5-Day Tanzania Classic Safari
A 5-Day Tanzania Classic Safari offers the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and wildlife immersion. This short yet fulfilling itinerary takes you through the highlights of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, where the endless plains of Serengeti meet the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and the bird-rich shores of Lake Manyara.
Designed for travelers with limited time but an unlimited spirit for adventure, this safari promises up-close wildlife encounters, luxurious lodges, and timeless memories.
Safari Overview
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Destinations Covered: Arusha → Lake Manyara → Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater
Safari Type: Private Guided Safari
Best For: First-time safari travelers, couples, photographers, and nature enthusiasts
Tour Highlights
- Game drives in Tanzania’s most iconic national parks.
- Experience the Great Migration (seasonal) in the Serengeti.
- Explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Spot flamingos, elephants, and tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara.
- Stay in luxury lodges and tented camps with stunning views
Detailed Itinerary for a 5-Day Tanzania Classic Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to the Wild
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be met by your safari guide and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. Enjoy a relaxing evening before your adventure begins.
Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge or Gran Meliá Arusha
Meal Plan: Dinner
Highlight: Evening views of Mount Meru and a warm Tanzanian welcome.
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park – Forests, Flamingos & Tree-Climbing Lions
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a lush reserve famous for its pink flamingos and unique tree-climbing lions. The park also offers diverse habitats — from groundwater forests to open plains — filled with elephants, hippos, and colorful birdlife.
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Game drive with scenic views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
Day 3: Serengeti National Park – The Endless Plains
After breakfast, head to the legendary Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Highlands. The Serengeti is home to incredible concentrations of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wildebeests. Enjoy an afternoon game drive en route to your lodge.
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or Lahia Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Sunset over the Serengeti plains and herds of grazing animals.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater – The World’s Largest Caldera
After a morning Serengeti game drive, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the crater for a half-day safari — one of the most spectacular wildlife viewing spots on Earth. Spot rhinos, lions, buffaloes, and flamingos around the crater floor. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool before ascending to your lodge.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge or &Beyond Crater Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Close-up encounters with the Big Five inside the crater.
Day 5: Return to Arusha – Farewell to Tanzania
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha, arriving by afternoon. Enjoy lunch and optional souvenir shopping before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Highlight: Final scenic views of the Rift Valley and highlands.
Best Time to Go on This Safari
The dry season (June to October) is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources and the Great Migration moves through the Serengeti.
The green season (December to March) offers lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti.
Optional Add-On: Zanzibar Beach Extension
After your safari, extend your adventure with a relaxing stay on Zanzibar Island. Enjoy turquoise beaches, spice tours, and sunset dhow cruises for the perfect safari-and-sea combination.
Why Choose Gorilla Trekking Expeditions
At GORILLA TREKKING EXPEDITIONS, we craft personalized Tanzania safaris that balance comfort, adventure, and authentic experiences. Our expert guides and handpicked lodges ensure your 5-Day Tanzania Classic Safari delivers maximum wildlife encounters with minimal hassle.
Whether you’re seeking luxury, romance, or family adventure, we tailor every detail for your perfect African journey.
Book Your 5-Day Tanzania Classic Safari
Discover the best of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit — from the Ngorongoro Crater to the endless Serengeti plains — in just five unforgettable days.
Inquire and book your 5-Day Tanzania Classic Safari with GORILLA TREKKING EXPEDITIONS — your trusted partner for authentic safaris, expert-guided tours, and luxury African travel experiences.