5-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari

The 5-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari costs $2,050 per person sharing. This is the starting price and may change depending on your travel dates, accommodation level, group size, and any optional activities you add. The price includes private 4×4 safari transport with an experienced driver-guide, game drives, park and conservation-area fees, meals and accommodation as listed in the itinerary, bottled water, and government taxes. International flights, visas, travel insurance, tips, drinks, and optional extras such as a balloon safari are not included.

Yes. The 5-day itinerary is fully customizable and can be adjusted to match your dates, interests, budget, and travel style. You can upgrade your lodges or tented camps, add extra nights in the Serengeti, include Tarangire or Lake Manyara, arrange a fly-in safari, or add a balloon safari. We can also tailor the trip for families, honeymooners, photographers, and private groups. Share your preferences and we will prepare a tailored quotation.

Yes. Five days is an excellent length for combining the Serengeti with Ngorongoro Crater, giving you enough time for several game drives in the Serengeti and a full-day crater tour. The Serengeti covers 14,763 square kilometres, so no short safari can explore every area, but this itinerary gives you a strong chance to see major wildlife and enjoy the region without feeling rushed. [14]

The safari includes Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including a descent into Ngorongoro Crater. Depending on the route and season, you may also travel through the Ngorongoro highlands and parts of the greater Serengeti ecosystem. The exact overnight locations and game-drive areas can be adjusted during customization.

The dry season from late June to October is generally best for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources and vegetation is less dense. January to March is excellent for the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti, while the long rains from March to May bring greener landscapes and fewer visitors. The Serengeti offers rewarding game viewing throughout the year, so the best time depends on your wildlife priorities and budget. [14]

You may see the Great Migration, but its location depends on the month you travel. The migration follows seasonal rains across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, with calving usually in the southern plains from January to March and Mara River crossings commonly occurring from July to October. We cannot guarantee sightings because the herds move naturally, but we plan your accommodation and route around the most likely migration areas for your dates. [14]

Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera and one of Tanzania’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. It is home to large populations of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and black rhinos, making it one of the best places to increase your chances of seeing the Big Five. [12]

No safari operator can guarantee sightings of all the Big Five because the animals are wild and move freely. However, this itinerary offers excellent opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards, while Ngorongoro Crater is especially valuable for the chance to see black rhinos. More time in the parks and an experienced driver-guide improve your chances of a rewarding wildlife experience. [12][14]

You travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing and photography. Each vehicle is designed to give every guest a window seat, and an experienced driver-guide accompanies you throughout the safari. Larger groups may use more than one vehicle, with each vehicle led by its own guide.

The safari is private, so you can travel solo, as a couple, with family, or in a group. A standard safari vehicle can accommodate up to five guests comfortably, while larger groups are arranged across multiple vehicles. Please tell us your group size when enquiring so we can confirm the correct vehicle and room arrangements.

Yes, children can join, and this itinerary can be planned as a family-friendly safari. Lodge and camp age policies vary, and some camps may have minimum-age requirements for safety reasons. A private vehicle allows your family to enjoy a flexible pace, take breaks when needed, and tailor game-drive times to younger travellers.

Yes. A sunrise hot-air-balloon safari is a popular optional extra in the Serengeti and is not included in the $2,050 starting price. The flight offers a unique view of the plains and wildlife from above, often followed by a bush breakfast. Balloon flights are weather-dependent, spaces are limited, and operators commonly have a minimum age requirement, so advance booking is recommended. [14]

Pack lightweight clothing in neutral colours such as khaki, beige, or olive, along with a warm layer for early mornings and evenings. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, spare batteries, and any personal medication. Use a soft-sided bag rather than a hard suitcase, as vehicle space can be limited.

No. Tanzania has prohibited plastic carrier bags since June 2019, including those brought in luggage. Avoid packing plastic shopping bags, duty-free bags, or plastic garbage bags; use reusable cloth bags or packing cubes instead. Small zip-lock bags kept for toiletries or personal items are permitted, but they should remain in your possession and not be discarded in Tanzania. [11][13]

Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so check the latest rules before travelling. Many visitors need a Tanzanian visa and can apply online before departure, while some nationalities are exempt. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and check health requirements, including malaria prevention and any yellow-fever certificate requirements for your travel route.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Your policy should cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost luggage, and any light-aircraft transfers if you choose a fly-in option. Confirm the coverage details before departure, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

Send us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers, accommodation preference, and any special requests. We will confirm availability, prepare a tailored quotation, and guide you through the booking process. A deposit secures your safari, with the balance due by the date stated in your booking confirmation.