5-Day Tanzania Luxury Safari
Destinations: Tarangire – Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Start & End: Arusha, Tanzania
Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp & Lodge
Travel Style: Private Guided Safari
PRICE PER PERSON FROM $2500
Safari Overview
This 5-day luxury safari takes you through a classic Northern Tanzania circuit, combining Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. You begin close (Tarangire) for an introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife, then push into the iconic plains of the Serengeti, and cap it off with a dramatic descent into the Ngorongoro Crater. The safari is private, with an expert driver-guide and luxury / tented lodgings, full board (meals & non-alcoholic drinks), and an emphasis on immersive wildlife experience, comfort, and scenic variety.
You will:
Start from Arusha (or Arusha airport), drive to Tarangire for your first game drive and night
Then move toward Serengeti (via Ngorongoro Conservation Area) with wildlife viewing en route
Spend full days exploring Serengeti
Then transfer to a lodge near the crater rim
Then descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a final game drive before heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Because this is a relatively condensed safari, it balances travel and game time: you’ll see some of Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations in manageable segments.
Highlights
Some of the standout experiences you can expect:
Tarangire’s elephants & baobabs: Tarangire is celebrated for its large elephant herds and the striking silhouettes of ancient baobab trees. It’s less crowded than some parks, offering a more relaxed yet rich wildlife experience.
Scenic transitions & landscapes: On the drive from Tarangire toward Serengeti, you’ll traverse the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, moving through highland forests, escarpments, and shifting ecosystems.
Great Migration & predator action in Serengeti: The Serengeti is legendary for big cats, vast herds, and, depending on season, migration crossings. You’ll be right in the heart of the action for game drives.
Dramatic crater descent & wildlife density in Ngorongoro: The Ngorongoro Crater is unique enclosed, with a very high density of wildlife in a relatively small area. It’s one of the best places to spot rare and endangered species like the black rhino in one outing.
Luxury in the bush: You get to stay in high-end tented lodges, where comfort meets wilderness private verandas, quality food, relaxing lounges, starlit dinners, etc.
Variety of wildlife & habitats: From open savannahs and riverine forests to crater floors and escarpments, you’ll see diverse habitats and species.
Accomodation overview
Mawe Mawe Manyara Lodge (Day 1 – Tarangire / Manyara Area)
Location & Setting
Nestled on the Rift Valley escarpment with sweeping views over Lake Manyara National Park.
Convenient base for exploring both Tarangire and Lake Manyara parks.
Accommodation Style & Rooms
Luxury cottages and suites, blending modern design with natural stone and wood.
Spacious interiors with private verandas overlooking the valley.
En-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers, hot/cold water, double vanities.
Comfortable beds with mosquito nets and high-quality linen.
Facilities & Services
Infinity swimming pool with panoramic views.
Restaurant and bar serving both international and local dishes.
Outdoor dining terraces for sunset dinners.
Spa & wellness services available on request.
Wi-Fi in public areas, laundry service, 24/7 security.
Ambience & Experience
A tranquil, boutique feel — ideal for relaxing after your first safari day.
Stunning sunsets over the Rift Valley.
Quiet, personalized service with a touch of elegance.
🔗 Website: mawemawemanyaralodge.co.tz
Ngorongoro Safari Lodge (Day 4 – Ngorongoro Highlands)
Location & Setting
Perched in the Ngorongoro Highlands, a short drive from the crater rim.
Surrounded by lush green hills and coffee plantations.
Accommodation Style & Rooms
Luxury canvas tents on raised decks with en-suite bathrooms.
Private verandas with views of the highlands.
Furnished with comfortable beds, rugs, safari chairs, and mosquito nets.
Facilities & Services
Main lodge with dining area, lounge, and bar.
Open-air terrace for evening drinks and crater-view sunsets.
Campfire for storytelling under the stars.
Wi-Fi in common areas, 24/7 security, laundry service.
Ambience & Experience
Quiet and peaceful setting, great for unwinding before or after a crater game drive.
Blend of rustic safari charm with modern comforts.
Cool evenings with fireplaces and warm hospitality.
Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge (Days 2–3 – Serengeti National Park)
Location & Setting
Situated in the Central Serengeti (Seronera area), offering year-round wildlife viewing.
Elevated position with wide views over the Serengeti plains.
Accommodation Style & Rooms
Large luxury tents set on raised wooden decks with private verandas.
En-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers.
Elegant safari décor combining African art with modern comfort.
Options for family tents and interconnecting units.
Facilities & Services
Swimming pool overlooking the plains.
Spacious lounge, bar, and dining area with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Wi-Fi in main areas, gift shop, laundry service.
Sundowners, bush dining experiences available.
Ambience & Experience
Combines the thrill of tented safari living with resort-level comfort.
Sunrises and sunsets over the Serengeti are a highlight.
Perfect base for daily game drives with excellent access to predator sightings.
🔗 Website: twctanzania.com – Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Important Details & Tips
Included vs excluded: Your package includes all meals and non-alcoholic drinks (unless your package says “except spirits/liquor”), park and conservation fees, transfers & guiding, and accommodations (where specified). What’s excluded likely are international flights, travel insurance, alcoholic drinks, personal items/tips, and possibly some optional activities.
Meal & drink policies: “All meals and drinks included (except liquor)” means soft drinks, juices, and probably house wines / beers might be included (depending on the lodge), but premium alcoholic beverages typically are extra. Always good to clarify in advance.
Arrival & departure coordination: On Day 1 you may be picked up at your Arusha hotel or at the airport, depending on arrival times. On the final day, ensure your exit flight timing is compatible with crater descent timing and road/air travel to Kilimanjaro.
Packing & luggage limits: Check with your safari outfitter regarding baggage weight limits (especially if there are internal flights). Use soft-sided bags, avoid hard suitcases.
Connectivity & power: Expect limited cell / WiFi in remote areas. Lodges may have solar or generator power, but sometimes intermittent.
Optional extras: Balloon safaris, cultural village visits (Maasai, local communities), guided walking safaris, night drives (where allowed) might be offered as add-ons.
Seasonal variability: Wildlife patterns (migration, river crossings) shift by month. Also, rainy periods may affect road access.
Safari itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Game Drive in Tarangire National Park
You’ll be warmly welcomed by your driver-guide at your hotel in Arusha or upon arrival at Arusha Airport (for morning flights). From there, enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park, located 120 km away in Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.
Despite being the sixth largest park in the country, Tarangire is a hidden gem known for its iconic baobab trees, vast savannahs, and especially its impressive elephant population. It’s also a paradise for birdwatchers and home to lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, and much more. Your expert guide will provide fascinating insights into both the large and small wildlife species you encounter.
As the day concludes, head to your luxury tented lodge for relaxation, a delicious dinner, and your first night under the African stars.
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Mawe Mawe Lake Manyara
Meals & Drinks: All meals and drinks included (except spirits/liquor)
Day 2: Journey to Serengeti National Park via Ngorongoro
After breakfast, your driver-guide will take you on a journey through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to Serengeti National Park. Enjoy game viewing along the way as you pass through this remarkable landscape.
The Serengeti meaning "endless plains" in Maasai is a vast wilderness teeming with wildlife. It’s home to the Big Five and is world-renowned for the Great Migration, during which millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse its plains. After an exciting afternoon game drive, arrive at your luxury tented lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals and drinks included (except spirits/liquor)
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park
Wake to the sounds of the wild and enjoy breakfast before setting off on a full-day safari through the heart of the Serengeti. With approximately 3,000 lions roaming the park, along with elephants, buffalo, cheetahs, and countless bird species, the Serengeti offers some of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Africa.
You'll enjoy a packed lunch in the bush and continue your exploration until late afternoon. Return to your lodge to unwind, enjoy a hearty dinner, and share stories around the fire.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals and drinks included (except spirits/liquor)
Day 4: Morning in Serengeti & Transfer to Ngorongoro Highland
Enjoy one last morning game drive in the Serengeti, taking in the magic of this vast ecosystem before continuing your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
After lunch en route, arrive at your luxury lodge near the crater rim. Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying stunning views, dinner, and preparing for the highlight of your journey exploring the Ngorongoro Crater.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Safari Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals and drinks included (except spirits/liquor)
Day 5: Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater & Departure
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as the "8th Wonder of the World." This massive volcanic caldera is home to over 25,000 animals, including endangered black rhinos, lions, hyenas, elephants, and more.
Spend the day exploring the crater floor’s diverse habitats lush grasslands, swamps, and acacia forests. After a picnic lunch, begin your ascent from the crater and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: All meals and drinks included (except spirits/liquor)
