Tanzania safari photograph from the World Compass Adventures collection
6 DaysTarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

6-Day Classic Wildlife Safari

View Journey
Duration
6 Days
Destination
Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Tour type
Budget Safari
Starts
Arusha
Ends
Arusha

THE JOURNEY

Overview

You will explore Tanzania's top wildlife parks on a 6-day budget safari, visiting Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. You will enjoy thrilling game drives, spot the Big Five, and experience stunning landscapes, all while staying in budget-friendly accommodations.
Numbered route map showing Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Mto wa Mbu, Serengeti National Park, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ngorongoro Crater

ROUTE MAP

Your journey at a glance

A day-by-day route drawn directly from this itinerary.

Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
  1. 1

    Day 1

    Arusha to Tarangire National Park

  2. 2

    Day 2

    Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park

  3. 3

    Day 3

    Serengeti National Park

  4. 4

    Day 4

    Serengeti National Park

  5. 5

    Day 5

    Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

  6. 6

    Day 6

    Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

DAY BY DAY

Expedition journey

01

Day 1

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

You'll begin your adventure with a warm welcome and pickup from your hotel in Arusha. After a scenic drive, you’ll arrive at Tarangire National Park, known for its landscapes dotted with towering baobab trees and wildlife. You'll set out on a game drive, where you’ll encounter herds of elephants —the park’s signature residents. As you explore, keep an eye out for majestic lions lounging in the shade, graceful giraffes feeding on treetops, and elusive leopards camouflaged in the trees. It's also a bird lover’s paradise, with over 500 species, including vibrant lilac-breasted rollers and majestic eagles. Lunch: You'll enjoy a picnic lunch at a picturesque spot within the park, offering panoramic views of the Tarangire River, a magnet for thirsty wildlife, especially during the dry season. Evening: As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the savannah, you'll leave the park and head to your nearby camp or lodge for a delicious dinner and a night under the African sky.
Meals
Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included); Non-alcoholic drinks
Accommodation
Budget camping - Bordering Tarangire NP without fences
02

Day 2

Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park

Morning: After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive towards the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. You’ll travel through the beautiful highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing Maasai villages and spotting wildlife along the way. Game Drive: Upon entering the Serengeti, your game drive begins. Feel the excitement build as you traverse the endless golden plains, home to Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Look out for the pride of lions on the hunt, cheetahs sprinting across the grasslands, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebras. If your visit coincides with the great migration, you’ll witness one of the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles on Earth. Lunch: You'll enjoy a bush picnic amidst the stunning landscape, surrounded by nature's sights and sounds. Evening: You'll arrive at your camp in Central Serengeti in time to relax and enjoy dinner. Listen to the sounds of the wild as you settle in for the night, surrounded by the untamed beauty of the Serengeti.
Meals
All meals included; Non-alcoholic drinks
Accommodation
Budget camping - Inside Serengeti NP
03

Day 3

Serengeti National Park

You'll begin your day with an exhilarating early morning game drive, the best time to spot predators on the prowl. You'll watch as lions prepare for their hunt and hyenas scavenge for their next meal. The golden light of dawn makes this an unforgettable experience for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. After a mid-morning break, you will venture deeper into the park, where you’ll witness the rich biodiversity that makes Serengeti so famous. You'll marvel at the sight of elephants bathing in mud pools, giraffes gracefully grazing, and large herds of buffalo roaming the plains. Your experienced guide will take you to hidden spots where wildlife thrives. Lunch: You'll enjoy a bush picnic amidst the stunning landscape, surrounded by nature's sights and sounds. Evening: You'll return to your camp in the evening, where a hearty dinner awaits. Swap safari stories with fellow travelers as you relax by the campfire.
Meals
All meals included; Non-alcoholic drinks
Accommodation
Budget camping - Inside Serengeti NP
04

Day 4

Serengeti National Park

Today offers another full day of exploration in the Serengeti, providing a chance to track animals you may have missed before. Your guide will take you on off-the-beaten-path routes to discover secret wildlife hotspots. You'll witness a cheetah stalking its prey, spot elusive leopards resting in the acacia trees, or see crocodiles basking along the riverbanks. The Serengeti's landscapes change with every turn, from open savannahs to woodlands, making each moment a surprise. Lunch: Once again, you'll enjoy a picnic in the heart of the wilderness, taking in the tranquility and splendor of your surroundings. Evening: As the sun sets, the Serengeti transforms into a world of silhouettes, with elephants and giraffes framed against the horizon. You will return to your camp for a peaceful night after a day filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Meals
All meals included; Non-alcoholic drinks
Accommodation
Budget camping - Inside Serengeti NP
05

Day 5

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Morning: After breakfast, you will enjoy a final game drive in the Serengeti as you bid farewell to its majestic landscapes. This is your last chance to capture any remaining wildlife moments before heading toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Lunch: Once again, you will enjoy a picnic in the heart of the wilderness, taking in the tranquility and splendor of your surroundings. Afternoon: You'll arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater rim, where your lodge offers stunning views of this ancient volcanic caldera. You'll take in the breathtaking panorama as you enjoy dinner and prepare for tomorrow’s descent into one of the world’s most unique wildlife havens.
Meals
All meals included; Non-alcoholic drinks
Accommodation
Budget camping - On the crater rim of Serengeti NP
06

Day 6

Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

A game drive within the Ngorongoro Crater. As you descend into the crater, the floor offers an extraordinary range of habitats, from forests to grasslands to lakes, making it the perfect spot for viewing a diverse array of animals. Game Drive: You'll spend the morning observing the famed Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo—as well as a variety of other species. You'll watch hippos wallow in the crater’s lakes, flamingos color the shores pink, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras graze peacefully. Your guide will take you to prime viewing spots to witness the predator-prey interactions that make this area so unique. Lunch: You'll enjoy a picnic by a hippo pool, where you can take in the views of the crater walls while surrounded by wildlife. Afternoon: After an unforgettable morning, you'll begin your journey back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon. Your safari ends as you’re dropped off at your hotel or transferred to the airport for your departure.
Meals
Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included); Non-alcoholic drinks
Accommodation
No accommodation (End of tour)

PLAN YOUR SAFARI

Rates per person

USD · Per person · Price depends on your group size

2 people
$2,097
per person
4 people
$1,330
per person
6 people
$1,187
per person
  • This tour is not available to solo travelers or groups larger than 7 people.
  • Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
  • This tour accepts children who are 3 years and older. Children under 15 receive a discount and children under 6 are free.

TRIP DETAILS

Inclusions & exclusions

Included

  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
  • Camping equipment
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Sleeping bag

Not Included

  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Bath towels
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

START PLANNING

Make this journey your own

Share your travel plans and our team will help you prepare the right journey.