5 Day Safari in Tanzania
Five days is the sweet spot for a first Tanzania safari. It is enough time to see Tarangire's elephants, spend two nights in the Serengeti and finish at the Ngorongoro Crater without spending every day in the car.
Five days is the sweet spot for a first Tanzania safari. It is enough time to see Tarangire's elephants, spend two nights in the Serengeti and finish at the Ngorongoro Crater without spending every day in the car.
Our 5 day safari packages start from USD 1,250 per person. They include budget camping, midrange lodges, luxury camps and Great Migration options, all with a private guide.
A classic 5 day Tanzania safari itinerary
Most 5 day safaris follow this pattern: Arusha to Tarangire on day one, a transfer through the Ngorongoro highlands to the Serengeti on day two, a full day in the Serengeti on day three, a morning game drive and a transfer to the crater rim on day four, and a descent into the crater and a return to Arusha on day five.
A fly-in alternative replaces day two's road transfer with a flight, giving you extra time in the Serengeti. It costs more, but it adds a full game drive day.
Choosing the right 5 day safari
Midrange safari
Comfortable lodges and tented camps, with private transport and park fees included. This is the choice for most travellers.
Migration safari
The same route, timed and positioned to meet the herds. From July to October we stay in the northern Serengeti for the Mara River crossings. From January to March we use Ndutu for the calving season.
Luxury safari
The best camps in the best areas, often with a fly-in leg and a hot air balloon option.
Joining or camping safari
Shares the cost of the vehicle and uses public campsites, for a lower price.
Best time for a 5 day safari
There is no bad month, but the best months are June to October for wildlife density and January to February for calving. March to May has fewer visitors and lower prices, and the landscape is green. Our best time guide has a month by month breakdown.
Sample 5 day itineraries
Classic: Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
The route most travellers choose, with one night near Tarangire, two in the Serengeti and one near the crater.
Migration: the north from July to October
A fly-in to the northern Serengeti with three nights near the Mara River, positioning for a crossing, and a flight back or a drive via the crater.
Calving: Ndutu from January to March
Two nights at Ndutu, one in the central Serengeti and one at the crater rim, timed for newborn calves and predator action.
Wildlife and culture
Tarangire, Lake Eyasi with the Hadzabe, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, for a mix of game drives and people.
How much do you see in 5 days?
You will see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hippos and probably leopards or cheetahs, and in the Serengeti and the crater the sheer numbers of animals. You will not see everything, because wildlife is never guaranteed, but five days gives you several game drives in each habitat, and an experienced guide improves your chances considerably.
Costs and how to save
The cost of a five day safari is driven by the Serengeti nights. To save, choose lodges outside the park for one of the nights, travel in the shoulder season or choose a joining safari. To spend wisely, upgrade the camp in the Serengeti rather than the other nights.
5 day Tanzania safari packages
Prices are per person for two travellers sharing a private vehicle unless the package says joining safari.
- 5 Day Shared Group Camping Safari (5 Days, from USD 1,250 per person) Five days on the Northern Circuit with public-campsite nights: Tarangire, two nights in the Serengeti, a crater-rim night at Simba, then Ngorongoro Crater befor
- 5 Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Classic Mid Range Safari (5 Days / 4 Nights, from USD 1,950 per person) A private 5 day mid range safari to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, with a chance to witness the Great Migration in season.
- 5 Day Luxury Wildebeest Migration Safari (Serengeti Focus) (5 Days / 4 Nights, from USD 4,500 per person) A 5 Day luxury migration safari from Kilimanjaro Airport: Tarangire, three Serengeti nights, and Ngorongoro Crater, USD 4,500 per person.
- 5 Day Migration Safari (5 Days / 4 Nights, from USD 2,000 per person) A 5 Day midrange Great Migration safari: Tarangire, Central and Northern Serengeti river crossings, and Ngorongoro Crater, USD 2,000 per person.
- 5 Day Mid-Range Safari: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater 2026–2027 (5 Days / 4 Nights, from USD 2,050 per person) A 5 Day midrange safari through Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, from USD 2,050 per person.
- 5 Day Fly In Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari from Arusha (5 Days / 4 Nights, from USD 2,500 per person) Fly from Arusha straight into the heart of the Great Wildebeest Migration in Northern Serengeti to witness Mara River crossings without long hours on the road,
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 5 day safari in Tanzania cost?
Prices start from USD 1,250 per person. A private midrange 5 day safari usually costs about USD 2,000 to USD 2,500 per person for two sharing.
Is 5 days enough to see the Great Migration?
It is enough if you travel to the right area for the month. In July to October that is the northern Serengeti, and in January to March it is Ndutu.
Should I choose a fly-in or road safari?
The road is lower cost and lets you see the landscape, but it takes a full day each way. A fly-in gives you more time in the park.
What should I pack?
Light neutral clothes, a warm layer for early mornings, a hat, sunscreen and a good camera. See our packing list.
What is the difference between a 5 day and a 7 day safari?
Seven days adds a night in the Serengeti, Lake Manyara and more relaxed driving. Five days is faster but covers the main highlights.