5-Day Best of Northern Circuit Safari

$1,450 / person

Description

Experience the best of Tanzania's Northern Circuit in just 5 unforgettable days. This safari takes you through Tarangire's elephant herds and baobab landscapes, the endless plains of the Serengeti for Big Five sightings and possible migration action, the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater teeming with wildlife, and Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled lake. Perfect for first-time visitors seeking maximum wildlife diversity, stunning scenery, and expert guiding in a compact itinerary.

Departure Arusha, Tanzania
Departure Time Please arrive by 8:00 AM for prompt departure
Maximum travellers 6-7 per vehicle (private options available)
Languages English, Swahili (expert guides)
Includes
  • All park fees & government taxes
  • 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking guide/driver
  • Full board accommodation & meals on safari
  • Airport transfers & bottled water
Excludes
  • International flights & visas
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Tips for guide & staff
  • Drinks & personal expenses
Popular Places
  • Tarangire National Park
  • Serengeti National Park
  • Ngorongoro Crater
  • Lake Manyara National Park

Tour Timeline

  • 1
    Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

    Pick up from your Arusha hotel or airport after breakfast. Drive ~2 hours to Tarangire National Park, famous for its huge elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and excellent dry-season game viewing. Enjoy a full day of game drives spotting lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and diverse birdlife. Picnic lunch in the park. Dinner and overnight at a comfortable tented camp or lodge inside/near the park.

  • 2
    Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

    After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park (~6-7 hours drive with game viewing en route via Ngorongoro Conservation Area). Stop at Olduvai Gorge viewpoint if time allows. Arrive for afternoon game drives in the central Serengeti (Seronera area), home to big cats, elephants, and the Great Migration plains. Look for cheetahs, leopards, and lion prides. Dinner and overnight at a Serengeti tented camp or lodge.

  • 3
    Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

    Full day exploring the vast Serengeti ecosystem. Morning and afternoon game drives searching for the Big Five and witnessing the incredible wildlife density. Depending on season, track the wildebeest migration river crossings or resident herds. Enjoy sundowner views over the plains. All meals and overnight at the same Serengeti camp/lodge for immersion in this iconic park.

  • 4
    Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

    Morning game drive in Serengeti, then depart to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (~4-5 hours). Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari in this natural wonder — a UNESCO site with high concentrations of wildlife including black rhinos, lions, hyenas, flamingos on the lake, and large elephant bulls. Picnic lunch inside the crater. Dinner and overnight at a lodge on the crater rim with stunning views.

  • 5
    Day 5: Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara – Return to Arusha

    After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park (~1-2 hours). Enjoy morning game drives spotting tree-climbing lions, hippos, flamingos, baboons, and diverse birdlife along the rift valley lake. Picnic lunch, then depart back to Arusha (~3-4 hours) with drop-off at your hotel or airport. End of an epic 5-day Tanzanian safari adventure!