5-Day Safaris

5-Day Upper Mid-Range Best of Tanzania Safari

This 5-day safari offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience some of the very best that Tanzania has to offer. Accommodation ranges from comfortable mid-range lodges to luxury stays, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable journey throughout your adventure.

During the safari, you will witness incredible wildlife encounters, from monkeys in the forest and lions resting in trees to elephants moving through the open bush, along with a wide variety of other animals found within a breathtaking volcanic crater ecosystem.

Want to Extend the Days or Request a Custom Quote

Prices vary by season. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your travel dates.

Budget Package
Starting from around
700 $ Per Person
Standard Package
Starting from around
1000 $ Per Person
Luxury Package
Starting from around
1200 $ Per Person
Advertised by Mannibreeze African Art

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1 +

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

You will be warmly welcomed at the airport by a representative and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to relax and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.

Arusha is a vibrant city and an important gateway to the famous safari destinations of northern Tanzania. Most travelers pass through this lively town as they begin their unforgettable wildlife journeys.

Accommodation Budget

Arusha Tourist Inn– Simple, central, good value.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided

Accommodation Standard

Palace Hotel Arusha– Comfortable mid-range hotel with restaurant and bar, located in the city center.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Accommodation Luxury

Arusha Serena Hotel– Comfortable hotel with garden and pool, part of the respected Serena brand.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Day 2 +

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, your safari guide will pick you up from your accommodation and begin the journey to Tarangire National Park. The drive takes approximately two and a half hours along well-maintained tarmac roads.

Tarangire National Park is named after the Tarangire River, which flows through the park and serves as the primary water source for wildlife during the dry season. The park is especially famous for its large elephant herds, often seen gathering along the riverbanks. You may also spot giraffes, bushbucks, hartebeests, and many other animals roaming the landscape, often followed by predators such as lions and leopards.

Tarangire is also a paradise for bird lovers, hosting one of the highest numbers of breeding bird species in the world. The park’s scenery is further enhanced by its iconic baobab trees, some believed to be over a thousand years old.

Enjoy lunch at a scenic picnic site within the park before continuing your journey to your accommodation in Karatu after the game drive.

Accommodation Budget

 Karatu Simba Lodge – Basic but clean lodge, close to Ngorongoro gate. Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Accommodation Standard

Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge - Comfortable mid-range lodge with pool.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Accommodation Luxury

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge– Built into the crater rim with stunning views and world-class service.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Day 3 +

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, you will drive toward the cooler highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. When you first catch sight of the Ngorongoro Crater, it feels like stepping into a hidden world. Surrounded by steep volcanic walls, the crater contains a remarkable natural landscape of open savannah, acacia woodlands, and shimmering lakes and swamps.

Formed two to three million years ago when a massive volcano erupted and collapsed, the crater now spans about 260 square kilometers. It is renowned not only for its impressive geological features but also for hosting one of the highest densities of large mammals in Africa.

As you descend into the crater, you will encounter large herds of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and over 500 species of birds. The crater also offers one of the best chances to spot the endangered black rhino in its natural habitat.

After exploring the crater, you will continue your journey through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park, entering from the southern part of the park.

Accommodation Budget

Serengeti Heritage Camp– Basic mobile tented camp with essential amenities.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Accommodation standard


Serengeti Wild Camp– Mid-range tented camp with comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Accommodation Luxury


Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge– Located in Western Serengeti (Kirawira area), offering classic safari luxury.Note: This requires changing the tour route to Western Serengeti. Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Day 4 +

Day 4: Serengeti National Park to Karatu

The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations, renowned for its vast open grasslands that provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park’s climate and natural vegetation have remained largely unchanged for millions of years, creating a remarkable ecosystem rich in biodiversity.

While the Serengeti is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, it is most famous for the annual Great Migration. During this natural phenomenon, massive herds of wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and antelopes, move across the plains in search of fresh grazing. The migration occurs throughout the year, with the animals constantly moving to different areas depending on the season.

Beyond the migration, the Serengeti offers outstanding chances to spot predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards roaming the plains. The combination of breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife makes this an unforgettable and truly life-changing safari experience.

In the afternoon, you will begin your journey back to Karatu, enjoying the scenic landscapes and possible wildlife sightings along the way.

Accommodation Budget

 Karatu Simba Lodge – Basic but clean lodge, close to Ngorongoro gate. Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Accommodation Standard

Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge - Comfortable mid-range lodge with pool.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Accommodation Luxury

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge– Built into the crater rim with stunning views and world-class service.Subject to availability; similar alternative provided.

Day 5 +

Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Manyara National Park, located about 120 km west of Arusha. Although relatively small, this park is remarkably diverse. It is one of the narrowest parks in Africa, yet its scenery is dramatic, with the towering Great Rift Valley Escarpment rising above the park’s western boundary.

Lake Manyara itself is a shallow salt lake that covers a large portion of the park. Its water levels change with the seasons and attract thousands of wading birds, including flamingos, along with more than 500 recorded bird species. The park’s lush evergreen forests are also home to baboons, elephants, and other wildlife. Keep an eye out for the famous tree-climbing lions that have made Lake Manyara well known throughout Africa.

You will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing with your game drive. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your preferred drop-off location, such as Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or Arusha Airport. We hope you leave with wonderful memories of your safari adventure.

Accommodation

No Accommodation

Tour ends after Lake Manyara game drive with drop-off in Arusha or at the airport.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Best Time To Visit

January to February and June to October – Different areas are best at different times
January to February: moderate prices (calving season)
June to October: higher prices (dry season, excellent wildlife viewing)

High Season

July to March (The Seronera area is crowded)
Prices are highest during these months due to high demand

Best Weather

June to October (Little to no rainfall)
Prices are higher – this is peak safari season

Our History

Born from a deep Chagga tribal pride, our story is rooted in the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro. Founder Paul Ngoty began his guiding career in 1978 and has since completed over 19,500 safaris, sharing his ancestral land with the world. His profound understanding of the terrain and wildlife, honed over 48 years, has earned him roles as an ambassador driver for Tanzania and a guide for dignitaries such as Bill Clinton's staff. Now, Paul and his daughter, Janeth, pour this passion into Simcha Safaris, ensuring every journey honors the land, the wildlife, and the generations of guides who came before.

Upgrade Your Adventure

Extra Excursions (Safari Add-Ons)

Hot Air Balloon Safari (Serengeti) – Float silently above the plains at dawn, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Available in Central & Western Serengeti.

Swahili Cooking Class (Zanzibar / Arusha) – Learn to prepare traditional dishes like pilau and chapati using local spices and fresh ingredients. A perfect cultural immersion.

Sunset Dhow Cruise (Mafia Island / Zanzibar) – Sail the Indian Ocean on a traditional wooden dhow, enjoy light snacks, and watch the sun melt into the sea.

These and many more, just ask for the..

Safari Experiences

Tanzania offers some of the most diverse wildlife adventures on earth. From the endless golden plains of the Serengeti, where the Great Migration thunders across the land, to the ancient volcanic walls of the Ngorongoro Crater, teeming with the Big Five. Explore the elephant-rich herds of Tarangire, the boat safaris and bush walks of Nyerere National Park, or conquer the majestic heights of Mount Kilimanjaro. Whether you have just a few days or two weeks, we help you craft the perfect Tanzanian safari—wild, authentic, and unforgettable.

Important to Know

This tour is not available to solo travelers or groups larger than 14 people.

Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.

This tour accepts children who are 5 years and older. Children under 12 receive a discount.