
Northern Serengeti Safari: 6 Days / 5 Nights
About this experience
Take an incredible six-day, five-night safari experience across Tanzania's most renowned places. Begin your tour in Tarangire National Park, where you'll see elephant herds and other wildlife among ancient baobab trees. Next, visit the mystical vistas of Lake Natron, where you'll discover the spectacular red waters and rich birdlife. Continue on to the famed Serengeti, where you'll experience adrenaline game drives through the savannahs, witness the Great Migration, and encounter the Big Five. Conclude your safari with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is home to breathtaking scenery and plentiful wildlife. Every day brings spectacular wildlife encounters and stunning scenery, producing memories that will last a lifetime.
What You’ll Experience
Tarangire National Park
Observe the interaction of elephant families among ancient baobab trees, spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and buffalo roaming the plains. Enjoy optional night drives where predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs may be seen. Tarangire offers a unique opportunity to see elephants in large herds, making it one of the best wildlife viewing parks in Tanzania.
Lake Natron
Discover the ethereal landscapes of Lake Natron, known for its vibrant red waters and dramatic surroundings. Participate in guided hikes along the lake shore, where you can observe flamingos and other bird species in their natural habitat. Explore nearby waterfalls, swim in mineral-rich waters, and experience the peacefulness of one of Tanzania’s most unique natural environments. This location is perfect for photography and connecting with raw nature.
Northern Serengeti
Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing. Experience predator-prey interactions, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas hunting around the herds. Enjoy full-day game drives through endless savannahs and along winding rivers, spotting a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. The Northern Serengeti is ideal for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone wanting an immersive safari adventure.
Ngorongoro Crater
Explore one of the world’s most famous wildlife areas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Encounter rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards on the crater floor. The combination of breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife makes every moment unforgettable. Guides provide insights into animal behavior, conservation efforts, and the unique ecosystem of the crater. Morning drives and late-afternoon observation points offer stunning opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.
Cultural & Scenic Highlights
Along the way, interact with Maasai communities, learn about traditional lifestyles, local conservation practices, and enjoy the diverse landscapes from the baobab-studded Tarangire plains, highlands around Karatu, to the endless Serengeti savannahs and the volcanic Ngorongoro Crater. Witness spectacular African sunsets and enjoy the calm evenings under a starry sky, connecting with nature in a profound way.
What to expect
Itinerary
DAY 0: ARRIVAL
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport, you will be transferred to Arusha for an overnight stay and a safari briefing. This prepares you for the exciting journey that starts the next day.
Accommodation:
Mid-range: THE CHARITY HOTEL / NJIRO LEGACY / TULIA BOUTIQUE AND SPA HOTEL
Luxury: ARUSHA COFFEE LODGE
DAY 1: TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Tarangire National Park is famous for its high concentration of elephants and ancient baobab trees. Spend the day observing elephant families and other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and buffalo across the expansive plains. Optional night drives allow you to spot predators including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Later, drive to Karatu or Mto wa Mbu for your overnight stay.
Accommodation:
Budget: POAPARK RESORT / FANAKA CAMPSITE AND LODGE
Mid-range: FARM OF DREAM / HEART AND SOUL
Luxury: KILIMAMOJA LODGE / MANYARA SECRET
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: LAKE NATRON
Depart Mto wa Mbu for Lake Natron, famous for its striking red waters and otherworldly landscapes. Enjoy guided hikes along the shoreline to see flamingos and other bird species in their natural environment. Explore nearby waterfalls, swim in mineral-rich waters, and soak in the serene surroundings of one of Tanzania’s most unique locations. Lake Natron offers perfect opportunities for photography and immersion in nature.
Accommodation:
Budget: AFRICA SAFARI-SAFARI TENT
Mid-range: AFRICA SAFARI SAFARI CONFORT
Luxury: AFRICA SAFARI LUXURY
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: LAKE NATRON TO NORTHERN SERENGETI
After your time at Lake Natron, travel to the Northern Serengeti, crossing varied landscapes from the lake’s dramatic surroundings to the iconic Serengeti plains. Look out for wildlife along the way and arrive in the Northern Serengeti in time to settle into your lodge or camp, surrounded by the sights and sounds of this legendary wilderness.
Accommodation:
Budget: MARA MIGRATION CAMP
Mid-range: MARA KATI KATI
Luxury: MARA MARA LUXURY TENTED LODGE / OLE SERAI LUXURY TENTED LODGE
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: FULL GAME DRIVE IN NORTHERN SERENGETI
Spend a full day exploring the Northern Serengeti, famous for its wildlife and endless savannahs. Morning and afternoon drives provide opportunities to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest. During the dry season, river crossings of wildebeest and zebras create dramatic scenes with crocodiles. Guides offer insights into animal behavior and the ecosystem while you enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and stunning sunset views in the late afternoon.
Accommodation:
Budget: MARA MIGRATION CAMP
Mid-range: MARA KATI KATI
Luxury: MARA MARA LUXURY TENTED LODGE / OLE SERAI LUXURY TENTED LODGE
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO CRATER
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti, spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife. Continue with a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Highlands, observing animals along the way. Arrive at your lodge in the evening to relax and admire the stunning landscapes of the highlands.
Accommodation:
Budget: NGORONGORO WILD CAMP
Mid-range: NGORONGORO SAFARI LODGE / RHINO LODGE
Luxury: MELIA NGORONGORO LODGE / THE MANOR By Elewana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: NGORONGORO CRATER
Embark on an early morning game drive inside the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend up to six hours exploring the crater floor, home to rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, and more. Observe wildlife interactions, take incredible photographs, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery before returning to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- One night accommodation before or after the safari
- Full board meals throughout the safari
- Accommodation during the entire safari experience, from Day 0 to the final day
- Game viewing activities as stated in the itinerary
- Services of a professional Safari Driver/Guide
- All transfers between parks, lodges, and airports
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Personal gear rentals
- Tips (recommended 10 USD per day)
What to Bring
- Comfortable safari clothing in neutral colors
- Sturdy walking shoes / boots
- Warm layers for early morning drives
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Binoculars & camera with extra batteries
- Personal medications & toiletries
- Reusable water bottle
- Lightweight rain jacket
Important Information
- Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Fitness Level: Moderate; suitable for most travelers
- Best Time to Visit: June – October for the Great Migration and river crossings
- Safety: Your guide carries a first-aid kit, and all parks have trained rangers for your protection
- Optional Activities: Hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti (extra cost)
- Travel Insurance: Recommended for all travelers
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Fees
· Up to 15 days before trip: Full refund minus the non-refundable 30% advance
· 8–14 days before trip: 30% cancellation fee
· 2–7 days before trip: 50% cancellation fee
· Within 48 hours / no-show: No refund
Rescheduling is possible up to 8 days before trek (subject to availability and any supplier penalties).
Changes & Cancellations
· Client-requested itinerary changes are subject to availability and any extra costs.
· Voluntary early termination — no refunds for unused services.
· Company-led changes may occur for safety, weather, or operational reasons.