5-Day Great Migration + Ngorongoro Itinerary
This 5-day Tanzania safari itinerary combines three of the country’s most iconic destinations — Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park.
You will see large elephant herds and baobabs in Tarangire, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for the Big Five, and follow the Great Migration across the Serengeti plains.
If you have more time, consider adding Zanzibar for a beach escape — see our Safari and Beach Combination guide.
Why Choose This 5-Day Itinerary?
This itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to experience the best of northern Tanzania in a short time.
- Three iconic parks in one trip
- Large elephant herds in Tarangire
- Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater
- Great Migration in the Serengeti
- Balanced mix of game drives and scenery
For a broader overview, read our guide on How Many Days in Tanzania or the Best Time to Visit Tanzania.
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire → Overnight
- Morning: Depart Arusha after breakfast
- Midday: Arrive at Tarangire National Park
- Afternoon: Game drive — elephants, baobabs, wildlife
- Evening: Dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp
Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Learn more in our guide to the Tarangire Safari Guide or the Tarangire Wildlife Guide.
Day 2: Tarangire → Ngorongoro → Overnight
- Morning: Final game drive in Tarangire
- Midday: Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Afternoon: Arrive at the crater rim — stunning views
- Evening: Dinner and overnight at a crater rim lodge
The drive from Tarangire to Ngorongoro takes about 2–3 hours, passing through Maasai villages and scenic highlands. Learn more in our guide to the Crater Rim vs Crater Floor.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive → Overnight
- Early morning: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater
- Full day: Game drive — Big Five, flamingos, hippos
- Midday: Picnic lunch near the hippo pool
- Afternoon: Continue game drive — black rhinos, lions, elephants
- Evening: Return to the rim for dinner and overnight
Ngorongoro offers one of the best chances in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day. Learn more in our guide to the Ngorongoro Big Five Guide.
Day 4: Ngorongoro → Serengeti → Overnight
- Morning: Drive from Ngorongoro to the Serengeti
- Midday: Arrive at the Serengeti — game drive en route
- Afternoon: Game drive — follow the Great Migration
- Evening: Dinner and overnight at your camp or lodge
The drive from Ngorongoro to the Serengeti takes about 3–4 hours, passing through the Naabi Hill Gate. Learn more in our guide to the Great Migration Month-by-Month Guide.
Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drive → Return to Arusha
- Early morning: Sunrise game drive — best time for predators
- Mid-morning: Explore the Seronera Valley — big cats territory
- Midday: Picnic lunch in the bush
- Afternoon: Final game drive — follow the migration
- Evening: Return to Arusha — end of safari
If you want to extend your trip, consider adding a hot air balloon safari or continuing to Zanzibar for a beach escape.
Where to Stay
Where you stay depends on the time of year and your budget.
- Tarangire — lodges inside or outside the park
- Ngorongoro — crater rim lodges or Karatu lodges
- Serengeti — Central Serengeti (Seronera) or Northern Serengeti
Learn more in our guides to the Tarangire Safari Guide, Crater Rim vs Crater Floor and How Many Days in Serengeti.
Best Time for This Itinerary
The best time is during the dry seasons:
- June–October — dry season, best wildlife viewing, Great Migration
- December–March — calving season, green landscapes
For a detailed month-by-month breakdown, see our guide on the best time to visit Tanzania.
Optional Add-Ons
- Hot air balloon safari — sunrise flight + champagne breakfast
- Maasai village visit — cultural experience
- Zanzibar — add 3–4 days for a beach escape
Learn more in our guides to the Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Guide, Maasai Cultural Experience and Zanzibar.
Planning Your Trip: More Guides
Whether you are travelling as a couple, a family or a group, we have a guide for you — Family Safari Guide, Honeymoon Safari Guide, Luxury Safari Guide or Budget Safari Guide.
If you are deciding between parks, read our comparison of Tarangire vs Serengeti or the Serengeti vs Ngorongoro guide.
Request Your Personalised Itinerary
Tell Us About Your Trip
Every traveller is different. Tell us your travel dates, number of travellers, preferred camps and interests — and we will prepare a personalised 5-day Great Migration + Ngorongoro itinerary for you.
- Travel dates
- Number of travellers
- Preferred camps (luxury, mid-range, budget)
- Special interests (migration, balloon safari, photography)
Send us a message on WhatsApp or email, and we will respond with a tailored itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 days enough for this itinerary?
Yes — 5 days is enough to see Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Can I see the Big Five?
Yes — Ngorongoro offers a high chance of seeing the Big Five.
Can I see the Great Migration?
Yes — depending on the season, you can see the migration in the Serengeti.
Can I add a balloon safari?
Yes — a balloon safari can be added on Day 4 or Day 5 morning.
Can I add Zanzibar?
Yes — add 3–4 days for a beach escape.
How do I request an itinerary?
Send us a message on WhatsApp or email with your travel dates and preferences.