5-Day Northern Circuit Safari
The Northern Circuit of Tanzania is a wildlife lover’s dream, encompassing some of the country’s most iconic national parks and protected areas. Over the course of five days, this safari takes travelers on a journey through the elephant-studded plains of Tarangire National Park, the predator-rich savannah of Serengeti National Park, and the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater.
Tarangire is renowned for its enormous elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Game drives reveal giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and antelope roaming among these ancient trees, while the life-giving Tarangire River attracts wildlife especially during the dry season. Visitors often enjoy quieter safari experiences here compared to the more crowded parks.
The Serengeti, famous worldwide for its vast plains and dramatic wildlife, offers unparalleled opportunities to encounter lions, cheetahs, leopards, and large herds of herbivores. Depending on the season, travelers may witness the Great Migration, an extraordinary spectacle of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traversing the ecosystem.
Finally, the Ngorongoro Crater delivers a unique wildlife experience within the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Its natural enclosure provides an unparalleled chance to see the Big Five in a single day, as well as rhinos, hippos, and an array of bird species amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the elephant-rich savannah of Tarangire National Park
- Discover the vast wildlife plains of Serengeti National Park
- Descend into the iconic Ngorongoro Crater
- Excellent opportunities to see the African Big Five
- Guided game drives with expert safari guides
- Dramatic landscapes ideal for photography
- Cultural experiences in local communities along the route
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Pickup from your hotel in Arusha in the morning. Travel through scenic countryside and arrive at Tarangire National Park for your first game drive. Observe elephant herds, zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing the afternoon game drive. Depart in the late afternoon for your lodge near the park.
Accommodation: [Safari Lodge / Camp near Tarangire]
Day 2 – Tarangire to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying views of the crater rim and highlands.
Arrive in the Serengeti in time for an afternoon game drive. Spot lions, cheetahs, wildebeests, and zebras across the vast plains.
Day 3 – Full Day Serengeti Safari
Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. Your guide will help track predators and large herds, providing insight into the park’s ecology and animal behavior.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, and continue with wildlife viewing in the afternoon. Return to your lodge or camp for dinner.
Day 4 – Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, travel to the Ngorongoro highlands. Stop at scenic viewpoints before reaching the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Descend into the crater for a game drive across its lush floor, home to lions, elephants, rhinos, zebras, and hippos. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pool before ascending the crater rim in the late afternoon.
Day 5 – Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Optionally enjoy a short morning drive or cultural visit before departing for Arusha. Stop for scenic photos along the way and arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon, concluding your Northern Circuit safari.
Tour Booking Form
What’s Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha
- Airport transfers
- All park entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Accommodation during the tour
- Meals as listed in itinerary
- Bottled water during game drives
What’s Excluded
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Gratuities and personal expenses