6-Day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Migration Safari

Tanzania

Rates From $4,145

About This Tour

Tanzania’s northern circuit offers a rhythmic progression through three distinct ecological wonders. This journey begins in the ancient baobab landscapes of Tarangire before moving into the vast, rolling plains of the Serengeti. The expedition concludes with a descent into the unique enclosed ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater.

The experience is designed for those who appreciate a steady travel pace and diverse scenery. Days are spent observing wildlife in their natural habitats, from the large elephant herds of Tarangire to the predator-rich horizons of the Serengeti. The transition between these destinations feels natural and unhurried.

Guests can expect a balance of adventurous exploration and quiet evenings at tented camps and lodges. The flow of the trip ensures that each location builds upon the last, providing a comprehensive look at East Africa’s wild heart. It offers a reliable and comfortable immersion into some of the continent’s most famous protected areas.

Our Community Impact

Johnbow partners with lodges that prioritize local employment and support nearby village initiatives. These collaborations ensure that tourism revenue directly benefits the people living alongside these wilderness areas. We select properties that contribute to local education and health projects.

Our Sustainability Promise

We focus on low-impact travel by utilizing eco-conscious tented camps that use solar power and limit waste. Our guides follow strict off-road driving regulations to protect fragile soils and vegetation. We support conservation fees that fund the long-term protection of these vital migratory corridors.

Why This Safari Works

The itinerary follows a logical geographic route that minimizes backtrack travel and maximizes time in the field. Starting in Tarangire allows for a gentle introduction to wildlife before reaching the high-density action of the Serengeti. Ending at the Ngorongoro Crater provides a dramatic finale before the return journey. The mix of luxury tented camps and classic lodges offers variety in accommodation styles. This structure works best for first-time safari-goers and families who want to see the “Big Five” in a single, well-organized week.

Your Trip at a Glance

A snapshot of your entire experience, from key highlights to where you'll stay and what to expect each day.

  • 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • Big Five Experience
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Full Board
  • Game Drives
  • Great Migration
  • Group Travel
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari
  • Private Safari
  • Road Transfer
  • Solo Traveller

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Arusha and transfer to Tarangire
  • Day 2: Full Day Experience in Tarangire
  • Day 3: Tarangire to Serengeti
  • Day 4: Full Day Experience in Serengeti
  • Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
  • Day 6: Ngorongoro to the airport

Destinations

  • Tarangire National Park
  • Serengeti National Park
  • Ngorongoro Crater

Where You Stay

  • Tarangire Treetops – 2 Nights
  • Serengeti Kifaru Tented Lodge – 2 Nights
  • The Manor at Ngorongoro – 1 Night

Safari Highlights

  • Morning light filtering through ancient baobab trees
  • Observing large elephant families at the Tarangire River
  • Reaching the endless horizons of the central Serengeti
  • Golden hour over the Serengeti plains
  • The dramatic descent into the Ngorongoro Crater floor
  • High chances of spotting the "Big Five" in one circuit
  • Quiet evenings in a traditional tented camp setting
  • Scenic drives through the Great Rift Valley escarpment

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

  • Meet and assist in Arusha

  • Drive to the baobab-studded Tarangire

Itinerary information

The journey starts with a morning meet-up in Arusha followed by a drive toward Tarangire National Park. The landscape shifts as giant baobab trees begin to dominate the horizon. After arriving and settling into the lodge, the first afternoon is spent observing the park’s famous elephant herds. The air is warm and the pace is relaxed as the safari begins.

  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tarangire Treetops
While never guaranteed, this specific route visits the areas where lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhino are most commonly found.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Full day of wildlife observation

  • Riverfront views and birdlife

Itinerary information

A full day is dedicated to exploring the different loops of Tarangire. The focus remains on the river, which acts as a magnet for wildlife during the drier hours. Guests move through various habitats, from open grasslands to dense swamps. The day ends with a quiet sunset view from the lodge deck.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tarangire Treetops

Itinerary Highlights

  • Scenic drive through the highlands

  • Arrival on the Serengeti plains

Itinerary information

The route moves northwest, climbing the Ngorongoro highlands before descending onto the Serengeti plains. This transition reveals the true scale of the East African wilderness. The afternoon includes a slow game drive toward the tented lodge. The evening atmosphere is defined by the sounds of the African bush.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Serengeti Kifaru Tented Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Sunrise over the vast savannah

  • Search for big cats and migratory herds

Itinerary information

The day begins at dawn to catch the predators at their most active. The vastness of the Serengeti allows for exploration of different areas depending on where the wildlife is concentrated. The rhythm of the day follows the natural movements of the herds. Lunch is often taken as a picnic under an acacia tree.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Serengeti Kifaru Tented Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Final Serengeti morning drive

  • Drive to the Ngorongoro highlands

Itinerary information

A final morning drive in the Serengeti offers one last look at the open plains. The journey then turns back toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The air becomes cooler as the vehicle climbs toward the crater rim. The evening is spent in the lush, green surroundings of the highlands.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: The Manor at Ngorongoro

Itinerary Highlights

  • Early descent into the caldera

  • Transfer to the airport

Itinerary information

The final morning features a descent 600 meters down into the Ngorongoro Crater. This natural amphitheater hosts a high concentration of wildlife in a relatively small area. After a few hours of exploration, the journey concludes with a drive back toward Arusha for the departing flight.

  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
  • Accommodation: N/A

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ We love this route because it pairs the unique baobab landscapes of Tarangire with the iconic Serengeti, providing a rich and balanced wildlife experience. ❞

~JohnBow Safari Expert Team

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

SeasonDate Range2 Guests4 Guests6 Guests
Peak Season1 July – 31 Oct, 2026$5,110$4,275$4,145

Important Rate Notes

  • Rates vary based on seasonal lodge pricing and vehicle availability.
  • Single room supplements apply for solo travelers.
  • Child policies differ by lodge and will be confirmed at booking.
  • Similar standard lodges may be substituted if the listed options are full.

What's Included

  • 5 nights accommodation as listed
  • Transport in a Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser
  • Game drives
  • Full board meal plan
  • All national park and concession fees
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Bottled drinking water in the vehicle

Optional Addons

  • Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari
  • Guided Walking Safari in Tarangire
  • Olduvai Gorge museum visit
  • Cultural village visit in Mto wa Mbu

What's Not Included

  • International flight tickets
  • Tanzania entry visas
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Drinks (Champagne, luxury spirits, selected wines)
  • Health and travel insurance
  • Personal items and massage treatments
  • Laundry services

Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

This circuit is excellent year-round, though the dry season from June to October offers the easiest wildlife viewing.
The drives between parks are scenic and vary from 3 to 5 hours, with plenty of wildlife viewing along the way.
While never guaranteed, this specific route visits the areas where lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhino are most commonly found.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

info@johnbowtoursandtravel.com
Kenya Cinema Plaza, 3rd Floor Room 3-8. Moi Avenue, Nairobi