Itinerary #1: Tanzania Safari Highlights: Ngorongoro & Serengeti
This classic safari adventure is an excellent introduction to Tanzania's wildlife-filled savanna landscapes and features four game drives and two memorable luxury accommodations. While based within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, visit a Maasai village and seek out the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. Then, hop over to Serengeti National Park for an incredible sunrise hot-air balloon ride and three additional game drives.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Ngorongoro, Olduvai Gorge & Maasai Culture Tour | Ngorongoro |
| Day 2 | Full-Day Ngorongoro Safari | Ngorongoro |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Serengeti National Park, Afternoon Game Drive | Serengeti National Park |
| Day 4 | Dawn Balloon Safari, Afternoon Game Drive | Serengeti National Park |
| Day 5 | Early Morning Game Drive, Depart Serengeti National Park |
Your journey into the Tanzanian wild kicks off with your arrival at the secluded Escarpment Luxury Lodge Manyara, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Take a moment to pause and refresh, as soon, you'll be welcomed into a traditional Maasai village to experience their way of life. The next morning, shift your attention to the remarkable animals that call this Great Rift Valley home. Throughout a full-day excursion, you'll have a chance to spot elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and more from the safety of a 4WD vehicle.
The next leg of your journey brings you farther north to Serengeti National Park, and your home here is the luxury Kati Kati Tented Camp. As it's only a two-hour drive, you'll have plenty of time to hop aboard a 4WD vehicle and seek out the Big Five animals before calling it a night. Early the next morning, your adventure continues, but this time you'll take to the sky for a remarkable hot-air balloon ride. Then, spend the evening and the following morning out on game drives, as afterward, your trip wraps up with a transfer to Serengeti's airstrip. Learn more
Itinerary #2: Off-the-Beaten-Path Tanzania Safari: Morogoro, Iringa & Ruaha
Experience the untamed beauty of the Udzungwa Mountains and Ruaha National Parks on this off-the-beaten-path safari. Remote yet comfortable lodges and 4WD game drives make this trip perfect for those eager to escape the crowds and witness the Big Five and other remarkable animals in their long-undisturbed natural habitats. In addition, scenic hikes and a visit to the intriguing Isimila Stone Age Site round off the itinerary.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Morogoro, Half-Day Hike in the Udzungwa Mountains | Morogoro |
| Day 2 | Morning Primate Safari, Transfer to Iringa | Iringa |
| Day 3 | Iringa Culture Tour, Transfer to Ruaha National Park | Ruaha National Park |
| Day 4 | Morning & Afternoon Game Drives | Ruaha National Park |
| Day 5 | Morning Game Drive, Transfer to Dar es Salaam, Depart |
Upon arriving in Tanzania's lesser-visited Morogoro region, head straight to Camp Bastian Mikumi to drop your bags. This family-run lodge sits just adjacent to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, which you'll soon be exploring alongside a guide. Wake early for another adventure within the park, but this time to observe colobus monkeys and mangabeys. Afterward, a four-hour transfer brings you to Iringa, where you'll check into the Mount Royal Villa Hotel and spend the evening lazing by the pool.
Wake refreshed and ready for an insightful morning at the Iringa Boma Regional Museum and Cultural Centre, followed by a walk around the Isimila Stone Age Site. Then, settle in for a transfer to Ruaha National Park, where you'll check into the Ruaha River Lodge for a two-night stay. After a relaxing first evening watching animals from your accommodation, you'll dedicate a full day to 4WD game drives in search of lions, elephants, zebras, and more. Lastly, squeeze in a bird-watching excursion before catching your onward flight to Dar es Salaam. Learn more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Itinerary #3: Southern Tanzania Safari: Mikumi & Nyerere National Parks
Spot lions, elephants, hippos, crocs, and many more fascinating animals on this short but immersive southern Tanzania safari. Perfect for those eager to spend as much time as possible admiring wildlife, you'll squeeze in four game drives, one river boat safari, and take to the air to witness your vast surroundings from a hot-air balloon ride. Additionally, the trip's start and finish in the bustling hub of Dar es Salaam makes it a convenient addition to any African adventure.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Mikumi National Park, Afternoon Game Drive | Mikumi National Park |
| Day 2 | Morning Game Drive, Transfer to Nyerere National Park | Nyerere National Park |
| Day 3 | Dawn & Afternoon Game Drives in Nyerere National Park | Nyerere National Park |
| Day 4 | Full-Day Rufiji River Boat Safari | Nyerere National Park |
| Day 5 | Morning Balloon Safari, Transfer to Dar es Salaam, Depart |
From the southern hub of Dar es Salaam, your adventure begins with a private transfer through the wildlife-filled savanna to Mikumi National Park. Upon arrival, drop your bags at Camp Bastian Mikumi, then hop into an open-topped safari vehicle for a thrilling ride in search of exotic birds. Another game drive is on your agenda the following morning, this time to witness rhinos, elephants, and more Big Five animals. Afterward, continue to Nyerere National Park and spend the evening taking in your beautiful surroundings at Selous River Camp.
Wake early on Day 3 for a thrilling game drive in search of giraffes who are most active at this time of the day. Then, pause for lunch before heading back out for another drive, this time in search of big cats who are more lethargic in the late afternoon. While based within Nyerere National Park, you'll also seek out river-dwelling wildlife, like hippos and crocodiles, during a full-day river safari. Afterward, rest up, as the last day of your adventure begins with a thrilling hot-air balloon ride and concludes with a transfer back to Dar es Salaam. Learn more
More Great 5-Day Tanzania Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Tanzania? Check out these other five-day Tanzania itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.
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