6 Days Safari Itinerary – Explore Tarangire,Ngorongoro, Ndutu and Serengeti

Safari Overview

This 6-day journey offers a deeper dive into Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems, from the elephant-rich Tarangire, the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, the dynamic Ndutu plains (famous for the Great Migration), to the wildlife-rich heart of the Serengeti. You’ll experience classic game drives, cultural stops, and the chance to witness some of the most spectacular wildlife gatherings on the planet, especially if traveling during migration season.

OVERVIEW

EXEPERIENCE DETAILS

June to October (dry season, best for wildlife & road conditions)

6 days 5 nights

Trip Duration

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Safari Inclusions

· Airport or hotel pick-up in Arusha on Day 1

· All transportation in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide/driver

· Park and conservation fees for all national parks and conservation areas visited

· Accommodation with meals as detailed in the itinerary

· All game drives and activities listed

· Scheduled domestic flight from Serengeti to Arusha or Kilimanjaro on Day 6

Safari Exclusions

· International flights to/from Tanzania

· Visa and travel insurance

· Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities

· Optional activities such as hot air balloon safari or cultural visits

· Drinks and meals not specified in the itinerary

Safari Highlights

· Scenic drives through Maasai villages and the Great Rift Valley

· Game drives in Tarangire’s baobab-studded wilderness

· Wildlife-packed Ngorongoro Crater with the Big Five

· Exploring Ndutu’s vast plains, a hotspot for the Great Migration and predator action

· Immersive game drives in Serengeti’s Seronera Valley, with abundant big cats and year-round wildlife

· Optional hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti for a breathtaking perspective

SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

· Morning: Meet your guide/driver in Arusha for a safari briefing, then depart for Tarangire National Park (approx. 2–2.5 hours’ drive). The journey offers scenic views of Maasai villages and rolling hills.

· Midday: Arrive in Tarangire for a game drive with a packed or hot lunch, depending on lodge arrangements.

· Afternoon: Explore the park, famous for its massive elephant herds, towering baobab trees, and diverse wildlife drawn to the seasonal Tarangire River.

· Evening: Drive to your lodge or tented camp within or near the park for dinner and overnight stay.

· Overnight: Tarangire

Day 2: Tarangire – Ngorongoro Highlands

· Morning: Enjoy a final early game drive or relaxed breakfast at the lodge. Then depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

· Midday: Scenic drive through Mto wa Mbu and the Great Rift Valley, with an optional cultural stop or market visit en route.

· Afternoon: Arrive at your lodge in the Ngorongoro Highlands, located on or near the crater rim. Take in sweeping views and cool highland air.

· Evening: Settle into your accommodation and enjoy dinner overlooking the forested slopes or crater edge.

· Overnight: Ngorongoro

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater – Ndutu Region (Southern Serengeti)

· Early Morning: Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a thrilling game drive in one of the most wildlife-dense places on Earth. Look for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, hyenas, and abundant birdlife.

· Midday: Picnic lunch near a hippo pool or shaded area inside the crater.

· Afternoon: Exit the crater and drive towards the Ndutu region, part of the southern Serengeti ecosystem and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration if traveling between December and March.

· Evening: Arrive at your camp in Ndutu for dinner and overnight.

· Overnight: Ndutu Area

Day 4: Ndutu – Central Serengeti

· Morning: Enjoy a game drive in Ndutu, known for its open plains, calving season (in migration months), and predator activity.

· Midday: Begin your journey to the Central Serengeti, with game viewing en route. The drive offers changing landscapes, from woodland to savannah.

· Afternoon: Arrive in Seronera, the heart of the Serengeti, and explore areas known for big cats and riverine wildlife.

· Evening: Settle into your lodge or tented camp.

· Overnight: Central Serengeti

Day 5: Full Day in Central Serengeti

· Morning & Afternoon: Full-day safari exploring the Seronera Valley, famous for its permanent water sources that attract a wide range of animals year-round. Sightings may include lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and more.

· Optional: Sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti (extra cost), followed by a bush breakfast.

· Evening: Return to camp for a relaxing evening under the stars.

· Overnight: Central Serengeti

Day 6: Serengeti – Flight to Arusha / Kilimanjaro

· Morning: Enjoy a final morning game drive (time permitting) or breakfast at the camp.

· Midday: Transfer to the Seronera airstrip for your scheduled flight to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport.

· Afternoon: On arrival, transfer to your hotel or connect with your international flight.

What to Pack for This Safari

Clothing

Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive, brown) – avoids attracting insects and blends with the environment.
Lightweight, breathable shirts & trousers – for day game drives.
Warm layers/jacket/fleece – mornings and evenings (especially Ngorongoro Highlands & Serengeti can be chilly).
Comfortable walking shoes/safari boots – closed-toe shoes recommended.
Sun hat or cap – wide-brim preferred.
Scarf/buff – useful for dust during drives.
Swimwear – if your lodge/camp has a pool.

Additional Tips

Photography: Bring a zoom lens (200–400mm ideal). Morning/evening light is best.
Cultural encounters: If stopping at Mto wa Mbu or a Maasai village, small cash for crafts/tips is appreciated.
Tips & Gratuities: $10–20 per traveler per day for your guide/driver is standard.
Hot Air Balloon Safari: Best booked in advance, available in Serengeti (approx. $550 per person, includes champagne breakfast).
Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in most lodges but expect limited speed. Enjoy the digital detox!

Accessories

Binoculars – essential for wildlife viewing.
Camera + extra memory cards & batteries – wildlife photography is a highlight.
Sunglasses & sunscreen (SPF 30+) – high UV exposure.
Insect repellent (with DEET or picaridin) – for mosquitoes, especially around Ndutu.
Headlamp/torch – useful in tented camps.
Reusable water bottle – most vehicles provide bottled water, but eco-lodges may encourage refill.

Toiletries & Medication

Personal toiletries (lodges supply basics, but not always everything).
Hand sanitizer & wet wipes.
Personal prescription medicines.
Anti-malarial medication (consult your doctor).
Basic first aid kit (plasters, painkillers, antihistamines).

Yes Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the best chances in Africa to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos in a single day. Leopards are best seen in Serengeti’s Seronera Valley.
No, as the migration is seasonal and weather-dependent. In Ndutu (Dec–March), the wildebeest herds gather for calving season. In June–July, they are often moving north toward central and western Serengeti.
- Day 1 & 2: ~2–4 hours between parks, plus game drives.
- Day 3 & 4: Longer transfers (~4–6 hours) but game viewing en route.
- Day 5: Full day in Serengeti (mostly in the park).
- Day 6: Flight reduces long drive back.
Most safari vehicles have charging ports (12V/USB). Carry a power bank as backup.
Mixture of lodges & tented camps – ranging from luxury to mid-range depending on your booking. All provide en-suite bathrooms, mosquito nets, and meals.