5 day safari tanzania cost

Ultimate 5 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs (6 unique Itineraries)

By Author Ella McKendrick

Posted on Last updated: 21 March 2024

From watching a majestic lioness chasing a zebra across the Serengeti to witnessing a baby elephant frolicking in a watering hole, my experiences in Tanzania have been some of the most incredible and thought-provoking of my life.

If, like me, you love the natural world and observing incredible wild animals in their natural habitats, then I have no doubts that you’re going to fall in love with the country too!

Tanzania has a reputation as being one of the greatest safari destination on earth. Boasting the vast and awe-inspiring Serengeti National Park, all of the Big Five, over 500 species of birds and 120 unique tribes, it’s not hard to see how the country has earned its enviable reputation.

With so much to see, you might be wondering if 5 days will cut it? Whilst you can easily fill out a 7-10 day Tanzania safari itinerary , 5 days will give you the opportunity to experience the very best of Tanzania including the world famous Serengeti National Park.

A 3 day safari itinerary is also possible (especially if you have the budget for a fly-in safari to save time). However, I would strongly recommend a 5 day itinerary (or more) as this will allow you to visit three of the best parks in Tanzania.

In this article I’m going to walk you through all six of my ultimate 5 day Tanzania safari itineraries . I’ll also give you an idea of Tanzania safari costs and how to find and book the best safari tour company for each itinerary option.

On top of all that, I’ll provide guidance on the best time to visit Tanzania for each itinerary and share tips and tricks including how to avoid some of the mistakes I made such as a terrifying night-time taxi ride .

Plan Your Safari Adventure

Save time and ensure an incredible experience from the local safari companies I use to organise my own trips.

I’m here to make booking your perfect safari quick, easy and risk-free. It takes less than 1 minute to fill out the form and in under 48 hours you will receive multiple, no-obligation proposals from my favourite local tour operators with glowing online reviews.

In This Guide

• 5 Day Northern Circuit Highlights Itinerary
• 5 Day Great Migration Wildebeest River Crossing Safari Itinerary

5 Day Great Migration Wildebeest Calving & Other Baby Animals Safari itinerary

5 day budget safari itinerary, 5 day luxury fly-in safari & beach itinerary.

• 5 Day Cultural Tour Including Hadzabe Bushmen Itinerary

Is 5 Days Enough in Tanzania?

• How to Book a 5 Day Safari in Tanzania?
• How Much Does a 5 Day Tanzania Safari Cost?

Tanzania Safari Tips & Tricks – Avoiding my Mistakes

Six different 5 Day Tanzania Safari Itineraries

I’ve detailed six of my favourite 5 day Tanzania Itineraries below.

I’ve focused on Tanzania’s Northen Parks for my 5 day itineraries as the Northern circuit contains some of the best and most popular parks in Tanzania. The southern parks are drastically more spaced out and would require much longer than 5 days.

5 Day Northern Circuit Highlights itinerary

This is the most popular of the 5 day safari itineraries as it takes you to all the highlights of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit and to three of country’s best parks including the world-famous Serengeti, the magical Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park with it’s huge African elephant herds.

A variation of this itinerary is going to Lake Manyara National Park. However, I didn’t include it as the wildlife sightings are not quite as predictable in Lake Manyara at the moment due extreme rainfall over the last few years affecting the lake height.

If it’s your first time in Tanzania then you can’t go wrong with this classic 5 day safari itinerary. It’s also the fixed itinerary for most group camping safaris, so despite going to some expensive parks it can still work well if you’re on a budget.

On the flip side if you’ve looking for a luxury private safari you can upgrade this itinerary with a balloon safari in central Serengeti or alternatively you might want to consider my 5 day wildebeest migration river crossing or 5 day wildebeest calving itineraries as well.

Quick Facts

• Average driving time per day: 3.3 hours.
• Best times of year: Long dry season from June to October or the short dry season from January to February.

Itinerary Map for 5 Day Northern Circuit Highlights

Itinerary starts and ends in Arusha.

Day By Day Breakdown for the 5 Day Northern Circuit Highlights Itinerary

Day 1: tarangire – total drive time 5.5 hrs.

Your journey starts in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s world-famous Northern Safari Circuit. It takes around 3 hours to drive west from Arusha to Tarangire Nation Park’s Northern Gate.

Activities for Your Day in Tarangire Nation Park

You’ll go on a full day game drive around the park. You also have the option of a walking safari if you want an even more intimate experience.

About Tarangire Nation Park

Tarangire is the sixth biggest park in Tanzania at 2,850 km². The park’s name comes from the Tarangire River which spans across the park and provides a water source for its many inhabitants. The park is famous for its huge heard of majestic African elephants which can reach over 5,000 in total during the peak of the migration from July to October.

Tips for visiting Tarangire Nation Park

The best time to visit Tarangire is in the dry season when the migratory herds are present.

There are two fantastic lunch spots in Tarangire but there’s no catering so bring your own hot or cold lunch. If you are visiting with a tour operator, they will typically provide this for you.

My Personal Experience in Tarangire Nation Park

In my opinion, Tarangire is severely underrated. As soon as I entered the park, I found myself surrounded by wildlife. It’s one of the most wildlife-dense places that I’ve ever been! I absolutely loved watching the majestic African elephant herds in Tarangire – it’s one of the best places in Tanzania to see them. A highlight for me was watching a family of elephants drinking at one of Tarangire’s watering holes. A baby elephant rolled joyfully in the water, a sight that warmed my heart. The park fees are also around 50% of the Serengeti making it a great value park to visit.

You can watch a video of my Tarangire safari experience on Youtube .

Where to Spend the Night

Whilst it’s possible to spend the night in the Tarangire, it’s usually wise to drive for 2 hours to Karatu – a small bustling town and the gateway to the Ngorongoro Highlands. Karatu is closer to the Serengeti so saves on driving the next day and it’s also better value vs in-park accommodation.

Days 2 – 4: Seronera ( Central Serengeti) – total drive time 7 hrs

You now begin your epic 4 hour journey from Karatu to Seronera (Central Serengeti). After around 2 hours you’ll reach the Serengeti entrance gates and restrooms before the real adventure begins.

You’ll spend the rest of day 2, all of day 3 and the morning of day 4 in the Serengeti.

Activities for Your Day in Seronera ( Central Serengeti)

Other than embarking on game drives through the open plains of the Serengeti, the other key activity that you can enjoy is a balloon safari. Serengeti balloon safaris (normally around $450-550 per person) take place before sunrise and give you a bird’s eye view of the savannah. They may be expensive but the experiences is honestly a once-in-a-lifetime. Where else can you float effortlessly above the wilds of Africa and perhaps even witness the great migration from the air?

Walking safaris and night game drives aren’t permitted in the Serengeti.

About Seronera ( Central Serengeti)

The Serengeti which means ‘endless plains’ in the local Maasai language is quite possibly the greatest safari destination on earth. Home to all of the Big Five and spanning 30,000 km², The Serengeti National Park is awe inspiring in every way. To give you an idea of the scale, the Serengeti is 20x the size of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve which sits on the other side of the Mara River in Northern Serengeti.

You’re in for a treat – central Serengeti has one of the highest densities of predators of any national park. Lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas can all be found here. The Serengeti is also one of the few places in the world where you can catch a glimpse of tree-climbing lions!

Tips for visiting Seronera ( Central Serengeti)

The best time to visit the Serengeti is during the dry season from June to October or January and February.

If you’re visiting during mid-July to September or mid-October to mid-November, you also have the option to view the river crossing where millions of wildebeests cross the crocodile-infested Mara river. It’s a 4 hour drive each way (or 1 hour flight) to northern Serengeti, where the Mara River can be found. Going there and back in one day is ambitious and honestly not recommended as the wildebeest can spend hours milling on the banks of the river, unsure whether to cross.

Not truly contemplating how the odds were stacked against me, I took the chance and headed up north to try to catch a glimpse of the Mara river crossing. Luck was definitely on my side as I managed to catch the river crossing in full swing. In fact I actually saw two river crossings! However, I must emphasise that I was very, very lucky as often you have to wait for 4 hours or more to see the river crossing. Sometimes the wildebeest don’t cross at all!

If you want to see the river crossing, it’s better to extend your trip an extra day or two and spend a couple of days in northern Serengeti or alternatively follow my 5 day Serengeti Itinerary below.

If you’re visiting between January to March I’d recommend visiting southern Serengeti to view the wildebeest calving and related big cat activity.

During May to July, you may wish to drive to Tanzania’s Western Corridor (west Serengeti) to watch the Grumeti River crossing. Some say it’s as spectacular as the Mara river crossing but is nowhere near as popular so you won’t be competing with lots of vehicles to get front-row seats.

My Personal Experience in Seronera ( Central Serengeti)

Driving into the Serengeti was in itself a magical experience – the vast planes of the south seem to go on forever, blending with the horizon-line. It almost felt otherworldly and brought back memories of my Namibia road trip .

Nothing could have prepared me for how abundant the wildlife is in the Serengeti. Sure, I knew of it’s fantastic reputation but seeing it for itself is something else. I was amazed by the numbers of lions I spotted. It actually got to the point where we would drive past lion sightings as we had seen so many.

One of the highlights of my time in central Serengeti was watching a pregnant lioness stalk a zebra. I felt like I had been transported into a nature documentary and held my breath as she ran full-pelt through the scrubland, the zebra only just managing to escape her grasp.

Another magical moment was spotting my first ever wild leopard. Leopards are perhaps the hardest of the Big Five to spot. In one single afternoon in the Serengeti, I managed to spot not one but three leopards: a mother and cub and a solitary female.

Watching two cheetahs gorge themselves on a freshly-caught wildebeest was another moment that I will never forget.

You’re probably getting the point now. The Serengeti is heaven for wildlife lovers.

You can watch a video of my Serengeti Safari experience on Youtube

You’ll spend the night of the second and third day in the Serengeti. On the morning of the fourth day, you’ll enjoy a sunrise safari in the Serengeti as you head towards the mystical Ngorongoro Crater. Once you reach the gates of the Serengeti, it takes around 2 hours to reach the Ngorongoro Conservation area where you’ll spend the night, usually on the rim of the crater.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater & Maasai Tribe (total drive time 4 hrs)

First thing in the morning you’ll drive along the crater rim through dense swathes of forest before beginning your epic 2,000 meter decent into the Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is unlike anywhere else on earth – towering crater walls surrounding a barren plane. To me it felt like I had entered into a lost world filled with a stunning array of wildlife and habitats.

Activities for Your Day in Ngorongoro Crater

You’ll spend the morning on a game drive in the crater followed by lunch on the banks of Lake Magadi, a large alkaline lake which is home to flamingos and hippos.

In the afternoon you’ll you’ll ascend the crater and visit a Maasai village to see their famous jumping dance and learn more about their unique culture. You’ll also go on a guided walk with the Maasai around the rim of the crater where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views and lear about the Maasai’s deep connection to the crater.

About Ngorongoro Crater

Part of the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area which is a UNESCO world heritage site , the crater is a massive caldera formed millions of years ago by the collapse of a volcano.

The crater was named by the Maasai Tribe after the sound produced by the cowbell (ngoro ngoro) as their crows walked around the crater.

It is the only conservation in Tanzania which protects wildlife whilst also allowing the Maasai to live in the area too, although no one is allowed to live within the crater itself.

Tips for visiting Ngorongoro Crater

I’d recommend an early start when visiting the crater as it avoids the crowds and gives you the best chance of spotting one of the 30 rare black rhinos which call the crater home. The rhinos usually congregate together around sunrise before splitting off in search of food.

You can’t beat having a pre-prepared hot lunch on the banks of Lake Magadi inside the crater. Your safari company can arrange this. You’ll have views of flocks of lesser flamingos and the odd prehistoric looking marabou stalk.

As most of the wildlife stays in the crater all year round, the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater is pretty much all year round. However, the very best times are the short dry period from January and February to see baby animals and the long dry period from June to October when grass on the crater floor is shorter so it’s easier to spot wildlife.

My Personal Experience in Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater was one of the highlights of my trip to Tanzania. As we drove along the crater rim, we found ourselves engulfed by mist which created an eerie yet electric atmosphere.

My first view of the crater itself is one that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I felt like I was within Jurassic Park, entering a prehistoric lost world.

There are very few trees on the crater floor which makes it very easy to spot wildlife. As soon as I entered the crater I spotted a lone hyena, a group of buffalos and then found myself surrounded by herds of wildebeest and zebras.

The highlight of my Ngorongoro safari was spotting a family of servals, one of Africa’s smaller cat species. Servals are rare to see which made the sighting of a family of servals hunting rodents in the grass all the more special.

You can watch a video of my Ngorongoro Crater safari experience on YouTube .

After the day’s activities you’ll return back to Arusha for the night.

For this 5 day itinerary, full board Tanzania safari costs for private safaris start at around $280 per person per day for 4 people and $330 for two people. Prices assume working with a small local safari company and will vary depending on the level of accommodation chosen and number of people sharing the safari truck.

For budget and mid-range safaris, park fees make up the biggest proportion of the total safari costs.

In Tanzania it’s usual practice for the safari companies to organise everything and give you an ‘all inclusive price’. However, I wanted to give you a quick example of how the pricing breaks down:

Ngorongoro Crater is the most expensive of Tanzania’s safari parks and entry fees for one safari truck plus 2 adults at the time of writing are $613 + 18% Tanzania tax = $723.34. Then you have around $350 per day for the private safari truck and your driver / guide, so that’s a running total of $536.5 per person for that particular day before adding accommodation and other costs.

Due to the high park fees, local tour companies don’t usually make much profit on the safaris – usually around 10% – 15% and much of this is offset against the special trade prices they receive for accommodation, so they end up working out very cost effective.

Recommended Booking Options For This 5 Day Tanzania Itinerary

Private Safari

Most popular & best experience – typical prices start from $280 per person per day .

Visit safarisbyella.com for free quotes from trustworthy local tour companies I use to book my own trips.

Group (Shared) Camping Safari

Good for budget or solo travellers – from $160 per person per day.

My recommended Tanzania tour operators only provide private safaris, however, I’ve listed the best group options for this itinerary, on Safari Bookings below.

Click the links below to request quotes for the group safari options on the safari bookings website.

5-Day Group Budget Camping Tour for the Northern Circuit Highlights Itinerary plus Manyara

5-Day Group Budget Camping Tour for the Northern Circuit Highlights Itinerary

Jump back to the table of contents to select another 5 day itinerary to view or keep scrolling to read the next itinerary.

Great Migration Wildebeest River Crossing Safari Itinerary

This 5 day itinerary gives you quite possibly the ultimate safari experience in just 5 days. You’ll be spending most of your time in arguably the best safari park in the world – the Serengeti.

However, prices will work out more expensive than the 3 park option above due to the inclusion of an internal flight and higher Serengeti park fees.

Your adventure begins with a flight on a small propeller plane from Arusha to northern Serengeti. Alternatively, it’s a 7-8 hour drive if you want to save on flight costs.

At the Serengeti National Park you’ll have a good chance of seeing all of the Big Five as well as the the Great Wildebeest Migration crossing the Mara River in northern Serengeti.

You’ll break up your drive back to Arusha at the end with a night in Ngorongoro Conservation area followed by a morning safari in the mystical Ngorongoro Crater. This is the best place to try to catch a glimpse of a black rhino.

Late May and early June marks the beginning of the Great Migration – one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth.

During the migration, millions of wildebeest and zebras journey from the southern plains to the northern Serengeti in search of fresh pastures.

The very pinnacle of the Great Migration is the Mara River crossing in northern Serengeti where up to thousands of wildebeest at a time cross the crocodile-infested Mara River.

This five day itinerary aims to give you the best chance possible of experiencing this once in a lifetime spectacle. If you want to see the river crossing, then you would need to visit mid-July to late September or in mid-October to mid-November when the wildebeests cross back again.

Dates vary depending on the variable timings of the rains each year – choosing a date towards the middle of the period would be the safest bet if you want to maximise your chances and seek the guidance of a professional safari company.

You can still experience the other incredible sights of the Great Migration outside of these dates such as the calving in January and February (see my 5 day wildebeest calving itinerary ) or the Grumeti River crossing on Tanzania’s Western Corridor from may to July. However, you would adjust day 3 and 4 of the itinerary depending on the location of the migration at that time of year.

I’ve seen some versions of this itinerary which suggest you should drive to the Serengeti, visiting Ngorongoro Crater on your way and then fly home. The main drawback with that itinerary is that you will be entering Ngorongoro at midday, so have missed many wildlife sighting opportunities.

In my itinerary you fly out first to make sure you can visit the crater first thing in the morning as it avoids the crowds and gives you the best chance to see the black rhinos grouped together before they separate for the day.

• Average driving time per day: 1.4 hours
• Best times of year: For the Mid-July to late September or mid-October to mid-November*
• *Dates can vary according to the timing of the rains

Itinerary Map for Great Migration Wildebeest River Crossing Safari

Day By Day Breakdown for the Great Migration Wildebeest River Crossing Safari Itinerary

Days 1 & 2: kogatende – northern serengeti – total flight time: 1 hour or drive time 8 hrs.

Your journey starts in Arusha, the starting point for most of Tanzania’s northern circuit safaris. From here you’ll catch a small propeller plane which will take you directly to northen Serengeti. Flights normally cost around $350 per person and they give you the opportunity to see the vast Serengeti from the air.

If you’d prefer not to fly or would simply like to keep costs down, you can drive instead which takes 7-8 hours.

Depending on the time of year, you’ll adjust your destination in the Serengeti to see the Great Migration. It’s worth noting these are rough dates as the timings of the rains can speed up or slow down the usual migration timeframes. A good safari company will be able to keep you updated on this to ensure you get the best experience.

For this Itinerary we’re going to assume you’ve visiting around Mid-July to late September or mid-October to mid-November and are keen to see the Mara river crossing.

Here are a few other variations of this itinerary if you’re going on different dates:

May to July: fly to western Serengeti to see the Grumeti River crossing.

January and February: Follow my 5 Day Great Migration Wildebeest Calving & Other Baby Animals Safari itinerary and fly to central Serengeti and then make your way south via car to see the Wildebeests calving in southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Activities for Your Days in Kogatende – Northern Serengeti

Day 1: If you’ve flown, you’ll have plenty of time for a safari for the rest of the day.

Day 2: You’ll wake up for your first full day in the Serengeti, arguably the greatest safari destination on earth.

I’d recommend a balloon safari at sunrise as this will give you a bird’s eye view of the Great Migration. After the ballon safari, you’ll spend the rest of the day day on a game drive and will have the opportunity to witness the incredible Mara river crossing at close quarters.

About Kogatende – Northern Serengeti

The Serengeti which means ‘endless plains’, is home to all of the Big Five. The park covers 30,000 km² making it 20x the sizes of the adjoining Masai Mara

In the north, during the river crossing, thousands of wildebeests wait hesitantly on the banks of the crocodile-infested Mara river until eventually one of them takes the plunge and scrambles down the steep banks before launching itself into the river whilst the hungry crocodiles watch on. As herd animals, this prompts hundreds more wildebeests to follow, jumping into the water and swimming across the river whilst the crocodile patiently wait for any weak animals to exhaust themselves trying to scramble of out the steep bank at the other side.

Tips for visiting Kogatende – Northern Serengeti

The best time to visit the Serengeti is during the long dry period from June to October to see as any animals as possible. Alternatively, if you want to see baby animals and related big cat activity, then January and February is a great option.

My Personal Experience in Kogatende – Northern Serengeti

When I visited the Mara River, I was lucky enough to see the wildebeests crossing almost immediately, although some people had been waiting 4 hours. My luck hadn’t run out yet and, shortly after the first crossing, my guide found another crossing taking place. It was here that we managed to witness a crocodile successfully hunt a young wildebeest calf.

You can watch a video of my Serengeti Mara River Crossing Safari on YouTube

You’ll spend night 1 & 2 in Kogatende – northern Serengeti. There are both tented and non-tented accommodation options available. I’d recommend staying in tented accommodation as you feel much closer to nature. Nothing is as magical as hearing a distant lion roaring as you lie in bed!

Days 3 & 4: Seronera – Central Serengeti – total drive time 3 hrs

On day three you’ll make your way down from the north to Seronera (central Serengeti) which will take a couple of hours. Your journey will double-up as a game drive and you’ll find yourself meandering down quiet tracks through the savannah, keeping a look-out for the Serengeti’s famous residents.

Day four is your last morning in the Serengeti and a great opportunity to enjoy a sunrise game drive.

Sunrise safaris are a great time to see predators hunting as its cooler compared to the day-time during which times predators usually laze around in the heat of the sun.

You’ll continue your safari, keeping a look out for the Big Five as the morning turns to afternoon.

After your safari, you will continue your drive south to the Ngorongoro Consveration Area.

From the gates of the Serengeti it takes a further 2 hours to reach the Ngorongoro Conservation area. Spending the night on the rim of the crater provides fantastic views.

Activities for Your Days in Seronera ( Central Serengeti)

You’ll spend most of your time on game drives.

Central Serengeti has one of the highest densities of predators including tree-climbing lions. It’s also one of the best places in Africa to see leopards.

Early morning or late evening game drives are a great way to see big cats hunting. They prefer these times as it gets too hot in the day.

Keep an eye out for any tails handing down from trees – this is often a tell tail sign of a tree-climbing lion or elusive leopard.

Spending a full day on safari in Seronera was one of the highlights of my entire time in Tanzania. Nothing gets me as excited as spotting big cats so imagine my delight when I managed to spot more lions than I can count, three leopards and three cheetahs within a 24 hour period in Seronera.

Other notable sightings included elephants galore, large herds of zebra, several families of giraffes and a couple of spritely warthogs.

You can watch a video of my Central Serengeti safari experience on YouTube .

You’ll spend night two in central Serengeti and night three on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.

In the morning you’ll embark on a 2,000 meter decent into the lost world of the Ngorongoro Crater. You’ll spend the bulk of the day within the crater before visiting a Maasai boma on your way back to Arusha.

Much of the day will be spent on a game-drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. Your safari will be broken-up by a picnic lunch on the banks of Lake Magadi.

After your safari you’ll visit a Maasai Boma on the rim of the crater where you’ll watch their traditional jumping dance and join them on a walk along the crater rim enjoying spectacular views and learning about their connection with the area. Finally, you’ll drive back to Arusha which takes around 4 hours.

Part of the UNESCO world heritage site of the Ngorongoro conservation area, the crater is a calera which was formed millions of years ago by the collapse of a volcano .

The Crater is one of the only places where you can see the black rhinos which are best spotted at sunrise or sunset.

I’d recommend asking your safari company to bring a packed lunch (often provided by your accommodation) so you can eat lunch in the crater on the banks of the Lake Magadi. It’s a wonderful experience to have lunch with wildlife all around you such as flocks of lesser flamingos and the odd prehistoric looking marabou stalk.

The best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater is during the short dry period from January and February to see baby animals or the long dry period from June to October when grass on the crater floor is shorter so it’s easier to spot wildlife. However, as most of the animals in the crater, don’t migrate, the park is great to visit year-round.

I absolutely loved my time on safari in Ngorongoro Crater. Although I didn’t personally spot any rhinos, I still managed to sight three of the Big Five (lions, buffalos and elephants) on the crater floor. The landscape is like no where else on earth and is pretty much guaranteed to take your breath away.

You’ll spend your last night in Arusha.

Whilst this itinerary will give you even more game viewing time compared to the first itinerary option, as well as and incredible sightings, it will also be more expensive.

Compared to the first Itinerary, you are adding a flight to the Serengeti which is more expensive compared to driving. However it gives you more time on the Serengeti. It’s also worth noting that whilst flights are more expensive than driving, you will save the $80 fees per person to pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation area which would be paid when driving.

Compared to the first itinerary, you are also replacing a day in Tarangire with an extra day in the Serengeti which will increase the costs as Serengeti park fees are higher, plus you’ll be staying in the park over night which required overnight fees (known as concession fees) to be paid.

For this 5 day itinerary, full board Tanzania safari costs for private safaris start at around $480 per person per day for 4 people and $520 for two people. Prices assume working with a small local safari company and will vary depending on the level of accommodation chosen and number of people sharing the safari truck.

Most popular & best experience – typical prices for this itinerary start from $480 per person per day .

Group (Shared) Safari

Good for budget or solo travellers – from $476 per person per day (driving only, no internal flight).

Please note, it was not possible to find any 5 day group options for this itinerary as the group safaris drive instead of flying to save costs, which is why I’ve listed 6 and 7 day options.

Click the links below to request quotes for the group safari options on the Safari Bookings website.

6-Day Group Mara River Crossing Safari – travel via road (no internal flights)

7-Day Group Mara River Crossing Safari – travel via road (no internal flights)

The wildebeest calving season (part of the Great Migration) is where you will get to witness the largest concentration of large land animals in the wild and is something that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Calving is the reason why the wildebeests risk their lives crossing the crocodile-infested river. They cross the river in to order to position themselves near fresh pastures which give them the necessary energy for the demanding calving season as well as providing food for their new borns.

During this time, hundreds of thousands of wildebeests will give birth at a rate of 8,000 each day. It’s amazing to watch the baby wildebeests spring to their feet within in minutes of being born, ready to run with the herd away from predators in just a few days.

With so many newborns around, it’s also one of the best times of year to see a successful predator hunt.

If you’ve visiting Tanzania in January, February or March and want to see the Great Migration, then this is the itinerary for you!

In March, tens of thousands of zebras and gazelles (who accompany the wildebeests on their journey) join the wildebeests in giving birth, relying on the safety of the numbers of the wildebeests to help protect their new borns.

I’ve seen some versions of this itinerary which suggest you should drive to the Serengeti, visiting Ngorongoro Crater on your way to the Serengeti and then flying home at the end. In my itinerary however, you fly out to the Serengeti first to make sure you can visit the Ngorongoro Crater first thing in the morning, as it avoids the crowds and gives you the best chance to see the black rhinos grouped together before they separate for the day.

• Average driving time per day:
• Best (only) times of year: January, February and March (February being the optimum month)
• As with all wildebeest seasons, the timings of the rains can bring things forward or push them back

Itinerary Map for 5 Day Wildebeest Calving Safari

Day by Day Breakdown for the 5 Day Great Migration Wildebeest Calving & Other Baby Animals Safari Itinerary

Days 1 – 4: ndutu – southern serengeti (total flight time: 1 hour or drive time 6 hrs).

You’ll start in bustling city of Arusha, known as the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. From here you’ll catch a small scheduled propeller plane which will take you directly to the Ndutu Airstrip in South East Serengeti. Flights normally cost around $350 per person and give you the opportunity to see the vast Serengeti from the air as well as save 6 hours driving time.

If you’d prefer not to fly or to keep costs down, you can drive which takes around 6 hours hours.

There are a number of lodge options but the best for seeing the calving are the mobile tented camps which move around following in the migration. These provide large tents with proper beds and ensuite bathrooms.

If you’ve flown, you’ll have plenty of time for a safari for the rest of the day 1.

On day 2 you’ll wake up for your first full day in the greatest safari destination on earth, about to see one of the most amazing wildlife spectacles in Africa.

Activities for Your Days in Ndutu – Southern Serengeti

Your guide will take you on safari in search of the migrating wildebeest herds which usually start calving around January. The pregnant wildebeests give birth and by February there are around 8,000 baby wildebeests being birthed every single day into March.

You will also see tens of thousands of zebras and gazelles who have accompanied the wildebeests on their migration, ready to give birth alongside the wildebeests, as they know their babies will find protection from any onlooking predators from within the vast number of wildebeests.

The huge quantities of young and inexperienced babies does not go unnoticed by the Serengeti’s high density of hungry predators. Big cats including lions, cheetah, leopards as well as African wild dogs, spotted hyenas and black-backed jackals stalk the herds, looking for their opportunity to pounce.

The new born calves spring to their feet in minutes to maximise their chances of survival and within 3 days they are able to run to escape predators. In this interim period they are left vulnerable and must reply on the size of the herd and their mother to protect them.

Your chances of seeing a successful hunt are very high. Many predators also give birth at this time of year as they know there will be plenty of food for their own babies.

If you want to experience the great migration from the air then you can travel to central Serengeti (1 – 2 hours drive) for a balloon safari at sunrise the following morning. Alternatively you can stay in the Ndutu region for the full 3 days.

About Ndutu – Southern Serengeti

The Ndutu Region spanning 8,000 km², is part of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO world heritage site and stretches to the southern Serengeti.

The area is famous for its short and particularly nutrient-dense grass, which is one of the reason the wildebeests choose this location for their calving. The extra nutrients in the grass help to sustain the wildebeests and their young as well as the other migratory animals during the birthing season.

The calving season attracts large numbers of hungry predators to the area including lions, cheetahs, leopards, spotted hyenas and African wild dogs.

Fortunately for the wildebeests, the short grass planes makes it harder for predators to hide when stalking the wildebeests and their calves.

It is the only nature reserve in Tanzania which allows you to drive off road which means you can get great views of the action.

Tips for visiting Ndutu – Southern Serengeti

The best location for viewing the migratory herds in on the banks of Lake Ndutu on the eastern edge of Serengeti National Park. The lake attracts large herds of thirsty wildebeests, zebras and other animals.

You’ll spend nights 1, 2 and 3 in the Ndutu region – usually in a mobile camp which follows the location of the migration. However, there are also fixed location accommodation too slightly further away.

Days 4: Ndutu to Ngorongoro Highlands (total drive time 2 hrs)

Before you bid the Ndutu region of the Serengeti goodbye, there is time for a sunrise game drive through the southern Serengeti plains.

Early morning game drives are the perfect opportunity to see predators hunting as they are very active at this time due to the lower temperatures compared to later in the day.

After your nearly full-day game drive, it will then take 2 hours of driving to reach the Ngorongoro Crater rim.

You’ll spend the night on the rim of the crater which provides incredible views.

One the afternoon of day 4 you can visit a Maasai boma and go for a walking safari along the rim of the creator with Maasai guide.

You’ll spend the night on the Ngorongoro Crater rim with majestic views into the caldera.

Days 5: Ngorongoro Crater (total drive time 3 hrs)

This morning you will descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater and go on a full-day game drive. There are two benefits to visiting the crater this early. Firstly, you’ll beat the crowds and secondly, it will give you the best chance to see the endangered black rhinos which gather together at sun rise before splitting off to look for food.

A full day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, broken up by a picnic lunch overlooking Lake Magadi.

The crater which sits in the UNESCO world heritage site of the Ngorongoro conservation area is a giant caldera which was formed millions of years ago when a volcano collapsed.

Visit early and bring lunch with you – ideally ask your safari company to bring a hot lunch from your accommodation which you can eat on the banks of Lake Magadi. You’ll be surrounded by pink flamingos and the the views are fabulous.

The 2,000 meter decent into the creator is quite magical. It’s like entering a lost world and filled me with awe and excitement for what was to come.

After your safari you’ll ascend the crater and drive back to Arusha for the night.

Seeing the Great Migration calving is a once in a lifetime experience and gives you one of the best opportunities to see successful predators hunts. However, compared to the first northern safari itinerary, this will be more expensive. This is due to the inclusion of a domestic flight to Ndutu as well as paying overnight fees to stay in the Ndutu region.

However the costs will be slightly lower than the river crossing itinerary above, as you’ll be traveling outside of peak season. Additionally, as Ndutu is actually within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you won’t have to pay a transit fee through Ngorongoro as you are already within the conservation area.

For this 5 day itinerary, full board Tanzania safari costs for private safaris start at around $400 per person per day for 4 people and $430 for two people. Prices assume working with a small local safari company and will vary depending on the level of accommodation chosen and number of people sharing the safari truck.

Most popular & best experience – typical prices for this itinerary start from $400 per person per day .

Good for budget or solo travellers – from $427 per person per day.

5-Day Group Wildebeest Calving Safari – travel via road (no internal flights)

5-Day Group Wildebeest Calving Safari without Ngorongoro Crater – travel via road (no internal flights)

5-Day Group Wildebeest Calving Safari – substitues day 2 with Tarangire – travel via road (no internal flights)

The cheapest way to experience a Tanzania safari is usually by joining a group budget camping safari. You can view a list of my recommended group budget camping safaris here . However, there are some downsides to group safaris, which mean they are not the right choose for everyone on a budget:

• The itinerary is fixed, giving no flexibility .
• They run at scheduled times and for a fixed number of days – usually 3 or 6 days.
• You are sharing the safari truck with a number of people who may have different priorities on what to see and how long to spend at each sighting.
• Without the ability to easily move positions in the vehicle at a sighting, you may be stuck with a poor view of a great sighting.
• You can’t control how loud the other people in the group are which could scare animals away
• As group safaris are usually aimed at the budget market, they are no frills and sometimes the campsites are poorly maintained.
• The more experienced guides are usually allocated to private safaris leaving the inexperienced guides for group budget packages.

If you’re on a tight budget but you want to avoid the downsides of group safaris by booking a private safari instead, I have created the below itinerary. This itinerary for a private budget safari is lower cost than the others in this article, taking you to fantastic and sometimes lesser-know parks with lower park fees.

• Average driving time per day: 3.8 hours

Itinerary Map for 5 Day Budget Safari

Day By Day Breakdown for the 5 Day Budget Safari Itinerary

Day 1: arusha national park (total drive time: 3 hrs).

Day 1 of the 5 Day Budget Safari Itinerary starts in Arusha. Although most safaris start in Arusha, known as the gateway to the northern circuit, most people don’t realise there is a hidden safari gem in Arusha itself. Located in the foothills of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second highest peak, is the mysterious Arusha National Park.

As it’s lesser known, the park fees are much less than many of the other national parks. However, don’t let the lower park fees fool you – this park came highly recommended by one of my favourite Tanzanian safari guides.

Activities for Your Day in Arusha National Park

The park offers you the opportunity to spend a day on a walking safaris, game drives or even enjoy a spot of canoeing. I would personally recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to go on a walking safari as this isn’t always possible in some of the other national parks (although the government is gradually allowing them in more places, such as Tarangire where you’ll be visiting tomorrow).

About Arusha National Park

The park which covers 552 km², boasts the largest population of giraffes in the world. It’s one of the few places to see the Maasai giraffe and the reticulated giraffe in the same location.

Due to the varied ecosystems which include lush rainforests, savannahs, acacia woodlands and alpine vegetation on the higher parks of Mount Muru, the park incorporates some fascinating species of animals which can’t been seen in other Northern Circuit parks, such as the colobus and blue monkeys.

The park has its own mini version of the famous Ngorongoro Crater which is called Ngurdoto Crater and houses buffalos and elephants which you can explore on a game drive.

The Serengeti Ndogu (know as little Serengeti) and the forests including Tululusia Hil, a former looking dating back to Tanzanias tribal wars with incredible 360 degree views, are both great destinations for a walking safari

Small Momella Lake is the perfect location for a canoeing safari. This picturesque lake has shallow waters and offers game viewing as animals are drawn to the shores of the lake to drink.

Tips for Visiting Arusha National Park

One of the things I loved about Arusha National park was that I was able to see all three distinct parts of the park within the day.

Whilst the park has a lot to offer, I’d recommend visiting it at the start of your safari as once you’ve been to some of the other parks in this itinerary, the bar gets set very high in terms of quantities of sightings.

For this budget safari itinerary, I’d recommend staying around Moshi as accommodation is good and it will minimise driving on day 2. I’d particularly recommend wear mosquito repellent in Moshi as the heat and humidity does seem to attract them.

Kilimanjaro Coffee Tour, Materuni Waterfalls & Chemka Hot Springs (total drive time 5 hrs)

The cultural experiences I had I Tanzania were right up there with the safari / wildlife experiences. With over 150 unique tribes in Tanzania, spending one of your 5 days on cultural activities will really enhance your experience and help provider a deeper understanding of Tanzania. Taking a day off from safari also helps keep this a budget itinerary.

Today you’ll visit the famous Mount Kilimanjaro, meet the Chagga tribe who live on the slopes of the mountain, eat a traditional lunch and make some fresh coffee. Finally you’ll visit the paradise of Chemka Hot Springs where you can relax in the warm waters of the spring.

It’s around 45 minutes drive from Moshi to Materuni village. The village is located on the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level.

Activities for Your Day in Kilimanjaro with the Chagga tribe & Chemka Hot Springs

From Materuni village, you can go a 45 minute walk to the thundering Materuni Waterfalls. Although the walk is fairly easy, I’d recommend some good walking boots, especially if it’s wet weather as it can get a little muddy. There is the option to drive closer to reduce the walk to 15 minutes.

The return leg of the circular walk takes you slightly uphill which and takes around 1 hour back to the village. Back at Materuni village, the Chagga tribe will show you the full hands-on process of preparing and roasting the coffee, which they have gown on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. Finally, you taste the delicious coffee and eat a traditional Chagga lunch as well as learning more about their way of life.

For the afternoon it’s a 1 – 2 hour drive down to the Chemka Hot Springs for a bout of afternoon relaxation.

The springs are around 10m deep at the their deepest and you can rent flotation devices. As well as access into the spring via steps, for the more adventurous travellers, there is a rope-swing into the water.

About Kilimanjaro, the Chaga tribe & Chemka Hot Springs

The Chagga (aka Chaga) are the third largest ethnic group in Tanzania and descended from immigrants of various Bantu tribes who inhabited the once forest-covered foothills of Kilimanjaro around 1,200 years ago.

The tribe are famous for their work ethic and members of the tribe work as porters carrying equipment up and down Kilimanjaro during expeditions. They also grow coffee, amongst other crops, on the fertile slopes of the mountain using organic fertilisation methods practiced and since 1920s. The coffee has been a large source of income, leading to them becoming one of the wealthiest tribes in Tanzania.

The Chemka Hot Springs are geothermal springs which were once worshipped by the Chagga people. The hot springs are made up of two lagoons connected by a narrow canal. At the bottom of the biggest lagoon is an underwater cave which produced bubbles; this is the source of the hot springs. The water originates from Kilimanjaro and is the reason why it’s warm.

The name Chemka means boiling in Swahili. Despite what the name would suggest, the hot springs are not hot. Instead they are pleasant at around 20°C.

There are two main types of fish that inhabit the springs – the red garra (which nibble the dead skin off your feet and the locals call massage fish) and the larger catfish.

Tips for visiting Kilimanjaro, the Chaga tribe & Chemka Hot Springs

At the Chemka Hot Springs there is a restaurant which serves fantastic local food.

If you can, bring your snorkel mask as it’s very pretty underwater.

There are some basic toilets but nowhere to lock your bags so I’d recommend leaving any valuables in the car if you planning to take a dip in the springs.

My Personal Experience in Kilimanjaro, the Chaga tribe & Chemka Hot Springs

I absolutely loved my afternoon at Chemka Hot Springs! Leaping into the water from the rope-swing was exhilarating and I the temperature of the water was very soothing. I’ve honestly never seen water as clear as here – it glows a beautiful cyan colour under the dazzling sunlight.

You can watch a video of my Chemka Hot Springs experience on YouTube .

After your day of adventure, you’ll spend the night in Arusha.

Tarangire National park (total drive time 6 hrs)

From Arusha it’s a 3 hour drive to Tarangire National Park’s northern gate.

Park fees for Tarangire are around 50% of the cost of the Serengeti making it great value without compromising on quality. Tarangire is one of my favourite national parks and one of the best places in the world to see African elephants in the wild. I loved watching numerous huge herds of majestic African elephants and their babies stroll around park.

Activities for Your Day in Tarangire National Park

You can spend your day on a game drive or alternatively the park has just started allowing walking safaris too which gives you an even more intimate experience.

About Tarangire National Park

Tanzania’s sixth biggest park at 2,850 km² park revolves around the Tarangire River, from which it gets its name. The river forms a ‘honey pot’ in the dry season, when thirsty animals migrate to the park and congregate around the river for water.

The most famous of these migratory inhabitants are the huge herds of African elephants, for which Tarangire is famous, and can reach up to 5,000 in number at the peak of the migration from July to October.

Tips for Visiting Tarangire National Park

To get the very best sightings of the park’s inhabitance, I’d recommend arriving as early as possible.

My Personal Experience in Tarangire

I was absolutely blown away by the sheer density of wildlife within Tarangire National Park. Not only did I feel surrounded by elephants, but giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, eland and so much more were in abundance. I even spotted a family of lions relaxing beneath an acacia tree.

Spend the night in Mto Wa Mbu, a town 3 hours outside of Tarangire, ready for an early start at Lake Manyara the following day.

Lake Manyara National Park (total drive time 2.5 hrs)

Lake Manyara is another park which provides great value on park fees. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and huge flocks of pink flamingos as well as 250 other bird specifies.

It’s also a good place to see the effects of climate change as extreme weather has caused the lake to swallow up large swathes of the forest.

The drive to Lake Manyara National Park is only around 30 minutes.

Activities for Your Day in Lake Manyara National Park

It takes around 3-4 hours to game drive the whole of Lake Manyara National Park.

There is a 45 minute tree top canopy walk which allows you to view the park from a different perspective.

For the afternoon I’d recommend a canoe trip on the lake where you can see huge flocks of pelicans and pink flamingos and hear the sometimes not-so-distant sounds of hippos bellowing.

About lake Manyara

Lake Manyara National Park is one of the few places where you can spot tree-climbing lions on the acacia and sausage trees in the park. Covering a massive two thirds of the park is the large yet shallow lake.

The park covers an area of 325 km2 (125 mi 2 ) including about 230 km2 (89 mi 2 ) lake surface

The park was originally set up to protect the large herds of elephants who stroll around the park.

Tips for visiting Lake Manyara

The water levels need to be high enough to canoe so at the driest times of years it’s not always possible.

The park is a lot smaller than it used to be due to climate change which is marked by extreme weather. The lake has swallowed up a lot of the park due to excessive rainfall. In the lake you can see the remains of the park it swallowed in the form of the dead trees standing upright int he water.

You have the option to spend half the day in the park and the other half on a cultural tour in Mto Wa Mbu which you can see in my Youtube video linked below.

My Personal Experience in Lake Manyara

I had lots of fun canoeing on Lake Manyara in the company of local fishermen. There’s something so incredibly soothing about being out on the water, undisturbed by the rumbling of motors. I heard countless hippos, although they remained out of sight. Instead I saw some cheeky vervet monkeys on the banks of the lake as well as Maasai herders, taking their cattle for a stroll through the outskirts of the forest.

You can watch a video of my Lake Manyara canoe safari & Mto Wa Mbu tour on YouTube .

As you’ll be exploring the incredible Ngorongoro Crater tomorrow, which is best visited first thing in the morning, you’ll want to spend the night as close as possible. The ideal location would be accommodation on the rim of the crater which is around a 2 hour’s drive from Lake Manyara. However, staying on the crater rim is more expensive than if you were to stay outside of the park. Therefore to keep this itinerary is budget as possible, I’d recommend spending the night in Karatu, a town just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater & Maasai Boma (total drive time 4.5 hrs)

First thing in the morning you’ll begin your exciting 2,000 meter decent into the floor of the mysterious calera that is Ngorongoro Crater. Formed millions of years ago by the collapse of a volcano, it’s one of the few remaining places where you can see endangered black rhinos in the wild.

You’ll spend the morning on a safari drive around the crater. Your best chance to see one of the 30 black rhinos is early in the morning whilst they’re in groups before they separate for the day in search of food.

After the game drive, you will ascend the crater and head over to a local Maasai boma where you can learn more about their way of life, their connection with the crater and go on a guided walk around the rim of the crater which provides epic views.

The crater is the jewel of the larger Ngorongoro Conservation area which is a UNESCO world heritage site . Formed by the collapse of a volcano it’s actually the largest largest inactive caldera in the world! The crater floor covers about 250 km² and the crater is about 600 meters deep.

The best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater is all year round as most of the animals stay in the crater and don’t migrate. Different times of year provide different highlights such as baby animals in January and February. The long dry season from June to October provides the best visibility, due to low vegetation, to see as many animals as possible.

Make sure to arrange with your safari company to have a lunch prepared to eat at the side of Lake Magadi within the crater. This will usually be cooked by either your personal chef or the accommodation’s chefs. It’s an incredible experience to have a delicious lunch in such an epic environment with a vast array of animals around you, although you do have to watch out for the cheeky black kites who try to steal food.

Visiting Ngorongoro Crater was one of the highlights of my trip to Tanzania. There is something incredibly magical and mysterious about the crater and as a cat lover I was delighted to have some rare daytime sightings of a serval cat hunting in the grasslands.

Another personal highlight was spotting a marabou stork skulking around the picnic site. The bird looked like something out of Jurassic Park and was the size of a human!

You can watch a video of my Ngorongoro Crater Safari experience on Youtube

You’ll drive to back to Arusha which takes around 4 hours, where you’ll spend the night.

For this 5 day itinerary, full board Tanzania safari costs for private safaris start at around $250 per person per day for 4 people and $280 for two people. Prices assume working with a small local safari company and will vary depending on the level of accommodation chosen and number of people sharing the safari truck.

Most popular & best experience – typical prices for this itinerary start from $250 per person per day .

There are no group safaris available following this itinerary. However, this itinerary has been designed to offer budget prices when following this itinerary as a private safari.

If you’ve got a chunky budget and fancy a fast-paced holiday, combining the excitement and exhilaration of safari with peace and relaxation of a paradise beach destination, then this 5 day fly-in safari and beach itinerary could be just up your street.

Due to time constrains, you’ll fly to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, to experience the best safari experience that Tanzania has to offer in just 3 days, followed by a direct internal flight to the tropical island of Zanzibar off the east coast of Tanzania, where you can relax and unwind.

Your adventure begins with a flight on a small propeller plain from Arusha to the Serengeti.

Depending on the time of your trip, you’ll visit a different part of the Serengeti to view the Great Migration, one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth. I’ve covered the different locations in the day 1 – 2 summery in the day by day breakdown below.

At the end of the second day, you’ll fly to the mystical Ngorongoro crater where you will spend the night on the crater rim with glorious views of the crater floor. The following day you’ll embark on an early morning safari inside the magical crater as well as a enjoy a walking tour along the rim, led by a local Maasai guide.

If you want to make the safari more leisurely, you could spend 3 days in Serengeti but the Ngorongoro Crater is a fantastic experience if you don’t mind a 1 hour flight followed by a 2 hour drive to reach it.

Finally, you’ll fly directly to Zanzibar for 2 days of relaxation by the crystal clear ocean and white sandy beaches. Snorkelling, driving and water-sports are on the cards for many months of the year.

• Average driving time per day: 1 hour.

Itinerary Map for 5 Day Luxury Fly-in Safari & Beach

Day by Day Breakdown for the 5 Day Luxury Fly-in Safari & Beach Itinerary

Day 1 & 2: serengeti (exact part depends of time of year) – total drive time: 0.5 hour s.

You’ll fly from Arusha to the part of the Serengeti where the Great Migration is currently residing, which will depend on the time of year.

If you’re visiting from mid-July to late-September or mid-October to mid-November then you’ll fly to Kogatende (northern Serengeti) to observe the pinnacle of the Great Migration – the Mara River crossing, where thousands of wildebeest at a time cross the crocodile-infested Mara River.

Between January to March you’ll fly to Ndutu (southern Serengeti) to view the wildebeest calving and related big cat activity.

Between May to July you’ll fly to the Tanzania’s Western Corridor (west Serengeti) to watch the Grumeti River crossing.

The best time to visit the Serengeti depends on which of these incredible spectacles you’d most like to experience.

Activities for Your Day in Serengeti National Park

A balloon safari is a fantastic way to see the Great Migration from above and to fully appreciate the vast scale of the Serengeti.

You’ll go on full-day game drives to view the Great Migration and the Serengeti’s other famous residents.

About Serengeti National Park

One of the greatest safari destinations on earth, the word Serengeti means ‘endless plains’ in the local Maasai language and its easy to see how the park got its name, the vast never-ending savannah melting into the horizon. To put the scale of the Serengeti in to perspective, the park is 30,000 km² size, which makes it 20 x the size of the adjoining Maasai Mara National Park.

The park is home to all of the Big Five including tree-climbing lions and, of course, the Great Migration for much of the year.

Tips for visiting Serengeti National Park

Early mornings are a great time to see predators hunting before the heat of the day encourages them to spend their time resting. Evenings are a good time too.

My Personal Experience in Serengeti National Park

You can watch a video of my Serengeti Mara River Crossing Safari experience on YouTube and my Central Serengeti safari experience .

You’ll spend the first night in the Serengeti and at the end of the second day you’ll fly to Manyara Air Strip which is around a 2 hour drive from Ngorongoro Crater, where you will spend the night. Ndutu Airstrip is another option but it’s a slightly longer 2.5 hours drive to the crater.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater (total drive time 2.5 hrs)

Visiting the crater first thing is ideal to miss the crowds and to maximise your chances of seeing one of the 30 endangered black rhinos which inhabit the crater – they usually congregate first thing before separating to search for food.

It’s a dramatic 2,000 meter decent into the massive caldera towards the crater floor.

You’ll go on a game drive through the crater and stop for lunch on the banks of Lake Magadi.

Ngorongoro Crater sits within the larger Ngorongoro Conservation area which is a UNESCO world heritage site. Other parts of the conservation area include the remote forest covered Ngorongoro Highlands to the north of the crater.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the only park in Tanzania which both protects wildlife and the local population – the Maasai tribe. The two live harmoniously, side by side.

For night two, stay in accommodation near the crater rim which will give fantastic views over the crater and allow for an early start on day three.

You can’t beat having a pre-prepared hot lunch on the banks of Lake Magadi inside the crater. You’ll have views of flocks of lesser flamingos and the odd prehistoric looking marabou stalk.

Paying a visit to Ngorongoro Crater is in my opinion a must if you are going on safari in Tanzania. There’s simply nowhere like it on earth! The scenery is unrivalled and the density of wildlife that call the crater home is something to behold. You have the potential to spot all of the Big Five here.

Fly from Manyara airstrip to Zanzibar after your safari and spend the night in Zanzibar.

Day 4 & 5: Zanzibar (total drive time 0 hrs)

You’ll spend your last two days relaxing in Zanzibar and then you can fly from Zanzibar airport back home.

Activities for Your Day in Zanzibar

As well as relaxing by the pool or sunbathing on the beach, Zanzibar offers plenty to do.

You can explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre and a melting pot of cultures from Africa, the Arab region, India, and Europe. It is this peaceful coexistence of cultures which has lead to Zanzibar’s fame for serving some of the best food in Africa – you can try the food for yourself at the local restaurants.

If you’d like to try your hand at the local cooking style, your safari company can arrange a cooking class with a local family.

Zanzibar offers world-class snorkelling and diving as well as surfing and kite surfing.

About Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an exotic archipelago made up of over 50 islands and islets, located off the east coast of Tanzania. As it’s part of Tanzania, there’s no need to go through passport control when visiting after your safari.

The two main islands are Zanzibar Island (aka Unguja) which is the largest island, and Pemba, located to the north.

There is a slave monument which remembers Zanzibar’s dark past as a hub for the slave trade. You can visit the old slave market and the house of David Livingston who was famous for abolishing the slave trade.

Tips for visiting Zanzibar

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim so when in public areas such as Stone Town, it’s best to dress modestly and ask for permission before photographing people.

As with the rest of Africa, I’d recommend sticking to lower risk foods and avoiding buffets where the food has been left out.

You’ll spend both nights in Zanzibar.

This probably going to be the most expensive of the 5 day safari itineraries due to 3 internal flights costing around $350 per flight per person. However, you’re maximising your game viewing time by minimising drive-time and packing a lot into a 5 day itinerary.

For this 5 day itinerary, full board Tanzania safari costs for private safaris start at around $600 per person per day for 4 people and $650 for two people. Prices assume working with a small local safari company and will vary depending on the level of accommodation chosen and the number of people sharing the safari truck.

Most popular & best experience – typical prices for this itinerary start from $600 per person per day .

I could not find any group safaris following this or any similar safari and beach itineraries.

Group safaris tend to cater to the budget market and this is quite a luxurious itinerary, especially doing it in 5 days as it requires three internal flights.

5 Day Cultural Tour Itinerary

This 5 day itinerary aims to give you a taste of Tanzania’s rich culture by visiting 4 of their most fascinating and unique tribes: the Maasai, Hadzabe, Datoga and Chagga.

I think sometimes Tanzania’s culture gets overlooked in favour of safari. However one of my favourite experiences in Tanzania was a cultural experience, going hunting with the Hadzabe hunter-gather tribe.

Home to over 120 tribes, Tanzania boasts an incredibly diverse culture. The most famous tribe in Tanzania is the pastoral Maasai, known as the cowboys of Tanzania, recognisable by their distinctive dress and famous jumping dance. However, possibly even more spectacular are the lesser-known and illusive Hadzabe (sometimes known as Hazda) hunter-gather tribe. The Hadzabe date back to somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 years and talk in a unique clicking language. They maintain an authentic and untouched way of life, gathering berries, hunting for food with bows and arrows and finding their water in the roots of plants.

The Hadzabe can only be accessed via specialist guides who have lived with the tribe for at least 6 months to learn enough of their language to communicate with them and build their trust.

I’ve kept this itinerary focused on culture. However you could easily add in a safari in Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park or Ngorongoro Crater.

• Average driving time per day: 2.5 hours.

Itinerary Map for 5 Day Cultural Tour

Day by Day Breakdown for the 5 Day Cultural Tour Including Hadzabe Bushmen Itinerary

Day 1: maasai boma in mto wa mbu (total drive time 4 hrs).

Your trip starts off with a 2 hour drive to from Arusha to Mto Wa Mbu which means ‘River of Mosquitos’ in Swahili or as the locals call it ‘Mosquito Town’.

I actually forgot my mosquito spray when I arrived and shortly found out where the town got its name from! It’s hot and humid with lots of still water from the rice farming – mosquito heaven! Luckily a local gave me a bar of natural mosquito repellent and I rubbed it all over and after that, I didn’t get a single bite.

Activities for Your Day

You’ll spend the day visiting a local Maasai boma to learn about their culture and way of life.

About The Maasai tribe

The Maasai are famous for their vibrant clothing and jumping dance.

Originally from Sudan, the Maasai migrated to northern Tanzania in the 15th century and are renowned as fierce warriors.

They are a pastoralist tribe who places great importance on their cows. Cows are everything to them as their cows give them all they need to survive. Cows provide food, milk, blood and even act as currency. The more cows a Maasai warrior possesses, the richer and more respected he is within the tribe. Cows are also used as a gift to the farther of the bride when choosing a wife (of which the Maasai usually have many).

The Maasai are very welcoming to guests and they will usually greet you by putting on a jumping dance, where the men of the village jump as high as they can, which is a sign of their strength. They accompany the dance with instruments and vocals.

During the full-day visit, your safari company will also arrange with the Maasai for them to provide other activities such as a tour of the boma (village), including a looking inside their houses. The Maasai will also show you how they light a fire and cook food.

Tips for visiting The Maasai tribe

I’ve visited a few different Maasai bomas in Tanzania and I’ve found that it’s important to work with a good safari company as they will take you to the right boma for a more authentic experience as some of the most regularly visited bomas have become a little commercialised and less authentic. Generally the more remote the boma, the more authentic an experience you’ll have.

After your visit the tribe will usually give you the opportunity to buy some bracelets made by the women of the tribe. Don’t feel under pressure to buy one but if you do, you can negotiate the price and I found around $20 was considered acceptable.

My Personal Experience with the Maasai tribe

I went a step further on my visit and witnessed a traditional goat slaughtering (I love animals but as a meat-eater I strongly believe we should be connected with where meat actually comes from) and watched how they prepared the meat, drank the blood for health benefits and then started and fire and cooked the meat. I ate some raw liver which was very tasty and my stomach was fine – probably because it was so fresh.

You can watch a video of my Maasai visit on YouTube or the goat experience I witnessed here .

After your visit, you’ll make the 2 hour drive to Lake Eyasi for the night ready for the adventure of a lifetime tomorrow.

Day 2: Hadzabe & Datoga Tribes in Lake Eyasi (total drive time 2 hrs)

You’ll start early to try and locate the nomadic Hadzabe tribe before they leave for their morning hunt. Visiting the Hadzabe, also know as Hazda, was one of my favourite experiences in Tanzania. The experience felt incredibly authentic as they still live a completely traditional life, speak no English and are largely untouched by our modern lives.

Visiting the Hadzabe also gives you a glimpse of how our own ancestors would have lived back when most of civilisation was hunter-gatherers and lived a simple, uncomplicated life.

Activities for Your Day in with the Hadzabe & Datoga Tribes

You can explore the Hadzabe’s nomadic village and through your interpreter learn more about their way of life. The tribe will also put on a traditional dance and show you how they make fire and teach you some of their unique clicking language. If you’d like, they can take you on a small hunt where they will show you their incredible hunting skills with bows and arrows. Anything small they catch will be cooked and eaten on the spot whilst bigger catches will be taken back and shared with the rest of the village.

It’s also possible to go on longer hunts but this will require special arrangement in advance and you’ll need to be prepared to keep up with them as they move at a very fast speed through the bush.

After your visit with the Hadzabe, there is just time for a quick visit to the neighbouring Datoga tribe (aka the blacksmiths) with whom the Hadzabe trade in order to get their arrow heads.

During your visit, you will see their traditional dress and take a peek inside the village and traditional houses. You will also see how they melt down scrap metal using a simple furnace and craft beautiful jewellery and other items such as arrow heads.

About the Hadzabe & Datoga Tribes

The Hadzabe are one of the oldest indigenous groups in Tanzania, having inhabited the lands around Lake Eyasi for thousands of years.

They are hunter-gatherers, living in temporarily huts. Their lives revolve around hunting for meat and gathering berries and roots for water. The Hadzabe eat everything except hyenas as when a member of the tribe dies, they aren’t buried. Hyenas are notorious scavengers (you can see where this is going) therefore, for the Hadzabe, eating a hyena would be like eating their deceased relatives.

One of the first things you’ll notice is their unique clicking language. It’s beautiful to hear. The Hadzabe speak no other language (not even Swahili) so it’s necessary for your safari company to arrange for a specialist guide who has lived with the Hadzabe for over 6 months and has learned some of their language.

Their neighbours, the Datoga tribe, migrated from their original home in southern Sudan and the western Ethiopia highlands to the Lake Eyasi basin around 3,000 years ago.

Traditionally, they were nomadic pastoralists and moved around in search of grazing for their heard of cattle, goats and sheep. However, over time they have settled into permanent villages where they have become experts at ironmongery and craft arrow heads and jewellery which they trade with other tribes such as the Hadzabe.

Tips for visiting the Hadzabe & Datoga Tribes

Stay open-minded when visiting the Hadzabe as their lives are so different from out own. Their lifestyle can be raw but it’s also beautiful.

You will have the opportunity to buy some jewellery from both tribes. I couldn’t resist buying a bracelets to remember my visit which I negotiated to around $35.

My Personal Experience with the Hadzabe & Datoga Tribes

I had an incredible time visiting both of these tribes. My time with the Hadzabe was the most memorable however. I arranged with my guide to go on a large hunt with the tribe and over the course of our morning, I felt like I really got to know the individual members of our hunting party and got to witness first-hand what their daily lives entail. One can’t help but admire their strength and determination. They have to go out every morning to hunt and if they don’t catch anything, that means no food for the village. It’s a struggle that we have never known and seeing it first hand is rather humbling.

You can watch a video Hadzabe visit on YouTube and my visit to the Datoga Tribe on YouTube .

You’ll return to Mto Wa Mbu for the night which will take up to an hour.

Day 3: Mto Wa Mbu Cultural Tour & Lake Manyara Canoe (total drive time 0.5 hrs)

You’ll spend the day on a cultural tour in Mto Wa Mbu, a bustling farming community located between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro, followed by a canoe trip on Lake Manyara.

Activities for Your Day in Mto Wa Mbu & Lake Manyara

You’ll spend the morning on a cultural tour where you’ll walk round the banana plantations with 18 varieties of bananas.

You’ll also have the opportunity to buy freshly brewed coffee made from local coffee beans and see the rice paddies.

You will see the traditional houses of some of the 120 tribes that call this village home and learn how they are designed to keep cool in the day and warm at night.

In the afternoon you’ll visit Lake Manyara and where you will see how climate change has changed the lake, and how it’s affecting the local villager’s livelihoods. You’ll go on a canoe trip across the lake where you can often hear the haunting sound of hippos.

About Mto Wa Mbu & Lake Manyara

Mto Wa Mbu is Swahili for ‘River of Mosquitos’. All land here is owned by the government fairly split between all local families so that they can each grow crops to support their family. It seems like a good system as rather than land all being owned by rich landowners, each family has some land of their own.

You’ll learn how they avoid using and chemicals and instead use natural methods such as manure from Maasai lands to fertilise their soil. You can stop at an eatery within the sprawling banana plantation where there is a buffet serving traditional dishes from many of the tribes, followed by sweet red banana for dessert.

Mto Wa Mbu is built on the banks of a river to the north of Lake Manyara. This thriving town is a green oasis in a largely arid region. It’s one of the most culturally diverse regions in Africa with over 120 tribes living side by side.

Tips for visiting Mto Wa Mbu & Lake Manyara

Make sure you’re covered with mosquito repellent before visiting. I foolishly made this mistake and suffered the consequences! Thankfully, the local restaurant had some natural repellent on hand for me to use which did the trick.

My Personal Experience in Mto Wa Mbu & Lake Manyara

You can watch a video of my Lake Manyara canoe safari and Mto Wa Mbu tour on YouTube .

You’ll return to Arusha for the night which is a 1.5 hr drive.

Day 4: Kilimanjaro Day Hike (total drive time 2.5 hrs)

For your Kilimajaro day hike, my recommendation would be the Marangu Route as it has a lower starting point (Marangu Gate) compared to some other routes.

The Marangu gate is located at the south east of Kilimanjaro. From here you’ll hike to the first hut on the route which is called the Mandara Hut (2,700 meters or 8,858 feet).

It’s the oldest path and relatively gentle and can be done in a few hours.

During the initial rainforest section you might be able to spot colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and various bird species.

Activities for Your Kilimanjaro Day Hike

You’ll spend the day hiking up and down the lower sections of the mountain.

About Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is the highest peak in Africa, rising approximately 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. It’s a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones and is a popular destination for trekkers and climbers seeking to reach its snow-capped summit.

Tips for visiting Kilimanjaro for a day hike

If you fancy something a little more challenging, you might also want to consider the Lemosho route instead. It starts from the Londorossi or Lemosho gates by the Lemosho Glades on the west of Kilimanjaro.

The Lemosho route starts from a higher altitude compared the the Marangu route and offers even more wildlife spotting opportunities as it passes through a range of different ecosystems. The terrain is more challenging and there is no fixed finish point for a day hike on this route.

Once back at the base of Kilimanjaro, you’ll drive to your accommodation and spend the night in Moshi.

Day 5: Moshi – Chaga Tribe, Materuni Waterfalls & Chemka Hot Springs (total drive time 2 hrs)

You’ll spend the morning on the slops of Kilimanjaro, in Materuni village with the Chagga tribe and the afternoon relaxing in the Chemka Hot Springs to the south of Moshi.

It’s around 45 minutes drive from Moshi to Materuni village – the village is located on the southern slopes of Kilimajarao at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level.

Activities for Your Day in Kilimanjaro with the Chaga tribe & Chemka Hot Springs

From Materuni village, it’s a relatively easy 45 minute walk to the impressive Materuni Waterfalls where you can swim if you wish but the water is often quite cold. It’s possible to drive closer to make it a 15 minute walk if required.

From the waterfalls, the return walk is around an hour as it involves some uphill parts. You’ll arrive back for a coffee experience and Chagga lunch with the Chagga tribe in Materuni village. As part of the coffee experience, you’ll learn how the villagers grow and harvest the coffee beans and then take part in the full process of preparing and roasting the beans by hand and finally trying the delicious fresh coffee.

For the afternoon it’s a 1 – 2 hour drive down to the Chemka Hot Springs for a relaxing afternoon.

The Chagga (sometimes reffered to as Chaga) are the third largest ethnic group in Tanzania and descended from immigrants of various Bantu tribes who inhabited the once forest-covered foothills of Kilimanjaro around 1,200 years ago.

The tribe are famous for their work ethic and members of the tribe work as porters carrying equipment up and down Kilimanjaro during expeditions. They also grow coffee amongst other crops on the fertile slops of the mountain using a organic fertilisation methods practiced and since 1920s. The coffee has been a large source of income, leading to them becoming one of the wealthiest tribes in Tanzania.

The Chemka Hot Springs are geothermal springs which bubble up from the earth. The hot springs are made up of two lagoons connected by a narrow channel. At the bottom of the largest lagoon is an underwater cave which produces bubbles and this is the source of the hot springs. The water originates from Kilimanjaro and is the reason why it’s warm.

Despite what the name would suggest, the hot springs are not hot bur rather pleasant at around 20°C.

Tips for visiting Kilimanjaro, the Chagga tribe & Chemka Hot Springs

If you are not a strong swimmer, there’s the option to rent floatation devices at Chemka Hot Springs. I’d recommend this if you aren’t confident in the water as the springs are 10 meters deep at their deepest.

There is also a rope swing into the water and a restaurant which excellent local food.

If you can, bring a snorkel mask as it’s very pretty underwater.

You’ll head back to Arusha for the night.

This is the lowest cost of the 5 day itineraries due the the fact that park fees are a big percentage of safari costs and this itinerary only requires minimal park fees.

For this 5 day itinerary, full board Tanzania safari costs for private safaris start at around $230 per person per day for 4 people and $260 for two people. Prices assume working with a small local safari company and will vary depending on the level of accommodation chosen and number of people sharing the safari truck.

Most popular & best experience – typical prices start from $230 per person per day .

Good for budget or solo travellers – from $180 per person per day.

I am not aware of any group safaris which take you on this or any similar cultural tour, If you wish to complete the full tour then a private safari (above) is your best options. You can however, book individual group day trips for parts of the itinerary via the links below.

Click the links below for more information and latest prices. (Coming soon)

Jump back to the table of contents to select another 5 day itinerary to view.

Yes – 5 days is enough time to visit all the the most popular safari parks in Tanzania’s northern circuit. In this guide you can find six unique 5 day Tanzania itineraries.

Whilst 5 days is enough time, a 7 – 10 day Tanzania itinerary would be the optimum amount of time if you want to really immerse yourself in the wildlife and culture of the country.

For Tanzania’s famous safari and beach combination, you would need to travel internally via small propeller planes to fit both safari and beach (Zanzibar) into a 5 day itinerary.

If you wanted to incorporate Tanzania and Kenya in your safari, whilst that’s technically possible in 5 days, you would ideally need 7 – 10 days to visit both countries.

How to Book a 5 day Safari Itinerary in Tanzania?

In my experience the best way to book a safari in Tanzania is to use a safari company who will organise your whole safari for you, including accommodation. The country is very much geared-up to using safari companies as, compared to other countries, there are a lot of pitfalls when trying to organise it yourself.

In Tanzania, I always use a local safari company to organise my whole trip including full board accommodation, game drives, excursions, internal flights etc. I do however, book my own international flights.

Safari companies generally fall into the following groups:

Local Tanzania Safari Companies

Local safari companies are typically run by locals and offer the best value for money.

I always prefer to use smaller up-and-coming local tour companies as I find it gives me the best experience, it supports the local economy and gives me the best value for money. They usually get discounts on the hotels so it works out pretty cost-effective and saves me a lot of hassle. I also find it gives me the most personalised service.

You can get quotes from the local tour companies I use to book my own trips on safarisbyella.com

International Travel Agents

International Travel Agents based in your own country are more expensive and they typically out-source the safari to a local safari company anyway. They have the benefit of being able to book international flights and provide ATOL protection (in the UK). However, I usually find that my travel insurance and paying deposits via credit card gives me similar protection when booking direct.

In additional to deciding which type of tour operator to use, you also have a choice of both private and group safaris.

Private vs Group Tanzania 5 day Safaris

Private Tanzania safaris are the most popular option as they are completely customisable, giving you full flexibility.

With a private safari you have your own driver / guide and your own safari truck. You can specify your exact itinerary as well as the start and end date. Private safari typically have the best and most experienced guides and provide the ultimate experience.

You can request quotes for private safaris from the local tour operators I use on safarisbyella.com

Group / Shared Tanzania Safaris run to a set itinerary and begin at pre-set times. You are essentially joining a pre-scheduled tour and will share the safari truck with other people on the same tour. Group safaris usually run for 3 or 6 days.

Group safaris could be worth consideration if you are travelling solo (which makes private more expensive as the car / drive / guides costs are not being split by other people in your group) or don’t have the budget for a private safari. However, group safaris are usually aimed at the budget market and accommodation can be very basic tents with shared wash facilities and less experienced guides.

The feedback I’ve had from people who’ve tried both private and shared safaris has been that their private safari experience was much better.

If you’d like to consider a group safari, you can jump to my recommended group safaris .

How Much Does a 5 day Tanzania Safari Itinerary Cost?

For a budget private safaris with four adults in shoulder season such as January, the costs start from $250 per person per day (full board but excluding external flights, visas, tips, alcohol) so that would equate to $1,000 per person for a 5 day safari.

For a budget private safari with two adults sharing a safari truck in high season , prices start at around $350 per person per day (full board but excluding external flights, visas, tips, alcohol) so for a 5 day safari prices would start at $1,750 per person .

For a mid-range private safari for two adults in high season prices start at around $450 per person per day which equates to $2,250 for the 5 days .

For more information, see my guide on Tanzania safari costs .

1. Flights usually arrive late – I would strongly recommend that you arrange for your safari company to pick you up in their safari truck or use a high-end taxi service. As with most African countries, driving at night is best minimised as drivers often go over the speed limit due to lower police presence at night and visibility is often poor. You can read about how I learn this the hard way here .

2. Make sure to choose a safari company who you feel really cares about your trip and who can offer a very personalised experience – not just the cheapest. You going to be spending a lot of time with the companies’ driver / guide and working with a great safari company can make the difference between the experience of lifetime and an a not-so-great experience.

3. Don’t wear black or navy blue clothing on safari as it will attract tsetse flies. If possible wear typical safari colours such as beiges and greens.

4. To see the most wildlife include some game drives at dawn or dusk.

5. Wear multiple layers as it can get very cold in the evenings but very hot during the day.

Read More Tanzania Guides

Ultimate 7-10 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs

Ultimate 5 Day Tanzania Safari Itineraries & Costs (6 unique Itineraries)

Perfect 3 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs

Tanzania Safari Cost – Everything You Need to Know!

Best Time to Visit Tanzania For Your Safari

Tanzania in January: Weather, Tips and More

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5-day safari in Tanzania | safari itinerary and costs

The 5-day safari in Tanzania quickly climbed into my top 10 most beautiful experiences since traveling. I write this while admiring the black ebony rhino on my desk, a souvenir that will always remind me of the adventures in Serengeti and the other wildlife parks in Tanzania.

Organizing such a trip is not easy at all, especially if you don’t use the services of an agency. But I’ve already discussed everything you need to know before going on a safari in Tanzania .

In this article, I want to detail the itinerary for each day. From the moment we boarded the plane to Kilimanjaro and until we boarded to Zanzibar .

What I use every time I travel:

• To book hotels: Booking.com
• To book tours:  GetYourGuide.com
• To book safari tours: Bookallsafaris.com

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5-day safari in Tanzania – safari itinerary and costs

The flight to tanzania.

We flew with Qatar, and it was an extremely long and exhausting journey. I left Bucharest at 6 pm and got off at Kilimanjaro airport at 6 pm, but the next day. The flight had three segments, so we had two layovers: Doha and Dar Es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania.

Flights to Tanzania are pretty expensive, but the more significant your flexibility in flight dates, the better your chances of finding a cheaper flight. In a previous article, I discussed finding  the cheapest flights .

→ Book your safari tour here

First contact with Tanzania

At the airport, we were waited for by the safari operator with whom we had communicated for about two weeks before to work out all the details. I must mention from the beginning that this trip was not sponsored and that we chose a private tour for our 5-day safari in Tanzania.

The company we chose is Gosheni Safaris. I decided to pick them after all the positive reviews I read and the offer they had, which folded quite well with our wishes. At the end of the article, you can see all the costs and everything included.

Also, you should know that any tour operator can customize the offer according to your needs and budget but generally works with specific accommodations inside the parks.

We liked Gosheni Safaris’s accommodations in their portfolio and how they communicated. Fast and efficient. We paid 30% of the total amount one week before leaving for Tanzania, knowing we would give the rest of the money when we met.

Let’s go back to the day of our flight. Our guide, Zadock, waited for us at Kilimanjaro Airport and drove us to the hotel in Arusha. Gosheni Safaris is based even at Kilimanjaro Airport, which pleasantly surprised me, given how many tour operators there are in Tanzania.

READ ALSO: Best time to visit Zanzibar

First night in Tanzania – accommodation in Arusha

In Arusha, we stayed at Mrimba Palm Hotel , an excellent budget hotel with friendly staff and all the comfort you need. We also stayed here the night after the safari because we liked it. The two nights spent at Mrimba Palm Hotel are not included in the price of the safari package.

Safari in Tanzania – Day 1 | Tarangire National Park

The next day, early in the morning, Zadock takes us from the hotel in a Toyota Land Rover (classic car model for safari) and leads us to the company’s official headquarters, where we establish the last details with the manager and make the rest of the payment. Then we head to Tarangire, the first park we will visit.

Tarangire is the 6th largest park in Tanzania, with an area of ​​2600 square kilometers. It is famous mainly for its herds of elephants and its multitude of baobab trees. But you can also admire several species of animals: impala, zebras, buffalo, mongooses, and over 550 species of birds.

Also, with a bit of luck (which we didn’t have, it seems), you can see tree-climbing lions here. The dominant feature of the park is the Tarangire river, so sought after by thirsty animals. The best time to visit Tarangire Park is from June to October, during the dry season.

Zadock makes the first stop in a village near Arusha, where we can take a quick look at the rural life of mainland Tanzania, after which we continue our way to the access gate to Tarangire Park.

Watch my vlog – 5 days safari in Tanzania | Tarangire National Park ↓

Before entering each park, the guide must stop and get permission. This is the ideal time to go to the toilet and take pictures. Park entrances are included in the total price of the safari package, so you don’t have to worry about that.

The first appearances of the animals in Tarangire Park include gazelles, zebras, ostriches, and a very colorful bird named coraciids.

And if we talk about vegetation, I must confess that Tarangire is my favorite from this point of view. The park abounds in all kinds of flowers, shrubs, acacia trees, and spectacular baobabs, some very large and very old.

READ ALSO: 50 amazing facts about Maasai Tribes

As we advance in the park, we can spot more animals. We are already getting used to seeing the majestic giraffes crossing the road before us.

We also see the gray crowned crane, also known as the African crowned crane or golden crested crane, a bird that literally wears a crown on its head. How diverse and wonderful is the fauna in these places!

Around 1 pm, we are already hungry. The heat, the sun, and the bumpy road contribute to the need to eat something and take a well-deserved break.

So, there is a stop for lunch at a viewpoint right next to the river Tarangire. We are not alone here but surrounded by many tourists and baboons, as hungry as we are.

Despite our guide’s efforts to keep them away from our table, a fast baboon and good strategist managed to steal a piece of bread. No matter how much you like them, it’s forbidden to feed them because we could encourage them to lose their wild side. And that could end tragically for them.

→ Book your 5 days safari tours in Tanzania

After lunch, which consists of cream soup, rice, chicken with sauce, and some fruit, we go back to our game drive through the Tanzanian savannah. We want to see elephants, although it seems challenging. We’ve been looking for them for over an hour until we finally find them. And there are more than a few.

The large windows of the car are not enough to satisfy our pleasure of seeing these animals, so Zadock hurries to open the roof to see them better. African elephants are much more agitated and unfriendly than those in Asia.

First night on safari | Staying at Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp

The walk ends in the evening, when we arrive, quite tired, at the first accommodation. Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp welcomes us with smiling employees and welcome drinks.

An entire campsite just for us, because it seems that we are the only guests tonight. Since it’s very close to the equator, the day is equal to the night in Tanzania. This means the day starts at 6 am and ends at 6 pm. So, it gets dark pretty quickly after we get to the accommodation.

The jungle sounds are already beginning to penetrate our hearing, and we start to feel fear as darkness sets. Our room is a few hundred meters from the restaurant, so we feel a little abandoned.

We are hoping that a lion or, worse, an elephant would not break into our tented lodge. Zadock told us that they are the main threat to human life when talking about wild animals. So we try to rely on the walkie-talkie.

We decide to have dinner at 8, and one of the employees is coming to pick us up. He has a flashlight and a lot of courage. Dinner is quite tasty, although Tanzanian cuisine is not necessarily one of my favorites.

A little later we return to the room and, although we were promised electricity all night, it is suddenly and irreparably stopped at 11 pm.

Total darkness and scary sounds make this first night not an easy one…

Safari in Tanzania – Day 2 | Visit at the Maasai Tribe and game drive in Serengeti

Day 2 starts later than we intended the night before. That’s because the night was half white, so we had to make up with a good morning sleep. We leave for the Maasai tribe only around 10 o’clock, immediately after breakfast.

Maasai tribe experience is optional, and the tour operators usually don’t include it in the safari package. But we want to know more about their life and their choices, so the time spent here and $50 paid seems worth every penny.

There are many stories to tell about the Maasai, so a future article in which I want to talk exclusively about them is in preparation. On the spot, the son of the chief of the village is welcoming us. His English is unexpectedly good, so the dialogue is enjoyable.

He tells us something, after which he gives us a demonstration of dances and songs in which we are included, with or without our will :)). Not before dressing us in the proper outfits. After that, we enter the village gate and discover a surprising world. We take with us some gifts for children.

Tiny houses, built in just three weeks each, made of acacia wood, water, and soil. A fence surrounds the entire village; in the middle, another fence encloses the animals of the Maasai, gone to graze, and behind, there is the school where 25 children study.

A school without a roof, with a piece of broken blackboard made of wood, a place for study for these children raised right here, in the middle of nature, without any trace of modern civilization.

We spend a few moments here and then in one of the houses. It seems impossible to me how a house that measures a maximum diameter of 3 meters can hold six people.

I am intrigued by the stories of the Maasai, but at the same time, they arouse in me a feeling of admiration for their life lived in total communion with nature.

READ ALSO: 20 Fun Things to do in Stone Town Zanzibar

The day continues with a short visit to a craft store. We find here almost everything a person interested in interior design, art, and jewelry can wish for.

We quickly admire some spectacular ebony wood sculptures, which I would love to take with me back to Romania, some jewelry decorated with beautiful tanzanite stones, and then we head to Serengeti.

To get from Tarangire to the Serengeti, we have to cross the Ngorongoro Crater. It has a depth of 610 meters, so the route reveals beautiful landscapes. Up there, we cross an area full of Maasai villages, an increased number of animals, but also some new species, such as hippos.

We also see the elephants and giraffes up close, giraffes that cannot descend into Ngorongoro Crater due to their long legs.

Around 4 pm, we pass the gates of Serengeti Park, the most popular and the best in terms of fauna. With almost 15,000 square kilometers, Serengeti is one of the largest safari parks in the world. The Great Migration also takes place here, probably the most spectacular event in the animal kingdom.

About two million animals cross the plains on their way to the fresh grass of the Maasai Mara.

Serengeti has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. The animals you can find here are wildebeest antelopes, different kinds of gazelles, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and many more.

Here the day continues favorable for us because we have the opportunity to admire a beautiful group of lions resting on a kopje (a rocky outcrop specific to the savannah).

They feel our presence, but they don’t bother. We are just other tourists who come to admire the kings of the jungle.

We go further and meet a hyena, an animal that I remember was not my favorite when watching National Geographic as a child. But seeing her for the first time in reality and in her natural habitat, makes me reconsider my opinion. She’s actually adorable!

Second night in safari – Staying at Acacia Serengeti Luxury Camp

The day ends with a charming sunset, that kind of sunset that you can’t admire elsewhere. A gradient in reddish hues and the silhouettes of acacia trees are the best ingredients.

We arrive at the second accommodation where we will spend two nights: Acacia Serengeti Luxury Camp. We like it more because it is brighter and we are no longer the only guests.

Although we are told that lions often roam, the feeling of fear is not as strong as it was the night before. I think we’re getting used to it.

Safari in Tanzania – Day 3 | Full game drive in Serengeti

The most awaited day of our safari itinerary starts with two more responsible people, who understand the need to wake up early on safari. Yes, this is us. We had a quick breakfast, along with a strong coffee and a scenic landscape, to a herd of zebras, and then we hit the road.

We are already in ecstasy when we notice many African eagles devouring the lifeless body, or what is left of it, probably an antelope hunted by the king of the jungle. But the day is just at the beginning and will surprise us even more.

A few meters further on, three shy mongooses pull their sweet heads and curious eyes out of a massive mound of termites. How many visual gifts the vast plains of the Serengeti already offer us!

Next are two male giraffes, according to Zadock, who play with their long necks. I can’t stop admiring their grace and beauty. Their fur is a dream, it looks painted, and it really is, by God.

A few minutes later, we face the most feared animals in the jungle: lions. We find them sleepy on a hot day on the lands of the Serengeti.

They sleep just like domestic kittens after being well-fed, also on the kopje. I am beginning to believe that nature has placed these stone formations, especially for them, as a kind of pedestal from which no one can take them down.

We spend more than an hour in this place because we can’t get enough of admiring and taking pictures. Not just us, but more cars with tourists. It probably rained recently in Serengeti because a few puddles were around us, and one of the cars got stuck in the mud.

In a spirit of solidarity, defying all the lions around, Zadock and the other guides rush to help the stuck car. And they manage both to get it out and to stay alive. I realize that the lions are already full and don’t need new prey.

In the distance, we see a herd of wildebeest. Zadock tells us that a hunting scene may occur and tells us some adventures from his experience as a guide.

However, the herd is too far away and would not want to spend all day waiting for the action. So, we move on to where we can have our lunch.

The most dramatic and exciting images from the African savannah are just now coming. We discover a young male lion, judging by its small mane, chewing the last piece of meat from a wildebeest. It’s not hunted just recently, considering the bad smell.

Just a few meters further on, two lionesses are resting. They are probably responsible for antelope hunting. In general, females hunt, even if lions are the first to eat.

A few more hours of game drive pass, and we are in front of a tree where a lioness sits and looks at us from a height, literally and figuratively. Under the branches, although not seen in the picture, a car with an attached camera, probably filming a documentary.

We can also see a leopard. Even if he only shows his back, we can see that he’s taking a nap, having his prey climbed in the tree on a diametrically opposite branch.

From the tall grass, three cheetahs raise their heads. They remind me of my cats. Their small and curious face, their mouth open from the heat, and their tails make them look so much like domestic cats.

I am happy that we can see them so close because I have heard that they don’t appear very often.

Time is passing fast. It’s getting dark, and we have to make our way back quickly to the accommodation because the time spent in the park is restricted.

We see a small part of the great migration as it drinks from a lake, again the hippos and Zadock tells us some great things about them, and another sunset as splendid as the one of the previous evening.

You’re probably wondering what did he tell us about the hippos. Well, it looks like they are fearsome predators for crocodiles. If a hippopotamus cub is killed, the hippopotamuses will immediately kill all the crocodiles they find in that river.

Safari in Tanzania – Day 4 | Ngorongoro Crater

It’s not my favorite in terms of animal sight, but the scenery is enchanting. Along with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater has found its place in the UNESCO World Heritage and on the list of the seven natural wonders of Africa.

Ngorongoro Crater formed over 2 million years ago when a volcano erupted and collapsed on itself, forming this caldera with an area of ​​260 square kilometers and a depth of 610 meters.

It’s the perfect place to observe the black rhino, although there are only a few of them. Indeed, it is challenging to find this animal that completes the list of the big five.

We make a first classic stop next to the restrooms, and then we continue our game drive inside the crater. Unlike the Serengeti, here, space no longer seems infinite.

On the contrary, the high walls of the crater set a visible limit. And, although it seems hard to believe, over 30,000 animals live inside it.

We see the famous birds with golden crowns, buffalo, zebras, gazelles, and Pumbaa (the African pig from famous cartoons) again. Timon, on the other hand, is missing.

We have lunch by a lake, and I think it is the most pleasant of all lunches so far. Then we take a few more drives around the park in desperation to look for the rhino. In the end, we see them, but only using the binoculars because they are at a very long distance.

We also admire a flock of flamingos, birds I did not expect to see in the African jungle. Not sure why, but I used to associate them more with exotic beach destinations.

Fourth night in the safari – Staying at Ngorongoro Farm House

In the evening, we retire to my favorite accommodation of the three: Ngorongoro Farm House. It is a huge lodge with extremely spacious rooms, coffee plantations, vegetables and fruits, and a beautiful terrace.

The rooms have animal names, and we are in twiga (giraffe in Swahili). The following day, immediately after breakfast, we decided to go on a mini coffee tour with a lovely guide.

He explains to us, always with a smile on his face, the whole process of growing, harvesting, and processing coffee. Then we go to the last safari destination on our safari itinerary: Lake Manyara.

Safari in Tanzania- Day 5 | Lake Manyara

The last day of our 5-day safari in Tanzania is the one that disappointed me a little. I don’t know what Lake Manyara is like in general, but this time, most of the roads inside the park are under construction, so the piles of soil in the middle make it almost impossible to visit.

Typically, Lake Manyara is said to be the place where you have all the chances to see tree-climbing lions, but also large flocks of flamingos.

Well, this time, we only get to see elephants, baboons, a few zebras, and giraffes. Not that it wouldn’t be a big deal, but I had higher expectations.

I assume that the rest of the animals are hiding from the noise of the equipment in the park, and because of this, they are harder to see.

Personally, I would have preferred the park to be closed until the works are completed, and we to be able to see a different area of Tanzania. Otherwise, I declare the last day of safari in Tanzania a half-wasted day.

The cost of the 5-day safari in Tanzania and everything included

We paid $ 1900 per person. In addition to this money, you must also consider the cost of the Maasai tribe experience, the tips offered to the guide (around $ 100 per person for 5 days), the last day’s transportation from the hotel to the airport, but also the cost of the two nights at the hotel in Arusha.

What the 5-day safari in Tanzania package includes:

• transfer from the airport to the hotel
• full game drive inside the park
• the price of entrances to parks
• the four nights of accommodation inside the parks
• water, coffee, juices, and snacks during the game drive (although I wouldn’t say they are unlimited, as we had established)
• English speaking guide
• Three hot meals every day

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Arusha - Tanzania

How Much Does a Tanzania Safari Cost?

A guide to tanzania safari prices.

Have you ever dreamed of going on a safari in Tanzania? It is an incredible experience that will allow you to see some of the most amazing wildlife in the world. But how much does a Tanzania safari cost?

A Tanzania safari cost from $250 to $450 per person per day. In this blog post, we will discuss the different factors that affect the Tanzania trip cost and provide you with different types of safaris in Tanzania.

Although Tanzania safari pricing can vary depending on a number of factors, including the length of your trip, the type of accommodation you choose, and the activities you want to do.

Types of Tanzania Safaris & Cost

There are three types of safaris in Tanzania and the Cost of Safari in Tanzania differs based on the type include group safaris and private safaris.

What are Average Safari Cost Per Day Per Person

To give you a general idea of how much a safari in Tanzania cost, Below is a breakdown of average cost of safari in Tanzania based on safari style:

Budget Safari Cost:  $150-$300 per person per day

Mid-range Safari Cost:  $250-$500 per person per day

Luxury Safari Cost:  $400-$1,000+ per person per day

Budget Safari in Tanzania Cost

Budget safaris in Tanzania start at around $150 per person per day. This will typically include basic accommodation, such as camping or budget hotels, and game drives in shared vehicles. Budget safaris can be a great way to save money, but it is important to note that they may not offer the same level of comfort and convenience as more expensive safaris.

Mid-Range Safari in Tanzania Cost

Mid-range safaris in Tanzania cost between $250 and $500 per person per day. This will typically include more comfortable accommodation, such as mid-range lodges or tented camps, and game drives in private vehicles. Mid-range safaris are a good option for travelers who want a more comfortable safari experience without breaking the bank.

Luxury Safari in Tanzania Cost

Luxury safaris in Tanzania cost $400 or more per person per day. This will typically include the most luxurious accommodation available, such as exclusive lodges and tented camps, and game drives in private vehicles. Luxury safaris also often include additional activities, such as walking safaris, cultural excursions, and hot air balloon rides.

Factors That Affect Tanzania Safari Cost

There are a number of other factors that can affect the cost of a safari in Tanzania, including:

Time of Year: 

Safaris are typically more expensive during the peak season (June to October), when the weather is dry and the wildlife is more visible.

Number of Travelers:  

Larger groups can often get discounts on accommodation and activities.

Length of your trip:  

Longer safaris are typically more expensive than shorter safaris.

Transfers:  

If you are flying between different national parks, this will add to the cost of your safari.

Activities:  

Some activities, such as walking safaris and hot air balloon rides, can be expensive.

Number of Parks you Visit:

The more Tanzania National Parks you visit, the higher the cost of the safari. Each park has an entrance fee, which varies depending on the park and the number of days you stay. 

Level of Luxury:  

The more luxurious your safari is, the more you'll pay. This includes the type of accommodation you choose, the food you eat, and the activities you do.

Type of Safari:

There are two main types of safaris in Tanzania: group safaris and private safaris. Group safaris are typically less expensive than private safaris, but they also offer less flexibility and customization. Private safaris are more expensive, but they give you more control over your itinerary and allow you to travel at your own pace.

Standard of Accommodation Accommodation is a huge part of the final cost of your Tanzanian safari.

Thankfully, Tanzania offers something for all budgets. From camping out under the stars to affordable lodges to tented camps to luxury properties, there is something to suit any taste.

When planning your safari, it is possible to strike a balance between comfort, cost, and staying in fantastic properties.

What's Included in the Tanzania safari price

The cost of safari in Tanzania includes:

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Game drives
• Guide and driver fees

What is not included in the Tanzania safari price

The cost of safari in Tanzania does not includes:

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses

Tanzania Safari Prices By National Parks

There are 16+  Tanzania National Parks  and they have different entrance fees for international visitors and residents. Below are the entrance fees for the top northern national parks in Tanzania:

Tanzania Safari Costs by Activities

Explore the costs of a Tanzanian safari, categorized by exciting activities. Enjoy a game drive in Serengeti National Park to see majestic creatures, with prices based on duration and exclusivity.

Experience a walking safari for a closer connection with nature, with costs influenced by duration and guide expertise. Gain a unique perspective with a hot air balloon ride over Tanzania's plains, with prices determined by duration and time of year.

Understanding Tanzania Safari Activity Costs

The cost of transport on a safari in tanzania.

Discovering the Cost of Transportation on a Safari Adventure in Tanzania. When it comes to exploring Tanzania's vast wilderness, there are several transportation options available.

One popular choice is to join a guided safari tour, where transportation is typically included in the package. Tanzania safari tours often provide comfortable and reliable vehicles, such as 4x4 safari jeeps, equipped with knowledgeable guides who will navigate you through the national parks and reserves.

The cost of these guided tours can vary depending on the duration, level of luxury, and the specific destinations you wish to visit.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more independent and flexible experience, you can opt for self-drive safaris. This option allows you to rent a vehicle and explore the national parks at your own pace.

The price of renting a vehicle will depend on factors such as the type of vehicle, its condition, and the duration of your rental. It's important to note that self-drive safaris require a certain level of experience and knowledge of the local road conditions and wildlife behavior.

Accommodation Safari Prices in Tanzania

Discover the value of Accommodation safari prices in Tanzania. This is one of the most important factors that will determine the cost of your safari to Tanzania.

When it comes to accommodation safari costs in Tanzania, it's important to note that prices can fluctuate depending on the location, amenities, and level of comfort you desire.

There are different types of accommodation options available, which can be divided into three categories. Firstly, there are budget-friendly facilities that are perfect for those who are on a tight budget. Then, there are mid-range accommodations that offer a balance between affordability and comfort. Lastly, there are luxury accommodations that cater to tourists who spare no expense to ensure a top-notch experience during their safari adventure.

How Much is a Safari in Tanzania?

Plan Your Dream Safari Within Your Budget

Planning a Tanzania safari doesn't have to be a financial mystery. By understanding the cost factors, setting realistic expectations, and exploring various options, you can craft an unforgettable wildlife adventure that fits your budget. So, pack your sense of wonder, embrace the spirit of adventure, and get ready to be captivated by the magic of Tanzania!

Remember, the most important aspect of your safari is not the price tag, but the memories you create. Choose the experience that resonates with your heart and watch your African dream unfold.

A Final Note: Don't be afraid to negotiate with tour operators, especially during the off-season. Be mindful of responsible tourism practices and choose operators who prioritize animal welfare and conservation.

With a little planning and this guide as your compass, you're all set to discover the magic of Tanzania, one breathtaking sunrise at a time.

Kwaheri (goodbye) and bon safari!

Our Tanzania Safari Packages To Inspire You

Tanzania | Private Tour

3-Day Amazing Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari

Accommodation Style: Mid-Range

You Visit: Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater,

4-Day Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Mid-Range Safari

You Visit: Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater,

5-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Manyara Perfect Trip

You Visit: Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP,

6-Day Arusha NP, Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Manyara Safari

Accommodation Style:

7-Day The Great Migration Tour at Mara River Crossing

8-Days Great Migration Tour - Mara River Crossing

More tanzania travel tips & guide, ultimate tanzania safari packing list 2024.

But before you embark on your adventure, it's important to make sure you have packed everything you need.

What to Wear on Safari in Tanzania

Learn what to wear on safari in Tanzania, from the best fabrics and colors to choose, to what to pack for different weather conditions.

FAQs - Tanzania Safari Prices

Before booking a safari in Tanzania, Your Safari Cost Queries Answered.

How much is the safari in Tanzania?

A mid-range Tanzania safari with lodging runs $250 to $500 per person, per day while a high end luxury safari with all the trimmings ranges from $400 to about $1000 per person, per day.

How much does a Serengeti Balloon Safari cost?

The cost of a Serengeti Balloon Safari varies depending on the length of the flight, and the time of year. However, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 per person.

What is the best time for a safari in Tanzania?

Tanzania is a year-round safari destination. Still, the best time is from late June , To October . This is the time of the year when the weather remains dry and visibility remains great.

What clothes do I need to pack for a safari in Tanzania?

For a Tanzania safari, you need to pack the following items

Rain Jacket

Warm Sweater

Dinner outfits

What is the cost of seeing the Great Wildebeest Migration?

The cost of seeing the Great Wildebeest Migration varies depending on the time of year and the specific tour operator. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 for a week-long safari.

Why is Tanzania safari expensive?

Several factors contribute to the high cost of safaris in Tanzania:

Exclusive Parks and Conservation Efforts: Tanzania boasts some of the world's most renowned and exclusive national parks, such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. These parks have high park fees that contribute to conservation efforts and limit the number of visitors to protect the delicate ecosystems.

Remoteness and Infrastructure: Many safari destinations in Tanzania are remote, with limited infrastructure like roads and airports. This leads to higher transportation costs, as well as the need for specialized safari vehicles that can handle rough terrain.

High-Quality Accommodations and Services: Tanzania prioritizes exclusive, low-impact tourism. This means accommodations are often limited and focus on providing high-quality, eco-friendly experiences, which drives up costs.

Expertise and Personnel: Safaris rely on skilled guides, experienced drivers, and attentive staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. These professionals command higher wages due to their expertise and the demanding nature of their work.

Limited Competition: The safari industry in Tanzania has fewer operators compared to some other African countries, which can result in less competition and higher prices.

How much is 8 days Tanzania safari?

The cost of a 8-day safari to Tanzania cost between $1800 to $2500 per person per trip

What is the cost of a 10-day safari to Tanzania?

The cost of a 10-day safari to Tanzania cost between US$2,000 and US$2,500 per person.

Is it cheaper to join a group safari or go private?

Group safaris are generally cheaper, while private safaris offer more flexibility and personalization, but come at a premium.

Don’t Take Our Word For It – Believe Our Clients!

Trip advisor, safari bookings, we have the perfect tanzania safaris for you.

With a personal touch from the first email right up till we leave you off at the airport, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional customer service. Our Safari Package is Unparalleled, Offering You the Widest Range of Choices.

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Epic 5-Day Safari In Tanzania Guide

• by Jonny Duncan
• March 8, 2024 March 8, 2024

A 5-day safari in Tanzania is one of the best ways to see the best wildlife in the country and this is my guide on where to go and what to see. I have visited Tanzania 2 times and each time have spent several days on safari there.

This itinerary provides an epic overview of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes, showcasing some of the country’s most iconic safari destinations.

5-Day Safari In Tanzania

This is an extraordinary journey through the heart of Africa’s most iconic wilderness set against the backdrop of vast savannah plains, towering acacia trees, and dramatic sunsets, this adventure promises unparalleled encounters with the continent’s most majestic wildlife.

The 3 safari destinations mentioned here are Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. 3 of the best places for a safari in Tanzania, if not most of Africa.

The word ‘safari’ is Swahili and means a ‘journey‘.

Note: All photos taken are my own.

Top tip: get the  Bradt Zambia Safari Guide  to help plan your trip. It’s the best guide I have used for Zambia and Bradt Travel Guides in general are some of the best to use for Africa.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is a renowned wildlife sanctuary located in northern Tanzania. It is famous for its large concentration of elephants, which is one of the highest in Africa.

The park is named after the Tarangire River that crosses through it, providing a vital water source for the diverse array of wildlife that inhabits the region.

This makes for a great 1st-day safari on the way between Arusha and the Serengeti. If you decided to do a 4-day safari instead of a 5-day safari in Tanzania then I would suggest missing Tarangire, because as much as I love elephants, it’s better to spend more time in the Serengeti.

Having said that, Tangier National Park is less busy with tourists than the Serengeti s0 you can have a more quiet wildlife experience, although still expect other people on safari there.

In addition to elephants, Tarangire National Park is home to a variety of other animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous bird species.

The park’s landscape is characterized by vast grasslands, acacia woodlands, and seasonal swamps, offering a unique ecosystem for both predators and herbivores.

Tarangire is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, the Serengeti, but it offers a quieter and more intimate safari experience. You can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and birdwatching tours in the park, which is less crowded compared to other destinations in Tanzania.

Serengeti National Park

Here we go… this is the big one!

The Serengeti National Park is one of the most iconic and celebrated wildlife reserves in Africa, located in northern Tanzania. It spans approximately 14,750 square kilometres (5,700 square miles) and is renowned for its vast plains, stunning landscapes, and incredible biodiversity.

Serengeti National Park is home to an impressive array of wildlife year-round. This includes the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), as well as numerous other species such as giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, and various antelope species.

I have to say that after doing around 30 safaris across East Africa and Southern Africa, I saw more leopards in the Serengeti in 2 days than I did in all other places combined.

But then with wildlife you just never know, sometimes you have to get lucky.

The most impressive thing about the Serengeti is the vast savannah that allows for the great wildlife-watching opportunities that some other safari destinations don’t have, being more covered by bush.

Serengeti National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering unforgettable safari experiences and the opportunity to witness some of the most incredible natural phenomena in the world.

Camping in the Serengeti is an experience unto itself as, especially if you choose a more budget safari like I mostly do, you will end up camping in a simple tent with no fences. You will be open to any wildlife that may happen to wander through.

But don’t worry, there will always be a ranger(s) by the main campsite keeping an eye on things all night. Just don’t think of going for a piss in the bushes from your tent at night!

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural wonder located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania.

It is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” due to its stunning beauty and remarkable biodiversity and is one of my favourite safari destinations in Africa.

Formed by the collapse of a large volcano millions of years ago, the Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact caldera, with a diameter of approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) and a depth of over 600 meters (1,970 feet).

The crater floor is a self-contained ecosystem, providing a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

The Ngorongoro Crater is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including all of the “Big Five”. Other species found within the crater, much like the Serengeti, include wildebeests, zebras, hyenas, cheetahs, hippos, and bird species such as flamingoes.

The crater’s unique geography and abundant water sources make it an ideal habitat for such diverse wildlife.

In addition to wildlife viewing, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers cultural experiences, including visits to Maasai villages where you can learn about traditional Maasai culture and customs.

Camping at the Ngorongoro Crater is an experience in itself as, like in the Serengeti, you can camp out with nothing between you and the wildlife. But not just that, as you will camp on the top of the crater rim, you will get an incredible sunrise opportunity.

Safari Practicalities

If you have the time and are on a budget then you could just show up in Arusha, the main city in the north of the country that is the main jumping-off point into these main places for your 5-day safari in Tanzania.

In Arusha, you will be able to find a safari company to take you on your trip. There are numerous safari companies operating in Arusha. Research online reviews, ask for recommendations from fellow travellers, or consult with travel agents to find a reputable company that suits your budget and preferences.

It’s important to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies just in case. I use  Safety Wing Travel Insurance  when backpacking and can highly recommend them to you.

Have a read of my in-depth guide to safaris in east and southern Africa where I go into a lot of detail about other great safari destinations there along with a safari packing list, etc.

Tanzania Wildlife Safari

That’s the best 5-Day Safari In Tanzania that you can do as far as I’m concerned. Yes, the country has so much to offer in the way of national parks and wildlife viewing, but the places mentioned here are world-class especially if it’s your first time in Tanzania and you want the best wildlife and safari experience this is it.

Have a look at the 10 best documentaries about elephants .

And the 10 best documentaries about lions .

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Tanzania 5 Day Safari – Everything You Need to Know

A 5 day safari adventure in Tanzania is an immersive journey into the heart of Africa’s natural wonders, providing an opportunity to witness the untamed beauty of the wild.

From the sprawling plains of the Serengeti to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the country’s national parks are a must-visit nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Tanzania offers an unparalleled safari experience, boasting diverse landscapes and extraordinary wildlife encounters.

We spent 5 days exploring the allure of Tarangire National Park, the majestic Serengeti, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater on our Tanzanian safari with Joagro Safaris Tanzania . We were lucky enough to see the Big 5 (Leopard, African lion, African buffalo, African elephant, Black rhino)!

If you’re hoping to see the Big 5, I don’t recommend a safari shorter than 4 or 5 days. 4 days or longer will give you a better chance of spotting each and every animal!

Table of Contents

Types of Safaris

There are countless options for budget, mid-range, and luxury safaris

Budget safaris

Provide affordable options without compromising adventure. This type of safari will typically involve sleeping in a tent.

Mid-range safaris

Combine accessibility and comfort, offering a balance between cost and experience. Mid-range safaris usually include sleeping in a nice lodge or mid-luxury camp.

Luxury safaris

A luxuy safari indulges guests, boasting lavish accommodations and exclusive wildlife encounters. This experience usually comes with a hefty price tag.

Each safari type caters to different preferences and budgets. It will be an unforgettable adventure regardless of which safari style you choose. The main distinctions in price lie in the accommodations, amenities, and additional experiences available, allowing travelers to select the perfect safari that aligns with their expectations and financial considerations.

We chose to go on a mid-range safari and had the perfect experience! The accomodation was incredible, the food was delicious, and it was a comfortable experience.

In the future, we do hope to stay at the iconic luxury Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti , for an ultimate bucket list experience though. If you have the budget, you should 100% stay here!

Planning Your Safari

While it is possible to plan a safari on your own, it is much easier and more convenient to book through a reputable (preferably Tanzanian owned) safari company.

When it comes to crafting a personalized and memorable wildlife safari adventure, Joagro Safaris Tanzania was our top choice!

The owner’s (Jonas) expertise in tailoring safari itineraries to suit individual preferences ensures an unforgettable journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse wildlife of Tanzania.

From the moment we contacted Joagro Safaris to help plan our 5 day safari in Tanzania, we knew we were in good hands. Jonas’ dedication to understanding our interests and preferences translated into a thoughtfully curated plan that exceeded all of our expectations.

With Joagro Safaris, each detail of the safari, from accommodations to the best wildlife sightings, was carefully considered and seamlessly arranged. Leaving us with no stress and only excitement about our safari experience!

Creating Your Perfect Safari Itinerary

• Prioritize the iconic destinations: Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds; Serengeti National Park, renowned for the Great Migration and predator sightings; and Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater brimming with remarkable biodiversity.
• Make sure to allocate ample time at each location to fully appreciate the distinctive experiences they offer.
• Factor in cultural interactions, such as visiting a Maasai tribe, to enrich your itinerary with authentic experiences.

Where to Stay Before and After Your Safari

Many of the safari tours in Tanzania start and end in a city called Arusha. We flew into Arusha the day before our tour started and flew out one day after.

There are countless hotels to stay at in Arusha, but we went with New Safari Hotel. It was affordable ($80/night), convenient to the city center and was pretty basic, but had everything we needed for a quick stay.

The hotel also ended up being super close to the Joagro Safaris office, so we were able to meet with Jonas the night before and discuss more details about our safari plan.

Other hotels to consider in Arusha:

• Four Points by Sheraton Arusha ($$)
• Gran Melia Arusha ($$$)

Tarangire National Park

After a 5 am wake up call, we set off on an adventure to our first stop on the safari – Tarangire National Park.

Its iconic baobab trees, colossal and ancient, create a surreal backdrop for the diverse wildlife that roam the area.

Mighty elephants and baby elephants (when I saw a baby elephant for the first time, I cried) gracefully move through the landscape. We also saw zebras, gazelles, lions, and so much more.

The park also boasts vibrant birdlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

What sets Tarangire apart is the river that winds through the park, attracting an impressive array of animals, from wildebeests to lions, offering some of the most thrilling wildlife encounters.

Where to Stay near Tarangire National Park

All of our accommodation was booked by our safari tour company – Joagro Safaris. We stayed at the lovely Pamoja Farm Lodge after our day in Tarangire.

Pamoja Farm Lodge is a unique eco-lodge located near the town of Karatu. The luxury lodge is set on a working farm, providing guests with an authentic farm experience amidst stunning natural surroundings.

Accommodation at Pamoja Farm Lodge is in beautifully designed cottages, each with its own unique charm and character. The cottages are built using locally sourced materials and blend seamlessly with the natural environment.

Each room is equipped with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas offering panoramic views of the farm and surrounding landscapes.

For us the main highlights of staying at Pamoja Farm Lodge were:

• The opportunity to explore the farm and learn about sustainable agriculture practices
• A swimming pool
• Delicious food
• Incredible service

Serengeti National Park

This national park had been on the top of my bucket list for as long as I can remember! It lived up to every expectation and more.

Serengeti National Park is by far one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. It is known for its expansive plains, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking natural scenery.

The park is most famous for the annual Great Migration, a spectacular event where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals cross the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing grounds. This remarkable phenomenon is considered one of the world’s most magnificent wildlife displays.

Apart from the Great Migration, Serengeti National Park boasts a thriving wildlife population year-round.

It is home to a remarkable array of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. You can also witness large herds of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species roaming the park.

We spent two days exploring the park and were lucky enough to see all of the animals listed above. There’s something so incredibly special about finding these incredible creatures in their natural habitats.

Where to Stay in Serengeti National Park

We had the opportunity to stay the night in the middle of the Serengeti at Kontiki Africa Serengeti Camp . This is definitely a bucket list experience and you should ensure you have at least one night staying in the park!

Kontiki Serengeti Camp is a luxury tented camp located in the heart of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The camp is designed to offer guests an authentic safari experience while providing modern comforts and amenities.

Accommodation at Kontiki Serengeti Camp consists of spacious luxury tents, each with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and verandas overlooking the surrounding wilderness. The camp offers a blend of traditional African decor and modern design, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests to relax after a day of safari adventures.

One of the highlights of staying at Kontiki Serengeti Camp is the opportunity to witness nature throughout the evening. While we were enjoying our delicious dinner and a bottle of wine, 8 lions walked by only 10-15 meters away from our table! We heard lots of animals and movement outside of our tent during the night as well.

The experience of staying at Kontiki Africa Serengeti Camp is unparalleled, as we found ourselves amidst the untamed beauty of the Serengeti National Park. A night under the stars, surrounded by the wild, offered us an experience we will never forget! This way by far our favorite place we stayed on our 5 day Tanzania safari.

If you’re on your honeymoon or have a larger budget, opt to stay at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge! It is one of the most phenomal hotels in the world.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural wonder located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Formed by the collapse of a volcano millions of years ago, the crater is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

The crater is renowned for its stunning landscapes and incredible biodiversity. The crater floor is home to a vast array of wildlife, including the “Big Five”, making it one of the best places in Africa to see these iconic animals in their natural habitat.

We were able to find 4 of the big 5 during our safaris in Tarangire and Serengeti, but we were still searching for a rhino up until our last moments of the safari. Just as we were about to give up and accept defeat (haha) we saw a black rhino! Ngorongoro Crater is a wonderful place to see an abundance of all sorts of wildlife.

In addition to the Big Five, the Ngorongoro Crater is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including cheetahs, hyenas, wildebeest, zebras, and more. The crater’s diverse habitats support a rich array of plant and birdlife.

Where to Stay near Ngorongoro Crater

The final night of our safari, we stayed at Ngorongoro Wild Camp . It’s a charming tented camp located on the outskirts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Accommodation at Ngorongoro Wild Camp consists of spacious and comfortable safari-style tents, with bathrooms, cozy beds, and private verandas.

The camp’s tents are facing the bush and allow for perfect views of the animals crossing by. We saw tons of zebras eating right from our veranda! Every evening there are sundowner cocktails and a group walk to watch the sunset.

Visiting a Maasai Tribe

After we finished our morning safari in Ngorongoro Crater, we started the long drive back to Arusha. On the way, we made a stop to visit a Maasai Tribe. In my opinion, this is an absolute must on a trip to Tanzania!

The experience was incredibly enriching as we were warmly welcomed into their village. We observed their daily activities, such as making fire and crafting jewelry, gaining a deeper understanding of their traditional way of life.

Javi had the unique opportunity to participate in their customary high-jumping ritual, which holds immense cultural significance. Witnessing their dance and songs, adorned in vibrant attire, provided an authentic glimpse into their customs and heritage.

Continuing the Adventure: From Safari to Zanzibar

After we finished our 5 day Tanzania safari, we were dropped off at our hotel in Arusha and got some quick rest before heading to the airport to catch a plane to Zanzibar.

Zanzibar is the ideal place to relax in paradise after an adventurous safari. If you have a few extra days, this is truly the perfect end to your time in Tanzania!

We stayed for 1 week in Zanzibar and had the best time. There are tons of great beaches, snorkeling spots , and things to do in Zanzibar .

Embracing the tranquil turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and historical charm of Stone Town, Zanzibar offers a rejuvenating escape that complements the exhilaration of the safari experience.

Vaccinations and Malaria Pills

Don’t forget to talk with your doctor or visit a travel clinic before your trip! Ensuring that necessary vaccinations are up to date is essential for a worry-free trip.

Additionally, taking Malaria pills as a preventive measure is highly recommended to safeguard against the risk of Malaria in the region.

We took Malarone (Atovaquone / Proguanil). This is one of the most expensive options, but with the least side effects in our personal experience. There are some generic brands you can opt for instead to save some money.

Both of us were already vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus shots before the trip.

What to Pack for a Safari in Tanzania

Here’s a snippet from my ultimate Tanzania safari packing list –

• Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes for safari walks and hikes.
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection during daytime activities.
• A good pair of binoculars for wildlife spotting and observing distant animals.
• Sunscreen with high SPF and insect repellent to protect against sunburn and insect bites.
• A camera with extra batteries and memory cards
• A small backpack for day trips to carry essentials like water, snacks, and personal items.
• Lightweight, waterproof jacket for unexpected weather changes and cooler evenings.
• Personal medications, including Malaria pills if recommended by a healthcare professional.

When is the best time for a safari in Tanzania?

The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is during the dry season, from June to October. This period offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, as the animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.

The weather is normally pleasant with clear skies, ensuring optimal visibility and photography conditions.

If witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti is a priority, consider visiting from late June to September, when millions of wildebeests and zebras traverse the plains in search of greener pastures.

For bird enthusiasts, the wet season from November to May presents a unique spectacle with an influx of migratory bird species.

It’s important to note that the wet season may involve occasional showers and lush landscapes, yet it offers pristine greenery and fewer crowds.

We opted to take our safari in early July and had no rain and perfect temperatures!

Budget + Safari Costs (for a 5 day safari in Tanzania)

For a mid-range Tanzania 5 day safari like the one we embarked on, the approximate cost was around $1,400 per person.

This price included comfortable accommodations, park entry fees, meals, a knowledgeable guide, and an immersive wildlife experience.

The cost of your safari will vary greatly based on the season of travel, budget, and any specific add-on experiences or upgrades (like hot air balloon safaris).

Average cost of a 5-day Tanzania safari by type –

Budget safari – $950/per person (for a shared tour with camping)

Mid-range safari – $1,600/per person (for a private tour with lodges and tented camps)

Luxury safari – $2,500+/per person (for a private tour with luxury lodges and hotels)

What is the food like on a Tanzania safari?

Generally, during our safari, we found the food to be much better than we expected.

From hearty breakfasts with a breathtaking view of the African landscape to delectable dinners with a bottle of wine, the meals were a memorable part of the whole experience.

The mid-day picnic lunches were a bit of a let-down, but we didn’t mind too much since the breakfast and dinner buffets were quite filling.

We especially loved the traditional Swahili dishes packed with exotic spices and sauces!

Safari Photography Tips

My #1 safari photography tip is to ensure that you have a super long lens – at least 200mm or more. If you don’t own a long lens and you live in the USA, you can affordably rent one from somewhere like BorrowLenses.

• Ensure your camera settings are optimized for safari conditions, with a fast shutter speed to capture moving subjects and a lower aperture for stunning depth of field in landscape shots
• Bring a tripod to help you stay super still and get crisp shots
• Utilize the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for the most magical lighting, adding a warm glow to your photographs
• Patience is key – take time to observe animal behavior and movement patterns to anticipate captivating shots
• Avoid using a flash to respect the animals and rely on natural lighting
• Experiment with different angles and perspectives to add a unique touch to your safari photos
• Drones are not allowed in any of the national parks

The Impact of Safari on Local Communities

Responsible safari operators, such as Joagro Safaris, prioritize sustainable practices and ethical engagement with local residents.

We urge you to choose a Tanzanian-owned reputable safari company, to ensure that your safari experience benefits the locals.

This support can help locals by providing employment opportunities and community development initiatives.

The positive influence of safari tourism extends beyond wildlife encounters, empowering local populations and fostering a sense of pride in their heritage and environment.

As travelers, it’s essential to recognize the impact of our choices and seek out operators committed to ethical and sustainable tourism. This ultimately contributes to the well-being of local communities and the preservation of Tanzania’s natural beauty for years to come!

Related posts:

A Complete Tanzania Safari Packing List

The Ultimate 7-day Zanzibar Itinerary 

17 Best Things To Do in Zanzibar

How to visit Mnemba Island, Zanzibar

What to Pack for Zanzibar – A Complete Packing Guide

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Carrie Salter

Hi! I'm Carrie Salter, a travel blogger originally from the USA, but now traveling and living abroad full time. I share travel guides, travel tips, and inspiration from around the world!

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The BEST 5 Day Tanzania Safari – All You Need To Know

Planning a Tanzania Safari tour? I’ve got you covered in this complete guide with everything you need to know about booking the best safari in Tanzania!

A 5 day Tanzania Safari is the perfect amount of time to experience the highlights of the great northern Tanzania circuit.

On this particular Tanzania Safari tour that I’ve written about in this article, you’ll visit three of the most famous national parks including Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park.

The seasonal sight of thousands of wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, lions, and many more African animals crossing the grassland savannah is something to behold. It’s one of Africa’s natural wonders, not to mention the beautiful landscapes in each of the national parks.

This itinerary will guide you as you make plans for a trip of a lifetime, so be sure to read until the very end!

Table of Contents

WHERE TO BOOK A TANZANIA SAFARI

There are hundreds of tour companies offering the best safari in Tanzania and believe me, it can be very overwhelming to decide which one is the right one for you and your budget.

I personally booked with Samora Explorers and can’t recommend them enough! Although they are a pretty small tour operator, their level of professionalism is outstanding, and they specialize in safari trips to the amazing wilderness of Tanzania’s national parks.

Samora explorers are client-focused, and, as such, before making any booking, they work with clients to gain an in-depth understanding of their requirements to ensure their customer service exceeds expectations.

As Samora Explorers are fully independent local tour operators, they are not tied to working with any specific accommodation supplier which means you’ll have full flexibility to suit any budget and schedule.

What I loved most about Samora Explorers is that each trip can be tailored to your interests, style of travel, budget, time frame, and any other suggestions that might influence your trip with them.

TANZANIA SAFARI PRICES

Tanzania safari prices can vary greatly depending on the time of year, the size of the safari group, and the level of luxury you want. Generally speaking, budget Tanzania safaris start from around $400 per person per day, while luxury Tanzania safaris cost upwards of $4,000 per person per week.

However, there are many options between these two extremes. In fact, for this particular 5 day Tanzania Safari, the price was only $1,700 USD per person.

The Tanzania Safari prices with Samora Explorers depend on which itinerary you choose and your budget. Rest assured they offer some of the best safaris in Tanzania!

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WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TANZANIA SAFARI TOUR

When you go on safari in Tanzania, there are a few things you can expect to be included in your package. Most safaris include transportation, lodging, and meals. But there’s more, here is what you can expect to be included:

• All national park fees
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Overnight accommodation according to the itinerary
• Professional English, German, France, Italian, and Spanish-speaking guide
• Meals and drinks according to the itinerary
• All mentioned activities

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Travel insurance
• Optional activities
• Alcoholic drinks
• Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.

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TANZANIA SAFARI ITINERARY

Here is a quick overview of the 5 day safari in Tanzania:

• Day 0 – Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) in Tanzania and overnight stay at Mrimba Palm Hotel in Arusha
• Day 1 – Safari tour in Tarangire National Park. Dinner and overnight stay at Eileen’s Tree Lodge in Karatu
• Day 2 – Safari tour in Ngorongoro Crater National Park then drive to Serengeti National Park. Dinner and overnight stay at Into Wild Africa Safari Camp Serengeti
• Day 3 – Full day game drive in Serengeti National Park. Dinner and overnight stay at Into Wild Africa Safari Camp
• Day 4 – Full day game drive in Serengeti National Park. Dinner and overnight stay at Into Wild Africa Safari Camp
• Day 5 – Morning game drive in Serengeti National Park on route back to Arusha arriving late afternoon to conclude the tour

DAY 0 – ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA

Day 0 is an arrival day to Tanzania and your tour guide will be waiting to pick you up at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), ready to transfer you and the other guests to Arusha. Be sure to notify Samora Explorers of your flight details so they know exactly when you’ll be landing.

The journey time from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha takes 1-hour depending on traffic and you’ll be checking into the beautiful Mrimba Palm Hotel for an overnight stay.

Once all guests have arrived, your tour guide will give a briefing in the evening about the complete 5 day itinerary.

You’ll have dinner at a local restaurant or at the hotel before getting some shut-eye to prepare yourself for the best Tanzania safari!

DAY 1 – TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Found on the northern plains of the country, Tarangire National Park gets its name from the mighty Tarangire River that crosses through the beautiful landscape. Spanning 2,600 square kilometers, it’s home to the largest elephant population in the whole of Tanzania, as well as 500 bird species. Safe to say this is a good place to start your trip!

If you visit during the dry season that runs from June through October you will have the opportunity to watch herds of elephants as big as 300 family members digging on the dry river bed searching for underground streams of water.

Elephants are not the only residents here. Expect to find heads of zebra, migratory wildebeest, elands, gazelles, impala, kudu, black rhinos, and more.

Not to worry, the little guys are also there such as mongooses that make use of old anthills as their homes. Or spectacular tree-climbing African pythons and their dazzling scales.

After an awesome wildlife safari in Tarangire National Park, you’ll drive to Karatu, which is located just outside Ngorongoro National Park, and the journey takes roughly 2.5 hours. You’ll check into the beautiful Eileen’s Tree Lodge for one night, and a delicious buffet dinner is included.

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DAY 2 – NGORONGORO CRATER

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll check out and depart from the hotel early morning to make your way to Ngorongoro National Park and its world-renowned crater.

This national park is a unique hotspot in all of Africa due to the giant crater that was carved out of the earth about 2 million years ago. The Ngorongoro volcano had a violent explosion and later collapsed on itself.

Today the crater forms a bowl of 20 kilometers (12,5 miles) wide with sides up to 600 meters (2,000 feet) deep. Filled with folklore and tales, it’s interestingly named “The Garden of Eden” because of its breathtaking scenery.

As you approach the entry point, you can enjoy phenomenal views from the rim before dropping down into the crater to begin your half-day game drive.

This will be one of the best days on Safari in Tanzania as you’ll highly likely be able to spot all of the BIG 5 – the Black Rhino, African Buffalo, Leopard, Lion, and Elephant – all roaming around in their raw beauty.

Bird species in Ngorongoro National Park are also in abundance and you’ll have the opportunity to spot Pink Flamingoes, Eccentric Ostriches, the White Pelican, Hornbills, Crested Francolins, Guinea Fowl, and much more.

The drive from Ngorongoro National Park to Serengeti National Park takes about three hours and there will be a short game drive on the way to Into Wild Africa Safari Camp which is located in the middle of the Serengeti.

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DAY 3 – SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

You’ll start the 3rd day with breakfast at that safari camp, or if you wish to start your full-day game drive at sunrise, the camp will prepare breakfast boxes to take with you.

Serengeti National Park covers an area of about 14,763 square kilometers and is internationally recognized. Founded in 1951, it was named after the Serengeti Plains, which means ‘endless plains’ in the Maasai language.

This name is suitable for what your eyes will behold when you get to see and explore Serengeti National Park. It’s a park that can be visited all year round due to its balanced ecosystem.

RELATED ARTICLE: BEST AFFORDABLE CAMERAS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY

On your first full-day game drive, you’ll be able to view a large variety of animals, including giraffes, lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, leopards, cheetahs, gazelles, impalas, and even crocodiles.

At midday, or whenever you are hungry, your guide will gladly pull up under the shade of a tree and prepare lunch. Don’t venture too far from the vehicle though – remember you are in the African wilderness!

That afternoon, settle in and get cozy at Into Wild Africa Camp. Enjoy an unbeatable Serengeti sunset around the campfire before indulging in a delicious meal in the dinner tent.

Relax and unwind in the comfort of your safari tent and prepare for another epsafari the following day.

DAY 4 – SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Another full-day game drive in the Serengeti to find lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, hippos, leopards, zebras, antelopes, gazelles, hyenas, and many bird species and reptiles throughout the day.

While the game drive only is included in the Samora Explorers tour, there are other optional activities to book such as:

• Birding safari – Just like Ngorongoro National Park, Serengeti National Park is spot on for bird lovers. Get to see over 500 Birding species and try your hand at spotting all that you find.
• Hot air balloon – Besides being in the Serengeti, why not experience it from a birds-eye view? Scenic and calm are words that come to mind.
• Maasai rock paintings – The markings of earlier civilizations are not to be missed. The history of the natives can be seen and studied on rocks that can be described to be as old as time.

In the afternoon, head back to Into Wild Africa Camp for another beautiful night under the stars and get ready for the last day of your 5 day Tanzania safari.

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DAY 5 – SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK & DEPARTURE

Saying goodbye is never easy, however, the last part of your journey can be made memorable with breakfast in the morning, listening to the birds and watching the mellow colors of the sunrise.

After checking out of the safari camp, enjoy a few hours of game drive in the morning before you depart Serengeti to head back to Arusha with a journey time of around 5-6 hours.

You’ll also get to visit the Serengeti Visitor Center to make use of its facilities and understand more about the park and its history.

As you won’t arrive back in Arusha till the late afternoon, it’s best to have a late-night departure flight booked (ideally departing after 9 pm as it’s a further one-hour drive from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport).

Alternatively, you can spend one more night in Arusha, check out the city, and leave the following day. Whichever option you choose, an airport drop-off is included.

The hotel on the last night of the tour is not included so you will need to make your own arrangements. Visit Booking.com to find accommodation that best suits your needs.

BEST TIME TO DO A SAFARI IN TANZANIA

Tanzania is a year-round tourist destination however the best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is during the dry season, which runs from June to October.

This is when animals congregate around watering holes and rivers, making for better game viewing.

Don’t be fooled by the dry season though. You’ll want to be prepared for cooler temperatures – especially at night – and occasional rains. Be sure to pack the appropriate clothing to keep warm and dry during your trip.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A SAFARI IN TANZANIA

When visiting Tanzania, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

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FINAL THOUGHTS – 5 DAY TANZANIA SAFARI

In conclusion, a safari in Tanzania is a memorable experience that should not be missed in your lifetime.

With so many different Tanzania tours available, it can be hard to know which one is the best for you. Hopefully this article has helped make your decision a little bit easier.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can. For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

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Tanzania safari prices and cost factors

Renowned as a luxury safari destination, Tanzania offers prime game viewing with the incredible Great Migration of millions of wildebeest, stunning scenery and beautiful beaches, reflected in the excellent safari experience visitors have come to expect.

Correspondingly, Tanzania safari prices tend to be higher here compared to other African nations. Visitors often wonder about the approximate cost of Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater safaris and if affordable Tanzania safari packages are possible.

Below, we have listed the various elements that impact Tanzania safari costs and detailed the price averages for each.

Table of Contents

Elements that influence Tanzania safari tours price

The flight to tanzania.

There is no direct flight between Tanzania and most countries. Therefore a stopover Cape Town, South Africa may be required before reaching Dar es Salaam, the main Tanzania tourist hub on the east coast. International flights also arrive into Kilimanjaro International Airport for visitors wondering how to get to Tanzania . 

DAR airport is located 18km south of Dar Es Salaam and a Tanzania visa and certain vaccinations may be required to enter the country.

Due to this stopover, flights to Tanzania tend to be more expensive than other destinations offering direct flights to other African safari destinations.

The prices of flights from the U.K. or U.S. can vary according to the dates of the stay and the chosen airline.

Several transport options are available in Tanzania but not all offer the same experience and speed of connection visitors want when travelling between parks and reserves.

Intercontinental flights

Arriving into Tanzania will typically involve taking a connecting flight from Dubai, Amsterdam or Johannesburg in South Africa, adding to the overall cost of a safari, the cost of which will vary depending on time of year and the flight distance.

Local transport

Due to this, private charter flights are commonly used to quickly access isolated private reserves and concessions, sometimes the only way to access them.

Others choose to go on self drive safaris and rent their own cars/4×4’s and use the roads of the national parks. This is a more affordable option and offers visitors the comfort of staying as long as they wish in each location.

Flights from Serengeti to Zanzibar

Seeing Zanzibar from above is a breath-taking experience, with its flawless sandy beaches, turquoise waters and stunning coral, many visitors make the journey here post safari.

Flights can start from USD $200, flying from Serengeti (SEU) airport to Zanzibar (ZNZ), a distance of approximately 560 miles taking 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Accommodation

The quality of accommodation options available in Tanzania is generally quite high. There are many luxurious lodges available, some of which can only be accessed by plane transfer however, thus adding to the costs.

More budget friendly accommodation options include camping options, of which many parks have at least 1-2 designated areas. Understanding the best time to visit Tanzania is important as this will impact accommodation, flight prices, availability and the weather that visitors can expect on their safari vacation. 

Food/Dining

Supermarket food prices are similar to those in Europe however there are fewer restaurants in Tanzania other than those run by lodges and meal prices at these lodges are relatively expensive.

Carrying a small amount of Tanzanian currency , the Tanzania Shilling (TZS) is recommended as back-up when paying for items if credit card facilities are unavailable. Visitors can also review further details on overall Tanzania safari prices here . 

Parks and reserves

National parks and reserves charge park fees per person including entrance fees for guides, as well as vehicle entry fees.

There are multiple factors that can impact the cost of a safari including activities selected and the different things to do in Tanzania including walking safaris . 

Many visitors will be interested in activities beyond the main safari and wildlife excursions including mountain biking on Ngorongoro or quad biking adventures, all of which add to overall costs. Comparable to Europe, these prices are lower.

A one-hour chartered scenic flight over Mount Kilimanjaro can be purchased from $490 per person.

Guests will enjoy incredible views of Mount Meru, Arusha National Park , part of Arusha town, Kibo peak, the famous Reusch crater, Mawenzi peak, Shira plateau, and some camps on Mount Kilimanjaro, a breathtaking experience.

Travel Insurance

Safari trips can result in unfortunate events happening, like contracting an illness from contaminated water or falling ill from a mosquito bite.

Visitors may need medical attention while abroad so it’s important to ensure an adequate travel insurance policy is in place which will cover you in the event of an accident or injury.

Visitors should check to see if they have already through their credit card company and workplace benefits. If not, it is recommended to ensure travel insurance is purchased prior to travel to cover:

• Medical expenses and hospital benefit
• Personal accident and liability
• Cancelling and cutting short your holiday
• Covid-19 specific cover
• Abandoning your trip
• Delayed departures
• Accommodation cover
• Personal belongings and baggage
• Personal money, passport and travel documents
• Legal expenses

Vaccinations

This is another expense which may need to be taken into consideration prior to the safari trip, especially if visitors are planning to visit the north of Tanzania, an area with an increased risk of malaria.

Visitors are recommended to consult with their local doctor before arrival and consider antimalarial prophylaxis as recommended.

Other expenses

Gasoline, tips, souvenirs can also impact a visitors budget.

Budgeting for a trip to Tanzania

Transportation.

For a flight to Tanzania from the U.K, it will cost around £800/$1,060 per person, and more from the U.S. Prices can change and are certain to increase during the summer months.

If on a budget, visitors can save two thirds of their daily expenses on transport costs by opting for a car/4×4 rental compared to plane transfers.

Car rental costs start from £90/$115 for a package with basic insurance. Prices increase if visitors book a 4×4 safari vehicle or campervan.

Guests staying at lodges should note the lodges will likely pick up guests and drive them to the lodge, with prices often included in the accommodation.

Accommodation and food

This will vary significantly depending on the type of accommodation selected. Guests can budget £15/$20 a night and upwards for one night camping and can purchase groceries at local supermarkets.

For lodges, nightly rates will cost several hundred dollars, typically with meals included.

Park entrance fees

Comparably, Tanzania does charge high prices for visiting its national parks. Average costs can expect to be around £36/$50 to visit most of Tanzania’s national parks.

Access to private reserves and concessions is restricted to travelers staying at the lodge with prices typically already included in the concession entry and game viewing drives.

Is a cheap Tanzania safari possible?

Safari prices in Tanzania are more expensive in general, especially for accommodation. However, visitors can be smart and take measures to keep their bank balance in check including:

• DIY organize your own safari
• Sleeping in a campervan/van with a rooftop tent
• Drive yourself around the country
• Prepare your meals and limit eating out at restaurants
• Limit your activities other than the main safari excursions

Travel seasons

Visitors looking to avail of a cheap Tanzania safari on a lower budget should travel in the low season which is December to March. This time of year however is also unfortunately a period of hot, muggy weather.

April and May (northern circuit parks still get quite a few visitors unlike the southern and western circuit parks, where many lodges close down). June and July are the best months to see the wildebeest migration.

May is still mid-season and will allow for cooler weather at still reasonable rates.

• Visitors planning an 8 night stay during Peak Season (July – Oct) in a premier camp can expect to pay around $9,000 to $10,000 per person
• Visitors planning an 8 night stay during Off-Peak Season (Sep – Dec) in a moderate camp can expect to pay around $5,500 per person

Affordable lodging options

If budget is the primary concern, and visitors don’t mind camping, then there are some overland camping trips (called mobile safaris) available as well as budget Tanzania safari packages.

Excluding international flights and plane transfers:

• Visitors planning a 6 night safari staying at two different tented camps can expect to pay around $3,600 – $4,300 per person
• Visitors planning a similar 6 night mobile camping safari can expect to pay around $2,200 per person, prices can vary

Affordable Tanzania safari packages tend to be for longer safaris (7+ nights) whilst higher cost safaris are typical of a shorter 3 or 4 night safari.

Serengeti safari approximate costs

The cost of a trip to the Serengeti can start from around US$140 per day for an all-inclusive package, including shuttle service to and from the Delta, accommodation, game viewing and meals.

Visitors can spend much more than this with customised trips and add-ons such as trips to Ngorongoro Crater, Selous Game Reserve and neighbouring Kenya.

Note that off season rates from January to March are usually much lower than normal, with both mid and high-end lodges knocking as much as 50% off.

Summary: The average price of a safari in Tanzania

Estimating the cost of an average safari isn’t straight forward, given the range of factors noted above that can impact prices. However, two examples are provided below to give visitors an idea of average costs to expect.

Affordable Tanzania safari prices

The cost of an affordable safari in Tanzania includes:

• International flights
• 4 × 4 rental with a tent on the roof
• Campsite accommodation
• Parks entry for game drives

Based on the above, we can estimate prices of at least £340/$450 per person based upon a 10 day stay.

Luxury Tanzania safari prices

The cost of a luxury safari in Tanzania includes:

• International flights and transfers
• Transfers by plane and/or private drive
• Lodge accommodation
• Guided game drives

Based on the above, we can estimate costs of at least £940/$1240 per person based upon a 10 day stay.

This trip includes visiting the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Selous Game Reserve during peak season, also popular with couples going on a Tanzania honeymoon safari . Prices are indicative only and may vary depending on travel conditions.

The following is a pricing summary of the main costs a safari visitor in Tanzania can expect:

How much does a safari cost in Tanzania?

Tanzania is one of the more expensive African countries to go on safari, however it is possible to go on a safari budget friendly trip to Tanzania.

Average prices are difficult to calculate given the various elements of the trip to take into account.

Are credit cards and debit cards accepted?

All major forms of credit card are accepted in East Africa, although it is best to travel with either Mastercard or Visa as these are accepted most widely.

Amex can be useful to withdraw dollars from banks in the major cities including Dar es Salaam and Arusha.

When to go on a safari in Tanzania?

Overall, June to October is the best time to visit Tanzania during the dry season for a safari trip to any of the national parks.

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