5-Day Northern Tanzania Safari
Overview
This 5-day safari takes you through the heart of Tanzania’s northern circuit, exploring its most celebrated parks—Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, the vast plains of the Serengeti, and the majestic Ngorongoro Crater. It’s a perfect blend of game drives, scenery, and cultural discovery, ideal for first-time travelers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Photo Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival – Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, where your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings in preparation for your safari.
Accommodation: Planet Lodge / Arusha Serena Hotel
Meals: Dinner (depending on arrival time)
Day 2
Arusha Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and scenic river valley. Enjoy a game drive through the park with a picnic lunch or bush lunch along the way.
Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge / Lake Burunge Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park – Karatu
Depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a lush park known for its birdlife, hippos, and tree-climbing lions. After a game drive, continue to the highlands of Karatu for a peaceful evening at a lodge surrounded by coffee plantations.
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge / Country Lodge Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Serengeti National Park
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive. The crater is home to a high concentration of wildlife including lions, buffalo, zebras, and possibly black rhinos. In the afternoon, drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward the Serengeti.
Accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp / Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at The Manor at Ngorongoro or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Serengeti – Arusha – Departure
Enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti. After brunch, begin your journey back to Arusha by road (or take a scheduled flight, optional). Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be dropped off at your hotel or transferred to the airport for your departure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Related Safaris
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking guide
- All park entry fees and conservation fees
- 6 nights’ full-board accommodation
- Bottled drinking water throughout safari
- Transfers to/from airport
- International flights (to/from Tanzania)
- Visa fees ($50–$100 depending on nationality)
- Travel insurance & medical evacuation cover
- Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon safari in Serengeti)
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guide & lodge staff
- Personal items
- Pre/post accommodation in Arusha (can be added on request)
7-Day Northern Tanzania Highlights Safari
This popular 7-day itinerary offers the full northern Tanzania safari experience. From the elephant herds of Tarangire, to the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara, the wildlife spectacle of the Serengeti, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, this journey offers non-stop game viewing and diverse landscapes.
3-Day Short Safari – Tarangire & Ngorongoro
Short on time? This 3-day itinerary focuses on Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater — giving you incredible game viewing in just a few days.