five days last minute safari

Safari summary

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day safari adventure that takes you from the white sand beaches of Zanzibar to the heart of Tanzania's most iconic wildlife sanctuaries. This meticulously curated journey begins with a scenic morning flight from Zanzibar to Arusha, the bustling gateway to the northern safari circuit. Upon arrival, your expert guide welcomes you and whisks you away toward Tarangire National Park, a gem often overlooked yet teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. This park is especially famous for its massive elephant herds and majestic baobab trees that punctuate the savannah like ancient sentinels. The park’s landscape is a striking mosaic of acacia woodland, seasonal marshes, and the life-giving Tarangire River, which becomes a vital source of water during the dry season, attracting wildlife in impressive numbers. Your afternoon game drive offers close encounters with lions stalking their prey in the tall grass, elegant giraffes nibbling on tree canopies, playful zebras, and over 550 species of birds, making it a paradise for avian enthusiasts. As the sun sets, you’ll retire to a cozy safari lodge on the outskirts of the park, where a hearty dinner and serene surroundings await you.

Day two brings an exhilarating transition as you journey from Tarangire through the storied Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to the legendary Serengeti National Park. The drive itself is a scenic wonder, winding through highland forests, expansive plains, and the occasional sighting of local Maasai communities herding their cattle, living harmoniously within the ecosystem. An optional cultural stop at a traditional Maasai village offers a unique chance to learn about their customs, songs, dances, and striking attire, enriching your understanding of this ancient culture. As you enter the Serengeti, you’re greeted by a seemingly endless sea of grassland teeming with wildlife. The Seronera region, your destination for the afternoon game drive, is particularly abundant in predators due to its year-round water sources. Expect thrilling moments as you track prides of lions lounging under acacia trees, elusive leopards draped across branches, and herds of buffalo and elephants traversing the plains. Depending on the season, you might also witness the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration—one of nature's most spectacular shows, involving over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles. As night falls, settle into a luxurious tented camp that allows you to experience the raw beauty of the Serengeti in style, complete with a campfire, starlit skies, and the sounds of the wild in the distance.

Day three is fully dedicated to immersing yourself in the magic of the Serengeti. With both early morning and evening game drives planned, you have the best chances of witnessing predators on the hunt, massive herds on the move, and the quiet majesty of the African wilderness. The central Serengeti is rich in biodiversity, offering incredible sightings of hyenas, jackals, hippos, crocodiles, and an astonishing variety of birdlife. Your experienced guide will take you off the beaten track, following fresh tracks or distant calls to lead you to unforgettable wildlife moments. Between game drives, return to your camp for hearty meals and relaxation, soaking in the solitude and natural beauty that defines the Serengeti experience. This unhurried pace allows you to absorb the rhythm of the bush and connect deeply with the landscape.
On the fourth day, you leave the open plains of the Serengeti behind and travel eastward to the Ngorongoro Crater, a geological marvel and one of Africa’s most biodiverse wildlife sanctuaries. En route, you’ll pass through Maasai lands and verdant highlands, reaching the rim of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. After descending 600 meters into the crater, prepare to be amazed by the dense concentration of wildlife within its 260 square kilometer floor. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often referred to as a natural zoo due to its self-contained ecosystem. Here, you have an excellent chance of spotting the endangered black rhino, massive elephants, large prides of lions, and an abundance of grazers like wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles, and buffaloes. The alkaline Lake Magadi, located at the crater’s center, attracts countless flamingos and offers great photographic opportunities. A picnic lunch within the crater lets you dine amidst wildlife, an experience unlike any other. By afternoon, you’ll ascend back to the crater rim and head to your charming lodge perched high above the caldera, where the panoramic views are simply breathtaking and perfect for unwinding.
Your final day begins with a morning game drive in Ngorongoro, offering one last opportunity to witness the beauty of Tanzania’s wildlife in their natural habitat. After a hearty breakfast, begin your journey back to Arusha, reflecting on the unforgettable sights and experiences of the past few days.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Lake Manyara Ngorongoro Crater Tarangire

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Sightseeing | shopping | markets
• Wildlife sanctuaries

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• Alcoholic beverages
• All drinks
• Internal flights
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• Hot air balloons
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas