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Cheetah mother and cub on the Serengeti plains
Classic Safari · Private safariMade to feel personal from the first night to the last drive

6 Days Classic Safari in Tanzania

The essential northern circuit in under a week: Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater and two nights in the Serengeti, flying out from the plains.

Duration6 days / 5 nights
From$2,425 pp
StyleClassic Safari
Best timeJun–Oct · Jan–Mar · Year-round
Request this safari Explore the itinerary
Crafted safari story

A more thoughtful way to experience Tanzania

A clean, well-balanced introduction to Tanzania's classic safari circuit. It starts in Arusha, moves through Tarangire's baobab country, descends into the Ngorongoro Crater and spends two nights on the Serengeti plains before a light-aircraft flight back to Kilimanjaro. It works especially well for first-time visitors who want the essential parks in under a week.

  • Classic northern circuit route
  • Two nights in the Serengeti
  • Full day in Ngorongoro Crater
  • Fly out from the Serengeti – no long drive back
Safari at a glance
Category
Classic Safari
Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Starting from
From $2,425 per person sharing
Key places
Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park
Guiding
Private vehicle and driver-guide
Speak to a safari specialist
Cheetah mother and cub on the Serengeti plains
Baobab trees at sunrise in Tarangire National Park
Two elephant bulls among yellow wildflowers in the Ngorongoro Crater
Hot-air balloon floating over the Serengeti plains at sunrise
Male lion and lioness at golden hour in the Serengeti

This itinerary is a starting point, not a rigid template

We can refine pace, accommodation style, flight logistics, park combinations and beach extensions around your dates, budget and travel rhythm.

Shape this journey with us
Day by day

A journey that builds with rhythm, not rush

Day 1

Arrival in Arusha

Karibu Tanzania – welcome to Tanzania. On arrival at the airport you will be met by one of our team. After the meet and greet, we escort you to your accommodation in Arusha (approximately 60 km), ready for the safari tomorrow.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 2

Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, check out and drive to Tarangire National Park for a full day of game viewing. Tarangire is home to large herds of elephant and other game, including the elusive leopard and over 400 bird species. The park's picturesque landscape is dotted with large baobab trees and takes its name from the Tarangire River that crosses it. During the dry season (around August to October) the river is the only source of water for the animals. In the afternoon, drive to the Karatu region for the night.

Meals: All meals
Day 3

Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, drive down to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game viewing. The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several ecosystems – grassland, swamp, forest and even a soda lake – and a wide variety of game: rhino, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra and an amazing variety of birdlife, including thousands of migrating flamingos. In the late afternoon you ascend to the rim and return to your lodge in time to freshen up before dinner.

Meals: All meals
Day 4

Serengeti National Park – searching the vast plains

The legendary Serengeti Plain is your destination today (210 km), a vast rolling plain whose sparse vegetation allows for some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. The annual migration of wildebeest and zebra is one of the park's great attractions, but throughout the year the Serengeti is excellent for predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah, along with elephant, giraffe, hyena, hippo, rhino and many antelopes and birds. Depending on animal movement we take a packed lunch or return to the lodge for a hot lunch. The evening is free to rest.

Meals: All mealsOptional: Hot-air balloon safari – $546 per person
Day 5

Tracing the Big Five in the Serengeti

Today we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives on the vast Serengeti plains. In the early morning and evening light, the landscape is stunningly beautiful. The Serengeti ecosystem supports the greatest remaining concentration of plains game in Africa – more than three million large mammals – and never disappoints. Depending on wildlife movement, we serve a picnic lunch at a scenic site or return to the lodge for a hot lunch.

Meals: All meals
Day 6

Departure

After breakfast, drive to the airstrip for your flight to Kilimanjaro.

Meals: Breakfast
Where you stay

Choose your comfort level

Same route, same guide. Pick the lodges that suit your budget.

DayLocationAccommodationMealsActivity
1ArushaKibo Palace HotelBreakfast & dinnerTransfer
2Tarangire NPAcacia Farm LodgeFull boardGame drives
3Ngorongoro CraterAcacia Farm LodgeFull boardCrater tour
4Serengeti NPTamba Tented LodgeFull boardGame drives
5Serengeti NPTamba Tented LodgeFull boardGame drives
6Departure—Bed & breakfastTransfer
Prices

Clear prices, per person

OptionPrice per person
4★ Mid-range$2,425
5★ Luxury$3,021

Price per adult sharing.

Included

  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Transfers in Arusha
  • Full-board accommodation on safari
  • Domestic flight from the Serengeti to Kilimanjaro (JRO)
  • All park entrance fees and government taxes
  • Driver's salary, allowances and park fees
  • Complimentary drinking water in the vehicle

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visas – Tanzania visa applied and paid online
  • Vaccinations and travel insurance
  • Meals not indicated, drinks and room upgrades
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal items (telephone, laundry, etc.)
  • Increases in park fees or other charges beyond our control
  • Early check-in or late check-out
Route map

Where this safari takes shape

The journey moves place by place in a calm sequence, ordered to reduce fatigue and protect the best sightings.

Open in Google Maps
1Arusha2Tarangire3Ngorongoro Crater4Serengeti
  1. 1Arusha
  2. 2Tarangire National Park
  3. 3Ngorongoro Crater
  4. 4Serengeti National Park

Best windows: Jun–Oct · Jan–Mar · Year-round

Reviews

What travellers say

★★★★★ 5.0/5 · 8 verified reviews on SafariBookings
★★★★★

Tony is the Best. 10/10 recommendation plus 5 stars review. He went above and beyond on our trip.

This Past year we visited Tanzania , let me tell you how it went. From the moment our plane touched down, every aspect of our trip was meticulously managed. The airport transfers were seamless, and the selection of hotels and safari lodges provided truly top-tier comfort and amenities. Each accommodation was not only luxurious and well-appointed but also strategically chosen to enhance our overall experience. Tony our guide, consistently went above and beyond to ensure our family felt completely safe, comfortable and well cared for. His extensive knowledge of the wildlife, local culture and terrain was captivating, enriching every game drive and interactions. The entire expedition, from the breathtaking wildlife encounters to the impeccable logistical arrangements, was nothing short of spectacular. We wholeheartedly RECOMMEND Tony and BigfiveTrails to anyone seeking a truly unparalleled and profoundly memorable Tanzanian Safari experience. They deliver excellence in every detail.

NeEma BrostromUnited States · Visited December 2025
★★★★★

A very intelligent, very funny person who loves animals.

The safari experience with Tony is fantastic; he is a highly intelligent and knowledgeable person who loves and respects animals—and he conveys that passion throughout the trip. He is very patient in explaining animal behavior and the surrounding vegetation in great detail, taking the time to point out every little thing. He always keeps a smile on his face, ensuring that everyone in the vehicle is enjoying the safari. His vehicle is comfortable, clean, and equipped with air conditioning. Safaris are great, but with Tony, they are something truly special. We are very grateful to Tony.

ElizabethUruguay · Visited September 2026
★★★★★

An unforgettable Tanzania safari with an incredible guide

Our trip to Tanzania with Big Five Trails was absolutely amazing and exceeded our expectations. The itinerary was very well organized and allowed us to experience some of the most beautiful places in the country, with incredible wildlife sightings and unforgettable landscapes. A huge part of what made the trip so special was our guide, Tony. He was simply incredible: professional, friendly, patient and extremely knowledgeable about the animals, nature and Tanzania. He is also an exceptional tracker — it honestly felt as if he had some kind of direct communication with the animals! He had an incredible ability to spot wildlife from a distance, read tracks and signs, and somehow always seemed to know where the animals were going to appear. Thanks to him, we were able to see an amazing variety of wildlife and enjoy some truly unforgettable encounters. He made every safari drive exciting and interesting, and was always attentive to the group, making us feel comfortable and safe throughout the whole trip. Everything was well coordinated, communication was easy, and the overall experience felt very personal rather than like a standard organized tour. Tanzania was already an incredible destination, but Tony and the team made the experience even better. I would absolutely recommend Big Five Trails to anyone planning a safari in Tanzania, and I would especially recommend asking for Tony as your guide. I would travel with them again without hesitation!

Dolores BAndorra · Visited November 2025
Personal planning

Want this safari shaped around your exact dates and style?

Tell us your timing, travel style and must-have moments. We will turn this itinerary into a bespoke proposal with the right rhythm, camps and route.

  1. Share dates, travellers and the feeling you want the journey to hold.
  2. We shape an itinerary with routing logic, lodge fit and a calmer sense of luxury.
  3. You receive a clear proposal with prices per person, inclusions and lodge options.
WhatsApp+255 653 110 463
Emailinfo@bigfivetrails.com
Favourite animals
We reply within 24 hours, usually much sooner.
Included with every booking

The BigFiveTrails Promise

Six things you can count on, whichever safari you choose.

Free date changes

Move your dates free of charge up to 60 days before arrival.

No hidden costs

Park fees, taxes, private vehicle, guide and drinking water are in your price.

Met at the airport

Airport pickup and drop-off included on every safari.

Lodges we know

Every lodge and camp hand-picked by our team in Arusha.

24/7 on WhatsApp

Our Arusha team answers you every day of your trip, day or night.

Your own guide

Private vehicle and guide – no strangers, no fixed schedule.

Book with confidence

Clear terms, real people, no surprises.

Rated 5.0 out of 5 on SafariBookings by verified travellers. Planned and run from our base in Arusha.

How booking works

  • 30% deposit to confirm your booking
  • Balance due 60 days before arrival
  • Written confirmation of every lodge and park permit
  • Licensed Tanzanian tour operator based in Arusha

Ways to pay

  • Bank transfer (USD)
  • Visa / Mastercard (card fee may apply)
  • Wise transfer

While you travel

  • Your own private vehicle and guide
  • WhatsApp support from our Arusha team every day of your trip
  • Park fees and taxes included and paid in advance
If you cancelCancellation charge
More than 60 days before arrivalDeposit retained, or moved to new dates within 12 months
59 to 30 days before arrival50% of the total trip price
29 to 15 days before arrival75% of the total trip price
Less than 15 days before arrival100% of the total trip price

Park fees and flights already paid to third parties may be non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation. Full refund policy

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