6-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit

6 days

Overview

Experience the best of Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit on this comprehensive 6-day journey. From the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire and the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and the legendary Serengeti, this safari covers all four of the region's premier national parks. Enjoy comfortable mid-range lodges each night, perfectly positioned for exceptional game viewing.

Highlights

Visit all four iconic parks of the Northern Circuit in one unforgettable trip

Game drives in Tarangire National Park, renowned for its massive elephant herds

Explore Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions and flamingos

Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive

Game drives in the world-famous Serengeti National Park

Stay at the rim-top Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge with breathtaking crater views

Gallery

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Settle into your room and receive a full safari briefing from your driver-guide. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and rest up for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation

Gran Meliá Arusha

luxury

Four Points by Sheraton Arusha

Mid-Range

Dinner

Day 2 — Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Depart Arusha after breakfast and drive approximately two hours to Tarangire National Park, famed for its large elephant population and majestic baobab trees. Enjoy a full afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River, where wildlife congregates during the dry season. Spot elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and an array of birdlife. Overnight at Tarangire Safari Lodge with stunning views over the river valley.

Accommodation

Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge

luxury

Farm of Dreams Lodge

Mid-Range

Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 — Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

After an early morning game drive in Tarangire, exit the park and drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, this compact park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large baboon troops, and spectacular birdlife including flocks of flamingos on the soda lake. Spend the afternoon on a game drive through the groundwater forest, acacia woodlands, and open floodplains before arriving at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge.

Accommodation

Kitela Lodge

luxury

Eileen's Trees Inn

Mid-Range

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 — Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, drive up the Rift Valley escarpment and through the lush highlands to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest unbroken volcanic caldera, for a full-day game drive. The crater floor hosts an astonishing density of wildlife including the rare black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, and countless plains game. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a hippo pool before ascending to Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, dramatically positioned on the crater rim.

Accommodation

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

luxury

Rhino Lodge

Mid-Range

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 — Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park

Depart Ngorongoro and journey into the Serengeti, with an optional stop at Olduvai Gorge en route. Enter the Serengeti via Naabi Hill Gate and enjoy a thrilling afternoon game drive across the vast plains. The Serengeti is home to the greatest concentration of large mammals on Earth, and the chances of spotting lion, cheetah, leopard, and hyena are excellent. Arrive at Serengeti Sopa Lodge as the sun sets over the endless savannah.

Accommodation

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

luxury

Into Wild Africa

Mid-Range

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 — Serengeti to Arusha

Wake early for a final morning game drive through the Serengeti, making the most of the golden morning light and active wildlife. After brunch, begin the drive back to Arusha, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with game viewing along the way. Arrive in Arusha by late afternoon, where you will be transferred to the airport or your hotel for your onward journey.

Breakfast, Lunch