Wildlife · Nature · Adventure · Luxury · Bucket List
Serengeti 5-Day Wildlife Safari
Overview
Spend 5 days discovering Serengeti, Tanzania — Warm savanna climate with two rainy seasons (November-December short rains, March-May long rains); daytime highs stay around 25-28°C year-round. June to October for the dry season and Western Corridor river crossings; December to March to witness the wildebeest calving season in the southern plains. This itinerary blends Serengeti National Park entry and game drives, Hot air balloon safari at dawn, Camp/lodge wildlife viewing with free time to explore at your own pace, backed by round-trip flights, handpicked accommodation, and a dedicated travel consultant from enquiry through departure.
Highlights
- Serengeti National Park entry and game drives
- Hot air balloon safari at dawn
- Camp/lodge wildlife viewing
- Hot air balloon safari
- Private-guide fly-in safari with a premium tented camp
- Ngorongoro Crater
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in Serengeti
Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (main gateway; onward light-aircraft transfer to Serengeti airstrips) (JRO) and take your included private transfer to your hotel. After settling in, ease into the trip with a relaxed visit to Serengeti National Park entry and game drives — Vast plains hosting the Great Migration and dense predator populations. Round off the evening with a welcome dinner introducing you to local flavors.
DAY 2
Serengeti: Hot air balloon safari at dawn & Olduvai Gorge museum stop
Morning visit to Hot air balloon safari at dawn — Sunrise flight over the plains followed by a champagne bush breakfast. In the afternoon, continue to Olduvai Gorge museum stop — Site of major early-human fossil discoveries, en route to the Serengeti. Evening free to explore local restaurants and nightlife.
DAY 3
Serengeti: Ngorongoro Crater day excursion & Camp/lodge wildlife viewing
Morning visit to Ngorongoro Crater day excursion — Descent into a wildlife-dense volcanic caldera, typically combined with a Serengeti trip. In the afternoon, continue to Camp/lodge wildlife viewing — Many tented camps see game passing directly through camp grounds. Evening free to explore local restaurants and nightlife.
DAY 4
Day Trip to Ngorongoro Crater
Full-day excursion to Ngorongoro Crater, a popular side trip from Serengeti. Return to Serengeti in the evening with time free to explore on your own.
DAY 5
Departure Day
Enjoy a final morning at leisure — perhaps one last visit to Serengeti National Park entry and game drives or some souvenir shopping — before your private transfer to JRO for your departure flight.
Included
- ✓ Round-trip economy-class airfare from your selected origin city (upgrade to premium economy or business available)
- ✓ 4 nights accommodation in your selected category (Budget, Mid-range, Premium, or Luxury)
- ✓ Daily breakfast at your hotel
- ✓ Private round-trip airport-to-hotel transfers
- ✓ Daily local transport as per the itinerary
- ✓ Guided tours including Serengeti National Park entry and game drives, Hot air balloon safari at dawn, Camp/lodge wildlife viewing
- ✓ All entrance fees for attractions and activities listed in the itinerary
- ✓ Applicable taxes and OTA service fee
- ✓ Dedicated travel consultant support from booking through departure
Not Included
- ✕ Visa fees and travel document costs (see Visa Information)
- ✕ Travel insurance (strongly recommended, available as an add-on)
- ✕ Lunches and dinners except where noted in the itinerary
- ✕ Personal expenses, souvenirs, and gratuities
- ✕ Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- ✕ Airline seat selection and baggage upgrades
- ✕ Any fare difference for premium economy or business class upgrades
Good to Know
- Best Time to Visit
- June to October for the dry season and Western Corridor river crossings; December to March to witness the wildebeest calving season in the southern plains.
- Currency
- TZS
- Languages
- Swahili, English
- Time Zone
- EAT (UTC+3)
- Nearest Airport
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (main gateway; onward light-aircraft transfer to Serengeti airstrips) (JRO)
- Avg. Flight Time
- ~11.4h from major hubs (estimate; varies by origin — see Suggested Flights)
- Visa Information
- Tanzania offers an e-visa or visa-on-arrival for most nationalities including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and India — arranging the e-visa in advance is recommended to avoid arrival queues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Serengeti?
Tanzania offers an e-visa or visa-on-arrival for most nationalities including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and India — arranging the e-visa in advance is recommended to avoid arrival queues.
What is the best time to visit Serengeti?
June to October for the dry season and Western Corridor river crossings; December to March to witness the wildebeest calving season in the southern plains. Warm savanna climate with two rainy seasons (November-December short rains, March-May long rains); daytime highs stay around 25-28°C year-round.
What's included in this package?
Round-trip airfare, accommodation, daily breakfast, airport transfers, daily local transport, and guided tours to the attractions listed in the itinerary. See the Included / Not Included sections for full detail.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes — this itinerary is a starting point. Your travel consultant can add, remove, or reorder activities, extend your stay, or upgrade your hotel category before you book.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 30+ days before departure: full refund minus a $99 processing fee. 15-29 days before departure: 50% refund. 0-14 days before departure or no-show: non-refundable. Airline and hotel supplier cancellation terms may be stricter than this policy and apply in addition — your travel consultant confirms exact terms before payment is taken. No online payment is collected on this site; a consultant confirms final pricing and availability with you directly before any booking is confirmed.
Is Serengeti safe for tourists?
Serengeti is generally safe for tourists who take standard precautions — avoid poorly lit areas at night, keep valuables secure, and use licensed transport.
What currency should I bring to Serengeti?
The local currency is TZS. Carry some cash for smaller vendors — card acceptance can be inconsistent outside major hotels and malls.
Is this package good for a honeymoon or family trip?
This itinerary suits couples, solo travelers, and small groups equally well — talk to your consultant about tailoring it further.
Traveler Reviews
Ava Fernandez
★ 3.9
United Kingdom • 2026-05-01
Serengeti National Park entry and game drives alone was worth the trip, but combined with Camp/lodge wildlife viewing this itinerary really delivered. Breakfast at the hotel was good every day and the local guide was knowledgeable.
Yuki Cohen
★ 4
India • 2025-07-17
Hot air balloon safari at dawn alone was worth the trip, but combined with Camp/lodge wildlife viewing this itinerary really delivered. Breakfast at the hotel was good every day and the local guide was knowledgeable.
Wei Kim
★ 4.1
Netherlands • 2025-02-11
Booked this as a family of 4 trip and it was well paced. Ngorongoro Crater day excursion in particular stood out. A couple of the transfers ran a little late but nothing that spoiled the trip.
Lucas Botha
★ 4.3
Italy • 2026-02-24
Everything was handled for us — flights, hotel, transfers, and tours to Camp/lodge wildlife viewing and Olduvai Gorge museum stop. Great communication from the consultant before departure too.
Mohammed Andersen
★ 3.9
Switzerland • 2025-06-26
Ngorongoro Crater day excursion alone was worth the trip, but combined with Olduvai Gorge museum stop this itinerary really delivered. Breakfast at the hotel was good every day and the local guide was knowledgeable.
Anna Santos
★ 4.5
Japan • 2026-01-23
Serengeti is stunning and this package covered the essentials well, especially Olduvai Gorge museum stop. The hotel could have been a little closer to the center but transport was easy.