5-Day Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Manyara Safari
Tanzania Northern Circuit Tour
From $1,050 USD / Per Person
Embark on an epic 5-day, 4-night safari that captures the very essence of Tanzania’s world-renowned Northern Safari Circuit. This meticulously designed itinerary offers an unparalleled journey through four of the country’s most iconic national parks: Tarangire National Park, the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park, the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, and the diverse Lake Manyara National Park.
This comprehensive safari allows you to witness an incredible diversity of wildlife, from colossal elephant herds and the elusive “Big Five” to unique tree-climbing lions and a kaleidoscope of birdlife. From the sweeping savannahs to the world’s largest intact caldera, every day promises breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters. With flexible accommodation options ranging from authentic public campsites to comfortable lodges, this tour caters to various travel styles, ensuring a seamless and enriching African adventure that begins and ends conveniently in Arusha.
When is the best time to go on a Tanzania safari?
The best time depends on what you want to experience.
- June to October (dry season) is ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources and vegetation is thinner.
- January to March is perfect for the Great Migration calving season in the southern Serengeti National Park.
- April and May are the rainy months, offering fewer crowds and lower prices, but more challenging travel conditions.
Overall, Tanzania offers excellent safari experiences year-round.
What animals can I expect to see?
Tanzania is one of the best wildlife destinations in the world.
You can expect to see:
- Lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos (the Big Five)
- Giraffes, zebras, wildebeest
- Hippos and crocodiles
Top parks include:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
Each park offers a different landscape and wildlife experience.
How many days do I need for a safari?
A typical safari lasts:
- 5–7 days → ideal for first-time visitors
- 7–10 days → more relaxed and covers multiple parks
- 10+ days → includes remote areas or beach extensions (e.g., Zanzibar)
Shorter safaris are possible, but longer trips provide a richer experience.
Is a Tanzania safari safe?
Yes — Tanzania is considered a safe and well-established safari destination.
- Lodges and camps follow strict safety standards
- Professional guides are trained and experienced
- Wildlife encounters are managed carefully
As with any travel, it’s important to follow your guide’s instructions and basic travel precautions.
How much does a Tanzania safari cost?
Safari costs vary widely depending on:
- Level of accommodation (budget, mid-range, luxury)
- Number of days
- Season
- Included services (flights, private guide, etc.)
Typical ranges:
- Budget: $200–400 per person/day
- Mid-range: $400–800 per person/day
- Luxury: $800–1500+ per person/day
The Safari Calculator you’re building helps generate accurate pricing based on all these factors.
Public Campsite
| Group Size | Per Person |
| 2 Pax | $2.100,00 |
| 4 Pax | $1.400,00 |
| 6 Pax | $1.050,00 |
| 8 Pax | $1.400,00 |
| 10 Pax | $1.350,00 |
| 11–12 Pax | $1.050,00 |
Lodge Safari
| Group Size | Per Person |
| 2 Pax | $2,500 |
| 4 Pax | $1.800,00 |
| 6 Pax | $1.650,00 |
| 8 Pax | $1.800,00 |
| 10 Pax | $1.700,00 |
| 11–12 Pax | $1.650,00 |
Highlights
- Tarangire: Massive elephant herds & ancient baobab trees.
- Serengeti: Extensive game drives on endless plains; iconic predators & potential Great Migration sightings.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Unmatched “Big Five” viewing in a UNESCO World Heritage caldera.
- Lake Manyara: Unique tree-climbing lions & vibrant birdlife (flamingos).
- Comprehensive Tour: Experience all four Northern Circuit gems in 5 days.
- Accommodation Choice: Public Campsites or Safari Lodges.
- Convenient Start/End: Transfers from/to Arusha.
Turn your dream safari into reality with Wanyama African Safaris.
Customize every detail of your journey to match your preferences, using flexible sample itineraries as your starting point. Our experienced safari specialists work closely with you to design a personalized adventure that reflects your vision and delivers an unforgettable travel experience.
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Realm of Giants
Your grand Tanzania safari adventure begins with a convenient pick-up from your hostel in Arusha at 08:30 AM. We’ll then embark on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, a captivating wilderness renowned for its iconic baobab trees and one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Africa.
- Full-Day Game Drive: Upon arrival, immediately begin an exhilarating full-day game drive through Tarangire. Your expert guide will lead you to prime viewing spots where you can witness impressive herds of elephants, along with lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes. The permanent Tarangire River acts as a magnet for wildlife, especially during the dry season.
- Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch amidst the stunning savannah landscapes, allowing you to truly connect with nature.
- Dinner & Overnight: As the sun begins to set, you’ll proceed to your chosen accommodation for a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay.
Kizumba Public Campsite: For an authentic, budget-friendly camping experience under the African stars.
Motto Cottages Lodge: For comfortable lodge accommodation with essential amenities.
Day 2: Tarangire Area to Lake Manyara National Park – Tree-Climbing Lions & Birdlife
After breakfast, your safari journey continues to the picturesque Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Though smaller in size, Lake Manyara boasts incredibly diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife.
- Morning Game Drive: Spend the morning on a captivating game drive within Lake Manyara National Park. This park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavioral trait, and its vibrant birdlife, including thousands of pink flamingos (seasonal) that often line the soda lake. You’ll also encounter large troops of baboons, giraffes, buffalo, and hippos in its varied habitats, from groundwater forests to acacia woodlands.
- Picnic Lunch: A delightful picnic lunch will be served in a scenic spot within the park.
- Dinner & Overnight: In the afternoon, you will drive back towards the safari hub for dinner and overnight.
Jua Public Campsite: For an authentic, immersive camping experience under the vast African sky.
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge: For comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and a relaxing lodge atmosphere.
Day 3: Manyara Area to Serengeti National Park – Into the Heart of the Wild
After an early breakfast, prepare for an epic journey as you drive towards the legendary Serengeti National Park, arguably the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world. The drive itself is part of the adventure, offering glimpses of local life and changing landscapes.
- Scenic Drive & En Route Wildlife: Traverse through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, potentially spotting wildlife along the way, as you make your way to the Serengeti gates.
- Afternoon Serengeti Game Drive: Upon entering the Serengeti National Park, immediately begin your exhilarating afternoon game drive. Explore the vast, endless plains, renowned for their incredible predator population including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, and immense herds of wildebeest and zebras (especially during the Great Migration season).
- Lunch Box: A convenient lunch box will be served to maximize your time in this magnificent park.
- Dinner & Overnight: As evening approaches, proceed to your chosen camp or lodge within the Serengeti.
Seronera Public Campsite: For a truly immersive camping experience, falling asleep to the sounds of the African wilderness.
EMBALAKAI LUXURY TENTED CAMP: For an upscale, intimate tented camp experience offering comfort and close proximity to nature.
Day 4: Serengeti Game Drive & Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area – From Plains to Crater Rim
Wake up to the iconic sounds of the Serengeti. After an early breakfast, embark on your final morning game drive in Serengeti National Park. This is often the best time to witness predator activity, such as a lion hunt or a cheetah chase, as the animals are most active in the cooler morning hours.
- Extensive Morning Game Drive: Continue to explore the diverse habitats of the Serengeti, seeking out more incredible wildlife sightings and capturing those last, unforgettable photos of this magnificent ecosystem.
- Lunch: A satisfying lunch will be served.
- Drive to Ngorongoro: In the afternoon, you will begin your scenic drive out of the Serengeti and into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ascend to the rim of the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the geological wonder below.
- Dinner & Overnight: Settle in for dinner and overnight at your chosen accommodation on or near the crater rim.
Simba Public Campsite: For an authentic camping experience on the cool crater rim.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge: For luxurious comfort and often direct, magnificent views into the Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive & Departure to Arusha
After an early breakfast, prepare for the grand finale of your safari as you descend into the legendary Ngorongoro Crater. Often hailed as the “Eighth Natural Wonder of the World” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this unique caldera boasts an incredibly high concentration of wildlife.
- Crater Floor Exploration: Spend a significant part of the morning on an exhilarating game drive on the crater floor. The high density of animals here provides an excellent chance to spot all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, the critically endangered black rhino, and buffalo) often within a single day. You’ll also encounter vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, hippos, and a spectacular array of birdlife.
- Picnic Lunch: A convenient picnic lunch will be served inside the crater, allowing you to maximize your time immersed in its natural beauty.
- Return to Arusha: In the afternoon, after an unforgettable experience in the crater, you will ascend and begin your comfortable drive back to Arusha town.
- End of Services: Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be dropped off at your hotel or a central location. This marks the end of your incredible 5-day Tanzania Northern Circuit safari.
What is included:
- Safari Vehicle: Private 4×4 Land Cruiser safari jeep with a pop-up roof, ensuring optimal game viewing and comfort.
- Fuel/Gasoline: All fuel costs for the safari vehicle.
- Professional Guide: Services of a courteous, experienced, and professional English-speaking Driver/Guide(s) throughout your journey.
- Drinking Water: Bottled mineral water (1.5 liters per person per day) in the vehicle.
- Accommodation: 3 nights accommodation at specified luxury lodges/tented camps (Bougainvillea Safari Lodge, Embalakai Luxury Tented Camp, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge / Embalakai Ngorongoro Lounge or similar high-end properties).
- Meals: All gourmet meals as shown (B-Breakfast; L-Lunch; D-Dinner), starting with picnic lunch on Day 1 and ending with lunch on Day 4.
- Park Fees: All applicable National Park entrance fees for Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Game Viewing Activities: All scheduled game drives as per the itinerary.
- Medical Emergency Evacuation Cover: To Arusha (does not include hospitalization).
- Government Taxes & Levies: All applicable government taxes.
- Airport Transfers: Seamless airport transfers (from Kilimanjaro International Airport – JRO or Arusha Airport – ARK) to your Arusha hotel on arrival, and transfer back to Arusha town/JRO at the end of the safari.
What is excluded:
International flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees for Tanzania
Tips for guides and staff
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, drinks)
Optional activities (balloon safaris, village visits, night drives)
Vaccinations or medical preparations (e.g. malaria tablets, yellow fever shots)
Tailor Made Tours
Custom safari itinerary for you.
Let us plan your dream holiday!
Why Wanyama African Safari?
- Price Guarantee
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