Ultimate 5 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Costs (4 Ideas)
Although it may appear implausible, five days Tanzania suffices for safari excursions across various national parks in Africa. Tanzania is the ideal destination, where one can observe lions and leopards in the Serengeti, witness grazing giraffes at Lake Manyara, and encounter rhinos at the Ngorongoro Crater. Alternative five-day Tanzania itineraries encompass a tranquil beach retreat in Zanzibar, cultural interactions with indigenous tribes, and an extraordinary ascent of the renowned Mount Kilimanjaro.
5 Days Tanzania Itinerary Itinerary Ideas
Itinerary #1: Tanzania Safari Adventure
This 5-day African expedition consolidates Tanzania’s principal safari attractions into a concise schedule ideal for individuals with constrained time.
This magnificent excursion commences in Arusha, a city in northern Tanzania, strategically situated near numerous national parks. Your inaugural safari occurs at Lake Manyara, a sanctuary for flamingos. Onshore, one can observe several giraffes, zebras, and the nation’s largest population of bush elephants. Subsequently, you will proceed to the renowned Serengeti National Park. This 5,700-square-mile (14,763-square-kilometer) expanse of pristine savanna accommodates the Great Migration, during which over one million wildebeests migrate annually from June to November in search of new grazing territories. It is also a sanctuary for the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and black rhinos.
Following several days of 4WD excursions in the Serengeti, you will proceed to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This natural wonder is the largest volcanic caldera globally, measuring 2,000 feet (609 m) in depth and spanning 100 square miles (259 square km) in width. A remarkable ecology exists on the crater floor, inhabited by around 20,000 species and 40,000 Maasai tribes people. Game drives in this area virtually guarantee sightings of the elusive black rhino, since anti-poaching patrols safeguard the population’s survival. Conclude the expedition with a plunge in a natural spring at Mount Kilimanjaro prior to returning home.
5 Days Tanzania Highlights
- Day 1 Arrive in Arusha, Transfer to Lake Manyara Karatu
- Day 2 Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park Serengeti National Park
- Day 3 Serengeti Game Drives Serengeti National Park
- Day 4 Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area Ngorongoro
- Day 5 Ngorongoro to Kilimanjaro & Hot Spring, Depart
Itinerary #2: Zanzibar Beach Holiday
This 5-day beach vacation in beautiful Zanzibar is ideal for a swift rejuvenation.
Zanzibar is acclaimed as the most exquisite island getaway in East Africa. This archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its idyllic scenery of clear waves caressing the pristine white-sand shore. Before enjoying your beach time, you will participate in a guided walking tour of Stone Town, the historic core of Zanzibar City. As you navigate its intricate alleyways, you will encounter a rich tapestry of culture and history influenced by Arab, Indian, African, and European traditions. Explore historic mansions, historical fortifications, and the grave location of a former slave market.
Subsequently, you will proceed to a five-star hotel located in northern Zanzibar, with an interim visit to a spice farm for a tour. Upon arrival at the hotel, you may utilise your remaining days to unwind on the pristine white sands, engage in aquatic activities, or revel at a nearby beach club. Numerous additional physical pursuits are accessible, such as kayaking, snorkelling, and fishing. The Pemba Channel in Zanzibar is an excellent location for capturing billfish and marlin. Prior to your departure, it is advisable to go on a traditional dhow to appreciate the pink and vermilion tones of Zanzibar’s renowned sunsets.
5 Days Tanzania Highlights
- Day 1 Arrive in Zanzibar, Walking Tour Stone Town Zanzibar
- Day 2 Beach Day & Spice Tour Zanzibar Beach
- Days 3-4 Beach Day, Optional Activities Zanzibar Beach
- Day 5 Depart Zanzibar
Itinerary #3: Highlights of Serengeti National Park
This five-day exploration of the Serengeti is great for anyone seeking the quintessential safari experience in one of Africa’s premier locations.
Upon arrival in Arusha, you will dedicate a day to savouring esteemed Tanzania coffee. The next day, take a flight to an airfield in Serengeti National Park for many days of safari enjoyment. The majority of your time will be spent in the park’s northern part, characterised by a dense population of wildlife and a lower influx of visitors compared to other places. This implies that you will predominantly have the undulating green hills and acacia woodlands of this wide savanna to yourself. During the optimal period (June to November), one can observe the tumultuous spectacle of wildebeests and zebras participating in their Great Migration.
On the second and third days, you will undertake morning and afternoon game drives adjacent to the Kenyan border. Throughout, one will observe gazelles, wildebeests, elephants, and giraffes. You may be fortunate enough to observe lions pursuing their prey or a black rhino in its natural habitat. On day four, you will get a unique opportunity to soar over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon during an airborne safari. On the final day, you will go on a concluding morning game drive prior to your transfer to the airport for your return flight.
5 Days Tanzania Highlights
- Day 1 Arrive in Arusha
- Day 2 Arusha to Serengeti National Park
- Day 3 Serengeti Game Drives
- Day 4 Balloon Safari, Walking Safari, Night Game Drive
- Day 5 Serengeti to Arusha, Depart
Itinerary #4: Climb Tanzania’s Mount Meru
For those without the time to hike Mount Kilimanjaro, there’s this brisk 5-day ascent of Mount Meru, a 14,980-foot (4,566 m) dormant volcano whose summit looks out to some of the best views in Africa.
Upon arrival in Arusha, you will transfer for approximately one hour to the base of Mount Meru, situated just west of Kilimanjaro. Your initial night will be spent at a coffee farm, followed by a morning visit to Arusha National Park for pre-climb registration. You may select between two paths up the mountain, each traversing distinct plant zones inhabited by endemic fauna such as giraffes and warthogs.
The initial day’s trek elevates 3,330 feet (1,015 m) to the Miriakamba Hut, where you will spend the night surrounded by breath-taking vistas of the volcanic crater. The following day has a comparable ascent through montane forest to another hut equipped with adequate facilities, including the availability of soda and beer. Day four commences at 1:30 AM to ascend to the crater rim and go to the top. The progress is gradual due to the steep, sandy path and strong winds, requiring approximately 10 hours to finish, therefore necessitating an early start. Upon admiring the breath-taking summit vistas of Kilimanjaro, you will descend the mountain and return to Arusha.
5 Days Tanzania Highlights
- Day 1 Arrive in Tanzania
- Day 2 Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
- Day 3 Miriakamba to Saddle Hut
- Day 4 Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak, Return to Miriakamba
- Day 5 Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate, Return to Arusha
