5-day Serengeti Tour with Ngorongoro crater

Serengeti National Park Ngorongoro crater

5-day Serengeti Tour with Ngorongoro crater

Serengeti National Park Ngorongoro crater

Price

$3,597.00

Duration

5 days

Max People

21

Min Age

5+

Overview

Discover the breathtaking beauty of northern Tanzania on this 5-Day Serengeti Tour with Ngorongoro Crater, a journey through some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife landscapes. This safari is designed for travelers seeking a luxurious and immersive wildlife experience, combining thrilling game drives with comfortable accommodations and expert guidance. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater, every moment is crafted to create unforgettable memories.

Your adventure begins with a scenic transfer from Arusha to the Serengeti National Park, where the vast savannahs teem with wildlife. Morning and afternoon game drives allow you to encounter lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras, with the seasonal Great Migration adding a spectacular natural event to your journey. Each game drive is guided by experienced professionals who provide insight into the behavior, habitat, and conservation of Tanzania’s remarkable animals.

The safari continues to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its dense wildlife population. Descend into the crater floor for a full-day game drive among the Big Five, zebras, and flamingos, all set against a dramatic volcanic landscape. Along the way, optional cultural experiences, including visits to Maasai communities, add depth and context to your safari, connecting you with the people and traditions of the region.

Throughout the tour, your accommodations are carefully selected by Nihapa Tours to combine comfort, safety, and immersion in nature. Luxury lodges and tented camps provide panoramic views, cozy rooms, and attentive service, ensuring you can relax and enjoy the serenity of the wilderness after each day of adventure. With Nihapa Tours managing every detail, your safari promises to be seamless, personalized, and unforgettable.


Tour Highlights

  • Departure and Return Place: We can start/end this tour from any hotel in Moshi/Arusha or from Kilimanjaro International Airport(Google Maps)
  • Departure Time: Please be ready by 6:45 AM for a prompt departure at 7:15 AM.
  • Return Time: Approximately 4:30 PM.
  • Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, a hat, and spare clothing.
  • Customizations: Can be amended/customized upon request, to suit your requirements
  • Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request
  • Season: The Dry season (from late June to October) offers the best wildlife viewing in general, with the wildebeest migration as its absolute highlight. The timing of the migration varies every year (the best chance of seeing it is during June and July), while the wildebeest calving is from late January to February.

5-day Serengeti Tour with Ngorongoro Crater Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti National Park

Depart Arusha and travel through the picturesque Ngorongoro Highlands to reach the Serengeti. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive, spotting wildlife such as lions, giraffes, zebras, and elephants. Enjoy your first evening in a luxury tented camp or lodge surrounded by the Serengeti plains.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in the Serengeti

Spend the day exploring the Serengeti on morning and afternoon game drives. Observe predators and herbivores across the endless plains, and depending on the season, witness the dramatic Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. Return to your lodge or tented camp in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Day 3: Serengeti National Park

Enjoy another full day of wildlife viewing in the Serengeti, seeking out cheetahs, lions, elephants, and large herds of plains animals. Optional activities, such as guided walking safaris or photography-focused drives, can be arranged to personalize your experience.

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

After a morning game drive, transfer to the Ngorongoro Highlands. Arrive near the crater rim for stunning panoramic views and overnight at a lodge overlooking the crater. Take in the unique volcanic landscape and prepare for early morning exploration of the crater floor.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater and Return to Arusha

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive in one of Africa’s richest wildlife habitats. Spot the Big Five, zebras, giraffes, and flamingos against the dramatic volcanic scenery. After a rewarding morning, drive back to Arusha to conclude your safari.

Accommodation for Your 5-Day Serengeti Tour 

During this safari, you will stay in carefully selected lodges and tented camps within or near Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, offering comfort, safety, and convenient access to daily game drives. Guests can relax in luxury tents or lodges with modern amenities, cozy interiors, and breathtaking views of the Serengeti plains and crater landscapes.

Accommodations are chosen to provide the perfect balance of comfort and an authentic Tanzanian safari experience. All stays typically include full board (meals), secure environments, and attentive service, with optional upgrades to private tented suites or high-end lodges for a more exclusive and personalized experience.

With Nihapa Tours, every property is carefully selected to enhance your safari, allowing you to unwind after exciting game drives while immersing yourself in the wildlife and natural beauty of these iconic destinations. Whether watching the sunset over the Serengeti or enjoying panoramic views from the crater rim, your lodgings are designed to make your safari as memorable and luxurious as possible.

Best Month to Visit Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

The best time to enjoy the 5-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife gathers around water sources, making game viewing easier and more rewarding. This period also offers the best chance to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet.

For travelers interested in the wildebeest calving season, the optimal months are late January to March, when newborn calves and predator-prey interactions can be observed, providing a unique and thrilling safari experience.

While Tanzania’s wildlife can be seen year-round, visiting during the dry months ensures better road conditions, concentrated animal sightings, and clear skies, perfect for photography. Optional cultural visits to Maasai communities or local villages are available throughout the year, adding a rich cultural dimension to your safari adventure.

With Nihapa Tours, you can plan your safari around these optimal months to ensure the most immersive and unforgettable experience across Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.

Why Choose Nihapa Tours for Your  Tanzania Safaris?

Nihapa Tours designs personalized  Tanzania Safaris to suit your preferences, blending adventure, comfort, and expert guidance. Our  Tanzania Safaris stand out with:

  • Extended Exploration: More time to visit key parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
  • Expert Guides: Local experts enhance your Tanzania Safari with rich insights.
  • Flexible Options: Choose budget camping, mid-range lodges, or luxury tented camps.
  • Private Tours: Enjoy exclusive 4Ă—4 vehicles for an intimate safari experience.
  • Conservation Focus: We support sustainable tourism during your  Tanzania Safari.

How to Book Your 5-Day Tanzania Safari

You can book this5-Day Tanzania Safari directly with Nihapa Tours for a seamless and personalized experience.

  1. Get in Touch: Contact us via email at [email protected] or WhatsApp +255 786 261 927 to share your preferred travel dates and any special requests.

  2. Customize Your Safari: Work with our travel specialists to tailor your itinerary, accommodations, and optional experiences like Maasai village visits or private game drives.

  3. Confirm Your Booking: Secure your safari with a deposit. Full payment details and policies will be provided.

  4. Pre-Trip Support: Receive guidance from your dedicated travel designer, including travel tips, packing advice, and arrangements before departure.

  5. Start Your Adventure: Arrive at Nairobi (NBO) or Kilimanjaro (JRO) and enjoy your expertly guided safari through the Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro Crater.

Tip: Book early, especially during peak wildlife season (July–October), to ensure your preferred lodges, camps, and game drives are available.

 Read our ultimate guide to 5 day safari to Tanzania and learn more about it

Other Recommended Tanzania safari itineraries

Costs Includeds/Excludes

  • All Mentioned Safari Activities
  • Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors
  • Airport Pick-up and Drop-off Transfers
  • Hotel Accommodations According to the Itinerary
  • Transportation in 4Ă—4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography
  • All Park Fees
  • Experienced English-speaking safari guide
  • All Meals according to the Itinerary
  • Bottled water and soft drinks throughout the tour
  • Binocular (1 per Vehicle)
  • Medical kit
  • All Taxes on Tour Fees & Services
  • Crew salaries
  • Air tickets
  • Visa fees
  • Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips to your safari guide ($25-45 per day per car)
  • Other optional activities
  • Personal expenses

Day 1 Arusha to Central Serengeti

Your 5-day Serengeti tour begins at 8:00 AM with a pickup from your Arusha hotel. Drive 240 km (6 hours) to Serengeti National Park, where endless plains merge with the horizon. Covering 14,763 sq km, Serengeti hosts the Big Five and the largest concentration of plains game in Africa. In the Seronera area, spot lion prides, leopards, and impalas near the Seronera River, with granite “Kopjes” offering shelter to diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your game drive, followed by dinner and overnight at Melia Serengeti Lodge.

Day 2&3 Central Serengeti

Spend two days exploring Central Serengeti on your 5-day Serengeti tour. Choose a full-day game drive (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM) with a packed lunch, or an early morning drive at 6:00 AM, returning for breakfast, then an afternoon drive. Seronera’s rich habitats attract wildlife year-round, with thriving lion prides and the Great Migration (June–July or December–March). Picnic lunches enhance your experience, and each day ends with dinner and rest at Melia Serengeti Lodge.

Day 4 Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro

After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Serengeti, then head to Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a picnic lunch. The Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest collapsed volcanic crater, spans 14 km and shelters 30,000 animals amidst extinct volcanoes and watering holes. Conclude the day with dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge on the crater rim.

Day 5 Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

Start at 6:30 AM with a 5-hour game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, covering 260 sq km with a depth of over 2,000 feet. Spot elephants, rhinos, hippos, cheetahs, and lions, with a picnic lunch at Hippo Pool. Ascend the crater and drive 4 hours back to Arusha, arriving by 6:00 PM for drop-off, ending your 5-day Serengeti tour with unforgettable memories.

Tour Pricing

Number of People Cost Per Person in US($) Budget Camping Cost Per Person in US($) Standard
1 Person on Request $6,419
2  People on Request $5,434
3 People on Request $5,093
4 People on Request $4,109
5 + People on Request $3,597

Tour Accommodations

Tour Day Budget Camping Package Standard Package
Day 1 On request Melia Serengeti Lodge.
Day 2 On request Melia Serengeti Lodge.
Day 3 On request

Melia Serengeti Lodge.

Day 4 On request

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Will there be wildlife roaming at the camps and lodges?

Yes. Bear in mind they are wild and unpredictable. The thought restrains you from getting too adventurous on hands-on when you cross paths with a wild animal. Attacks are rare but discretion is a better part of valor. Exercise caution. Remember it’s their territory and you are the intruder.

What do you mean by game drives?

The opportunity to explore the thriving wildlife of Tanzania in a safari vehicle by going deep into the secluded zones for an up-close and personal experience of Tanzania’s biggest and meanest

What happens if I get sick or injured on safari?

Any health or medical emergency will be attended to. If the condition requires hospitalization, you will be evacuated to the nearest hospital immediately. Make sure you have travel and health insurance coverage. It’s highly recommended

What if I have special dietary requirements?

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, celiac, lactose-free, or if you have any allergies, just give us a heads up and you will be catered to.

What is the maximum group size per vehicle?

The maximum group size is Six (6) guests per vehicle.

What travel documents do I need?

You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your dates of travel with an entry or re-entry visa, duly endorsed.

Who are your operators in Tanzania?

We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own Tanzanian company. So you can rest assured that whoever you speak to in our company has climbed Kilimanjaro – and probably many times.

Will I see wildlife?

Prior to the climb, you’ll enjoy an acclimatization day with wildlife viewing and nature walks. Trekking through the rain forest, you’re likely to spot black-and-white Colobus monkeys, tropical birds and more.

Will the safari be dusty?

Definitely! What’s the point of a safari if you don’t kick up the dust. And there will be plenty to kick in the dry months. Some of the trails on the safari route are bumpy and dusty, especially between Ngorongoro and Serengeti. So roll up the window and turn the AC on. Use sunglasses and a hat, and protect your electronic equipment from the dust storms

What can I expect on a typical safari day?

Depends on which park you have chosen in your itinerary. Every park has a distinct character, topography, and animals with attitude. If it’s Serengeti then enjoy the endless savannahs and Big 5. Tarangire’s offerings are a semi-arid landscape with majestic baobabs with no shortage of wildlife. Including the Big 5 in a day

What about tipping the safari driver guides?

Tipping for services is not obligatory, but very common in Tanzania. Your tip is highly appreciated and can make a big difference to your guide and lodge staff. Tipping is a good courtesy. Tip generously. And always keep their counsel for that optimum and safe safari experience. On safari, this is US$15-20 per person per day, handed directly to the guide at the end of your stay. Of course, you should only give a tip if you are satisfied with the quality of the service.

Do you arrange Airport pick-up and Drop off?

All our tours to mount Kilimanjaro climbs include airport transfers. We pick you up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or any other airport near Arusha and Kilimanjaro as per your itinerary plan and take you to your pre-climb hotel in Moshi or Arusha, then back again at the end of your itinerary. In short, we take care of your air transfers and accommodation, before and after your Mount Kilimanjaro climb.

How far in advance do I need to book a Safari?

Book your trip early. Ideally, 6 months in advance and 10-12 months in advance if you want to witness the Wildebeest migration in Serengeti.

How much does a safari cost?

Safaris are costly. Tanzania Wildlife Safaris prices depend on the number of people on the trip, how many days of safari, and the level of comfort or luxury.

What about bathrooms in the bush?

The safari trips have public bathroom facilities. In case you have to go and there isn’t one in sight. Relieving behind the vehicle is a good option. of course with the concurrence of your guide. They are sympathetic to nature calls

What about snakes and insects?

They are pretty common. Though sighting one is not a pretty thought. But on safaris atop a vehicle, they are not an issue. While on a walking safari, wear boots when venturing into bushes or woodlands. Use full trousers and long sleeve shirts to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other fly bites. In the bushes, they are a pestilence. Use insect repellent to keep them at bay

What about solar protection?

Tanzania is very near to the equator. So the sun is always at its acme for most of the day. The sun can be fierce and cause sunburns and sunstroke. Wear a hat, shades, and use SPF sunblock lotion

What about the roads on safari?

Bumpy on the safari circuits and on the game drives. If you have a back condition then take precautions with back braces, pillows, or whatever works for you.

Am I allowed to walk around the national parks?

Stay in the vehicle unless you have clearance from the guide to walk or stretch your legs. If you are keen on hiking, there are guided walks that are available in Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro.

Are drinks provided in the safari vehicle?

Big yes! You can also carry your drinking water bottle in your backpack. The safari vehicles are equipped with a small refrigerator to keep the drinks of your choice chilled for you to enjoy during your safari. Beverages, beer, and soft drinks are also available

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Nihapa Tours is a sustainable, family-owned Boutique Tour Operator based in Arusha, Tanzania.

Proudly Tanzanian-owned and deeply rooted in local expertise, our multicultural team combines the passion of our primarily Tanzanian staff with fresh global perspectives from our expatriate collaborators who share an unwavering dedication to showcasing the wild beauty of our homeland.

We’re dedicated to delivering personalized, world-class safari experiences infused with genuine African hospitality & Sustainability. We offer Luxury safari and Beach vacation trips to Tanzania and Zanzibar, Camping safari, and Adventure trips to Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, and the whole of East Africa.

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Meru Spring Plaza, Box 13287, Arusha Tanzania, Plot 690 Block D, 23106.

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