Signature Northern Circuit Safari
5 Days Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara
Private mid-range safari from Arusha exploring Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara with expert local guides, comfortable lodges, and immersive game drives.
From $2,450 per person
Safari Snapshot
This 5-day mid-range Tanzania safari is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive Northern Circuit experience. Journey from Tarangire’s elephant plains to the legendary Serengeti, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, and finish at the scenic Lake Manyara. Travel privately in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a professional safari guide throughout.
Why Choose This Safari
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with flexible pacing
Enjoy exclusive use of a private safari vehicle from Arusha through Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara. Flexible pacing allows longer game drives, wildlife tracking, and scenic stops without rush.
Expert local guides with Serengeti experience
Our professional English-speaking guides specialize in Northern Tanzania and the Serengeti ecosystem, offering deep wildlife knowledge, safe driving, and real-time coordination with park rangers.
Carefully selected mid-range lodges near wildlife areas
Stay in well-located mid-range lodges and tented camps chosen for comfort, service, and proximity to prime wildlife zones in Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara.
Day-by-Day Northern Circuit Safari Itinerary
This 5-day Tanzania safari is carefully paced to maximize wildlife viewing across Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, with private guiding, scenic drives, and flexible arrangements.
Arrival in Arusha (Optional)
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, where your private safari guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Accommodation on this night is not included but can be arranged for a relaxed start to your safari.
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Peaceful lodge set within a coffee plantation, ideal for rest after arrival with easy airport access.
Optional add-on
Day 1 | Arusha → Tarangire National Park
Depart Arusha in the morning and drive approximately 120 km (about 2.5–3 hours) to Tarangire National Park. Enjoy a full-day private game drive with picnic lunch. Tarangire is famous for its ancient baobab trees, large elephant herds, and seasonal river attracting abundant wildlife. In the late afternoon, continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Tarangire National Park – Highlights
Vast savannahs, towering baobabs, and one of Tanzania’s highest concentrations of elephants, offering relaxed and uncrowded game viewing.
Day 2 | Tarangire → Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward Serengeti National Park, covering approximately 300 km (6–7 hours including stops). Enjoy scenic highland views and wildlife sightings en route. Enter the Serengeti for an afternoon game drive before heading to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Serengeti National Park – Highlights
Endless plains teeming with wildlife, renowned for big cats and the Great Migration ecosystem.
Day 3 | Full Day Serengeti Game Drives
Spend the entire day exploring Serengeti National Park with morning and afternoon private game drives. Track lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebra. A picnic lunch is served during the safari. Optional hot air balloon safari can be arranged at an additional cost. Return to your camp for dinner and overnight.
Serengeti Ecosystem Experience
A full immersion into one of Africa’s greatest wildlife landscapes, offering exceptional predator sightings and dramatic open scenery.
Day 4 | Serengeti → Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti before departing toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Wildlife viewing continues en route as you ascend to the crater highlands. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into your lodge near the crater rim or in Karatu for dinner and overnight stay.
Ngorongoro Highlands – Highlights
Cooler highland climate with dramatic crater views and lush landscapes, preparing for the next day’s descent.
Day 5 | Ngorongoro Crater → Lake Manyara → Arusha
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 5–6 hour private game drive. Spot black rhino, lions, hippos, elephants, and flamingos within the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. After lunch, continue to Lake Manyara National Park for a short game drive before returning to Arusha in the evening, arriving around 6 PM.
Crater & Rift Valley Finale
A powerful finale combining dense crater wildlife with Lake Manyara’s birdlife, forests, and scenic beauty.
Accommodation & Lodge Details
Day 1: Hhando Coffee Lodge
📍 Karatu
Located in the lush highlands of Karatu, Hhando Coffee Lodge offers a tranquil coffee-estate setting with spacious rooms, warm hospitality, and excellent meals. An ideal place to relax after a full day exploring Tarangire National Park.
Day 2 & 3: Shuhudia Adventure Camp
Set in the heart of the Serengeti’s Seronera region, Shuhudia Adventure Camp places you close to prime wildlife areas. Expect comfortable en-suite tents, authentic safari ambiance, and exceptional access to big cats and year-round game viewing.
Day 4: Karatu Villa
📍 Karatu
A stylish and comfortable retreat in Karatu, Karatu Villa offers spacious rooms, beautiful garden views, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for unwinding after your Serengeti adventure and preparing for the Ngorongoro Crater descent.
Prefer a different lodge style or an upgrade? We can tailor accommodations to your needs — from classic mid-range to luxury lodges and premium tented camps. Simply send us the package screenshot or request, and we’ll arrange the best available options, even during peak safari seasons.
What’s Included & Not Included
✅ What’s Included
- ✈️ Airport pick-up and drop-off in Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- 🛂 All national park entrance fees and government conservation taxes
- 🚙 Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for wildlife viewing and photography
- 👨💼 Professional, English-speaking safari guide and driver
- 🏨 Accommodation as specified in the itinerary (mid-range lodges and tented camps)
- 🍽️ All meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- 🐘 Unlimited game drives according to the itinerary
- 💧 Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- 🎯 All scheduled activities and experiences listed in the itinerary
- 📝 Safari planning, park permits, logistics, and route coordination
❌ What’s Not Included
- 🌍 International and domestic flights
- 🛂 Tanzania visa fees
- 💊 Travel, medical, or evacuation insurance
- 💰 Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, beverages)
- 🍹 Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks unless specified by the lodge
- 💵 Tips and gratuities for safari guides, drivers, and lodge staff
- 🎟️ Optional activities not outlined in the itinerary (e.g. hot air balloon safari)
Priority Hold
Reserve This 5-Day Northern Circuit Safari
Send us your trip details and we’ll respond within 12 hours with live availability and pricing. We can place a complimentary 7-day hold on partner lodges while you review your options.
- Dedicated planner assigned as soon as your request is received.
- WhatsApp coordination for fast tweaks to dates or itinerary.
- Transparent pricing sheet covering lodge upgrades, add-ons, and transfers.
Best Time to Travel
This 5-day safari is available year-round, with accommodations and game drives tailored to seasonal wildlife behavior for optimal viewing.
Lush landscapes, abundant birdlife, and excellent wildlife sightings, including calving season in the Serengeti. Short rains may occur.
Shoulder season with fewer visitors, green scenery, and active wildlife—ideal for photography and relaxed drives.
Dry season offers easier wildlife spotting, especially elephants in Tarangire and dense game in Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Perfect for clear skies and long drives.
Short rains rejuvenate the parks; wildlife remains abundant with vibrant landscapes and fewer tourists.
Who This Safari Serves Best
Couples & Honeymooners
Private guides, scenic lodges, and flexible pacing make this 5-day safari an intimate escape through Northern Tanzania.
Families with Teens
Moderate daily drives, abundant wildlife, and comfortable lodges keep teens engaged while minimizing fatigue.
First-Time Safari Travelers
Carefully planned 5-day itinerary ensures a complete introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife without being overwhelming.
Photographers
Excellent opportunities in Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara with abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes for action and scenic photography.
How Pricing Works
Pricing for this 5-day safari typically starts around $1,950 per person for mid-range accommodations. Rates may vary depending on season, group size, and lodge selection.
- Seasonality: Dry-season travel (July–October) can have higher demand, but game viewing is easier and scenery is clear.
- Group Size: Per-person costs decrease for 2–4 guests sharing a vehicle; solo travelers may choose a private guide supplement.
- Accommodation Mix: Upgrading to luxury lodges or premium tented camps will increase the nightly rate accordingly.
Operated by a Local Northern Circuit Team
- Head office and dispatch yard located in Arusha’s Sakina neighborhood with 24/7 communications center.
- On-ground mechanics, refrigeration technicians, and concierge staff keep vehicles, kitchens, and logistics running seamlessly.
- Guides are WFR-certified, fluent in English (some in French/German), and empowered to make field decisions quickly.
- We hold TALA licensing, full insurance, and longstanding park relationships for priority permitting and exclusive experiences.
Ready to Customize Your Northern Circuit Safari?
Share your preferred dates, group size, and wish list. A senior planner replies within 12 hours with a tailored budget, lodge options, and next steps.
5-Day Tanzania Safari FAQ
Everything you need to know about a 5-day Tanzania safari covering Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara, including costs, itinerary, and planning tips.
Absolutely! A 5-day Tanzania safari offers unforgettable encounters with wildlife across multiple iconic parks. You’ll experience elephants in Tarangire, the great migration and predators in Serengeti, diverse species in Ngorongoro Crater, and tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara. Plan your safari
Prices for a 5-day Northern Circuit safari typically start around $2,750 per person for mid-range lodges with private 4x4 vehicles. Costs vary depending on season, lodge selection, and optional activities or add-ons. Request a quote
The 5-day safari covers the Northern Circuit, including Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. This comprehensive itinerary includes private guides, full-day game drives, mid-range accommodations, and an immersive wildlife experience across Tanzania’s top parks. See itinerary
For a complete Northern Circuit experience, 5 days is ideal. This allows time to visit Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara at a relaxed pace, with ample opportunity for wildlife viewing, photography, and cultural encounters. Learn more