6-Day Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

6 Days 5 Nights

Elephants, Endless Plains & Crater Big Five

Six days, three iconic parks, one seamless story of northern Tanzania. Start among Tarangire's elephant herds and sculpted baobab landscapes, continue to the Serengeti's endless plains where predators and, seasonally, the Great Migration command the stage, then finish with a descent into Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's best places to seek the Big Five. Guided by our locally owned team, this itinerary balances wildlife action with cultural insight and conservation context so your journey is as meaningful as it is memorable.

Elephants, migration herds and Big Five encounters with expert local guides.

  • See Tarangire's massive elephant herds and ancient baobabs
  • Spend two full days exploring Serengeti's predator territories
  • Seasonal chance to intersect the Great Migration
  • Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for Big Five opportunities
  • Travel with JoyTrekking's local experts, connecting wildlife to community and conservation

Itinerary

  • Day
    One

    Arusha to Tarangire National Park

    • Morning pickup in Arusha.
    • Drive to Tarangire for a full day of game drives along the river and baobab dotted plains.
    • Picnic lunch in the park.
    • Sunset check-in at a lodge near Tarangire.

  • Day
    Two

    Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

    • Scenic transfer through the Ngorongoro Highlands into Serengeti.
    • Afternoon game drive on the central plains focusing on big cats and plains game.
    • Overnight in a Serengeti lodge or tented camp.

  • Day
    Three

    Serengeti National Park, Full Day

    • Early and late game drives to catch peak wildlife activity and soft light for photography.
    • Track prides, cheetahs, and, depending on season, migrating herds.
    • Overnight in Serengeti.

  • Day
    Four

    Serengeti National Park, Full Day

    • Second full day to explore different sectors, from kopjes to river lines, maximizing variety and sightings.
    • Optional balloon safari at dawn, advance booking required.
    • Overnight in Serengeti.

  • Day
    Five

    Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater to Karatu

    • Early exit toward Ngorongoro.
    • Descend into the crater for a concentrated Big Five game drive, with picnic lunch by the hippo pools.
    • Afternoon ascent and short transfer to Karatu for overnight.

  • Day
    Six

    Karatu to Arusha, optional cultural stop

    • Leisurely breakfast and return to Arusha.
    • Time permitting, optional stop in Mto wa Mbu for a market and farm visit hosted by our community partners.

Cost Includes

  • Professional local safari guide
  • 4x4 safari vehicle with open roof
  • All park entry fees
  • Accommodation: 5 nights (Tarangire area x1, Serengeti x3, Karatu x1)
  • Meals: full board
  • Drinking water during safari
  • Airport/hotel transfers (Arusha)

Cost Excludes

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks beyond water)
  • Tips for guide and lodge staff
  • Optional balloon safari
  • Optional cultural visits (add-ons available)

FAQs

How many days are in Serengeti on this itinerary?

Three overnights granting two full game-drive days, plus arrival and transfer windows.

When is the best time to intersect the Migration?

Generally December-July in Serengeti, moving seasonally. We position game drives based on current herds.

Can we fly between parks to reduce drive times?

Yes, light-aircraft flights can replace some transfers. We can price drive-in/fly-out options.

Is Ngorongoro good for rhino sightings?

It offers your best chance in northern Tanzania, though sightings can never be guaranteed.

What accommodation level is included?

Comfortable mid-range properties, with options to upgrade to premium or luxury tented camps and lodges.

Are cultural visits included?

An optional Mto wa Mbu visit can be added on Day 6, or we can integrate Maasai-led experiences as time allows.