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6-Day Big Five Tanzania Luxury Safari – Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania Safari

6-Day Big Five Tanzania Luxury Safari – Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Safari price
From $5,470
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Safari Escort journey

Trip Overview

The 6-Day Big Five Tanzania Luxury Safari – Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater begins in Arusha and finishes in Mount Kilimanjaro. Its route includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Masai Mara, following the destination order and transfers set out in the day-by-day itinerary.

The journey is shaped around scheduled domestic flights, linked by the premium lodges, camps or flights named in the itinerary.

Every safari day brings a different perspective on Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife. Explore the route below to see how activities, journeys between destinations and overnight stays fit together. Our local team can help you consider seasonal wildlife movements, the time available and accommodation preferences before you make a decision.

Where every day follows the rhythm of the journey
Wildebeest moving across the plains of Serengeti National ParkSerengeti
Zebra and wildlife habitat inside Ngorongoro CraterNgorongoro Crater
Cheetah in the grasslands of the Serengeti ecosystemSerengeti Wildlife
Zebra and wildebeest in the Ngorongoro ecosystemCrater Wildlife
Moments along the route
Safari Highlights

Your Journey Highlights

  • Fly from Arusha to Northern Serengeti – Into the WildTravel across the Serengeti with time for game viewing, adapting the day’s route to current wildlife activity and seasonal conditions.
  • Full-Day Game Drive – The Drama of the NorthExperience this stage with the route, guiding and daily pace described in the detailed itinerary below.
  • Transfer Game Drive to Central SerengetiTravel across the Serengeti with time for game viewing, adapting the day’s route to current wildlife activity and seasonal conditions.
  • Central Serengeti Game Drive & Transfer to NgorongoroDescend into the Ngorongoro Crater for guided wildlife viewing across grassland, woodland and wetland habitats.
  • Full-Day Game Drive in Ngorongoro CraterDescend into the Ngorongoro Crater for guided wildlife viewing across grassland, woodland and wetland habitats.
  • Farewell to the Wild – Transfer to Kilimanjaro AirportContinue along the mountain route at a measured pace, moving through changing terrain and preparing carefully for the next stage.

Your Itinerary

Day 01

Fly from Arusha to Northern Serengeti – Into the Wild

  • Activity: Fly-in Safari & Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

Your journey begins with a scenic flight from Arusha to the remote Northern Serengeti. Spend the afternoon exploring or relaxing with river views. Your guide will shape the route around current wildlife activity, road conditions and the best available viewing areas. Stops are unhurried, allowing time to observe animal behaviour, photograph the landscape and understand how the park’s habitats connect. Rather than chasing a checklist, the day follows the rhythms of the ecosystem and the guide’s local knowledge. Breaks are arranged at suitable points while keeping the experience comfortable, focused and respectful of the wildlife.

Accommodation

River Camp by Karibu

River Camp by Karibu is a seasonal northern Serengeti camp positioned near the Mara River migration country. The location supports early access to riverine habitats and the plains used by wildebeest and zebra during the northern season. En-suite safari tents and central dining and lounge spaces provide a comfortable base between long wildlife-viewing days. It is particularly relevant to itineraries focused on possible river crossings, while recognising that wildlife timing and crossing events can never be guaranteed.

LocationSerengetiStay styleTented safari camp
Day 02

Full-Day Game Drive – The Drama of the North

  • Activity: Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Northern Serengeti. Depending on the season, witness dramatic wildebeest crossings at the Mara River, where crocodiles and predators lie in wait. Search for lions, leopards, and elephants in this raw and remote ecosystem. Your guide will shape the route around current wildlife activity, road conditions and the best available viewing areas. Stops are unhurried, allowing time to observe animal behaviour, photograph the landscape and understand how the park’s habitats connect. Rather than chasing a checklist, the day follows the rhythms of the ecosystem and the guide’s local knowledge. Breaks are arranged at suitable points while keeping the experience comfortable, focused and respectful of the wildlife.

Accommodation

River Camp by Karibu

River Camp by Karibu is a seasonal northern Serengeti camp positioned near the Mara River migration country. The location supports early access to riverine habitats and the plains used by wildebeest and zebra during the northern season. En-suite safari tents and central dining and lounge spaces provide a comfortable base between long wildlife-viewing days. It is particularly relevant to itineraries focused on possible river crossings, while recognising that wildlife timing and crossing events can never be guaranteed.

LocationSerengetiStay styleTented safari camp
Day 03

Transfer Game Drive to Central Serengeti

  • Activity: Game Drive & Transfer
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, journey southward to the Central Serengeti. Along the way, enjoy game viewing through different terrains and ecosystems. Your guide will shape the route around current wildlife activity, road conditions and the best available viewing areas. Stops are unhurried, allowing time to observe animal behaviour, photograph the landscape and understand how the park’s habitats connect. Rather than chasing a checklist, the day follows the rhythms of the ecosystem and the guide’s local knowledge. Breaks are arranged at suitable points while keeping the experience comfortable, focused and respectful of the wildlife.

Accommodation

Sametu Camp

Sametu Camp by Karibu is located in the central-eastern Serengeti, an area known for open plains, kopjes and productive predator habitat. The camp’s tented suites and shared mess spaces maintain a close connection to the surrounding park. Its position allows guides to explore both the central Serengeti and the quieter eastern country as conditions change. This makes Sametu a useful multi-night base for itineraries that want varied Serengeti game drives rather than a single transfer-day visit.

LocationSerengetiStay styleTented safari camp
Day 04

Central Serengeti Game Drive & Transfer to Ngorongoro

  • Activity: Game Drive & Transfer
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Start the day with a sunrise game drive in Seronera, one of the best areas to see predators. After brunch, begin your journey eastward through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Your guide will shape the route around current wildlife activity, road conditions and the best available viewing areas. Stops are unhurried, allowing time to observe animal behaviour, photograph the landscape and understand how the park’s habitats connect. Rather than chasing a checklist, the day follows the rhythms of the ecosystem and the guide’s local knowledge. Breaks are arranged at suitable points while keeping the experience comfortable, focused and respectful of the wildlife.

Accommodation

Lion's Paw Camp

Lion’s Paw Camp is a tented property on the eastern side of the Ngorongoro highlands, positioned close to the crater access road. The setting supports an early descent to the crater floor and a shorter return after a full wildlife-viewing day. En-suite tents and central dining and lounge areas provide warmth and shelter in the cooler highland climate. It is a practical safari base for itineraries that prioritize Ngorongoro while continuing onward toward Tarangire, Karatu or the Serengeti.

LocationNgorongoro highlandsStay styleTented safari camp
Day 05

Full-Day Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater

  • Activity: Game Drive & Transfer
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at dawn for a full day exploring its diverse habitats. Spot large herds of buffalo and zebra, hippos in pools, lions in the grass, and—if lucky—the elusive black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch by a waterhole before continuing your exploration. Return to the crater rim in the late afternoon.

Accommodation

Lion's Paw Camp

Lion’s Paw Camp is a tented property on the eastern side of the Ngorongoro highlands, positioned close to the crater access road. The setting supports an early descent to the crater floor and a shorter return after a full wildlife-viewing day. En-suite tents and central dining and lounge areas provide warmth and shelter in the cooler highland climate. It is a practical safari base for itineraries that prioritize Ngorongoro while continuing onward toward Tarangire, Karatu or the Serengeti.

LocationNgorongoro highlandsStay styleTented safari camp
Day 06

Farewell to the Wild – Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport

  • Activity: Cultural Experience & Fly-in Safari
  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, begin your final drive back through the highlands and plains of northern Tanzania. Pass through farming communities and Maasai territory before reaching Arusha. Continue directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your outbound flight. Your safari ends here, but the memories will last forever. The day is paced around your confirmed onward schedule, leaving enough time for final preparations and the planned transfer. Your guide will reconfirm the departure point, expected travel time and check-in requirements before setting out. Keep essential documents and valuables accessible during the journey, while the team assists with luggage and routing. The service concludes after you reach the agreed airport, ferry terminal or city drop-off for the next stage of your travels.

Plan your safari
Your Safari Package

Included & Excluded

Included

Included in the published itinerary

  • Domestic bush flight from Arusha to Northern Serengeti
  • Park and conservation fees for all areas visited
  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, inverter & fridge
  • Expert English-speaking driver-guide
  • All road transfers and guided game drives
  • 5 nights in luxury safari camps & lodges: River Camp – Northern Serengeti (2 nights) ,Serengeti Sametu – Central Serengeti (1 night) ,Lion’s Paw Camp – Ngorongoro (2 nights)
  • All meals on safari (B/L/D), including picnic lunches
  • Soft drinks, bottled water, tea & coffee throughout
  • Arrival transfer in Arusha and final drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Not included

Additional costs

  • International flights
  • Visas and travel insurance
  • Tips for guide and lodge staff
  • Optional balloon safari or cultural experiences
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless included at camp)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
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Before you go

Safari Questions,
Simply Answered

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6 days / 5 nights. The day-by-day itinerary shows where each overnight falls. Check arrival and departure flight times before arranging onward travel, and ask us if you would prefer a slower pace or an extra night.

From $5,470 per person. Ask for a quote for your dates and group size. The final quote depends on travel dates, group size, room choice and any flights or extras. Request a written breakdown of park fees, accommodation, meals, transfers and exclusions before you book.

Northern Serengeti – Untamed and home to thrilling river crossings (seasonal), Central Serengeti – Big cats, wide horizons, and year-round game viewing, Ngorongoro Crater – A natural sanctuary, home to the Big Five, Arusha Region – Gateway to the northern safari circuit

River Camp – Northern Serengeti, Serengeti Sametu Camp – Central Serengeti, Lion’s Paw Camp – Ngorongoro Crater, None – End of Tour. Exact properties and room types depend on availability. Ask us to confirm each stay, its location, meal plan and any proposed alternative in writing before paying a deposit.