5 Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari

5/5
Based on 2 Reviews

About this tour

This efficient 5-day safari offers a spectacular and time-smart journey through Tanzania’s legendary Northern Circuit, utilizing a domestic flight to maximize your time among wildlife. Designed for travelers seeking a premium wildlife experience without a long road journey, this itinerary delivers the iconic highlights of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater in a compact format. By flying directly into the heart of the Serengeti, you transition seamlessly from the airport to the wilderness, dedicating more of your holiday to game drives and less to transit.

The adventure immerses you in the vast, wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti, where the drama of the African savanna unfolds daily. Your journey culminates with a full-day exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most dense wildlife areas on earth. This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the essence of a Tanzanian safari with optimal efficiency and comfort, blending aerial views with ground-level thrills.

At Glance

Customization

This tour can be customized

Duration

5 Days

Minimum Age

3 years

Countries

Tanzania

Comfort Level

Mid-Range

Maximum Group Size

Any group size

Physical Level

Moderate

What to expect

  • Maximize your safari time with a scenic flight from Arusha directly into the Serengeti.
  • Enjoy two full days of immersive game viewing in the vast, iconic Serengeti National Park.
  • Descend into the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five.
  • Search for Africa’s highest density of predators on the floor of the Ngorongoro caldera.
  • Optional pre-dawn hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti plains.
  • Travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with an expert guide for all ground explorations.
  • Experience the scenic landscapes of the Karatu highlands.

Best time

  • All year round

Best for

  • Adventure Travellers
  • Cultural Experiences
  • Group Travellers

Getting There

  • This Tour starts in Arusha, Ends in Arusha
  • Your flight should arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Transportation

  • Game drive transport is by 4×4 Closed pop-up roof vehicle
  • Transfer between destinations is by 4×4 Closed pop-up roof vehicle
  • Airport transfer is by 4×4 Closed pop-up roof vehicle

Trip Itinerary

Day 1:

Arusha

Your Tanzanian adventure begins with a warm welcome upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Your Safari Under the Sky driver-guide will greet you and assist with the approximately one-hour transfer to your hotel in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to receive a brief tour overview either today or tomorrow morning. The remainder of the day is entirely at your leisure to relax, recover from your journey, and acclimate to your new surroundings. You can enjoy the hotel’s amenities, take a stroll, or simply rest, storing your energy for the exciting flight into the bush that awaits you tomorrow.

Main Activities

  • Rest & relaxation

Transport

  • 4x4 Closed pop-up roof vehicle

Meals

  • Dinner

Drinks

  • Mineral Water

Accommodation

Day 2: Serengeti

After breakfast, you will transfer to Arusha Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to the Serengeti. This scenic flight offers a unique aerial perspective of the changing landscapes below. Upon landing at Seronera Airstrip in the heart of the park, you will be met by your safari guide and vehicle. You will immediately begin a game drive en route to your camp, getting your first taste of the Serengeti’s incredible wildlife. After checking in and enjoying lunch, you will head out for a formal afternoon game drive in the central Seronera region, an area rich with wildlife thanks to its permanent rivers, returning to camp as the sun sets.

Main Activities

  • Game Drive

Transport

  • 4x4 Closed pop-up roof vehicle

Meals

  • Full Board

Accommodation

Day 3: Serengeti

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the boundless wonders of the Serengeti. An optional hot-air balloon safari at dawn offers a breathtaking, silent journey over the plains, culminating with a champagne breakfast in the bush. After a morning meal at camp, your guide will lead you on a full-day game drive, navigating diverse habitats from grassy plains to rocky kopjes in search of the Big Five, cheetahs, and hyenas. You’ll return to camp for lunch and a short rest before venturing out again in the afternoon. The day concludes with a spectacular sunset drive back to camp, followed by a relaxing evening around the fire.

Main Activities

  • Bird Watching, Game Drive, Photographing

Transport

  • 4x4 Closed pop-up roof vehicle

Meals

  • Full Board

Accommodation

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, you bid farewell to the Serengeti and travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. This natural amphitheater is renowned for its astonishing concentration of wildlife, including the rare black rhino, and boasts Africa’s highest density of predators. You will enjoy a full morning of game driving on the crater floor, with a picnic lunch by the hippo pool. After a final exploration in the afternoon, you ascend the crater rim and drive to your comfortable lodge in the Karatu highlands.

Transport

  • 4x4 Closed pop-up roof vehicle

Meals

  • Full Board

Drinks

Accommodation

Day 5: Arusha

After a leisurely final breakfast overlooking the highlands, you will begin your journey back to Arusha. This scenic drive is your last opportunity to soak in the Tanzanian landscape and perhaps spot some last glimpses of wildlife or local village life. Upon arrival in Arusha, you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant and have some time to relax and freshen up. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward departure flight, marking the end of your memorable and efficient 5-day flying safari.

Main Activities

  • Balloon Safari, Game Drive

Transport

  • 4x4 Closed pop-up roof vehicle

Meals

  • Full Board

Pricing

2026 Rates & Prices

Valid from January to December

PAX

Price per person sharing

2 People

US $2,274

3 People

US $2,002

4 People

US $1,824

Please note:

  • Prices are per person sharing (Ask a tour organizer for more price information)
  • Accommodations listed on this tours are subjected to availability, it may change depending on the time of booking
  • The price for this tour may also depends on government imposed charges. Please be in touch with the organizer of this tour at the moment of enquiring this tour.

Inclusions

Price Includes

  • A professional guide
  • All Accommodations
  • All meals
  • All transport
  • Park Fees

Price Excludes

  • Additional Accommodation after Safari
  • Additional excursions
  • Alcoholic Drinks
  • International Flight
  • Medical & Travel Insurance
  • Personal Item expense
  • Tips
  • Visa Fees

Payment Terms

Payments

  • Deposit: Typically 30% at time of booking (unless otherwise specified).
  • Balance: Due 60 days before departure.
  • If booking is made within 60 days of departure, full payment is due immediately.
  • Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit card (fees apply), or other agreed methods.
  • Reservations are not secured until the deposit is received.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by Client

Fees apply from the day written notice is received:

Days Before Departure Cancellation Fee
60+ days Loss of deposit
59-45 days 50% of total cost
44-30 days 75% of total cost
Less than 30 days 100% of total cost

Special notes:

  • No refunds for unused services (including no-shows or early departures).
  • Cancellation must be emailed.

Cancellation by Company

  1. We may cancel for safety, weather, operational issues, or force majeure.
  2. Client will be offered:
    • Alternative tour of similar value; or
    • Full refund of sums paid.
  3. We are not liable for additional costs clients incur (flights, visas, hotels) due to cancellation.

Other travel advice

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering:

  • Medical expenses;
  • Emergency evacuation;
  • Trip cancellation/interruption;
  • Personal effects.

Insurance is mandatory for certain activities (e.g., hot-air ballooning, mountain climbing).

Additional Information

  • Infants must sit in laps: Infants are required to sit on an adult's lap during the tour/activity.

Customer Reviews

5/5
  • Excellent
2 Reviews

Value for money5.0 / 5

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5/5 Based on 2 Reviews

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