5 Day Tanzania Safari Adventure (Local Expert)

Have you ever dreamed of waking up to the symphony of the wild, surrounded by the beauty of Africa? Get ready for a tale of heart-pounding encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and a journey that will touch your soul.

Let me give you a 5-day  Tanzania safari adventure itinerary (btw, I grew up in Tanzania and visit twice a year every year) where you will be amazed at the beauty of nature where every moment is a chapter in the book or a show on National Geographic.

First, where is Tanzania and where is it located? Tanzania is a country located in East Africa,   known for its diverse landscapes, including the vast Serengeti plains, Mount Kilimanjaro (the tallest mountain in Africa), and the tropical paradise of Zanzibar.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha for Your 5 Day Tanzania Safari Adventure

There are two international airports that I know of in Tanzania, Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) which is the busiest in the country located in Dar es Salaam.

The second airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which has a few international flights from airlines we know, such as KLM and Qatar Airlines. Both KLM and Qatar Airlines serve JNIA and JRO. The distance between Dar es Salaam and Arusha is 298 miles by air and 392 miles by road.

Will be nice if you land in JRO because if you land in JNIA you will need to find a way to get to Arusha.   So after arriving in Arusha, this is how your day will go down, if you book your trip through a safari tours company, your safari guide will warmly welcome you.

Transfer to your accommodation in Arusha

There are several nice hotels in Arusha such as Gran Melia, Mount Meru, Kibo Palace, Palace Hotel, and many more.  After all, Arusha is a tourist city where there are a lot of hotels, restaurants, shops, etc.

In the afternoon, explore Arusha National Park on a game drive, where you can spot giraffes, zebras, and more against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. In the evening hang out at your hotel for a relaxing evening, soaking in the excitement of the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

On the morning of day 2, depart for Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and unique baobab trees. Enjoy a game drive through the park, encountering elephants, lions, and various bird species. Have a picnic lunch in the heart of the wilderness. Rest and unwind at your hotel, take pictures, and share stories of the day’s wildlife sightings.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater

Day 3 is Ngorongoro Day. Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as “Africa’s Eden.” It is the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera.

The crater was voted by Seven Natural Wonders as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa in Arusha, Tanzania, in February 2013.

There are a lot of activities you can do in Ngorongoro crater such as game drives, nature walks, visiting Maasai villages,  photographic Safaris, picnics, birding, hot air ballooning, hiking to the summit of the Gol Mountains and Oldoinyo Lengai, tour of Olduvai Gorge, visiting the Empakaai Crater.

There is also visiting the Olmoti Crater, the Lerai Fever Tree Forest, and Lake Magadi. Spend the day here where you can spot rhinos, lions, hippos, and other wildlife against the stunning backdrop of the crater walls. Enjoy a picnic lunch by a hippo pool. 

Day 4: Serengeti National Park

Day 4 is Serengeti Day, yay probably the day you were waiting for or the only place you have heard about it in this itinerary.

The Serengeti  National Park is well known for the largest annual animal migration in the world of over 1.5 million blue wildebeest and 250,000 zebras along with smaller herds of Thomson’s gazelle. 

The Serengeti is also home to the largest lion population in Africa. There are many things to do in the Serengeti such as observing the Wildebeest Migration, Hot Air Balloon Safaris, Bush meals, visiting the Serengeti Visitor Center, visiting Olduvai Gorge, Bush meals, visiting the Serengeti Visitor Center, nature walks, game drives, exploring the Bologonja Springs, and the Lobo Valley.

From Ngorongoro to Serengeti is a 3-hour drive,  so when you get there or on your way there embark on a game drive through the endless plains of the Serengeti, tracking wildebeests, zebras, and predators. Then check into your Serengeti lodge, savoring the anticipation of witnessing the remarkable wildlife spectacle.

Day 5: Serengeti’s Great Migration and Departure

This depends on what time of the year your trip is, the great migration usually takes place around late June to August.  You might wonder what Serengeti’s Great Migration is.

Let me give you a little info about it, The Serengeti great migration is the movement of vast numbers of the Serengeti’s wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, eland and impala.

They move in an annual pattern which is fairly predictable. They constantly seek fresh grazing and water.

So if you are there around that time, set out before sunrise to witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration. Watch as thousands of wildebeests and zebras traverse the landscape in search of fresh grazing.

Then, enjoy a final game drive through the Serengeti, capturing any last glimpses of the remarkable wildlife. Bid farewell to the Serengeti and begin your journey back to Arusha.

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)  or for your departure.

In just five days, this safari takes you through some of Tanzania’s most iconic national parks, offering a glimpse into the mesmerizing beauty of Africa’s wilderness.

From the majesty of Mount Meru to the abundant wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater and the spectacle of the Great Migration in the Serengeti, each day is filled with unforgettable experiences.

The connections you forge with nature and the memories you create will remain etched in your heart long after your journey concludes.