Northern Safari
★ Featured
☀ Best Season
5-Day Tanzania Safari — Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire & Manyara
A complete 5-day Tanzania northern circuit safari: Tarangire elephants, Manyara's tree-climbing lions, Serengeti Big Five and a full Ngorongoro Crater descent.
5 days
Easy difficulty
2–8 people
Departs Tanzania
Overview
About this safari
5
Days
Easy
Difficulty
—
Max Altitude
New
0 Reviews
Five days is what it takes to do Tanzania's Northern Circuit properly — all four flagship parks, no compromises. Tarangire for the largest elephant herds in Tanzania and iconic baobab trees. Lake Manyara for tree-climbing lions unique to this ecosystem. Two days in the Serengeti for the Great Migration and Big Five. And a full Ngorongoro Crater descent to close it out.
This is consistently our highest-rated itinerary. Guests who book a shorter safari often wish they had more time; guests who do this itinerary rarely want to leave. Private vehicle, expert guide, and mid-range camps inside or adjacent to the parks — you're in the bush from day one.
Loading itinerary...
Day by Day
5-Day Itinerary
Arusha → Tarangire National Park
Morning
Arusha → Tarangire National Park
Morning
Depart Arusha after breakfast. Drive 2 hours to Tarangire National Park — Tanzania's best-kept secret. Full afternoon game drive targeting the park's famous elephant herds (often 100+ individuals) and iconic baobab trees. Overnight at lodge near the park.
Tarangire Morning → Lake Manyara Afternoon
Morning
Tarangire Morning → Lake Manyara Afternoon
Morning
Early morning game drive in Tarangire — the dry season concentrates wildlife around the Tarangire River for extraordinary close encounters. Drive to Lake Manyara: afternoon game drive for tree-climbing lions, elephant, and flamingo. Overnight near Manyara.
Ngorongoro Highlands → Serengeti Entry
Morning
Ngorongoro Highlands → Serengeti Entry
Morning
Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area — crater rim viewpoint stop. Enter the Serengeti from Naabi Hill gate. Afternoon game drive on the short-grass plains. Camp overnight inside or adjacent to the park.
Full-Day Serengeti Game Drive
Morning
Full-Day Serengeti Game Drive
Morning
Full day in the Serengeti — the heart of this itinerary. Your guide deploys all local knowledge: radio networks, seasonal positioning, predator tracking. Picnic lunch in the bush. Sunset drive. Overnight Serengeti camp.
Ngorongoro Crater Full Descent → Arusha
Morning
Ngorongoro Crater Full Descent → Arusha
Morning
Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Full crater descent (6+ hours): black rhino, lion, hippo, flamingo, buffalo. Ascend crater rim and drive back to Arusha, arriving evening. Airport or hotel drop-off.
What's Covered
Included & Excluded
What's Included
4 nights full-board accommodation
All game drives per itinerary
All park and conservation fees (4 parks)
Arusha hotel/Kilimanjaro Airport transfers
Full Ngorongoro Crater descent
Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and window seats
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Not Included
Alcoholic beverages
International flights
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tanzania visa ($50 USD)
Tips (guide: $15–20/day, camp staff: $5–10/day)
Travel and medical insurance
Photo Gallery
Moments from the trail
Guest Reviews
What travellers say
Verified guest reviews will appear here after approval.
Common Questions
Frequently asked
How much does a 5-day Tanzania safari cost?
Our 5-day Northern Circuit safari starts at $2,290 per person — all-inclusive of park fees, private vehicle, guide, and full-board accommodation. Budget safaris (shared vehicles, camping) can run lower; luxury lodge upgrades push higher. All park fees in Tanzania are set by TANAPA and non-negotiable — operators who quote significantly lower are either cutting guiding quality or accommodation standard. For a full cost breakdown, see our FAQ page.
Similar Adventures