Tanzania · Private or group · Budget safari
The northern circuit in four days
Northern Tanzania's highlights at speed: Tarangire, a night in the Lake Manyara area, an afternoon and morning in the Serengeti and a final day in the Ngorongoro Crater.
USD 830 pp
The journey in brief
The experience
Four days is tight for the northern circuit, but it is enough to experience its contrasts. You start in Tarangire, stay near Lake Manyara and cross the Ngorongoro highlands to the Serengeti's open plains.
After a night in the Serengeti you drive back to the crater rim, then spend the last day on the crater floor before returning to Arusha. Expect long but scenic driving days.
Tarangire's elephants and baobabs
Serengeti afternoon and morning game drives
Ngorongoro Crater game drive
Views over Lake Manyara from the Rift Valley escarpment
The route
Arusha
Tarangire
Lake Manyara area
Serengeti
Ngorongoro
Arusha
Arusha → Tarangire → Lake Manyara area → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Arusha
Day by day
Timings are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day around road and wildlife conditions.
Day 1 / Arusha → Tarangire → Lake Manyara area
Meet your Tanzanian driver-guide in Arusha for a briefing, then drive to Tarangire for a game drive among baobabs and elephant herds. Continue to the Lake Manyara area for the night.
Day 2 / Lake Manyara area → Serengeti National Park
Climb the Rift Valley escarpment, with views back over Lake Manyara, and cross the Ngorongoro highlands to the Serengeti. Register at the gate around midday and drive into the central Serengeti on an afternoon game drive.
Day 3 / Serengeti → Ngorongoro
A morning game drive in the central Serengeti, then a picnic lunch and the drive back to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with an optional stop at Olduvai Gorge.
Day 4 / Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
Descend into the crater for a morning game drive, then climb out and drive back to Arusha.
Where you stay
This budget safari uses the camps and hotels listed below. Where a stop says 'camp/lodge', we confirm the property with your quote.
Lake Manyara area · 1 night
The budget base used for selected Tarangire and Lake Manyara stops.
About Fanaka Campsite
Central Serengeti · 1 night
The budget tented base used for selected nights in the central Serengeti.
About Seronera Camp
Ngorongoro · 1 night
The public campsite used for selected budget itineraries around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
About Simba CampsiteAccommodation pattern: Budget · Fanaka Campsite + Seronera Camp + Simba Campsite.
Prices are in US dollars per person. Your written quote confirms the final price for your dates and party size.
Prices can depend on travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and changes to park fees. All terms are confirmed in writing before you book.
The details
Before you travel
Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.
Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.
A soft bag is easiest in safari vehicles. If any part of your trip includes light-aircraft flights, baggage limits apply.
Weather and wildlife movement change through the year. Tell us your dates and we will explain what to expect.
Questions travellers ask
Often, yes. Tell us what you would like to change and we will confirm what is possible for your dates.
Yes. Prices are in US dollars per person, as published in our catalogue. Your written quote confirms the final price for your dates and party size.
We reply with availability, any suggestions for your dates and a written quote. Nothing is booked until you have agreed the quote and booking terms.
No. Wildlife is free-ranging and sightings vary. Your guide will plan each day around conditions to give you the best chances.
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The next step
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability and send a written quote; nothing is booked until you agree.
Use Plan My Safari to send your dates, travellers and preferences for this safari. It takes about two minutes.
Still deciding?
If this safari is close but not quite right, describe your ideal trip and we will suggest a route.
4 days · Tanzania
USD 830 pp
