The itinerary is suitable for first-time visitors, couples, families, honeymooners, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts who want more time in Serengeti than is available on shorter Tanzania safari itineraries.
You will travel in a customized four-wheel-drive safari vehicle with a professional guide. The vehicle normally includes a photography roof, comfortable seats, charging facilities, seat belts, drinking water, and space for luggage.
The itinerary may be adjusted according to weather, road conditions, lodge availability, wildlife reports, park regulations, and seasonal Great Migration movements.
Six-Day Safari Route
Safari Highlights
Tarangire Elephant Safari
Discover a park known for large elephant populations, ancient baobab trees, the Tarangire River, predators, antelopes, and abundant birdlife.
Multiple Serengeti Game Drives
Explore open plains, rocky kopjes, woodland, river areas, and productive predator territories during several Serengeti game drives.
Big Five Wildlife
Search for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and black rhinos, although sightings of every species cannot be guaranteed.
Seasonal Great Migration
Depending on travel dates and current herd locations, you may encounter migrating wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.
Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into the crater for concentrated wildlife viewing across grassland, forest, swamp, lake, and spring habitats.
Professional Safari Guide
Travel with a knowledgeable guide familiar with wildlife behavior, park routes, safety procedures, and seasonal animal movements.
Detailed 6 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Your safari begins in Arusha, where your professional guide will meet you at your hotel, residence, airport, or another agreed pickup location. After a short briefing, begin the journey to Tarangire National Park.
Tarangire contains ancient baobab trees, open grasslands, acacia woodland, seasonal wetlands, and the Tarangire River. During dry periods, the river attracts large numbers of wildlife.
Search for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, waterbuck, warthogs, baboons, lions, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, and birds.
Enjoy lunch inside the park and continue with an afternoon game drive. Later, travel to your lodge or tented camp in the Tarangire, Lake Manyara, or Karatu area.
Arusha – Tarangire National Park – Lodge or CampTarangire or Karatu to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, depart toward Serengeti National Park. The journey normally passes through the fertile highlands near Karatu and enters the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Enjoy views of farmland, mountain forest, volcanic landscapes, Maasai communities, open grasslands, and the expansive wilderness between Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
After entering Serengeti National Park, begin a game drive toward your accommodation. Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, hyenas, hippos, and birds.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp during the late afternoon or early evening for dinner and your first overnight stay in or near Serengeti National Park.
Karatu – Ngorongoro Conservation Area – SerengetiFull-Day Central Serengeti Game Drive
Wake early and enjoy breakfast before departing for a full-day game drive in Central Serengeti. This region is famous for year-round wildlife viewing and resident predator populations.
Explore open plains, rocky kopjes, seasonal streams, woodland, and riverine habitats. Lions may be found near kopjes or grasslands, while leopards are sometimes seen resting in riverine trees.
Cheetahs may scan the plains for gazelles. Other wildlife may include elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, wildebeest, zebras, topi, hartebeest, impalas, spotted hyenas, and jackals.
Enjoy lunch during the game drive and continue exploring during the afternoon. Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.
Full-Day Central Serengeti Wildlife SafariSerengeti Wildlife and Great Migration Safari
Begin another full day of game viewing in Serengeti National Park. Having more than one full day allows your guide to explore different habitats and respond to recent wildlife reports.
Depending on your travel season, the day may focus on resident wildlife or sections of the Great Migration. Wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move through the ecosystem according to rainfall, fresh grass, and water availability.
Search for lions, cheetahs, leopards, spotted hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and numerous bird species.
Enjoy a packed lunch at an authorized picnic area and continue with the afternoon game drive before returning to your accommodation.
Full-Day Serengeti Migration or Resident Wildlife SafariSerengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy breakfast and begin your final morning game drive in Serengeti National Park. Morning hours can provide excellent opportunities to observe active predators and herbivores.
Your guide may revisit productive wildlife areas or explore a different route toward the Serengeti exit. Search for species that were not seen during the previous game drives.
After lunch, continue toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The landscape gradually changes from open plains to volcanic highlands and mountain scenery.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp near the crater rim, within the conservation area, or around Karatu. Carry warm clothing because highland temperatures may be cold.
Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro HighlandsNgorongoro Crater Game Drive and Return to Arusha
After an early breakfast, drive toward the Ngorongoro Crater descent road. Complete the required park procedures and descend approximately 600 metres to the crater floor.
The crater contains grasslands, forest, swamps, springs, streams, and a seasonal soda lake. These habitats support a high concentration of resident wildlife.
Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, wildebeest, zebras, spotted hyenas, hippos, warthogs, gazelles, jackals, flamingos, storks, eagles, and other wildlife.
Black rhinos may occasionally be seen, although sightings are uncommon and cannot be guaranteed. Enjoy lunch inside the crater and continue the game drive before ascending.
Begin the journey back to Arusha and arrive during the late afternoon or evening. Transfer to your hotel, residence, airport, or another agreed location.
Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu – ArushaWhat to Expect on This Safari
This itinerary includes early departures, long drives, uneven roads, dust, changing temperatures, and several hours inside the safari vehicle. Driving times can change according to weather, wildlife sightings, traffic, and road conditions.
- Private four-wheel-drive safari transportation
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Several Serengeti wildlife game drives
- Opportunities to search for the Big Five
- Possible seasonal Great Migration encounters
- Ngorongoro Crater game drive
- Lodge or tented-camp accommodation
- Meals and drinking water according to the package
- Park fees according to the confirmed quotation
Main Safari Destinations
Known for elephants, baobab trees, the Tarangire River, seasonal wetlands, predators, antelopes, and diverse birdlife.
Famous for open plains, rocky kopjes, large predators, resident herbivores, and the seasonal Great Migration.
A volcanic crater containing grassland, forest, wetlands, springs, a seasonal lake, and concentrated wildlife.
Safari Includes
- Pickup and drop-off in Arusha
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Private four-wheel-drive safari vehicle
- Game drives according to the itinerary
- Park entrance and conservation fees
- Ngorongoro Crater service fee
- Accommodation according to the package
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water during the safari
- Government taxes in the quotation
Safari Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa charges
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Activities not listed as included
- Serengeti balloon safari unless confirmed
- Guide and lodge staff gratuities
- Laundry and personal purchases
- Emergency evacuation and treatment
- Items not listed in the package
Safari Accommodation
This safari can use budget lodges, mid-range tented camps, luxury lodges, or premium safari camps. Accommodation selection affects the total price, comfort level, location, room facilities, and driving time between wildlife areas.
Budget Safari
Simple lodges or camps offering essential facilities, meals, private rooms or tents, and practical access to the safari route.
Mid-Range Safari
Comfortable lodges or tented camps with private bathrooms, proper beds, dining facilities, and attractive locations.
Luxury Safari
Premium lodges or camps offering spacious accommodation, personalized service, refined dining, and selected wilderness locations.
Best Time for the Safari
| Travel Period | Conditions | Possible Experience |
|---|---|---|
| January to March | Warm weather, green scenery, and possible rain. | Southern Serengeti may host migration herds, calves, and predator activity. |
| April to May | Main rainy season and fewer visitors. | Green landscapes, although some roads may become difficult to access. |
| June to July | Drier weather and cooler mornings. | Migration herds may move through western, central, or northern Serengeti. |
| August to October | Dry conditions and popular safari months. | Excellent resident wildlife viewing and possible northern migration activity. |
| November to December | Short rains and fresh vegetation. | Herds may move toward eastern and southern Serengeti. |
Wildlife You May See
Predators
- Lions
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Spotted hyenas
- Jackals
- Servals
Large Wildlife
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Giraffes
- Wildebeest
- Zebras
- Hippos
- Black rhinos
Antelopes and Birds
- Impalas
- Gazelles
- Topi and hartebeest
- Waterbuck and eland
- Ostriches
- Eagles and vultures
- Many other bird species
Optional Activities
Serengeti Balloon Safari
A sunrise hot-air balloon safari may be added in selected Serengeti regions. Advance booking is required and the activity is subject to weather and availability.
Maasai Cultural Visit
A cultural visit may be arranged along the route. Additional entrance or community fees may apply depending on the confirmed program.
What to Pack
Clothing
- Neutral-colored lightweight clothing
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Rain jacket during wet months
Safari Essentials
- Camera and memory cards
- Binoculars
- Power bank and charging cables
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Soft-sided travel bag
Frequently Asked Questions
Is six days enough for Serengeti and Ngorongoro?
Yes. Six days provide enough time to visit Tarangire, spend several days in Serengeti, and complete a game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater.
How many nights are spent in Serengeti?
This itinerary normally includes three nights in or near Serengeti National Park, depending on the selected route and accommodation.
Can I see the Great Migration?
It may be possible depending on your travel dates, rainfall, and current herd locations. Migration sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Is this a private safari?
The safari can be arranged as a private tour or a scheduled shared departure. The transport arrangement should be stated in the final quotation.
Can the safari start from Zanzibar?
Yes. Domestic flights can connect Zanzibar with Arusha, Kilimanjaro, or selected Serengeti airstrips. Additional flight and transfer charges may apply.
Can the safari start from Kilimanjaro Airport?
Yes. Pickup can be arranged from Kilimanjaro International Airport. An overnight stay in Arusha may be required depending on the arrival time.
What type of vehicle is used?
Safaris normally use a customized four-wheel-drive vehicle with a viewing roof, comfortable seats, seat belts, charging facilities, and luggage space.
Are meals included?
Meals are generally included according to the confirmed itinerary. The final quotation should show the meal plan for each day.
Can vegetarian or vegan meals be provided?
Yes. Dietary requirements should be submitted before the safari so that lodges and camps can prepare suitable meals.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Some lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi, but connection speed and availability may be limited in remote wildlife areas.
Can children join the safari?
Yes. The itinerary can be customized for families, although parents should consider long drives, early departures, and the age of each child.
Is a balloon safari included?
A Serengeti balloon safari is normally optional unless it is specifically included in the confirmed quotation.
Can the accommodation be upgraded?
Yes. Budget, mid-range, luxury, and premium accommodation may be selected according to availability and budget.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes. The accommodation, park order, travel dates, pickup location, optional activities, and migration region can be customized.
Book Your 6 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari
Explore Tarangire's elephant landscapes, spend several days searching for wildlife across the Serengeti plains, and descend into the extraordinary Ngorongoro Crater.
For an accurate quotation, provide your travel dates, number of adults and children, accommodation category, private or shared safari preference, dietary requirements, and pickup location.
Request This Safari