Highlights
Discover diverse wildlife, spectacular landscapes and authentic local experiences across northern Tanzania...
- Visit: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Mto wa Mbu
- Watch elephants among ancient baobabs across Tarangire’s remarkable landscapes
- Follow wildlife across Serengeti’s endless plains during full-day exploration
- Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for an extraordinary wildlife experience
- Experience vibrant local culture and community life in Mto wa Mbu
- Travel comfortably through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit
Experience Tarangire’s elephants, Serengeti’s plains, Ngorongoro’s crater and Mto wa Mbu’s culture in one Tanzania safari!
5 days Bush Escape Tour
Discover Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes and local culture on a five-day journey through its celebrated northern safari circuit.
Experience Tanzania’s wild wonders with us on a 5-Days Bush Escape Safari. Explore Tarangire’s elephants, Serengeti’s endless plains, and Ngorongoro Crater’s wildlife. Witness the Great Migration, enjoy thrilling game drives, stunning sunsets, and end with a cultural visit to Mto wa Mbu—an unforgettable journey blending adventure, nature, and local life.
Day 1
Arusha – Tarangire NP
Depart Arusha in the morning and drive through the picturesque Maasai plains towards Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. Upon arrival and after completing the park entry formalities, enter the park for an immersive game drive through vast savannahs dotted with iconic ancient baobab trees.
Tarangire is renowned for the large number and diversity of wildlife found within the park. It is particularly famous for its impressive elephant population, making it an excellent destination for travellers hoping to enjoy close and memorable wildlife encounters.
The Tarangire River is an important source of water for wildlife in the area, attracting large numbers of animals, especially during the dry season. The park’s diverse landscape is also a photographer’s dream, with magnificent baobab trees, open savannahs, and extensive marshlands creating a beautiful setting for wildlife and landscape photography.
Lunch will be served at the picnic site, allowing you to enjoy your meal surrounded by the natural beauty of the park. In the late afternoon, continue to your selected accommodation for dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay.
Overnight: Tarangire National Park Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Lake Burunge Tented Lodge
Burunge Baobab Lodge
Tarangire Elephant Spring Camp
Day 2
Tarangire – Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, depart Tarangire and drive toward the iconic Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Highlands. The journey offers scenic landscapes and the opportunity for wildlife sightings along the way.
Distance: Approximately 280 km Estimated Driving Time: 5 – 7 hours (including stops and en-route game viewing)
Arrive in Serengeti National Park in time for an afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Serengeti National Park Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tukaone Mwaloni Camp
Enkirari Wilderness Camp
Serengeti Explorer
Day 3
Serengeti National Park - Full Day Exploration
Morning in Serengeti is an experience worth cherishing. Wake up surrounded by enchanted sounds and the smell of the wilderness, staring at a magnificent, breathtaking sunrise over the endless plains of Serengeti.
Optional Activity: Usually at 5:00 AM, transfer to the balloon launching site for a hot air balloon experience, followed by a bush champagne breakfast.
Game Drive Distance: Variable, approximately 100 – 120 km Estimated Game Drive Time: 6 – 10 hours total
Break for lunch at your accommodation and later have further Explorations into the Serengeti, Immersing Yourself in the Heart of the wilderness.
Tukaone Mwaloni Camp
Enkirari Wilderness Camp
Serengeti Explorer
Day 4
Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu
After an early breakfast, depart the Serengeti on a scenic en-route drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying sweeping views of the highlands along the way. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Distance: Approximately 145 km Estimated Driving Time: 3.5 – 4.5 hours
Highlights:
- Exceptional wildlife density within the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
- Reliable Big Five sightings, including the rare black rhino.
- Scenic crater walls, open grasslands, forests, and soda lakes with flamingos.
- One of Africa’s most rewarding single-day wildlife experiences.
After a great day ascend the crater and transfer to your accommodation located in Karatu Area, arrives in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Karatu Area Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Martina’s Retreat
Acacia Farm Lodge
Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge
Day 5
Karatu – Mto Wa Mbu – Arusha
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation before departing for Mto wa Mbu village, where you will experience the local way of life through a guided nature walk and cultural tour.
Karatu – Mto wa Mbu (Village Cultural & Nature Experience)
Distance: 35 km Driving Time: Approximately 30 – 45 minutes
The experience offers an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the community, with visits to local farms, food markets, rice paddies, banana plantations, and a traditional banana beer bar. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to meet local people, discover traditional activities, and learn more about the culture and livelihoods of the area.
Later, board your safari vehicle and drive back to Arusha, continuing directly to the airport for your onward flight arrangement.
Mto wa Mbu Village – Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Distance: 185 km Driving Time: Approximately 3.5 – 4 hours via Arusha
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch Safari Ends: Arusha / Airport
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari driver-guide.
- Accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Unlimited mineral water, coffee, and selected soft drinks during safari game drives.
- Tarangire National Park entrance and WMA fees.
- Serengeti National Park entrance and conservation fees.
- Ngorongoro Crater tour and crater service fees.
- Game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard the safari vehicle.
- All applicable government taxes and VAT.
Excludes
- International flights.
- Airport Transfers - $70 per vehicle one way.
- Pre and Post Accommodation in Arusha.
- Tanzania entry visa (US$50 per person, where applicable).
- Optional activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel, medical, and baggage insurance.
- Tips and gratuities for the safari guide, hotel staff, and porters.
- Laundry services.
- Telephone calls and other personal communication charges.
- Beverages not included in the meal plan (unless otherwise specified).
- Any items of a personal nature or expenses.
After your Mto wa Mbu cultural experience, continue towards Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport, bringing your five-day Tanzania safari to a memorable close.
Brief Travel Guide
Your Essential Guide To Exploring Tanzania
Explore Tanzania’s Iconic Wildlife, Scenic Landscapes, Rich Culture, and Unforgettable Adventures With Our Essential Travel Guide for Your Next African Journey.
You can arrive in Tanzania via Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar International Airport A Tanzania Visa is required is 50 USD and $100 for US citizen It can be obtained online at https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
Valid passport, for at least six months; Full visa page endorsements A yellow fever vaccination card if coming from yellow fever endemic counties Printed travel itinerary or reservations
Tanzania’s currency is the Tanzania Shilling (TZS) US dollars are widely preferred but, Euros and British Pounds are also accepted. Dollar notes before 2006 are not accepted.
Dry season: Dec - Feb & Jun - Aug Wet season: Mar - May & Sept - Nov 27°C and 29°C - Average daily temperatures Night temperatures can drop to 15°C
Top national parks can be accessed by scheduled domestic flights We provide the best and comfortable 4x4 vehicles for road transfers
Peak Season: Jan & Feb ,July – Oct & from 15th Dec – 31st High / Shoulder season: Mar , Jun & Nov Low/ Green season: April - May
Frequently Asked Questions
About Your 5 Days Bush Escape Tour
Find practical answers about this five-day safari, including destinations, wildlife, accommodation, activities and essential details for planning your Tanzania journey with confidence.
The itinerary includes Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with game drives in both destinations and a final morning drive inside the crater at the end.
Wildlife sightings can include lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, hippos, black rhinos and numerous birds, although sightings vary with season, location and daily safari conditions during your game drives.
You can choose Mid-Range, Deluxe or Luxury accommodation, while optional experiences such as a balloon safari can be added according to availability and your preferred travel plans comfortably.
The itinerary can be discussed around your travel dates, accommodation preferences and optional activities, allowing the safari to fit your preferred pace, interests and overall travel plans comfortably.
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Hear From Our Travellers
Hear from travellers who discovered Tanzania with Lifetime Safaris
and shared their experiences
Good guide is very important
High recommend Danford and Lifetime Safaris! Danford is a skilled attentive driver with deep Safari knowledge and great instincts.
Paulo P
Love Lifetime Safaris
Great safari with our guide Humphrey! Safari roads are crazy and we felt safe, comfortable and well supported the whole time.
Kerri P
An unforgettable safari experience
An unforgettable experience indeed! We travelled with our friends and it’s a total six of us. Our guide Danford was excellent.
Stephen M
Trip of a lifetime with guide James
We have just recently returned from Tanzania, an absolute trip of a lifetime made even more special because of our guide James.
Cindy
Wonderful adventure in Tanzania
Wonderful adventure in Tanzania visiting local villages and markets, Materuni waterfalls, Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro parks.
Oscar
Unforgettable Safari Experience
We had an incredible experience on our safari, and a huge part of that was thanks to our amazing guide James "Bond".
stephen k
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