Safari Itinerary · Tanzania · Northern Circuit Safari
5 Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari
From $3,200 per person
This 5 Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari is designed for travelers who want more time in Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife areas without adding several destinations to the itinerary. The journey focuses on Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with two full wildlife experiences in Serengeti and a dedicated crater experience in Ngorongoro.
Starting and ending in Arusha, the safari takes you directly toward Serengeti, where you spend extended time exploring the plains and following wildlife activity. You then continue to Ngorongoro for a crater experience before returning to Arusha.The additional time in Serengeti gives your guide more flexibility to explore different wildlife areas. This is especially useful for travelers interested in predators, photography, seasonal wildlife movements and the Great Migration.
Duration · 5 days
From, per person · $3,200
Flights & transfers · Included
About this itinerary
This itinerary focuses on quality time rather than adding several parks. You spend two nights in Serengeti, followed by time around Ngorongoro and a dedicated crater game drive.
Your private 4×4 safari vehicle provides flexibility throughout the journey. Your professional guide follows wildlife activity, recent sightings, seasonal conditions and your interests when planning each game drive.
Serengeti provides expansive grasslands and diverse wildlife habitats, while Ngorongoro offers a compact volcanic environment with a high concentration of wildlife.
Best suited to: couples, families, first-time safari travelers and private groups.
Itinerary
Each day has been structured to give you time for wildlife, scenery and comfortable travel between destinations.
Day 1
Arusha to Serengeti National Park
Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari gateway, where your Realm Tanzania Adventures team will welcome you.
Depending on your arrival time, you will have time to rest at your accommodation or enjoy a relaxed introduction to the city.
After breakfast, meet your safari guide in Arusha and begin the journey toward Serengeti National Park.
The journey takes you through northern Tanzania’s changing landscapes, local communities and highland areas before reaching the Serengeti ecosystem.
Overnight: Sound of Silence
Meals: dinner
Day 2
Full Day in the Serengeti
Leave at sunrise when predators are active. Search the Seronera River valley for leopards in the trees. Visit the kopjes, where lions rest on warm rocks. Cheetahs hunt on the short grass plains. Your guide follows recent sightings and radio reports from other drivers. Take a midday break at camp or eat a picnic lunch in the field.
Overnight: Nyikani Migration Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3
Full Day in the Serengeti
After breakfast, begin your final morning exploration of Serengeti.
Enjoy a morning game drive while gradually making your way toward the park exit. This provides another opportunity to search for wildlife before leaving the Serengeti plains.
Your guide will continue following active wildlife areas and suitable photography opportunities.
Overnight: Ndutu Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Wake early and enjoy breakfast before heading toward the Ngorongoro Crater.
Descend into the crater for an extended game drive across its diverse habitats. The crater floor includes open grasslands, wetlands, woodland areas and water sources.
The compact nature of the crater provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and hyenas.
Your guide will also search for black rhinoceros, one of the most sought after wildlife encounters in the Ngorongoro area.
Overnight: Lion’s Paw Camp
Day 5
Ngorongoro to Arusha
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Arusha.
Depending on your departure schedule, you may enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge before leaving the Ngorongoro highlands.
Travel through the scenic countryside toward Arusha, with opportunities for a short stop along the way.
Arrive in Arusha in the afternoon or evening.
Your safari ends in Arusha, or you may continue to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight
The complete package
Everything included.
STAY
TARANGIRE
1 Night · Lodge or tented camp
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
KARATU / NGORONGORO
2 Nights · Selected lodge
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
SERENGETI
2 Nights · Lodge or tented camp
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
ARUSHA
1 Night · Selected hotel
Breakfast included
Experiences
Ngorongoro Crater experience
Descend into the crater for an extended game drive surrounded by dramatic volcanic scenery.
Big Five search
Search for elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros during your Serengeti and Ngorongoro game drives.
Scenic northern Tanzania
Experience the contrast between the wide Serengeti plains and the enclosed volcanic landscape of Ngorongoro.
Predator encounters
Spend time searching for lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas across the Serengeti plains.
Travel
PRIVATE SAFARI VEHICLE
Private 4×4 safari transport throughout the safari.
Professional English speaking safari guide
Experienced local driver guide throughout your journey.
Wildlife focused schedule
The itinerary prioritizes game viewing and photography, with travel times arranged around the major wildlife experiences.
Speak to a safari specialist
Let's plan your journey.
From your first enquiry to the day you come home, one named safari specialist looks after every detail. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours
Everything included
A clear overview of what is covered in your safari package. Your final proposal will list the exact accommodation, activities and transport arrangements.
Transport
Private safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide, fuel and park transfer costs.
Accommodation
Accommodation according to the selected package and the final itinerary confirmation.
Meals
Meals are provided according to the meal plan shown in your confirmed itinerary.
Park Fees
Applicable national park and conservation fees included according to the confirmed route.
Usually excluded: international flights, visas, travel insurance, personal purchases, tips and items not listed in your confirmed proposal.