Rating score 5.0 of 5

5-Day Family Tracks: A Safari to Remember

Safari in national parks: Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park

This 5-day family safari through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is designed to spark wonder and connection offering a perfect blend of wildlife, landscapes, and comfort. Each park presents a new experience, with engaging guides who turn game drives into exciting learning adventures for the whole family.

Begin your journey in Tarangire National Park, where giant baobab trees and elephant herds provide an unforgettable introduction to the wild. Continue to the vast plains of the Serengeti, where you’ll encounter lions, giraffes, and if timed right the Great Migration. Enjoy exciting game drives and downtime for family bonding.

End your safari with a day inside the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife. From game spotting to cultural insights and breathtaking scenery, this safari balances education, relaxation, and adventure making it the perfect getaway for family memories that will last a lifetime.

Trip Highlights

  • Family-friendly guide & child-friendly experiences
  • Giant elephant herds & baobabs in Tarangire
  • Big Cats and Great
  • Migration (seasonal) in Serengeti
  • Picnic inside the Ngorongoro Crater floor
  • Optional cultural stops (Maasai village, banana farm)
  • Flexible pace with exciting & safe wildlife sightings

Trip Features

Start Date

Can start any day

Duration

5 Days

diamond-gem

Challenging

Can be optimizated

Tour Type

Private Tour

workflow

Tour Plan

Customizable
Itinerary

trolleybus

Transport

Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch
& Dinner

Airport

Kilimanjaro Int.
Airport

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast in Arusha, you’ll drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and vast elephant populations. Enjoy a game drive along the Tarangire River, where animals gather to drink especially during the dry season. Keep an eye out for lions, giraffes, wildebeests, and colorful birdlife. After a picnic lunch or a hot meal at the lodge, continue with an afternoon drive before heading to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight near or inside the park.

  • Accommodation: Budget, Midrange or Luxury in karatu
  • Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Kudu lodge & campsite

Kudu Lodge & Campsite is a charming boutique retreat nestled in the heart of Karatu, ideal for safari travelers exploring Northern Tanzania. The lodge offers cozy accommodations, serene gardens, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Located just 15 km from the Ngorongoro Crater gate, it provides easy access to nearby national parks. Guests enjoy modern comforts blended with local character and natural beauty. Whether for adventure or relaxation, Kudu Lodge is a perfect stop on your safari journey.

Eileen’s Trees Inn

Eileen’s Trees Inn is a peaceful and welcoming lodge located in the vibrant town of Karatu, ideal for exploring the Northern Safari Circuit. Just 15 km from the Ngorongoro Crater entrance, the inn offers comfort, charm, and personalized hospitality. Surrounded by lush gardens and native trees, it provides a relaxing retreat after a day of adventure. Guests enjoy cozy rooms, fresh local cuisine, and warm service. Eileen’s Trees Inn is a favorite for both nature lovers and safari travelers.

Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge

Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge is a stylish and tranquil retreat set amidst a working coffee plantation in Karatu, perfect for safari travelers. Located just 20 km from the Ngorongoro Crater entrance, the lodge combines rustic elegance with modern comfort. Guests enjoy spacious cottages, fresh farm-to-table cuisine, and scenic views of the highlands. The peaceful setting offers a relaxing break between safari adventures. Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge is an ideal base for exploring Tanzania’s northern wonders.

After breakfast, depart for the Serengeti, passing through the Ngorongoro Highlands. Stop at a viewpoint for photos or a cultural visit (optional). Arrive in the Serengeti in time for an afternoon game drive, with chances to see lions basking on rocks, giraffes grazing, or even a cheetah sprinting. Kids will love learning how to track animals from the guide. End the day at a comfortable lodge or camp where families can relax, dine under the stars, and share highlights from the day’s safari.

  • Accommodation: Budget, Midrange or Luxury in Serengeti
  • Meal Plan: Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner

Into the Wild Africa Tented Camp

Into the Wild Africa Tented Camp is one of the first truly 4-star boutique tented camps in the Serengeti, offering an authentic safari ambience and exceptional facilities. Located just 4 km from the Seronera airstrip, 45 km from the heart of the Serengeti plains, and approximately 40 km from key wildlife viewing areas, Into the Wild Africa Tented Camp is ideally situated for travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure in the wild or a peaceful retreat in nature.

Kubukubu Tented Lodge

Kubukubu Tented Lodge is one of the first truly 4-star boutique lodges offering a unique blend of comfort and wilderness experience. Located just 4 km from the nearest town, 45 km from the main national park, and 40 km from the closest international airport, Kubukubu Tented Lodge is ideally situated for guests seeking adventure or business travel in the area.

Lemala Nanyukie

Lemala Nanyukie Lodge is a premier 4-star boutique safari lodge nestled in the eastern Serengeti, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury and wilderness. Situated approximately 60 minutes by road from the Seronera Airstrip, the lodge provides easy access to the heart of the Serengeti National Park. This prime location ensures guests can experience the rich biodiversity of the park, including the renowned Great Migration and abundant big cat populations

Spend the day exploring the Serengeti’s endless plains, home to large prides of lions, herds of wildebeest, elephants, hyenas, and elusive leopards. Depending on the season, witness parts of the Great Migration. Your guide will choose the best areas to explore based on wildlife movements. Enjoy a bush picnic and listen for animal calls echoing across the plains. Many lodges offer family tents and evening activities like storytelling or nature walks, allowing kids to engage with the environment in a safe, interactive way.

  • Accommodation: Budget, Midrange or Luxury in Serengeti
  • Meal Plan: Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner

Into the Wild Africa Tented Camp

Into the Wild Africa Tented Camp is one of the first truly 4-star boutique tented camps in the Serengeti, offering an authentic safari ambience and exceptional facilities. Located just 4 km from the Seronera airstrip, 45 km from the heart of the Serengeti plains, and approximately 40 km from key wildlife viewing areas, Into the Wild Africa Tented Camp is ideally situated for travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure in the wild or a peaceful retreat in nature.

Kubukubu Tented Lodge

Kubukubu Tented Lodge is one of the first truly 4-star boutique lodges offering a unique blend of comfort and wilderness experience. Located just 4 km from the nearest town, 45 km from the main national park, and 40 km from the closest international airport, Kubukubu Tented Lodge is ideally situated for guests seeking adventure or business travel in the area.

Lemala Nanyukie

Lemala Nanyukie Lodge is a premier 4-star boutique safari lodge nestled in the eastern Serengeti, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury and wilderness. Situated approximately 60 minutes by road from the Seronera Airstrip, the lodge provides easy access to the heart of the Serengeti National Park. This prime location ensures guests can experience the rich biodiversity of the park, including the renowned Great Migration and abundant big cat populations

After breakfast and a short game drive, depart toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with optional stops at Maasai villages or archaeological sites like Olduvai Gorge. Enjoy incredible views as you approach the crater rim, where you’ll settle into a lodge overlooking the vast caldera. In the afternoon, relax with a nature walk or take part in family-friendly activities at your lodge. Dinner is served with a view, and the evening offers time to rest ahead of tomorrow’s descent into one of the most famous wildlife havens on Earth.

  • Accommodation: Budget, Midrange or Luxury Lodge on Crater Rim
  • Meal Plan: Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner

Embalakai Ngorongoro

Embalakai Ngorongoro is one of the first truly 4-star boutique camps in the Ngorongoro region, offering an authentic wilderness experience with comfort and style. Located just 4 km from the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, 45 km from Lake Manyara National Park, and 40 km from the town of Karatu, Embalakai Ngorongoro is ideally situated for travelers exploring the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, whether for adventure or leisure.

Melia Collection Ngorongoro

Melia Collection Ngorongoro is one of the first truly 4-star boutique properties in the Ngorongoro region, offering a luxurious ambience and world-class facilities. Located just 4 km from the Ngorongoro Crater Rim, 45 km from Lake Manyara National Park, and 40 km from Lake Manyara Airstrip, Melia Collection Ngorongoro is ideally situated for travelers visiting the area for wildlife adventure or a peaceful retreat.

&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

 This is one of the first truly 4-star boutique lodges in the Ngorongoro region, offering a unique ambience and world-class facilities. Perched on the edge of the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, the lodge is located approximately 40 km from the town of Karatu, 45 km from Lake Manyara National Park, and around 170 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport. &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perfectly situated for travelers visiting the area for unforgettable wildlife adventures or a luxurious retreat in nature.

Rise early for breakfast, then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a lush volcanic bowl packed with wildlife. Spot rhinos, lions, buffaloes, zebras, flamingos, and hippos all within a compact and scenic setting perfect for families. A picnic lunch by a hippo pool offers a break before more game viewing. In the afternoon, return to Arusha for drop-off at your hotel or airport. With cameras full and hearts fuller, this journey will remain a cherished memory for your family.

  • Accommodation:  N/A
  • Meal Plan: Dinner

Trek Cost Include

  • Transport to and from the Parks
  • Allowance for the Crew
  • First Aid Kit and Emergency Oxygen
  • Park Fees and VAT
  • Rescue Support – In case of emergencies within the park, a rescue vehicle is on standby.
  • Accommodation During Safari
  • Airport Pick-up and Drop-off
  • Camping Equipment (if applicable)
  • Daily Meals

Trek Cost Does Not Include

  • Drinks at the Hotel – Beverages before or after the safari at your accommodation.

  • Personal Belongings – We are not responsible for loss or damage to personal items.

  • Tips for the Crew – Gratuities for your driver-guide, cook, or porters are appreciated but not included.

  • Taxi Service – Local transport outside scheduled transfers is not covered.

  • Health Insurance – Please ensure you have valid travel and medical insurance.

  • Flight Tickets – Domestic and international flights are not part of the safari cost.

  • Flying doctor emergency evacuation cover

Gear Add-ons

Enhance Your Day Trip Safari Experience with Optional Gear Add-ons
All equipment is subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.

  • Binoculars – $10 per day
    Get a closer look at wildlife with high-quality binoculars—ideal for spotting birds and distant animals.
  • Safari Blanket – $5 per blanket
    Stay warm during early morning game drives with a soft, cozy safari blanket.
  • Cooler Box with Bottled Drinks – $15 per trip
    Enjoy chilled beverages throughout your safari with a fully stocked cooler box.
  • Photography Bean Bag – $8 per trip
    Perfect for stabilizing your camera while shooting wildlife from the vehicle window.
  • Child Safety Seat – $10 per seat
    Ensure your little ones are safe and comfortable with a professionally fitted car seat.
  • Thermal Lunch Pack – $12 per person
    Upgrade your picnic with a gourmet thermal lunch including hot meals, fresh fruit, and snacks.
  • Portable Power Bank – $5 per day
    Keep your phone or camera charged all day long with a durable, high-capacity power bank.

Our day trip vehicles come equipped with standard safari amenities. If you’d like to enhance comfort during your game drives or picnic stops, optional gear add-ons—such as blankets, binoculars, and gourmet lunch packs—are available at an extra cost as listed above. Early booking is recommended to ensure availability.

Transfers

We offer the following transfer options
  • Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Moshi – $50
  • Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) – $50
  • Arusha to Moshi – $100
  • Moshi to Arusha – $100
All transfers are private and operated by trusted drivers. Pre-booking is recommended.

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Explore Trekking Adventures (ETA) offers expertly guided treks, authentic cultural experiences, and responsible travel. With local knowledge, quality gear, and personalized service, ETA ensures safe, unforgettable journeys across East Africa.

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