Northen Circuit iconic tanzania 5 Days/ 4 Nights
Lmid- range package safariIconic Tanzania Safari
Kilimanjaro/Arusha - Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti
[ 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)
Safari itinerary
■
Day 1: Arusha
You will be met at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport by your 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: Ngorongoro Crater
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. At 6 pm, you will be taken to your lodge for an unforgettable
overnight stay in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Serengeti National Park
A 6 am wake-up call is recommended to catch the amazing sunrise over the crater. After
breakfast, you will depart for the South Serengeti ecosystem belonging jointly to the
Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. One of the most scenic
drives in Tanzania, you can see Maasai warriors grazing cattle and, depending on the time of
year you may witness what makes up the largest mass migration of animals on earth. Huge
herds of wildebeest, gazelle, and zebra move clockwise to find better grazing areas. Before
entering the Serengeti National Park, you will visit a traditional Maasai village and experience how this ancient tribe has lived for hundreds of years, receiving a personal tour of
the manyattas (houses).
After lunch, you will begin your afternoon game drive where you can expect to see large
numbers of elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos,
antelopes, and many exotic bird species. Your drive will end at your chosen camp or lodge
where you will relax and rest overnight.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
The endless plains of the Serengeti…
Today’s tour departs around 6 am in search of nocturnal predators returning from their night’s
hunting or animals waking up in the early dawn. Breakfast boxes will be prepared and you
will take a brief stop for a bush breakfast to enjoy the sunrise. Next, your drive will continue
to look for the pride of lions, cheetahs, and leopards, all in abundance in the Serengeti. You
will learn the history of the park as we pass by the information centre in the Seronera area,
before returning to your lodge for a relaxed lunch and cold drinks.
Later in the afternoon, when the sun is less intense, you have the option to go on an early
evening game drive or a nature walk around the camp with the resident tribesmen, who will
be happy to share their knowledge of the region’s plants and animals with you.
If you wish to maximize your time in the park, lunch can also be taken as a picnic – a long day
but an experience you won’t forget.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park
Enjoy breakfast with views over the stunning Serengeti plains before, departing for the
Seronera airstrip, located in the central area of the Serengeti. You will take a flight back to
Arusha airport where you will connect onto flights to Zanzibar or to your next destination, or
transfer to Kilimanjaro airport if required.
Stay longer
Extend your stay in the Serengeti by one day, for a more relaxed pace to your safari. This
will maximize the opportunity to see more games and give you time to explore different
regions of the park.
-
. 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.
