A First Timer’s 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour Itinerary Budget Package
A Budget-Friendly 5-Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary Tour Package
The 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour is a well curated adventure safari that takes you to some of the best wildlife viewing safari destinations in Tanzania. This 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour is designed to take visitors to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater, which are some of the best wildlife viewing destinations in Tanzania. This 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour Itinerary starts in Arusha, from where you are transferred to the Tarangire National Park. This Package involves road transfer in a 4×4 customized safari vehicle across the destinations.
The package allows visitors to witness the iconic African Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant) and several other wildlife species including cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, wildebeest, and zebra, among others. On this 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour, visitors get an opportunity to also witness the natural beauty of these Tanzanian safari destinations and the birdlife that bring life to the jungles.
While in Serengeti National Park, there is a rare opportunity to witness one of the world’s natural wonders, the great wildebeest migration as it unfolds. This natural phenomenon is a sight to behold for wildlife lovers as it offers an opportunity for visitors to see large numbers of wildlife in one area. The migration usually attracts top predators like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards that come to prey on the weak, old, and young ones. If well timed with the wildebeest migration season (June to October), visitors are guaranteed an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience in Tanzania. Chat with us and start planning.
Why Choose This 5-Day Tanzania Safari?
- This 5-Day Tanzania Safari is ideal for first-time visitors, families, or couples looking for a short but immersive wildlife experience.
- Every day brings a new adventure — from watching elephants graze beneath giant baobabs to spotting lions on the hunt across the Serengeti.
- You’ll travel in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide who knows the parks inside and out.
- Each night, you’ll unwind at charming lodges or tented camps that combine comfort with a touch of wilderness.
Summary of 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour
- Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
- Day 2: Transfer from Tarangire National Park to Lake Manyara National Park
- Day 3: Travel to Serengeti National Park
- Day 4: Serengeti National Park to Karatu near Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater and Transfer to Arusha
Highlights of 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour
- Explore four top Tanzanian safari destinations
- Witness the Big Five and other wildlife species
- Spot tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara
- Experience the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal)
- Discover the natural wonder of Ngorongoro Crater
- Enjoy full-board accommodation and guided game drives
Detailed Day by Day 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
From Arusha, you’ll be picked and transferred to Tarangire National Park to start your 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour. Tarangire National Park in Tanzania is a popular wildlife viewing destination, located just 2 hours from Arusha City. This National Park derives it fame from its stunning beauty, especially the presence of the giant Baobab trees that dot its vast landscapes and the large herds of elephants that are accustomed to safari vehicles.
You’ll set off at around 7:00 AM from Arusha City and arrive in Tarangire National Park by 9:00 AM or 9:300 AM and proceed with a mid morning game drive in the park. You’ll explore the park while driving towards your booked safari lodge. As it approaches lunch time, you’ll drive to the lodge and check in.Enjoy lunch at the lodge and a short rest before embarking on your afternoon adventure in Tarangire National Park.
After lunch, embark on an evening game drive in Tarangire National Park. Your experienced driver guide will take you to some of the best wildlife viewing sites in the park for an opportunity to witness different species that inhabit the park at once. Besides the elephants, Tarangire National Park is also home to different wildlife species, including the famous African Big Five Animals (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant), cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and different antelope species. Expect to encounter various wildlife as you explore the park on the game drive.
For bird lovers, Tarangire National Park is home to about 500 different bird species, and you’ll encounter several of them as they fly over or perch on tree branches. The natural beauty of Tarangire is a sight to behold. Later, after the adventure, drive back to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Lake Burunge Tented Lodge
Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
Day 2: Transfer from Tarangire National Park to Lake Manyara National Park
Start your 2nd day of 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour with an early morning breakfast. After breakfast, depart from your lodge with lunch boxes and drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The journey from Tarangire National Park to Lake Manyara National Park is just about 1½ hour. Arrive in the Park and complete the formalities befor embarking on a morning game drive.
Lake Manyara National Park is one of the most unique National Parks in Tanzania, known for its unique tree-climbing lions. This National Park is a great wildlife viewing safari destination, hosting different wildlife species, including lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, giraffes, and different antelope species. The National Park is also a rich birding site with over 300 different bird species found here. You’ll enjoy the stunning landscapes of this incredible safari park as well as viewing different wildlife and birdlife during your game drive.
Lunch will be enjoyed at a safe picnic site in the park. After lunch, you continue with the exploration of the park, visiting the lake bed and several other sites in the park. In the early evening, you’ll then drive towards your booked safari lodge. Arrive at the lodge and check in.
Dinner will be served at the lodge, and later, an overnight stay at the lodge.
Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Day 3: Travel to Serengeti National Park
On this 3rd day o 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour, After breakfast, start your journey to the iconic Serengeti National Park, one of the best wildlife viewing safari destinations in the world. Arrive in Serengeti in time for lunch and proceed to your booked safari lodge. Check in and enjoy lunch and a short break at the lodge before embarking on your afternoon adventure.
After lunch, embark on an evening game drive in Serengeti National Park. This National Park is a remarkable wildlife viewing safari destination, thanks to its remarkable wildlife numbers. Serengeti is home to the iconic African Big Five Animals (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant), cheetah, hyena, giraffe, hippos, crocodiles, wildebeest, and zebra, among others. During the evening game drive while on 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour, you’ll visit different wildlife hotspots in the park for opportunities to witness different wildlife at once.
The drive through the vast wilderness dotted with the acacia tress offer travelers at true wilderness experience in Tanzania. As the sun goes down, you’ll be able to witness the vast wilderness turn gold. After the adventure, drive Back to the lodge where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Serengeti Classic View Camp
Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Day 4: Serengeti National Park to Karatu near Ngorongoro Crater
On the 4th Day of your 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour, Wake up and enjoy an early morning breakfast at the lodge. After breakfast, go for a sunrise game drive in the Serengeti. For those interested in witnessing the spectacular wildebeest migration, today presents the best opportunity. Your driver guide will drive you in the park while following the migration route for opportunities to witness the large herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles.
As you track down the migrating mammals, you’ll also be able to witness different wildlife species especially predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs that usually follow the migrating mammals. If lucky enough, you might even catch a sight of these predators hunting.
After the morning adventure, return to the lodge. Enjoy lunch at your lodge before setting off to Karatu near Ngorongoro. Drive to Karatu, along the way, you’ll enjoy the spectacular views of these incredible landscapes and landforms along the way. Arrive in Karatu and proceed to your booked accommodation. Check in at the lodge and enjoy rest of your day relaxing.
Dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater and Transfer to Arusha
On the Final day of 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour, In the morning, enjoy an early breakfast before descending to the crater floor. The Ngorongoro Crater floor is one of the most wildlife concentrated regions in Tanzania with about 30,000 animals living here. It is also home to one of the largest lion populations in Africa, making it a good place for safari tours.
During your game drive, you’ll explore different sections of the crater, witness different wildlife species including the members of the African Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant), and several other species, including hyenas, zebra, wildebeest, and hippos, among others.
After your game drive in the crater, ascend back to the crater rim and proceed to your booked safari lodge. Enjoy lunch at the lodge and later proceed with a journey back to Arusha.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
End of 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour
5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour Price Guide (Per Person)
| Accommodation Type | 2 People | 4 People | 6 People |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Lodges | From $1,250 | From $1,050 | From $950 |
| Mid-range Lodges | From $1,550 | From $1,350 | From $1,200 |
| Luxury Camps | From $2,000 | From $1,750 | From $1,600 |
Prices include park fees, game drives, full-board accommodation, and 4×4 safari transport. International flights, visas, and personal expenses are not included.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania
- The best time for this 5-day Tanzania safari is June to October
- This is during the dry season when wildlife viewing is at its best.
- However, the green season (November to March) also offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and great birding opportunities.
What to Pack on this 5-Day Tanzania Safari Tour
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- A good camera or binoculars
- Sunhat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Warm jacket for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
