Tanzania · Private or group · Mid-range safari
Four parks, five days
A mid-range northern circuit covering Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, the area where all of the Big Five may be found.
Price on request
The journey in brief
The experience
The northern circuit offers your best chance in Tanzania of seeing all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), with the Ngorongoro Crater as one of the few places where black rhinos are regularly seen. Sightings are never guaranteed, but this route gives you the right places and time.
You spend a day each in Tarangire and Lake Manyara, a night in the central Serengeti and finish with a crater game drive, staying in lodges throughout.
Tarangire's elephant herds
Lake Manyara's forest and lakeshore
Central Serengeti game drives
Ngorongoro Crater, home to black rhinos
The route
Arusha
Tarangire
Lake Manyara
Serengeti
Ngorongoro
Arusha
Arusha → Tarangire → Lake Manyara → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Arusha
Day by day
Timings are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day around road and wildlife conditions.
Day 1 / Arusha → Tarangire National Park
Meet your Tanzanian driver-guide in Arusha for a briefing, then drive to Tarangire for a day of game viewing among baobabs and elephants.
Day 2 / Lake Manyara National Park
A day in Lake Manyara National Park, where forest, grassland and the alkaline lake sit beneath the Rift Valley escarpment. Lions in the park sometimes rest in trees.
Day 3 / Lake Manyara area → Serengeti
Drive to the Serengeti, reaching the gate at midday for a picnic lunch on the plains, then game drive into the central Serengeti.
Day 4 / Serengeti → Ngorongoro
A morning in the Serengeti, then the drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Day 5 / Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
A game drive on the crater floor, then the return to Arusha.
Where you stay
Lodges for this safari are agreed with you after you enquire, based on your dates, preferences and availability.
Lake Manyara area · 2 nights
Central Serengeti · 1 night
Ngorongoro · 1 night
Accommodation pattern: Mid-range · Overnight at the lodge.
This safari is priced for your exact dates. Lodge rates, park fees and availability vary through the year, so we confirm a written price once we know 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.
Prices for this safari depend on your dates, party size and accommodation availability, so we quote for your exact trip.
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.
Keep exploring
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Price on request
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Price on request
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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 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.
5 days · Tanzania
Price on request
