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Tour overview
Join us on a 5-Day Midrange Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari, which is lodge-based and ideal for a family and friends’ getaway tailored for a seamless experience with wildlife in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. This safari combines three destinations: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. It offers the wonders of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) and other engaging activities suitable for families. This tour is optimized for small groups of 4-6 travelers, featuring shared 4x4 pop-up roof game drives, midrange lodge accommodations, and a certified English-speaking guide, seamlessly combining adventure, learning, and comfort. Highlights range from driving through the endless savannahs of the Serengeti teeming with wildebeests, exploring the Ngorongoro Crater with its exceptional wildlife, and visiting Tarangire to watch herds of elephants, making the trip memorable for children aged five and up and adults.
Located at an elevation of 1,500 meters (4,921 feet), Serengeti National Park is known for having great plains and acacia-dotted landscapes and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park is famous for hosting the Great Migration, in which over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras traverse the ecosystem, which can be viewed from July to October. Apart from the migration, the park also hosts innumerable lions, cheetahs, leopards, and over 500 bird species, including the vibrant lilac-breasted roller and the secretary bird. Ngorongoro Crater is 1,800 meters (5,906 feet) high, part of the 8,292 km² Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and is a volcanic caldera of 260 km². It is home to nearly 25,000 animals, such as critically endangered black rhinos, lions, hyenas, and flamingos found on Lake Magadi. Tarangire National Park covers 2,850 km² and is located at an elevation of 1,100-1,400 meters (3,609-4,593 feet). It is famous for having savannahs studded with baobab trees and seasonal herds of elephants, along with the only tree-climbing lions that are accompanied by giraffes, zebras, and birds such as the yellow-collared lovebird. Midrange lodges guarantee comfortable stays complemented with relaxing game drives.
This safari is best during the dry season (June-October) because it is easier to spot the Big Five and the Great Migration due to concentrated water sources. The safari is applicable all year round. January and February have lush greenery, fewer crowds, and plenty of newborn animals. From March to May, the green season occurs and offers vibrant landscapes and migratory birds, but some light rains may require waterproof gear. Daily schedules include 3-6 hours of game drives alongside relaxation and family storytelling, board games, and visits to a Maasai village near Ngorongoro, which helps foster a connection to Tanzania’s heritage. Sustainability is prioritized with TANAPA and NCAA regulations concerning waste management, vehicle and guide limits, and labor practices providing fair wages and proper gear to guides, drivers, and lodge staff. The visit supporting local Maasai artisans through crafts promotes ethical tourism, which is positive as well. Shared game drives add to midrange comforts, family engagement, and focus on this safari makes it an authentic, unforgettable adventure, fully immersing travelers in all that Tanzania has to offer.
Day to day itinerary
You will begin your 5-Day Midrange Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari with a 07:30 am pickup from your Arusha Hotel for a short 15-minute shared shuttle to meet the rest of your group, comprising 4-6 passengers. Shared 4x4 vehicles with pop-up roofs will be waiting to take you on a 2.5-hour drive (120 km) to Tarangire National Park, stopping briefly at 7:30 am for a quick snack of biscuits and fresh fruit. As the first group to reach Tarangire's park gates, you will be processed and ready to start your morning game drive from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. From the park entrance, located at 1,100m (3,609 feet), you will enjoy the sprawling savannas dotted with baobab trees and the Tarangire River, where you will find herds of elephants, giraffes, and tree-climbing lions. Your guide will share wildlife facts tailored for the whole family, captivating children with tales of animal antics. We will stop for picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint at 1:30 pm, during which you will be served sandwiches, various fruit, and juices for 45 minutes, allowing bonding time to deepen. An afternoon game drive will resume from 2:15 pm to 4:30 pm, during which we will look for ashy starling and zebra, buffalo, and chip into a hippo pool to get some photos, delighting kids with the animals’ antics.
Your first activity for the day will be at the lodge, a midrange one where you will be spending the night. You are required to depart from your current location by 5:00 PM so that you will not be late checking in. The lodge will be preparing grilled meats, vegetables, and fresh fruits for dinner, which will be served at 7:00 PM. Children will also have their activities, which include fun games and storytelling. After dinner, bedtime is at 9:00 PM for the children. We hope you all had fun on this day 3 safari trip.
Accommodation: Midrange lodge near Tarangire
Meals: Breakfast (packed), picnic lunch, dinner
Activities: Shared transfer to Tarangire, morning and afternoon game drives, hippo pool visit, picnic lunch, group dinner, lodge storytelling or games
Start the day at 6:30 AM with a hearty breakfast at the lodge featuring eggs, tea, and toast, which fuels the group for the trek towards Serengeti. By 7:30 AM, start the 4-hour drive (240 km) to Serengeti National Park. The route passes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where we will make a short stop at a viewpoint for photos and snack on nuts and fruits. You'll be greeted with a view of rolling landscapes while you stretch. You will arrive at Serengeti's Naabi Hill Gate at 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) by 11:30 AM. After completing formalities, depart on a game drive towards the central Seronera region from 12:00 PM to 2:15 PM. Spotting lions on the kopjes, cheetahs stalking prey, or even herds of wildebeest is possible during the drive. Guides provide ecological insights tailored for both kids and adults. You will then enjoy a picnic lunch at Seronera Viewpoint at 2:30 PM that includes sandwiches, fruits, and juices. Relax for 45 minutes while discussing your family's latest sightings. Continue your game drive between 3:15 PM and 5:00 PM to look for leopards sitting in acacia trees or a lilac-breasted roller. Along the way, make sure to stop at a granite kopje to take family photos capturing the vast savannah. You’ll reach the midrange lodge in central Serengeti by 5:30 PM. Enjoy a group dinner at 7:00 PM consisting of rice, vegetable stew, assorted fruits, and after dinner, stargazing during which your guide shares Maasai star lore, captivating children with enchanting tales of the stars. Head to your rooms by 9:00 PM and fall asleep excited for more adventures in the Serengeti.
Accommodation: Midrange lodge in central Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Activities: Shared transfer to Serengeti, en-route game drive, picnic lunch, afternoon game drive, kopje stop, group dinner, stargazing
Start exploring the heart of Serengeti National Park with a hearty group breakfast at the lodge prepared for you at 6:00 AM. Enjoy porridge, eggs, and tea. Your first meal will be served at 6:30 AM, and this will be accompanied by an early morning game drive running from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM. During this time, your guide will navigate the Seronera plains where you can spot famous lions hunting, elephants grazing, or, if you’re lucky, witness the migrating herds of wildebeest in July to October. To provide an enriching experience to children, guides make the journey interactive by teaching basic skills like animal track identification along the way. At 10:45 AM, you will stop at a riverbank for biscuits and fruit, where kids can spot hippos or crocodiles. This snack break will last until 11:30 AM, continuing until midday when you reach your picnic site for lunch, which consists of sandwiches, fruits, and juices. You will relax for an hour sharing stories about what you spotted as a group during the last stretch of driving.
Resume the game drive from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM, looking for the secretary bird, as well as cheetahs running across the open savannah and towering giraffes feeding on acacia trees. We will also stop at the waterhole to take family pictures with excited zebras and antelopes in the backdrop. Come back to the midrange lodge by 5:00 PM. At 7:00 PM, have a group dinner featuring ugali, grilled meats, and fruits. After dinner, engage in family board games or storytelling sessions that foster laughter and strengthen family bonds. By 9:00 PM, return to your rooms while being fully immersed in the wildlife spectacle the Serengeti has to offer.
Accommodation: Midrange lodge in central Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, riverbank stop, picnic lunch, waterhole stop, group dinner, lodge games or storytelling
Day 4 :
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Like any other day, 6:30 am starts with a morning group breakfast at the lodge, this time with eggs, toast, and tea to fuel the journey to Ngorongoro. Departing at 7:30 am for a 3-hour (145 km) drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoy a morning game drive from 7:30 am to 10:00 am over the southern plains of the Serengeti, where hyenas scavenge, zebras graze, and wildebeest linger. Guides enlighten participants about the Great Migration, explaining its impact on the region and captivating curious minds. Arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater’s rim at 1,800 meters (5,906 feet) around 10:30 am, from where you descend into the 260 km² caldera for a full-day game drive from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, looking for black rhinos, lion prides basking in the sun, and flamingos at Lake Magadi. Your guide comments on the crater’s unique ecosystem, fascinating kids and adults alike. Enjoy lunch at the hippo pool at 1:00 pm with sandwiches, assorted fruits, and juices while watching hippos splash for a highlight to the hour of relaxation, especially for the kids.
Continue driving and pause at a caldera viewpoint to take panoramic photos of the crater. By 4:30 PM, drive up to a midrange lodge on the crater’s rim. At 5:30 PM, join a guided tour to a nearby Maasai village, where you will learn about dances, beadwork, and pastoral life. Crafts, such as bracelets, are available for purchase, supporting local artisans, making it a meaningful experience for families. Dinner is served at a7:7:00 PM and includes rice, vegetable stew, and fresh fruits, reflecting on the day’s adventures. Retreat to your rooms by 9:00 PM, inspired by the wonders of Ngorongoro.
Accommodation: Midrange Ngorongoro lodge
Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
Activities: game drives, full-day Ngorongoro crater exploration, hippo pool lunch, Maasai village tour, group dinner
Day 5 :
Arusha – Ngorongoro
Group breakfast begins at 7 AM. The lodge serves pancakes, fresh fruits, and tea while highlighting the safari’s best memories. At 8:00 AM, the group departs for a 3-hour drive (180 kms) to Arusha, stopping briefly at a roadside market to support local vendors selling Maasai fabrics and beaded crafts, which is great for families. Arriving in Arusha at 11:00 AM, the group enjoys a farewell lunch at a local restaurant featuring ugali, grilled meats, and vegetables, reminiscing together for an hour over their favorite wildlife moments. Shared transfers to the hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport are available by 1 PM.
The safari comes to an end as guests leave with unforgettable memories of the Serengeti’s vast plains, the wildlife teem Ngorongoro caldera, as well as Tarangire’s herds of elephants.
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Activities: Shared transfer to Arusha, roadside market stops, farewell group lunch, shared transfer to hotel/airport
Includes and excludes
- Shared 4x4 game drives with pop-up roof vehicle (small group of 4-6 travelers)
- Midrange lodge accommodations
- All meals during the safari (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners)
- Park entrance and conservation fees for Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire
- Shared round-trip transfers from/to Arusha (hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Guided Maasai cultural visit near Ngorongoro
- Services of a certified English-speaking guide trained in wildlife ecology
- Purified drinking water and soft drinks during game drives
- Shared binoculars and field guides for wildlife and birdwatching
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Tanzanian visa fees
- Mandatory travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, gratuities for guide/driver)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Meals not specified (e.g., dinner on Day 5 in Arusha)
- Accommodation in Arusha (pre/post-trip lodging not included)
- Optional activities (e.g., hot-air balloon safari, guided nature walks)
- Personal toiletries and travel gear
Prices
| Dates | 2 People | 4 people | 6 people | 8 people | 10 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Season | $ 2,359 | $ 1,988 | $ 1,864 | $ 1,988 | $ 1,913 |
| Low season | $ 2,259 | $ 1,888 | $ 1,764 | $ 1,888 | $ 1,813 |
Price per person
FAQs about 5-Day Midrange Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari
1. What is included in the 5-Day Midrange Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari?
The package includes shared 4x4 game drives, midrange lodge accommodations, all meals (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners), park entrance fees for Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, shared transfers from/to Arusha, a guided Maasai cultural visit, a certified English-speaking guide, purified water, soft drinks, and shared binoculars. Exclusions cover international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, unspecified meals, accommodation in Arusha, optional activities, and personal gear.
2. Is this safari suitable for families with young children or first-time safari travelers?
Yes, this safari is ideal for families with children aged 5+ and first-time safari-goers, featuring safe, guided game drives, comfortable midrange lodges, and family-friendly activities like storytelling and board games, ensuring an engaging and accessible introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife for all ages.
3. What is the best time to book this safari for optimal wildlife viewing?
The dry season (June-October) is optimal for wildlife viewing, with clear skies, concentrated animals, and the Great Migration in Serengeti, ideal for spotting the Big Five. January-February offers lush greenery, newborn animals, and fewer crowds, while March-May, the green season, features vibrant landscapes but requires preparation for occasional light rains.
4. What are the accommodations like on this midrange safari?
Accommodations consist of midrange lodges located near Tarangire, in central Serengeti, and on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, providing comfortable stays with en-suite rooms suitable for families.
5. How does this safari ensure sustainable and ethical tourism practices?
The Maasai cultural visit supports local artisans through craft purchases and is conducted respectfully. Safari operations adhere to TANAPA and NCAA regulations for waste management, vehicle limits, and environmental preservation, while guides, drivers, and lodge staff receive fair wages and proper gear, ensuring ethical tourism practices.
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Reviews
My safari with Visit to Tanzania Destination was absolutely unforgettable! The team organized a seamless 5-day adventure through Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Our guide, Juma, was incredibly knowledgeable, spotting wildlife I’d never have seen on my own. The lodges were comfortable, and the food was fantastic. I’m already planning my next trip to climb Kilimanjaro with them! Highly recommend for anyone wanting an authentic Tanzanian experience.
Zanzibar was a dream come true thanks to Visit to Tanzania Destination! The beaches in Stone Town were stunning, and the spice tour they arranged was a highlight – so much history and flavor! Everything was perfectly planned, from transfers to the resort to snorkeling trips. The staff was friendly and attentive, making us feel so welcome. I’ll be telling all my friends to book with them!
Climbing Kilimanjaro was the adventure of a lifetime, and Visit to Tanzania Destination made it happen flawlessly. The guides were professional. & equipment was top-notch, and the porters were amazing—true heroes! The itinerary was well-paced, and summiting at sunrise was magical. This company knows how to deliver an epic experience. Thank you!
Our family booked a combined safari and Zanzibar trip with Visit to Tanzania Destination, and it was perfection. The kids loved seeing elephants and lions up close, and our guide’s storytelling kept them engaged. Zanzibar’s clear waters and relaxing vibe were the perfect way to unwind after the safari. The team handled every detail, making it stress-free. We’re so grateful for this incredible journey!
