6-Day Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit
Overview
Discover the very best of Tanzania’s renowned Northern Safari Circuit on this immersive 6-day adventure. This carefully designed itinerary takes you through four of the country’s most celebrated wildlife destinations—Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
From ancient baobab trees and vast open plains to lush forests and volcanic landscapes, every destination offers a unique safari experience. With extended game drives, comfortable accommodations, and the guidance of an experienced safari expert, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to encounter Africa’s iconic wildlife while enjoying breathtaking scenery throughout your journey.
Whether you’re visiting Tanzania for the first time or returning for another safari adventure, this itinerary delivers the perfect balance of wildlife viewing, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning departure from Arusha as you travel to Tarangire National Park.
Spend the day exploring this beautiful park, famous for its massive elephant herds, towering baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which attracts wildlife throughout the year. During your game drive, you may encounter lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, impalas, warthogs, and numerous bird species.
After enjoying a picnic lunch inside the park, continue your afternoon safari before driving to Karatu for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park – Karatu
After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park for a full day of wildlife viewing.
This picturesque park features lush groundwater forests, open grasslands, hot springs, and the alkaline waters of Lake Manyara. Watch for elephants, giraffes, baboons, blue monkeys, hippos, buffaloes, and a wide variety of birdlife. The park is also well known for its famous tree-climbing lions, although sightings depend on wildlife movements.
Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing your afternoon game drive.
Return to your lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Karatu – Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward the legendary Serengeti National Park.
Upon arrival, begin your first game drive across the endless savannahs that have made Serengeti one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. Search for lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles.
Arrive at your safari camp in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Full-Day Serengeti Safari
Spend an entire day exploring the spectacular Serengeti National Park.
Your guide will take you to different wildlife-rich areas depending on seasonal animal movements and recent sightings. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives while observing predators, grazing herbivores, and an incredible diversity of birds. Every game drive offers new opportunities for memorable wildlife encounters and outstanding photography.
Return to your safari camp for dinner and another peaceful night in the heart of the Serengeti.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before beginning your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Along the way, continue spotting wildlife while admiring the ever-changing landscapes of northern Tanzania. Arrive at your lodge near the crater in the late afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy dinner while preparing for your final safari day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – Return to Arusha
Following an early breakfast, descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable morning game drive.
The crater’s unique ecosystem supports one of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife. Keep your camera ready for sightings of elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, flamingos, and the endangered black rhinoceros.
After enjoying a picnic lunch on the crater floor, ascend the crater walls and return to Arusha in the late afternoon, concluding your remarkable safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Highlights
- Descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Search for the Big Five and hundreds of bird species.
- Stay in carefully selected safari lodges and tented camps.
- Visit Lake Manyara National Park, known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife.
- Discover Tarangire's famous elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.
- Experience thrilling game drives in Serengeti National Park.
- Explore four of Tanzania's top national parks.
Includes
- Hotel or airport pick-up and drop-off in Arusha
- Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- All national park entrance fees
- Ngorongoro Crater conservation fees
- Five nights' accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner as specified
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- Government taxes and conservation fees
- International and domestic flights
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Optional excursions
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance