Northen Circuit the great migration

4 Days / 3 Nights

Luxury package safari

Essence Of Tanzania

Tarangire - Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara

[  Safari Overview]

This 4-day safari is the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s northern circuit — visiting three of its most diverse and iconic national parks: Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara.

Starting in Arusha, you’ll journey through landscapes of baobabs, crater highlands, soda lakes, and lush forests. Highlights include spotting Tarangire’s enormous elephant herds, descending into the wildlife-packed Ngorongoro Crater, and marveling at Lake Manyara’s flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and rich birdlife.

With private guides, comfortable vehicles, and full-board lodges, this trip balances adventure, cultural immersion, and comfort — ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to capture the essence of Tanzanian safari.

Safari Highlights

Tarangire National Park Famous for elephant herds & ancient baobab trees.
Big Cats & Predators Lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas frequently seen.
Ngorongoro Crater A natural wonder with the highest density of wildlife in Africa.
Chance to Spot the Big Five Lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and black rhino.
Lake Manyara National Park Known for flamingos, tree-climbing lions & diverse birdlife.
Primate Paradise See large troops of baboons and blue monkeys in Lake Manyara’s lush forests.
Scenic Lodges in Karatu Relax after full days of adventure.

Itinerary Summary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha | Airport pickup, hotel check-in, rest & dinner (BB)

Day 2: Tarangire National Park | Full-day game drive, elephants, baobabs & predators | Overnight Karatu (FB)
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater | Descend into the crater, Big Five game viewing & picnic lunch | Overnight Karatu (FB)
Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park | Tree-climbing lions, flamingos & birdlife | Return to Arusha/airport (FB)

Expert Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: June–October (dry season, great game viewing); November–May offers greener landscapes & birding.

Tipping Guidelines: $15–20 per guest/day for guide, $5–10 per guest/night for lodge staff.
Meals: Picnic lunches inside parks maximize game-viewing time.
Health & Safety: Malaria prophylaxis strongly advised; Yellow Fever vaccination may be required depending on country of entry.

Packing Recommendations

Lightweight neutral-colored clothing (avoid dark blue/black to deter tsetse flies)

Warm jacket/fleece for cool evenings
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Binoculars & camera with extra batteries/memory
Insect repellent & personal medications
Passport, visa, insurance documents & USD cash (new notes)

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Safari itinerary

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Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport/ Arusha Airport - Arusha

You will be met at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport by your personal safari specialist and driver

who will brief you on the journey ahead. Equipped with a wealth of knowledge, our experts

will be able to answer any questions you have and provide you with all the information

necessary for an unforgettable safari experience. After checking into your chosen Arusha

hotel, relax and unwind before enjoying dinner at the hotel or in one of our recommended

local restaurants in Arusha town.

Day 2: Arusha - Tarangire National Park – Karatu

At 8am, your safari specialist and driver will pick you up from your Arusha Hotel and you will

be briefed on the journey ahead. Equipped with a wealth of knowledge, our experts will be

able to answer any questions you have and provide you with all the information necessary for

an unforgettable safari experience.

You will begin your journey to the unique Tarangire National Park. One of the last untouched

places on earth, the park is famous for its huge herds of elephants against a stunning

backdrop of majestic, ancient Baobab trees. Many of Tarangire’s larger residents follow the

rains to greener pastures between November and June. Wildebeest and zebras join

elephants, buffalo, and giraffes to form a wildlife migration second only to the

Serengeti/Maasai Mara phenomenon

There are large populations of impala, giraffe, eland, and buffalo. Thompson’s gazelle,

hartebeest, boho reedbuck, and both the greater and lesser kudu are also in abundance here.

Lion pride is common throughout Tarangire in terms of predators, as are leopards and spotted

hyenas. Packs of wild dogs sometimes pass through as well.

After a full day spent exploring Tarangire, you will head to your lodge in Karatu for dinner

and overnight rest.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu

After breakfast, you will depart for the amazing Ngorongoro Conservation Area. A UNESCO

World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater has formed 2-3 million years ago when a

volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself. With its 2,000-foot-high walls, very few animals

migrate in and out of the crater – providing it with one of the highest concentrations of wild

animals of any African national park.

Today you will enjoy your first game drive before stopping for a picnic lunch. Expect to see

lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, flamingos, jackals, rhinos, antelopes, and

many rare birds you might even see the ‘Big Five’ in one day!

After lunch, you will continue with an afternoon game drive exploring more of this small but

beautiful National Park. You will be taken to your lodge in Karatu for an unforgettable

overnight stay.

Day 4: Lake Manyara – Arusha – Departure

Today you will leave Karatu and head back to Arusha, but not before visiting the stunning

Lake Manyara National Park. An outstanding and spectacular landmark, Lake Manyara lies in

the Great Rift Valley and is one of the most beautiful places in Africa. Dramatically bordered

by lush green vegetation, as you enter the gate to the park you will be captivated by large

troops of baboons and blue monkeys living in towering trees. Further down the escarpment,

the forest opens up into woodlands, grassland, and swamps, and beyond sit the Soda Lake

itself home to over 350 species of birds including flamingos, pelicans, sacred ibises, grapes

and storks - a bird watchers paradise.

The most famous spectacle in the park is the tree-climbing lions which spend most of their day

spreading out along branches of acacia trees 6–8 meters above the ground. The park is also

noted for its numerous buffalos, elephants, giraffes, impalas, hippos, and a plethora of

smaller animals, which can all be seen in a single day.

After your morning game drive and picnic lunch, you will depart Lake Manyara and arrive

back in Arusha town late afternoon. Here you can pick up a transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro

Airport, to travel to your next destination.

- . Tipping Guidelines: $15–$20 per person per day for safari guide; $5–$10 per guest per day for camp/lodge staff.
- Health Precautions: Tanzania is a malaria-risk country → bring prophylaxis & mosquito repellent. Yellow fever vaccination may be required depending on entry point.
- Electricity: Camps often run on solar power; bring a power bank for charging devices.
- Photography Tip: Ask your guide to position the vehicle for the best light; avoid using flash around animals.
- Passport (valid 6+ months, with blank pages).
- Visa (if applicable, can be obtained on arrival).
- Flight tickets & itinerary.
- Travel insurance documents.
- Yellow Fever certificate (may be required if traveling from certain countries).
- Cash (USD) for tips, visas, souvenirs (bring small bills).
- Sunglasses polarized if possible for glare.
- Day backpack for camera, water, sunscreen, etc.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Binoculars a must for wildlife viewing.
- Camera/phone with zoom lens plus extra memory cards and batteries.
- Travel adaptor & power bank Tanzania uses UK-style plugs (Type G).
- High SPF sunscreen.
- Insect repellent (DEET-based or picaridin) especially important in the evenings.
- Lip balm with SPF.
- Personal medications (plus copies of prescriptions).
- Basic first-aid kit plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, motion-sickness tablets.
- Hand sanitizer & wet wipes.

[ FAQ ]

This safari is moderately paced. You’ll spend several hours in the vehicle each day (approx. 2.5–4 hrs between destinations plus game drives), but there are plenty of breaks and picnic stops. It’s suitable for most travelers, including families with children.
- Tarangire: Elephants, giraffes, buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, lions, leopards, and large antelope herds.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino), hippos, flamingos, jackals, hyenas.
- Lake Manyara: Tree-climbing lions, large baboon troops, hippos, flamingos, over 350 bird species.
About 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. You’ll arrive mid-morning and enjoy a full day in the park.
Tree-climbing lions are a unique highlight of Lake Manyara, but they are not guaranteed. However, the park offers excellent chances for sightings alongside elephants, hippos, baboons, and flamingos.
- Day 2: Full-day game drive in Tarangire
- Day 3: Full-day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 4: Half-day game drive in Lake Manyara
  That’s 3 parks and 3 game drives in 4 days.