5-Day Tanzania Lodge Safari
This 5-day Tanzanian safari takes you through some of the most iconic national parks in northern Tanzania, including Tarangire Park, the world-renowned Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the legendary Serengeti National Park.
Along the way, you will journey through breathtaking and diverse landscapes—from the dramatic escarpments of the Great Rift Valley overlooking Lake Manyara to the endless golden plains of the Serengeti and the lush highlands surrounding the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Each region offers its own unique scenery and wildlife, creating an unforgettable safari experience in just five days.
Price includes
- 18% VAT to our entrance fees
- 2 nights accommodation in Arusha town before and after safari
- Accommodation at basic camping during the safari full board
- Camping fees at all national parks
- Entrance fees to all national parks
- Extended 4 x 4 luxury safari jeep with pop up roof for game viewing
- Government taxes, VAT and service charges relating to accommodation and included meals
- Ngorongoro Crater fees
- Professional safari cook
- Professional safari English Speaking guide
Price does not include
- Both International and local flights
- Optional Tours (balloon rides USD. 560 per person), should be booked in
advance - Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities to your safari guide and cook
Day 1 – Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Bush Windows Tours representative and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to relax, unwind, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Bustling Arusha is considered the safari capital of northern Tanzania. Most travelers pass through this vibrant town before beginning their journey into the country’s legendary national parks.
Accommodation
Mid-range: Under the Shades Hotel
Meals & Drinks: At own expense
Day 2 – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, your Bush Windows Safari guide will collect you from your lodge and begin the drive to Tarangire National Park. The journey takes approximately two and a half hours along well-maintained tarmac roads.
Tarangire is named after the Tarangire River—often called the “River of Warthogs”—which serves as the primary water source for wildlife during the dry season. The park is particularly famous for its large elephant herds, frequently seen gathering along the riverbanks. You may also encounter giraffe, bushbuck, and hartebeest, closely shadowed by predators such as lions and leopards.
Tarangire boasts one of the highest concentrations of breeding bird species in the world, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The landscape is dotted with majestic ancient baobab trees, some believed to be over a thousand years old.
You will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing your afternoon game drive. Later, you will travel to Karatu for your overnight stay.
Accommodation
Mid-range: Eileen’s Tree Inn
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinks not included
Day 3 – Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti
After breakfast, you will ascend into the cooler highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Your first glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater feels like discovering a hidden world. Enclosed by steep volcanic walls lies a pristine wilderness of open savannah, acacia woodland, lakes, and swamps.
Formed two to three million years ago when a massive volcano collapsed in on itself, the crater spans approximately 260 km². It is renowned for its remarkable geology and for hosting one of the densest concentrations of large mammals in Africa.
After descending to the crater floor, you’ll find yourself surrounded by wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, and over 500 bird species. This is also one of the best places in Tanzania to spot the endangered black rhino.
Later, you will continue your journey through the conservation area and onward to the southern region of the iconic Serengeti National Park.
Accommodation
Luxury: Embalakai Serengeti Camp
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinks not included
Day 4 – Serengeti to Karatu
The Serengeti is truly spectacular. Its vast open plains create exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, with landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for millions of years.
While the park is home to abundant resident wildlife, it is most famous for the annual Great Migration. Each year, vast herds of wildebeest, accompanied by zebra and antelope, move in a continuous cycle in search of fresh grazing. The migration can be found somewhere in the Serengeti throughout the year—knowing the right location at the right time makes all the difference.
In addition to the iconic herds, you have an excellent chance of encountering predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. A game drive here is often described as a life-changing experience.
In the afternoon, you will begin your scenic journey back to Karatu, enjoying wildlife sightings along the way.
Accommodation
Mid-range: Eileen’s Tree Inn
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinks not included
Day 5 – Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha
After breakfast, you will travel to Lake Manyara National Park, located approximately 120 km west of Arusha. Though relatively compact, the park offers remarkable ecological diversity.
Set beneath the towering Great Rift Escarpment, Lake Manyara’s landscape ranges from lush evergreen forest to open floodplains. The shallow alkaline lake expands and contracts seasonally and attracts thousands of wading birds, including flamingos, along with more than 500 recorded bird species.
You may encounter large troops of baboons, elephants moving through the forest, and—if you are fortunate—the park’s famous tree-climbing lions.
After a picnic lunch and final game drive, you will bid farewell to your guide and be transferred to your chosen drop-off location, whether Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or Arusha Airport.
We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of your adventure with Bush Windows Tours.
Accommodation
No accommodation (End of tour)