Experience the wildlife and beautiful landscapes of northern Tanzania on this 6-day safari through Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Starting and ending in Arusha, this safari is designed for travelers who want to visit three of Tanzania’s best-known wildlife destinations within six days. From the large elephant herds of Tarangire to the open plains of the Serengeti and the wildlife-rich floor of Ngorongoro Crater, each destination offers a different experience.
The journey begins with a drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, where you will explore landscapes filled with ancient baobab trees, seasonal swamps and the Tarangire River. The safari then continues through the northern highlands toward Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife areas. Here, you will spend several days searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs and other animals living across the vast plains.
The final part of the safari takes you to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you will descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive. The crater is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, lions and the endangered black rhinoceros. Although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, the combination of these three destinations provides excellent opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitats.
This 6-day Tanzania safari is available for travelers planning holidays in 2027, 2028 and 2029, with accommodation options ranging from comfortable mid-range lodges and tented camps to luxury safari properties. Eddy Tours & Safaris can arrange a private itinerary based on your preferred dates, group size, accommodation standard and travel budget.
6 Days Tanzania Safari Overview
| Safari details | Information |
|---|---|
| Safari package | 6 Days Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari |
| Destination | Northern Tanzania |
| Starting point | Arusha |
| Ending point | Arusha |
| Duration | 6 days and 5 nights |
| Travel years | 2027, 2028 and 2029 |
| Safari destinations | Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater |
| Safari type | Private wildlife safari |
| Transport | 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof |
| Accommodation | Lodges or tented camps |
| Suitable for | Couples, families, friends and small groups |
| Main activities | Wildlife game drives, photography and sightseeing |
| Best travel period | Year-round, depending on wildlife interests |
| Price | Available on request |
Safari Highlights
- Explore Tarangire National Park, famous for elephants and baobab trees.
- Spend three nights in the Serengeti, allowing more time for wildlife viewing.
- Look for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and other animals.
- Learn about the seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration.
- Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives across the Serengeti plains.
- Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the crater.
- Travel with a professional local safari guide in a 4×4 vehicle.
- Choose accommodation that suits your budget and comfort preferences.
Detailed 6-Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
Destination: Tarangire National Park
Approximate driving time: 2–3 hours to the park entrance, depending on departure point and traffic
Main activity: Wildlife game drive
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp near Tarangire or Karatu
Your safari begins in Arusha, where your professional safari guide will meet you at your hotel or another agreed pickup location. After a short briefing about the journey, you will leave Arusha and travel toward Tarangire National Park. The drive passes through rural communities, farmland and open landscapes, giving you an opportunity to see everyday life in northern Tanzania before arriving at the park.
Tarangire is particularly well known for its elephant population and impressive baobab trees. As you enter the park, your guide will begin searching for wildlife along the established game-drive tracks. Elephants are among the main attractions, and you may see family groups moving between feeding areas or gathering near water sources. The park also supports giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs and several predators, including lions and leopards.
During the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes especially important because animals from the surrounding areas move toward available water. This can create excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities, although animal movements change throughout the year. Your guide will use local knowledge and current conditions to identify suitable areas for game viewing rather than following a fixed route regardless of wildlife activity.
You will enjoy a packed lunch at an appropriate picnic area before continuing your game drive. In the late afternoon, you will leave the park and travel to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay. The evening provides time to relax and prepare for the following day’s journey toward the Serengeti.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Overnight: Tarangire or Karatu area
Day 2: Tarangire or Karatu to Serengeti National Park
Destination: Central Serengeti
Approximate travel time: 5–7 hours or longer, depending on accommodation, road conditions and stops
Main activity: Scenic drive and afternoon wildlife viewing
Accommodation: Serengeti lodge or tented camp
After breakfast, you will begin your journey toward Serengeti National Park. Depending on your accommodation location, the route takes you through the highlands around Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before continuing toward the Serengeti plains. The landscape changes considerably along the way, from cultivated highland areas and forested slopes to open grasslands and wide savannah.
As you travel through the Ngorongoro highlands, you may enjoy views of the surrounding hills and, when conditions permit, parts of the Ngorongoro landscape. The journey also provides an opportunity to learn about the area’s geography, wildlife conservation and local communities. Your guide will explain the route and make appropriate stops where permitted, while ensuring that you reach the Serengeti within the required park operating hours.
The Serengeti is famous for its open plains and large populations of wildlife. Once inside the national park, the drive becomes part of your safari experience, with opportunities to observe zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, giraffes, elephants and predators. The central Serengeti, often called Seronera, is a popular wildlife-viewing area because of its varied habitats, including grasslands, river systems and rocky outcrops known as kopjes.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a game drive before continuing to your accommodation. After checking in, you will have dinner and spend the evening at your lodge or tented camp. The following day is dedicated to exploring the Serengeti in greater detail.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Central Serengeti
Day 3: Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Serengeti National Park
Destination: Serengeti National Park
Main activity: Full-day wildlife game drive
Accommodation: Serengeti lodge or tented camp
Today is dedicated to wildlife viewing in the Serengeti. After breakfast, you will leave your accommodation with your guide and begin exploring the park’s different habitats. The Serengeti is home to a wide variety of animals, and a full day provides more time to search for wildlife than a short drive through the park. Your guide may explore open grasslands, riverine areas and rocky kopjes depending on the season and recent animal movements.
Lions are among the animals visitors hope to see in the Serengeti. They may be resting in the shade, moving through the grasslands or watching herds of grazing animals. Cheetahs are often associated with open plains, while leopards may be found in areas with suitable trees and cover. Other animals that may be encountered include elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, spotted hyenas, jackals, zebras, wildebeest and several species of antelope.
The Serengeti is also known for the Great Wildebeest Migration, an annual movement of wildebeest and other grazing animals through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem. The location of the herds changes with rainfall and grazing conditions, so the best areas for migration viewing depend on the month of travel. If your safari coincides with suitable seasonal movements, your guide may adjust the game drive to explore areas where migration activity is more likely.
You will stop for a packed lunch at an approved picnic location before continuing your wildlife search in the afternoon. Spending a full day in the park gives you time to observe animal behavior rather than rushing from one location to another. In the late afternoon, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and another night in the Serengeti.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Central Serengeti
Day 4: Another Full Day Exploring the Serengeti Plains
Destination: Serengeti National Park
Main activity: Morning and afternoon game drives
Accommodation: Serengeti lodge or tented camp
After breakfast, you will continue exploring the Serengeti with your safari guide. Having an additional full day in the park is one of the main advantages of this six-day itinerary. Wildlife activity changes throughout the day, and visiting different areas provides opportunities to see animals that may not have been encountered during the previous game drive.
Your guide may begin the morning by visiting areas where predators are often active. Early morning can be a rewarding time for wildlife photography because temperatures are usually cooler and the light is softer. Depending on the animals present, you may observe lions resting after a night of hunting, giraffes feeding on acacia trees or large herds of grazing animals moving across the plains.
The day’s route will depend on wildlife movements, road conditions and your interests. If you enjoy photography, your guide can allow additional time at suitable sightings while respecting park regulations and the animals’ space. Travelers interested in birds may also have opportunities to see eagles, vultures, secretary birds, ostriches and other species found in the Serengeti ecosystem.
After lunch, you will continue exploring another part of the park or return to areas where interesting wildlife activity has been reported. The Serengeti is a large wilderness, and no two game drives are exactly alike. You may spend time watching elephants feeding, observing antelope herds or searching for predators in the surrounding grasslands. In the late afternoon, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and your third night in the Serengeti.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Central Serengeti
Day 5: Serengeti Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Ngorongoro Highlands
Destination: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Main activity: Morning game drive and scenic transfer
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp near Ngorongoro Crater or Karatu
Your fifth day begins with breakfast followed by a final game drive in Serengeti National Park. This is another opportunity to look for animals you may not have seen during the previous days. Depending on the location of your accommodation and the planned departure time, your guide may explore nearby grasslands, river areas or kopjes before beginning the journey toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Leaving the Serengeti does not mean the wildlife experience ends immediately. You may still encounter animals along the designated roads while traveling toward the park exit. The landscape gradually changes as you approach the Ngorongoro highlands, where rolling hills and cooler temperatures provide a contrast to the open Serengeti plains.
The journey toward Ngorongoro is also an opportunity to appreciate the geographical diversity of northern Tanzania. As you climb into the highlands, the vegetation becomes greener in some areas, and the scenery changes from broad grasslands to forested slopes and cultivated landscapes. Your guide will explain the significance of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and its role in protecting wildlife while also supporting local communities.
You will arrive at your accommodation in the afternoon or early evening, depending on the route and road conditions. After checking in, you can enjoy dinner and rest before the following morning’s visit to Ngorongoro Crater. An early start is recommended because the crater game drive is followed by the return journey to Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Ngorongoro highlands or Karatu
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive – Return to Arusha
Destination: Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha
Main activity: Crater game drive
Approximate return drive: 3–4 hours from the Karatu/Ngorongoro area to Arusha, depending on the starting point and traffic
Accommodation: Not included unless requested
After an early breakfast, you will travel toward Ngorongoro Crater for the final game drive of your safari. The crater is one of Tanzania’s most famous wildlife destinations and forms part of the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From the crater rim, the landscape opens into an extensive volcanic caldera surrounded by steep slopes, creating an impressive setting for wildlife viewing.
Your guide will descend along an authorized access road to the crater floor, where you will begin searching for wildlife. Ngorongoro Crater supports large populations of grazing animals, including zebras, wildebeest and buffaloes, along with predators such as lions and spotted hyenas. Elephants and hippos may also be encountered, while the endangered black rhinoceros is among the area’s most sought-after sightings. Rhinos can be difficult to locate, and sightings are never guaranteed.
The crater contains grasslands, wetlands, woodland and seasonal water sources that support different wildlife species. Your guide will explore suitable areas according to the time available and current conditions. You may stop at an approved picnic site for lunch before continuing the game drive or preparing to leave the crater, depending on the day’s schedule and permitted visit duration.
After completing the crater visit, you will ascend to the rim and begin the drive back to Arusha. Arrival is generally expected in the late afternoon or evening, depending on road conditions and the time spent in the crater. Your guide will drop you at your hotel or another agreed location, marking the end of your six-day Tanzania safari with Eddy Tours & Safaris.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
End of safari: Arusha
Six-Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary Summary
| Day | Destination | Main activity | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arusha – Tarangire | Afternoon game drive | Tarangire or Karatu |
| 2 | Tarangire/Karatu – Serengeti | Scenic drive and wildlife viewing | Serengeti |
| 3 | Serengeti | Full-day game drive | Serengeti |
| 4 | Serengeti | Full-day game drive | Serengeti |
| 5 | Serengeti – Ngorongoro | Morning game drive and transfer | Ngorongoro or Karatu |
| 6 | Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha | Crater game drive and return | End of tour |
What Makes This 6-Day Tanzania Safari Special?
One of the main advantages of this itinerary is the amount of time allocated to Serengeti National Park. Some shorter Tanzania safari packages include only one night in the Serengeti, leaving limited time for wildlife viewing after the long journey from Arusha. This six-day itinerary includes three nights in the park, allowing travelers to enjoy two full days of game drives in addition to wildlife viewing on the arrival and departure days.
The safari also combines three destinations with different landscapes and wildlife experiences. Tarangire is especially attractive for travelers interested in elephants, baobab trees and birdlife. The Serengeti provides opportunities to observe predators, grazing animals and seasonal migration activity across extensive grasslands. Ngorongoro Crater offers a different experience, with wildlife living within a large volcanic caldera.
The itinerary is suitable for travelers who want a balanced safari without changing accommodation every night. It can be arranged for couples, families, friends or small private groups, with accommodation selected according to the preferred comfort level and travel budget.
Wildlife You May See During the Safari
Northern Tanzania is home to many of Africa’s best-known wildlife species. During this six-day safari, you may encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, gazelles, warthogs, hippos and several species of antelope. Depending on the location and conditions, you may also see leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, jackals and other predators.
Birdwatchers can also enjoy the region’s diversity. Tarangire and the Serengeti support many bird species, including ostriches, eagles, vultures, hornbills and colorful smaller birds. Wetland areas may attract additional species, while the changing habitats provide opportunities to observe different birds throughout the journey.
Wildlife sightings depend on the season, weather, animal movements and the time spent in each area. Your safari guide will use experience and current local knowledge to look for animals, but sightings of particular species, including the Big Five, cannot be guaranteed.
Can You See the Great Wildebeest Migration on This Safari?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the Serengeti’s most famous natural events. Large numbers of wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and other grazing animals, move through the wider Serengeti–Mara ecosystem in response to rainfall, fresh grass and seasonal water availability. The movement is continuous rather than a single event that occurs on a fixed date.
From approximately December to March, many migrating herds may be found in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region, where the calving season usually takes place during the early months of the year. As conditions change, the herds often move toward the central and western Serengeti before continuing north during parts of the dry season. River crossings may occur in the western or northern areas, but their timing and location are unpredictable.
This itinerary is primarily designed around the central Serengeti. If seeing a particular stage of the migration is your main reason for traveling, the route and accommodation may need to be adjusted according to your travel month. Travelers interested in northern Serengeti river crossings, for example, may benefit from a longer safari because of the additional driving distances involved.
For 2027, 2028 and 2029, migration locations cannot be guaranteed in advance. Eddy Tours & Safaris can help you choose a suitable itinerary based on typical seasonal patterns and the latest available information closer to your departure.
Best Time for a 6-Day Tanzania Safari in 2027, 2028 and 2029
This safari can be enjoyed throughout the year because Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro support wildlife in different seasons. However, the best travel period depends on what you want to see and the type of safari experience you prefer.
January to March
These months can be attractive for travelers interested in green landscapes and the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti ecosystem. Ngorongoro Crater also offers wildlife viewing throughout the year, while Tarangire may have lush vegetation following seasonal rainfall. Some roads can be muddy, and wildlife movements vary according to conditions.
April and May
April and May are generally associated with heavier rainfall in northern Tanzania. The landscape can be very green, and some accommodation providers may offer lower seasonal rates. However, wet weather may affect driving conditions, and travelers should be prepared for rain and occasional itinerary adjustments.
June to October
The dry season is a popular time for Tanzania wildlife safaris. Animals may gather around permanent water sources, making Tarangire particularly rewarding during parts of this period. The Serengeti remains a major wildlife destination, although migration herds may be located in different parts of the ecosystem depending on the month.
November and December
The short-rains period often brings greener landscapes and changing animal movements. The Serengeti can still provide excellent wildlife viewing, while Tarangire and Ngorongoro offer different seasonal conditions. Travelers should expect some possibility of rain and discuss their preferred wildlife interests before confirming an itinerary.
Safari Accommodation Options
Accommodation plays an important role in the overall safari experience. This six-day itinerary can be arranged with different accommodation standards, depending on your budget and travel preferences. The main choices are comfortable mid-range lodges, tented safari camps and luxury properties.
Mid-range accommodation generally provides private rooms or permanent safari tents with essential facilities, meals and a comfortable place to relax after game drives. Luxury accommodation may include larger rooms, additional services and locations chosen for scenery or access to wildlife-viewing areas. The exact facilities vary by property, and accommodation should always be confirmed before booking.
Because the itinerary includes three nights in the Serengeti, choosing a suitable camp location is particularly important. A centrally located property can reduce unnecessary driving during general wildlife-viewing safaris. If your main interest is the Great Migration, accommodation may need to be selected in another part of the park or nearby ecosystem according to the season.
What Is Included in the 6-Day Tanzania Safari?
The exact inclusions depend on the confirmed quotation, but a typical private safari package may include a professional English-speaking safari guide, a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, accommodation for five nights, meals as specified in the itinerary, drinking water during game drives and the required park and conservation-area fees.
The package may also include pickup and drop-off arrangements in Arusha. Airport transfers, accommodation before the safari and additional activities can be included when requested. Travelers should review the final itinerary carefully to understand which services are covered by the quoted price.
What Is Not Included?
Services commonly excluded from safari packages include international flights, Tanzania visa fees, travel insurance, personal shopping, alcoholic beverages, optional activities, tips for the safari guide and expenses not specifically mentioned in the quotation.
Hot-air balloon safaris, cultural visits and other special activities may be arranged at an additional cost, depending on availability and local regulations. Any optional activity should be discussed before the trip so that it can be incorporated into the itinerary without reducing the planned wildlife-viewing time.
How Much Does a 6-Day Tanzania Safari Cost in 2027, 2028 and 2029?
The cost of a six-day Tanzania safari depends on several factors, including the number of travelers, accommodation standard, travel season, park fees and whether the safari is private or shared. A private safari for two travelers generally has a higher cost per person than a larger group because vehicle and guide expenses are shared among fewer people.
Accommodation also makes a significant difference. Mid-range lodges and tented camps are often suitable for travelers looking for comfort without choosing the most expensive properties. Luxury camps may cost considerably more, especially during popular travel periods. Seasonal availability can also affect the final quotation.
For 2027, 2028 and 2029, it is best to request an updated quotation rather than relying on estimated prices that may not reflect future park fees, accommodation rates or other operating costs. Eddy Tours & Safaris can prepare a quotation based on your travel dates, group size and preferred accommodation category.
What to Pack for Your Tanzania Safari
Packing for a six-day Tanzania safari is relatively straightforward, but a few items can make the journey more comfortable. Lightweight clothing in neutral colors is practical for warm daytime conditions, while a jacket or sweater is useful during early morning game drives and evenings in the Ngorongoro highlands. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are also recommended.
A camera or smartphone with sufficient storage is useful for wildlife photography. Travelers interested in photography may also want binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens, as animals are sometimes observed from a distance. A small day bag can help keep personal items organized during game drives.
Bring any regular medication, necessary travel documents and suitable protection against insects. Travelers should also check current health and entry advice before departure, particularly when visiting Tanzania from another country.
Is This Safari Suitable for Families and First-Time Visitors?
Yes. This six-day itinerary can be a good choice for families, couples and first-time visitors who want to explore Tanzania’s northern wildlife destinations. The route combines several famous safari areas while allowing multiple nights in the Serengeti, making it suitable for travelers who prefer not to change accommodation every day.
Families traveling with children should discuss the children’s ages, daily driving distances and accommodation preferences before booking. Some lodges have age-related policies or special arrangements for children, and the long drive between Arusha and the Serengeti may require additional planning.
For first-time visitors, a private safari offers flexibility because the guide can adjust stops and the daily pace within the limits of park regulations and travel schedules. Travelers with specific interests, such as birdwatching, photography or the Great Migration, should mention these when requesting a quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 6-Day Tanzania Safari
1. Is six days enough for a Tanzania safari?
Yes. Six days is enough to visit Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, although longer safaris allow more time in individual parks.
2. Where does this safari start?
The safari starts in Arusha, Tanzania.
3. Where does the safari end?
The itinerary ends in Arusha after the Ngorongoro Crater game drive.
4. How many nights are included?
The itinerary includes five nights of accommodation.
5. How many nights will we spend in the Serengeti?
This itinerary includes three nights in Serengeti National Park.
6. Is Tarangire worth visiting?
Yes. Tarangire is well known for elephants, baobab trees and seasonal wildlife concentrations.
7. Can we see lions in the Serengeti?
Lions live in the Serengeti, and sightings are possible, although they cannot be guaranteed.
8. Can we see the Big Five?
The destinations support the Big Five species, but seeing all five during one safari is not guaranteed.
9. Is Ngorongoro Crater included?
Yes. The final day includes a game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater.
10. Can we see black rhinos in Ngorongoro?
Black rhinos live in the conservation area, but sightings can be difficult and are not guaranteed.
11. Can we see the Great Migration?
It may be possible depending on the month and the location of the herds. The itinerary may need to be adjusted for specific migration interests.
12. What is the best month for this safari?
June to October is popular for dry-season wildlife viewing, while January to March can be attractive for green landscapes and seasonal migration activity.
13. Can we travel in January?
Yes. January is a suitable month for a Tanzania safari, although weather and wildlife movements vary.
14. Can we travel during the rainy season?
Yes. Safaris operate during wetter months, but road conditions and weather may affect the experience.
15. Is the safari private?
It can be arranged as a private safari for your group.
16. What type of vehicle is used?
A typical private safari uses a 4×4 vehicle with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing.
17. Are meals included?
Meals are generally included according to the confirmed accommodation and itinerary arrangements.
18. Are park fees included?
They can be included in the quotation. Confirm the exact inclusions before payment.
19. Is accommodation included?
Yes. The standard itinerary includes five nights, with the accommodation category selected during booking.
20. Can we choose luxury accommodation?
Yes. The safari can be customized with luxury lodges or tented camps, subject to availability.
21. Is this safari suitable for children?
Yes, although the itinerary and accommodation should be reviewed according to the children’s ages and travel needs.
22. Can we add a hot-air balloon safari?
A balloon safari may be arranged in the Serengeti at an additional cost, subject to availability and operating conditions.
23. Can we combine this safari with Zanzibar?
Yes. A Zanzibar beach holiday can be arranged after the safari.
24. Can we book this safari for 2027 or 2028?
Yes. You can request arrangements for your preferred travel dates, subject to confirmation.
25. Is the safari available in 2029?
You can enquire about 2029 departures. Accommodation, prices and other arrangements will need to be confirmed.
Book Your 6-Day Tanzania Safari for 2027, 2028 or 2029
This six-day safari offers an excellent opportunity to explore three of northern Tanzania’s most famous wildlife destinations. From the elephants and baobab trees of Tarangire to the open plains of the Serengeti and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, the itinerary brings together different landscapes and wildlife experiences within one journey.
With three nights in the Serengeti, travelers have more time to explore the park and enjoy wildlife viewing without rushing through every destination. The itinerary can also be customized according to your preferred accommodation, travel dates and interests, whether you are planning a family holiday, a private safari for two or a trip with friends.
Eddy Tours & Safaris is a local tour company based in Arusha, Tanzania. We organize guided wildlife safaris, Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions and private holidays for travelers visiting Tanzania.
Contact our team to request a personalized quotation for your 6 Days Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari in 2027, 2028 or 2029.
WhatsApp: +255 711 906 664
Email: sales@eddytours-safaris.com
Website: Eddy Tours & Safaris