We planned the perfect 5 day Tanzania safari itinerary, which brings you to the iconic Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, as well as some lesser-known gems. Steal our Tanzania safari itinerary for an incredible trip of a lifetime!
If a bucket list-worthy adventure is calling your name, look no further than Tanzania.
With its vast savannah teeming with wildlife, iconic baobab trees dotting the horizon, and sunsets that paint the skies in fiery hues, Tanzania is the stuff dreams are made of.
Add in the chance to witness the Great Migration, spot the Big Five, and explore the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, and it’s no wonder this East African gem tops so many travel wishlists.
I spent countless hours researching and planning for my Tanzania safari. I took my 8 day safari and cut it down to 5 days because so many people were asking for that specifically.
The result is what I think is the ultimate 5 day Tanzania safari itinerary. From Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro and beyond, this guide will take you to the best parks, introduce you to hidden gems, and help you make the most of every single day.
But I have a little secret…
I couldn’t have planned this all by myself. In fact, I enlisted the help of a reputable safari company that has years of experience, responsible tourism practices and tons and tons of great reviews. More on them below…
Get ready for an adventure that will leave you breathless and your camera roll full of memories. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, this itinerary has something for everyone.
Dust off those binoculars—your Tanzanian adventure starts here!
Tanzania Safari Itinerary Guide
For more tips and advice for planning your Tanzania safari itinerary, jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).
Before you go…
- How many days do you need?
- Have more time? What to add
- When to go on safari in Tanzania
- Choosing a safari company
- What to pack for your Tanzania safari
Ultimate safari packing guide
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Tanzania safari itinerary overview
- Day 1: Arrival, spend the night in Arusha
- Day 2: Tarangire National Park
- Day 3: Serengeti National Park
- Day 4: Serengeti National Park (+ hot air balloon safari)
- Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania safari itinerary map
To give you an idea of where you’ll be headed each day, we laid out this Tanzania safari itinerary on the map above.
Key:
- A: Arusha
- B: Tarangire National Park
- C: Serengeti National Park
- D: Ngorongoro Crater
- E: Kilimanjaro International Airport
Day 1: Arrival
Most international flights (coming from Europe) arrive in the evening, so you will be met by your driver upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and driven to Arusha where you will spend your first night.
Recommended stays
- Olerai Lodge: Nestled on the outskirts of Arusha, Olerai Lodge offers a tranquil retreat with lush gardens, cozy rooms, and stunning views of Mount Meru. Its warm hospitality and peaceful ambiance make it the perfect place to relax before you begin your safari adventure.
- Pazuri Inn: Located in Karatu (a bit further drive from the airport than Arusha), Pazuri Inn blends modern comforts with a local touch. Surrounded by greenery and offering convenient access to Ngorongoro, it’s a great base for exploring nearby attractions.
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
Depart Arusha and head to Tarangire National Park for a full day game drive. The park is known for large herds of elephants set in front of the quintessential African backdrop of baobab and acacia trees.
Spend the night near Karatu.
Recommended stays
- Pembeni Rhotia: Set on the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Pembeni Rhotia combines eco-conscious living with panoramic views of the valley. Its luxurious tented accommodations offer a perfect mix of comfort and wilderness.
- Rhotia Valley Tented Camp: Overlooking the rolling hills of Karatu, Rhotia Valley Tented Camp offers a charming and sustainable safari experience. We love to hear about the lodge’s connection to the local community, with proceeds supporting a nearby children’s home.
Day 3: Serengeti National Park
Make your way further west to the vast Serengeti National Park (about a 3 hour drive), where you will have the chance to spot lions, cheetahs and leopards (oh my!).
Spend the night in the park.
Recommended stays
- Zawadi Serengeti Camp: Situated in the heart of the Serengeti, Zawadi Camp provides an intimate, safari-focused stay with easy access to prime wildlife viewing. Its small size and personalized service ensure a truly memorable experience.
- Kuoom Serengeti: Designed for adventurous travelers, Kuoom Serengeti offers a remote, authentic safari experience. Its spacious tents and breathtaking views of the Serengeti plains create an ideal base for game drives.
- Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge: A luxurious haven in the Serengeti, this lodge combines modern elegance with African charm. Enjoy infinity pool views over a busy watering hole, indulgent spa treatments, and a front-row seat to the region’s incredible wildlife.
Day 4
Your early morning, pre-dawn wake up call will be 100% worth it once you experience the magic of the Serengeti from the sky! Start your morning with a hot air balloon safari and bush breakfast, then embark on an evening game drive after a midday siesta.
Spend the night in the park at the same lodge as the previous night or drive out of the park and spend the night near the Ngorongoro Crater for an early arrival the next morning.
Day 5
On the final day of your 5 day Tanzania safari itinerary, make your way to Ngorongoro Crater, a unique opportunity for game viewing and a highlight of every safari!
The crater’s steep walls give way to a vast expanse of land teeming with wildlife, including the Big 5 and large populations of flamingos during breeding season. This is your chance to encounter an endangered black rhino.
Recommended stays
- Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge: Perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, this lodge offers breathtaking views of the crater floor and its abundant wildlife. Its unique design, blending seamlessly into the landscape, and its proximity to the crater make it a favorite among safari-goers.
- Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge: Nestled in the lush highlands near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this all-inclusive lodge offers spacious cottages, exceptional dining, and personalized service. Its tranquil setting and luxurious amenities make it an idyllic retreat after a day of wildlife exploration.
How many days do you need?
While 5 days on safari in Tanzania is enough to dip your toes in and see the highlights, if you are coming all this way, we highly recommend making the most of your efforts and spending at least 6-8 days.
If you are coming to Tanzania in the hopes of witnessing the Great Migration on your safari (from July through October), you should plan a minimum of 4 days in the Serengeti. This is because the Mara River, where the iconic river crossing takes place, is located in an isolated area in the northern part of the park and takes more time to reach.
Which also means you’ll have to add more days to your itinerary if you want to include any other parks as well.
Have more time? What to add to your Tanzania safari itinerary
If you have more for your Tanzania safari itinerary, we’d highly recommend adding a day of hiking, whether that’s in the Ngorongoro Conservation area (like I did!) or around Mount Kilimanjaro (not the summit hike though –- that’s another epic trail that takes 6-9 days to complete!).
Other national parks you may want to add to your itinerary are Arusha National Park and Lake Manyara National Park (known for lions that climb trees!).
There are also more opportunities for activities like cultural exchanges, walking safaris and biking you could add to mix things up.
When to go on safari in Tanzania
The best time to go on safari in Tanzania largely depends on what you want to see, but generally speaking, the dry season from June to October is ideal. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources and the vegetation is less dense.
If witnessing the Great Migration is on your bucket list, aim for July and August to see the dramatic river crossings in the Serengeti, or visit between January and February for the calving season in the southern Serengeti, where you’ll also see predators in action.
For fewer crowds and lush landscapes, consider going during the short rains season from November to mid-December. Although there may be short rains, you’ll still have mostly good weather and fewer crowds (accommodation prices may also be discounted during the time).
When to avoid going on safari in Tanzania
If this is your first time planning a Tanzania safari itinerary and you’re going to be spending all that time and money to get there, I’d highly recommend avoiding going during the wet season, from mid-March through mid-May.
During this time, it can rain all day long, and that can really dampen your experience (pun intended!).
Choosing a safari company
In my experience, spending hours upon hours researching and planning for my Tanzania safari, I found it was pretty complicated to plan the logistics myself. There are so many different fees and requirements, it’s really not a place that’s easy to navigate unless you know what you’re doing (and even with my extensive travel planning experience, I was at a loss!).
So, if you’re like me and ready to throw in the towel and let a professional service handle the planning for you, I highly recommend you find a reputable company with responsible tourism practices.
There are lots of safari companies out there that promise the lowest rates (at the expense of your comfort!), or only offer expensive luxury safaris, so it’s hard to know who you can trust…
That’s where Safari Republic comes in…
Safari Republic
Safari Republic is an owner-operated boutique safari company with a combined decades of experience and in-depth knowledge of the Tanzania safari circuit. I stumbled upon them when doing research for my Tanzania safari trip and was blown away by the attention to detail and level of support I received.
Owner, Jackie, has a fantastic network of partners she works with across Tanzania to create exceptional experiences. They only employ the highest caliber guides, ensuring you will be in good hands from the moment you touch down in Arusha, to the moment you depart.
We also loved to read about their responsible tourism practices and values around sustainability and community support.
Plus, their prices are competitive, considering everything they offer. And I can attest to this as I did a ton of research gathering quotes and prices from other companies before settling on Safari Republic.
Take it from Jackie herself…
“I have 10 years experience of putting together [Tanzania safari] itineraries and I know how to spend a budget effectively for the most impact… We are a small company and happy to go the extra mile for guests.”
Bonus offer for YOU!
I had such a good experience traveling with Safari Republic throughout Tanzania, I knew I wanted to continue that relationship, and introduced Jackie to Katie and Ben. Before we knew it, a partnership was born 🙂
What to pack for your Tanzania safari
Figuring out what to pack for a safari can be a bit….overwhelming? If you’ve never been on safari before, there are a lot of questions you might have, like:
- Is there a strict safari dress code?
- Do I have to dress head-to-toe in khaki?
- Do I need to pack hiking boots?
- How do I dress for safari without looking ridiculous?
- What else do I need to bring on safari?
Well, we’ve answered all your questions and more in our guide for what to wear on safari.
Plus, we’ve organized everything you’ll need to pack for your safari into a handy, FREE checklist. Just enter your email below and get a PDF of our ultimate safari packing list sent right to your inbox!
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We want to hear from you!
Which day of this 5 day Tanzania safari itinerary are you most excited for? Do you still have any questions after reading this article? Tell us your thoughts or ask us your questions in the comments below and we will do our best to get back to you!