5-Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary – Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is a world-renowned national park in northern Tanzania, famous for its vast, endless plains and the Great Wildebeest Migration — one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth. The name “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai word Siringet, meaning “the place where the land runs on forever.”

Spanning over 14,750 square kilometers, Serengeti is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including:

• The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino),

• Massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles,

• Over 500 species of birds.

It’s a true haven for photographers, safari lovers, and nature enthusiasts. The landscape features golden savannahs, scattered acacia trees, rocky kopjes, and seasonal rivers, offering unmatched beauty and dramatic scenes of predator-prey interactions.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Located just southeast of Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the majestic Ngorongoro Crater — the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera.

The crater is about 20 kilometers wide and 600 meters deep, forming a natural enclosure for a rich concentration of wildlife, including:

• Black rhinos, which are rarely seen elsewhere,

• Large prides of lions,

• Hippos, elephants, hyenas, flamingos, and more.

What makes Ngorongoro unique is the coexistence of wildlife and the Maasai people, who live and graze their cattle within the area. It’s a perfect blend of natural wonder and cultural heritage.

Tarangire National Park

Often overlooked but absolutely stunning, Tarangire is known for its giant baobab trees, rolling hills, and large herds of elephants — especially during the dry season (June to October) when animals gather around the Tarangire River.

• One of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania

• Also home to giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and over 300 bird species

• The Tarangire River is a lifeline during dry months

• Offers a more peaceful, less crowded safari experience