5-Day Tanzania Safari Extension

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day Tanzania Safari Extension, a journey curated for travelers looking to explore the heart of Africa’s wilderness following an adventure like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or before indulging in the tranquil paradise of Zanzibar. This extension offers a perfect balance of adventure, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty. Over the course of five incredible days, you will discover the stunning ecosystems of Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater. Each destination presents a unique blend of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural interactions that truly embody the spirit of African safaris.

This 5-Day Tanzania Safari Extension safari is privately guided, ensuring a personalized experience with the flexibility to move at your own pace. You will travel in a comfortable, well-equipped 4×4 safari vehicle and stay in handpicked lodges and camps that cater to various comfort levels—Silver, Gold, and Platinum options available to suit your travel style.

Expect thrilling game drives in regions teeming with elephants, flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and the elusive black rhino. With dramatic backdrops like the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the Ngorongoro Crater rim, your days will be filled with awe-inspiring scenes and rich biodiversity. This safari extension not only complements your Tanzanian journey but also elevates it to a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Detailed: 5-Day Tanzania Safari Extension

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)v

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Your 5-Day Tanzania Safari Extension journey begins as soon as you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon landing, you will be welcomed by a professional Terenga Safaris guide, easily identifiable and smiling warmly as they greet you with the Swahili phrase, Karibu Tanzania! (Welcome to Tanzania!). Your guide will assist with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha, a vibrant town nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru and the gateway to Tanzania‘s northern safari circuit.

During the transfer, enjoy your first glimpses of Tanzanian life—bustling local markets, distant mountains, and the rhythmic energy of East Africa. Once at your lodge, take the evening to unwind and recover from your journey. You may choose to enjoy a quiet dinner, sip a drink while watching the sunset, or simply relax amidst the serene gardens of your accommodation.

This first night sets the tone for your upcoming adventure. Your 5-Day Tanzania Safari Extension safari officially kicks off the next morning with your private vehicle and experienced guide ready to lead you into the wild.

Accommodation Options:

Silver: Ahadi Lodge
Gold: Arusha Villa
Platinum: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge

Meal Plan: Dinner only

Day 2: Tarangire National Park – The Kingdom of Elephants

Tarangire National Park – The Kingdom of Elephants

After a hearty breakfast, your guide will brief you about the day’s adventure before heading towards Tarangire National Park, located about 2-3 hours southwest of Arusha. This park is known for its undulating landscape, dramatic baobab trees, and, most notably, one of the largest concentrations of elephants in East Africa.

The park’s namesake, the Tarangire River, flows year-round and acts as a magnet for wildlife during the dry season. The riverbanks and acacia woodlands draw countless animals, including buffaloes, zebras, impalas, wildebeests, and giraffes, all coexisting with towering herds of elephants that frequently number in the hundreds.

Look out for leopards resting in acacia trees, lions stalking prey near the swamps, and an incredible variety of birdlife—over 550 species have been recorded here, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Your 5-Day Tanzania Safari Extension game drive includes multiple stops and a picnic lunch in a scenic spot inside the park. After an exhilarating day in Tarangire, you’ll head to your lodge located nearby, where you’ll enjoy a sumptuous dinner under the stars.

Accommodation Options:

Silver: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge

Gold: Ang’ata Tarangire Camp
Platinum: Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge by Wellworth

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park – Flamingos and Forests

Lake Manyara National Park – Flamingos and Forests

Today’s safari takes you to Lake Manyara National Park, a smaller yet remarkably diverse park nestled along the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Famous for its lush groundwater forest, alkaline soda lake, and the possibility of spotting tree-climbing lions, Lake Manyara is an ecological gem.

You’ll enter the park through a thick canopy of fig and mahogany trees, home to blue monkeys, baboons, and a variety of birds including hornbills and kingfishers. Drive through different habitats as your guide helps you spot wildlife including elephants, hippos, giraffes, and flocks of greater and lesser flamingos along the lake’s shallow edges.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your game drive to the famous hippo pool, where dozens of these massive creatures wallow together, occasionally yawning or sparring.

Lake Manyara’s scenic beauty and compact size make for a unique safari experience distinct from the vast savannahs of other parks.

Accommodation Options:

Silver: Manyara Best View Lodge & Spa
Gold: Manyara’s Secret
Platinum: Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge by Wellworth
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Into the Crater of Life

Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Into the Crater of Life

After an early breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlight today is descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

This massive volcanic caldera, 19 km wide and 600 meters deep, hosts an unrivaled concentration of wildlife. Here you may spot the entire Big Five: elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and the rare and endangered black rhinoceros—all in one day. You’ll also encounter zebras, warthogs, hippos, and the elusive caracal and serval cats.

The crater floor is a photographer’s dream, offering sweeping landscapes dotted with wildlife, shimmering soda lakes with flamingos, and rich grasslands that resemble Eden.

After a full day of game viewing, ascend back to the crater rim and continue to your lodge for a relaxing evening and dinner.

Accommodation Options:

Silver: Manyara Best View Lodge & Spa
Gold: Manyara Best View Lodge & Spa
Platinum: Ngorongoro O’ldeani Mountain Lodge by Wellworth

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Departure – Farewell to the Wild

Departure – Farewell to the Wild

On your final morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge. Depending on your flight time, you may take a short village walk or simply soak in the tranquil surroundings one last time. Later, your guide will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward journey or return flight home.

If you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, you can extend your trip to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar, or explore lesser-known Tanzanian gems like Pemba Island or Mafia Island for diving and snorkeling adventures.

This 5-day Tanzania Safari Extension is a truly enriching journey—an opportunity to connect with nature and witness the wild in its most authentic form.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only