5-Day Tarangire, Ndutu, Central Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Lodges Safari

📌 Package Overview

Embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure with our comprehensive 5-Day Tarangire, Ndutu, Central Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari, curated by African Traces. Designed for wildlife enthusiasts seeking maximum exposure to Northern Tanzania’s natural wonders, this itinerary captures every major highlight of the wild circuit.

Your expedition begins in Tarangire National Park, famed for its massive baobab trees and sprawling elephant families along the riverbanks. Next, journey south to spend 2 full days in the Ndutu Area (Southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area) to witness the thrill of the Great Wildebeest Migration calving season, featuring intense predator action.

Continue north for 1 day in Central Serengeti (Seronera), exploring endless plains, granite kopjes, and thriving resident big cats. Conclude your adventure descending 600 meters into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater for 1 day of dense game viewing and a chance to complete your Big Five checklist before returning to Arusha.

Travel in comfort inside a private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with custom pop-up roofs, guided by an expert driver-guide, and unwind each night in quality safari lodges and tented camps.

Safari Highlights

● Tarangire Giants & Baobabs: Marvel at huge elephant herds and ancient baobab trees along the Tarangire River circuit.
● 2 Days in Ndutu Area: Off-road game drives through short-grass plains during the wildebeest calving season.
● High Predator Action: Watch big cats (lions, leopards, cheetahs) and hyenas in pursuit of newborn calves.
● 1 Day in Central Serengeti (Seronera): Traverse iconic rock kopjes and riverine channels rich in big cats.
● 1 Day in Ngorongoro Crater: Game drive across the UNESCO World Heritage floor, home to endangered black rhinos.
● Private 4×4 Land Cruiser: Outfitted with pop-up roofs for optimal 360-degree photography.
● Expert Local Guidance: Gain deep wildlife insights from professional English-speaking safari driver-guides.
● Comfortable Lodges & Camps: Rest at handpicked accommodations offering full-board hospitality.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Transfer to Arusha

• Activities: Airport Meet & Greet • Hotel Transfer • Safari Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly met by an African Traces representative.
Transfer safely to your hotel in Arusha for rest and relaxation after your flight. In the evening, meet your expert driver-guide for a comprehensive safari briefing to review your route, game viewing expectations, and packing recommendations.
• Meals: Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha

Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park Safari

• Driving Time: Approximately 2–3 Hours
• Activities: Scenic Drive • Full Day Tarangire Game Drive
After an early breakfast, depart Arusha and drive south to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its massive baobab trees and largest concentration of elephant herds in Tanzania.
Spend the day exploring game tracks around the Tarangire River, a vital water source attracting giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, elands, and gazelles. Keep an eye out for tree-climbing lions and elusive leopards resting in acacia branches. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch inside the park before completing afternoon game drives.
In the evening, drive to your lodge or luxury tented camp near Tarangire or Karatu for dinner and overnight rest.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Tented Camp in Tarangire / Karatu

Day 2: Karatu – Ndutu Area (Southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Area)

• Driving Time: Approximately 3–4 Hours
• Activities: Crater Highlands Transit • Afternoon Ndutu Calving Safari
Depart Karatu after breakfast, travelling through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands into the Ndutu Area, situated between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Southern Serengeti.
Arrive as millions of wildebeests and zebras gather across the short-grass plains for the Great Migration Calving Season. Embark on an afternoon game drive off the main tracks to witness newborn calves taking their first steps and observe opportunistic predators—including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas—hunting on open terrain.
Return to your lodge or tented camp in Ndutu for a hot dinner under the stars.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Tented Camp in Ndutu

Day 3: Full-Day Ndutu Area Safari (Calving Herds & Predator Tracking)

• Activities: Dawn Game Drive • Lakes Ndutu & Masek Exploration • Off-Road Predator Tracking
Dedicate a full day to exploring the rich, dynamic ecosystems of the Ndutu Area, including Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek.
Set off at early light when big cats are most active. Track cheetahs hunting on flat plains, prides of lions resting in marshes, and large herds protecting their vulnerable calves. Enjoy a shaded picnic lunch under an acacia tree surrounded by wildlife before continuing afternoon game drives around alkaline lake shores filled with birdlife.
Head back to your Ndutu camp or lodge in the late afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and campfire stories.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Tented Camp in Ndutu

Day 4: Ndutu Area – Central Serengeti National Park (Seronera)

• Driving Time: Approximately 2–3 Hours (game drive en route)
• Activities: Morning Ndutu Game Drive • Seronera River Circuit • Big Cat Tracking
Enjoy a final morning game drive in Ndutu before journeying north into the heart of Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley).
Central Serengeti is world-famous for its high concentration of resident wildlife, riverine forests, and dramatic granite rock outcrops (kopjes). Spend the afternoon tracking leopards draping over sausage trees, cheetahs patrolling open plains, and lions sunbathing on Simba Kopjes. Enjoy endless views of classic African savannah.
Check in at your Central Serengeti lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight stay.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Tented Camp in Central Serengeti

Day 5: Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Return to Arusha / JRO

• Driving Time: Approximately 6 Hours total transit
• Activities: Crater Floor Descent Game Drive • Big Five Viewing • Transfer to Arusha / JRO
Depart early morning from Central Serengeti and drive toward the Ngorongoro Crater. Descend 600 meters into this ancient volcanic caldera for an extraordinary 5 to 6-hour game drive.
The crater floor shelters over 25,000 large mammals. Spot black rhinos, hippos wallowing in Lake Magadi, flamingo flocks, giant bull elephants, hyenas, and crater lion prides. Enjoy a picnic lunch near Hippo Pool before ascending the crater rim.
Drive back through the crater highlands to Arusha or receive a direct transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight.
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Short Summary

Day 0: Arrival at Kilimanjaro (JRO) – Transfer to Arusha

Airport greeting, hotel transfer in Arusha, tour briefing, and dinner. (Overnight: Arusha)

Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Drive to Tarangire, full day game drive among elephant herds and baobabs, picnic lunch. (Overnight: Tarangire/Karatu)

Day 2: Karatu – Ndutu Area (Southern Serengeti)

Transit through Ngorongoro highlands to Ndutu, afternoon game drive witnessing calving migration herds and big cats. (Overnight: Ndutu)

Day 3: Full-Day Ndutu Area Safari

Full day exploring Ndutu plains and lakes, off-road tracking of calving herds and predator interactions. (Overnight: Ndutu)

Day 4: Ndutu Area – Central Serengeti (Seronera)

Morning safari in Ndutu, transit north into Central Serengeti, afternoon game drive around Seronera river and rock kopjes. (Overnight: Central Serengeti)

Day 5: Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Transfer to Arusha / JRO

Early departure to Ngorongoro, descend into crater for game drive (Big Five & rhinos), picnic lunch, transfer back to Arusha or JRO Airport.

📋 Safari Inclusions & Exclusions

Package Includes

All national park fees, Ndutu off-road permits, and Ngorongoro Crater service fees
Professional English-speaking safari driver/guide
Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for panoramic viewing
Quality lodge & tented camp accommodations (2 nights Ndutu, 1 night Central Serengeti, 1 night Tarangire/Karatu)
Full board meals during safari (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Unlimited bottled drinking water inside the safari vehicle
Complimentary Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) transfers
All applicable government taxes, VAT, and transit fees