6-Day Grumeti River Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

πŸ“ Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro, Tanzania
6 Days Β· 5 Nights
From Contact for pricing / person sharing (offered in USD)
6 Days Β· 5 Nights
Cost includes: Private 4x4 game drives, all park fees, most meals, airport transfers, expert guide
Overview
Trip Route
1 1. Arusha Arusha 2 2. Tarangire National Park Tarangire National Park 3 3. Central Serengeti National Park Central Serengeti National Park 4 4. Western Serengeti, Grumeti River Western Serengeti, Grumeti River 5 5. Central Serengeti National Park Central Serengeti National Park 6 6. Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Crater
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Trip Route
6 Days Β· 5 Nights Β· 6 Stops
Day 1
Arusha
Arrival city and safari starting point
Day 2
Tarangire National Park
Famous for large elephant herds and baobab landscapes
Day 3
Central Serengeti National Park
Iconic open plains and abundant resident wildlife
Day 4
Western Serengeti, Grumeti River
Remote corridor famous for Great Migration river crossings
Day 5
Central Serengeti National Park
Further game drive exploration of the Serengeti ecosystem
Day 6
Ngorongoro Crater
UNESCO World Heritage crater, dense with Big Five wildlife
Trip Info

This six-day Tanzania safari is a masterfully designed journey through some of East Africa's most celebrated wildlife corridors, from the elephant-rich woodlands of Tarangire National Park to the world-famous plains of the Serengeti and the breathtaking caldera of Ngorongoro. A highlight of the itinerary is time spent in the remote western Serengeti along the Grumeti River, where the Great Migration's dramatic river crossings captivate even the most seasoned safari travellers. Throughout the journey, guests will be accompanied by a dedicated expert guide in a private pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle, ensuring an intimate and unhurried wildlife experience tailored exclusively to their group. Comfortable mid-range lodges and atmospheric tented bush camps provide a warm and authentic base each evening, perfectly balancing comfort with the spirit of adventure. This safari is ideal for couples, families with children aged 5 and above, and small groups seeking a private, immersive East African experience.

πŸ’³ Flexible payment options are available. Contact the Africompass team for a personalised quote and booking plan.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01 Day 1: Arrival in Arusha β–Ύ

On Day 1 you will be met at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport by your Africompass representative and transferred comfortably to your lodge in Arusha. The evening will offer a chance to settle in, enjoy a welcome dinner, and receive a full briefing from your guide in preparation for the exciting days ahead.

  • Airport meet-and-greet transfer to Arusha lodge
  • Safari briefing and route overview with your guide
  • Welcome dinner at the lodge
Accommodation Options
Option 01
Arusha Planet Lodge
Arusha City, Tanzania
Dinner included Β· Standard room
Day 02 Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park β–Ύ

On Day 2 you will depart Arusha after breakfast and make your way south-west toward Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania's most underrated wildlife gems. An afternoon game drive through the park's iconic baobab-studded landscape will reveal large herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe and a remarkable variety of bird species, before you continue to your comfortable lodge for the night.

  • Morning drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park
  • Afternoon game drive through Tarangire's woodlands and riverine areas
  • Search for large elephant herds, lions, leopards and tree-climbing pythons
  • Birding opportunities among over 550 recorded species in the park
Accommodation Options
Farm of Dreams Lodge
Option 01
Farm of Dreams Lodge
Near Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (1-2 hour drive from park gate)
All meals included Β· Standard room
Day 03 Day 3: Tarangire to Central Serengeti National Park β–Ύ

On Day 3 you will set out early from your lodge and travel north into the Serengeti National Park, entering through the Naabi Hill Gate and onto the sweeping open plains of the central Serengeti. The afternoon will be devoted to your first game drive in this iconic landscape, where lion prides, cheetah and vast wildebeest herds are regularly encountered.

  • Early morning departure from Tarangire toward the Serengeti
  • Entry into Serengeti National Park through Naabi Hill Gate
  • Afternoon game drive on the Seronera plains
  • Wildlife viewing including lion, cheetah, elephant, hippo and crocodile along the Seronera River
Accommodation Options
Sightseeing Luxury Tented Lodge
Option 01
Sightseeing Luxury Tented Lodge
Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
All meals included Β· Tented camp
Day 04 Day 4: Central Serengeti to Western Serengeti, Grumeti River β–Ύ

On Day 4 you will travel west through the Serengeti toward the remote and wildly beautiful Grumeti River corridor, a critical crossing point during the annual Great Migration. This seldom-visited western zone offers an atmosphere of genuine seclusion, and game drives along the Grumeti River will bring memorable encounters with crocodiles, hippos and the spectacle of wildebeest crossings when the migration is in motion.

  • Morning game drive en route to Western Serengeti
  • Arrive at Grumeti River area and check in to camp
  • Afternoon game drive along the Grumeti River
  • Witness wildebeest and zebra crossings (seasonal, subject to migration timing)
  • Search for large Nile crocodiles and hippo pods in the river
Accommodation Options
Asanja Grumeti Camp
Option 01
Asanja Grumeti Camp
Western Serengeti National Park, Grumeti River area, Tanzania
All meals included Β· Luxury tented bush camp
Day 05 Day 5: Western Serengeti back to Central Serengeti β–Ύ

On Day 5 you will enjoy a morning game drive in the western Serengeti before making your way back east toward the central Serengeti, with game-viewing stops along the route. An afternoon drive on the classic Seronera plains will round off a day of exceptional wildlife sightings, and the evening will offer time to relax at camp and reflect on the journey so far.

  • Early morning game drive in Western Serengeti before departure
  • Scenic drive east through the Serengeti with en-route wildlife viewing
  • Afternoon game drive in Central Serengeti around the Seronera Valley
  • Sundowner viewing from the vehicle or a designated kopje viewpoint
Accommodation Options
Sightseeing Luxury Tented Lodge
Option 01
Sightseeing Luxury Tented Lodge
Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
All meals included Β· Tented camp
Day 06 Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater and Return to Arusha β–Ύ

On Day 6 you will depart the Serengeti early and drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descending into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive inside this UNESCO World Heritage site. The crater floor is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife including the Big Five, flamingos on the soda lake and the rare black rhino, before you ascend in the late afternoon and continue to Arusha for your departure.

  • Early morning departure from Serengeti toward Ngorongoro
  • Descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive
  • Wildlife viewing including lion, elephant, buffalo, black rhino and hippo
  • Picnic lunch on the crater floor beside a hippo pool
  • Late afternoon ascent from the crater and drive to Arusha
  • Drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport
What's Included & Excluded

What's Included

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • All accommodation as listed in the itinerary
  • Dinner on Day 1
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on Days 2 to 6
  • Private pop-up roof 4x4 safari vehicle throughout
  • Professional English-speaking guide and driver
  • All national park and conservation area entrance fees
  • All game drives as per the itinerary

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Tanzania entry visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal items, laundry and souvenirs
  • Gratuities for guide, driver and camp staff
  • Alcoholic and soft beverages unless specified
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
  • Additional accommodation before or after the tour
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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go on safari?

It depends on what you want to see. For the Great Migration river crossings in the Maasai Mara, visit between July and October, when the herds cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing. For calving season and dense predator activity, January to March is excellent, particularly around the southern Serengeti. Kenya's two dry seasons (June to October and January to February) generally offer the clearest skies and easiest game viewing across Amboseli, Tsavo, and Samburu, since animals gather around limited water sources. The 'green season' (November and April to May) brings lush scenery, migratory birdlife, and lower rates, though some rural roads can be muddy. Tell us your travel dates and priorities, and we will recommend the destinations that fit best.

Do I need a visa and vaccinations?

Most nationalities need a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), applied for online before you fly; Tanzania and Zanzibar require their own separate visa, available online or on arrival depending on your nationality. Entry requirements change from time to time, so confirm the current rules for your passport a few weeks before departure. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a Yellow Fever risk country, and we recommend it in general along with being up to date on routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, hepatitis A and B). Most safari areas are malaria zones, so antimalarial medication is strongly advised. Always check final requirements with your doctor or a travel health clinic, and ask us for the latest entry rules when you book.

Are your safaris private or group?

Every itinerary we build is private and tailor-made by default: your own vehicle, driver-guide, and schedule, with no strangers added to your trip. That means you can linger an extra morning at a favourite lodge, adjust the route on the go, or add a visit to the Emmanuel New Hope Rescue Centre we support. If you would rather share costs or travel as a solo guest, we can also arrange a scheduled group departure and match you with other travellers on similar dates. Either way, your safari is planned by our Nairobi-based specialists around your budget, dates, and interests, not a fixed package.

How much does a Kenya safari cost?

Safari costs vary widely depending on where you stay and how you travel. Budget camping safaris in parks like Amboseli or Lake Nakuru can start from around USD 150 to 250 per person per day, mid-range lodge safaris typically run USD 250 to 450 per day, and luxury tented camps in the Maasai Mara or Serengeti can exceed USD 750 per day. Your quote always includes a private vehicle, driver-guide, park fees, and accommodation as specified in your itinerary. Since every trip we build is tailor-made, tell us your budget and travel dates and we'll show you exactly what it buys, with no hidden extras.

What should I pack for an African safari?

Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige) for game drives, since bright colours and dark blue can attract tsetse flies in some regions. Bring layers for early morning drives, which can be cold even near the equator, plus a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. A good pair of binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and a portable charger make a real difference to the experience. Comfortable closed shoes are more useful than sandals, and most lodges offer laundry service, so you rarely need more than a week's worth of clothing even on a longer trip. We send a full packing checklist tailored to your specific itinerary and season once you book.

Do you offer self-drive or chauffeur-driven car hire?

Yes. Alongside our guided safaris, we offer both self-drive car hire and chauffeur-driven vehicles for clients who want more flexibility around Nairobi, the coast, or shorter road trips. Self-drive suits experienced drivers comfortable with Kenyan road conditions, while a chauffeur-driven car is the better choice for game-viewing routes, night driving, or if you'd simply rather relax and let a local expert handle the roads. All our vehicles are well-maintained 4x4s suited to both tarmac and rougher safari tracks. Let us know your route and dates and we'll recommend the right option.

Is it safe to travel to Kenya and Tanzania?

Millions of visitors travel safely to Kenya and Tanzania every year, and the main tourist circuits, national parks, and coastal resorts are well-established and closely monitored. As with any international travel, sensible precautions apply: use a reputable operator (we're KATO-verified), avoid displaying valuables in cities, and follow your guide's advice in wildlife areas, where the real risk is animals, not crime. We stay in regular contact with our clients throughout their trip, and our drivers know the routes and current conditions well. If you have specific safety questions about your itinerary, we're happy to talk them through before you book.

Can you combine a safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar or Diani?

Absolutely, it's one of our most popular combinations. A typical itinerary pairs 4 to 7 days on safari in the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Serengeti with 3 to 5 days unwinding on the beach in Zanzibar or Diani Beach, taking advantage of short connecting flights between the two. We handle all the logistics, including domestic flight bookings and airport transfers, so you go straight from game drives to the Indian Ocean without the stress of planning it yourself. Tell us how many days you have and we'll suggest a balance between wildlife and beach time that fits your trip.

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