elephants, giraffes, and more! The meals and lodges were also fantastic, with stunning views and top-notch service. We can wholeheartedly recommend Across Tanzania Expeditions. They made our trip not just a vacation, but an experience of our a lifetime. Our experience with Across Tanzania Expeditions was absolutely exceptional.
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   Pearce 
 11 November 2024
 
 
 
     Verified Outstanding tour: well planned and well run. Can’t say enough good things!
Our 9 day Safari was outstanding!!! The owner Hezron and his team were very conscientious, helpful, committed to their people having an amazing trip. Hezron contacted me daily when there to make sure all was going well. Hussein does a lot of the planning and booking and did a great job, we loved all of our lodging. Fazo our guide was a walking encyclopedia of all animals we encountered in the 5 National Parks we went to. We saw the Big 5 and more! The vehicle was clean and reliable. Fazo was a very safe and conscious driver with an instinct for where animals would be. The food at all of our lodgings were great. I am celiac and the team at Across Tanzania contacted each place before we got there to make sure they knew what to expect for my dietary needs. The trip was well planned, well run, and thoroughly enjoyable. Would highly recommend a private tour (we saw groups all packed in and they would only get to see out of their window) we had full movement in the 6 seat Land Cruiser to get the photos and views we had been dying to see.
  
  Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
    
   JodyMCanada 
 26 October 2024