Experience the best Tanzania wildlife safari packages.
What are the best Tanzania wildlife safari packages available?
In our experience the best Tanzania wildlife safari packages are Northern Circuit itineraries that include the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire. These packages are the industry gold standard because they provide the highest density of wildlife in Tanzania and in Africa in general and is the most reliable opportunities to view the “Big Five” in a single trip.
This information is also verified by theTanzania Tourist Board
What are the Key National Parks Included in Tanzania Safari Itineraries?
Tanzania safari itineraries primarily focus on the Northern Circuit, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. These parks are globally recognized for hosting the “Big Five,” the Great Wildebeest Migration, and the highest density of large mammals in Africa.
🦁 Serengeti National Park
Famous for the Great Migration and abundant wildlife, including the Big Five. The vast plains offer one of the most iconic safari experiences in the world.
🌋 Ngorongoro Crater
Known as the “Garden of Eden,” the Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site with the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa, including rare black rhinos, lions, and elephants.
🐘 Tarangire National Park
A park renowned for its large elephant herds and massive baobab trees, offering a unique and scenic safari experience during the dry season.
🦒 Lake Manyara National Park
Known for its unique tree-climbing lions and large flamingo populations, Lake Manyara is a premier destination for both wildlife photography and birdwatching.
🌍 Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
One of Africa’s largest and most untouched reserves, ideal for walking safaris, boat safaris, and game drives in an authentic, less-crowded environment.
🦍 Mahale Mountains National Park
A remote park located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale is “world-famous for chimpanzee trekking and pristine, secluded landscapes”.
- Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara or Tarangire
- From $450 - 890
The best 2-day Tanzania wildlife safari combines the Ngorongoro Crater with either Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Park. This short-duration itinerary is the most efficient way to see the “Big Five” and costs between $450 and $890 per person in 2026, depending on the choice of accommodation and group size.
2-Day Tanzania Safari Quick Facts (2026)
- Primary Locations: Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park (or Lake Manyara).
- Average Cost: $450 – $890 per person.
- Best For: Travelers with limited time who want a high-density wildlife experience.
- What You Will See: Significant opportunities to witness lions, elephants, and the rare black rhino in a single weekend.
Itinerary Overview
This 2-day safari offers a quick yet thrilling introduction to Tanzania’s incredible wildlife. Perfect for travelers with limited time, it provides the opportunity to witness diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes in a short timeframe without sacrificing the quality of the “Big Five” experience.
Daily Highlights
- Day 1: Explore Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and baobab trees, or Lake Manyara, known for tree-climbing lions.
- Day 2: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a natural sanctuary containing almost every species of wildlife found in East Africa.
- Scenic views and a mix of wildlife experiences in a short time.
- 3-Day Safari: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
- From $650 - 980
A standard 3-day, 2-night Tanzania wildlife safari focusing on the iconic Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater typically costs between $650 and $980 per person in 2026 for a mid-range package. This efficient itinerary is designed to maximize “Big Five” sightings and iconic landscape views.
- Visit Ngorongoro Crater for spectacular wildlife sightings.
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire
- From $1,140 - 1,890
An ideal 4-day, 3-night Tanzania wildlife safari typically costs between $1,140 and $1,890 per person and focuses on the core Northern Circuit parks: the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. This itinerary offers a comprehensive “Big Five” experience with a mix of diverse landscapes.
- Scenic views and a mix of wildlife experiences in a short time.
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire
- From $1,340 - 1,990
A comprehensive 5-day Tanzania wildlife safari covering the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park costs approximately $1,340 to $1,990 per person for a mid-range package in 2026. This popular itinerary offers a balanced, immersive experience across the core Northern Circuit parks.
5-Day Tanzania Safari Quick Facts (2026)
- Primary Locations: Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Average Cost: $1,340 – $1,990 per person.
- Best For: Travelers seeking a deeper and more immersive wildlife experience across Northern Tanzania’s most iconic national parks.
- Experience: This balanced journey offers unique landscapes, high biodiversity, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable safari moments.
Itinerary Overview
This 5-day itinerary moves efficiently through four distinct ecosystems, providing ample time for game viewing while ensuring you experience the unique topography and resident species of each park.
Daily Highlights
- Day 1: Explore Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant population and dramatic baobab trees.
- Day 2: Short drive to Lake Manyara National Park, known for unique tree-climbing lions and expansive flamingo flocks.
- Days 3 & 4: Drive into the heart of the Serengeti National Park, dedicating two days to exploring the predator capital of Africa and searching for the Great Migration.
- Day 5: A morning game drive inside the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering unmatched, high-density game viewing, before returning to Arusha.
- Scenic views and a mix of wildlife experiences in a short time.
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire
- From $1,540 - 2,190
A 6-day Tanzania wildlife safari is a well-designed adventure that balances game viewing across the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Parks, typically costing between $1,540 and $2,190 per person for a mid-range package in 2026. This duration is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts who want an in-depth experience of the Northern Circuit without feeling rushed.
6-Day Tanzania Safari Key Planning Information (2026)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Locations | Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, & Lake Manyara |
| Average Cost | $1,540 – $2,190 per person (mid-range tour operator rates) |
| Best For | In-depth wildlife lovers seeking a comprehensive Northern Circuit experience |
| Accommodation | Lodge or Tented Camp options available (affects final price) |
| Booking Window | 4-6 months in advance recommended (6-12 months for peak season) |
Itinerary Overview & Experience
This itinerary provides a deeper, more immersive wildlife experience across Northern Tanzania’s most iconic national parks compared to shorter safaris. By extending the stay, travelers secure ample time for game drives, reducing travel fatigue and significantly increasing the chances of witnessing specific behaviors, such as a lion hunt or a river crossing during the migration season.
In-Depth Daily Itinerary (Example)
- Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, transfer to a lodge near Tarangire National Park for a warm-up game drive.
- Day 2: Full day exploring Tarangire, focusing on the extensive river system and massive elephant populations.
- Day 3: Travel to Serengeti National Park, conducting a game drive en route (this is often when you see your first big cats).
- Day 4: A dedicated full day in the Serengeti, allowing for exploration of different zones (e.g., central Seronera region), maximizing predator encounters and Great Migration movements.
- Day 5: Transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater rim, with an afternoon nature walk or cultural experience.
- Day 6: Early morning descent into the Crater for the final, intensive “Big Five” game drive, then departure back to Arusha.
- Scenic views and a mix of wildlife experiences.
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire
- From $1,740 - 2,590
A 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour is the gold standard for a comprehensive Northern Circuit experience, typically costing between $1,740 and $2,590 per person for a quality mid-range package in 2026. This itinerary maximizes wildlife encounters across Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater, offering a perfect blend of high-density game viewing, diverse landscapes, and cultural insights.
7-Day Tanzania Safari Key Planning Information (2026)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Days / 6 Nights |
| Primary Parks | Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater |
| Average Cost | $1,740 – $2,590 per person (mid-range tour operator rates) |
| Booking Lead Time | 6-12 months in advance (crucial for peak season lodges) |
| Value Proposition | The optimal balance of time, park diversity, and cost for a first-time visitor. |
In-Depth Itinerary Rationale & Experience
This one-week safari is meticulously designed to follow a logical geographical path, reducing driving time and maximizing time spent on game drives. It provides cultural insights and relaxation in handpicked lodges and camps, moving from the ancient baobab-studded plains of Tarangire to the vast savannahs of the Serengeti.
- Diverse Ecosystems: The itinerary systematically transitions through four distinct UNESCO-recognized ecosystems, guaranteeing exposure to different resident species (e.g., aquatic birds in Manyara, rhinos in Ngorongoro).
- Migration Opportunities: The extended time in the Serengeti (usually 3 days) significantly increases the chance of witnessing specific animal behaviors or key events of the Great Wildebeest Migration, depending on the travel season.
- Proven Success Rate: This specific route is statistically proven to offer the highest success rate for seeing the “Big Five” in a single week-long trip.
Typical Daily Itinerary Flow
- Days 1-2: Explore the elephant kingdom of Tarangire and the diverse birdlife/tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara.
- Days 3-5: Three full days dedicated to the Serengeti National Park, allowing for flexible pursuit of game activity.
- Day 6: Full-day game drive within the wildlife-rich floor of the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Day 7: Final drive back to Arusha/Kilimanjaro airport for departure.
- Scenic views and a mix of wildlife experiences.
