5-Day Classic Northern Circuit Safari
Overview
This 5-day safari adventure immerses you in Tanzania’s iconic Northern Circuit, where breathtaking landscapes meet incredible wildlife encounters. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater and the elephant-rich Tarangire, this journey showcases the best of Africa’s natural wonders. Perfect for travelers with limited time who still want to experience Tanzania’s most celebrated parks.
Highlights
Witness the Big Five and abundant wildlife across three world-famous parks.
Explore the Serengeti, home to endless plains and the Great Migration (seasonal).
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife.
Discover Tarangire National Park, famed for its giant baobab trees and elephant herds.
Cultural encounters with the Maasai people (optional).
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up in Arusha, followed by a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park. Upon entering the park, you will embark on a full-day game drive, exploring the vast savannahs and riverine landscapes. Tarangire is best known for its giant elephant herds, towering baobab trees, and diverse birdlife. Lions, leopards, and cheetahs are often spotted here as well. After an exciting day of wildlife viewing, you will head to your lodge or camp near Tarangire for dinner and overnight.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Tarangire Simba Lodge
Mid-range: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
Luxury: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Tarangire – Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, the journey continues across the highlands and into the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. The drive itself is an adventure, offering glimpses of rural Tanzania and wildlife along the way. By the afternoon, you will be surrounded by the endless plains of the Serengeti, where large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles roam. A late afternoon game drive gives you the chance to encounter predators preparing for their evening hunts. You will then retire to your accommodation in the Serengeti for a night under the African sky.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Nyani Campsite
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp
Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti National Park
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Serengeti. After an early breakfast, you will set out for a full-day game drive, carrying a picnic lunch to maximize your time in the wilderness. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains in search of fresh grazing. Even outside of migration season, the Serengeti never disappoints, offering regular sightings of lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and more. For those seeking something extra, a hot air balloon safari at sunrise can be arranged at an additional cost. As the sun sets, return to your camp or lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Nyani Campsite
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp
Luxury: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Begin the morning with a final game drive in the Serengeti, capturing those last glimpses of the park’s incredible wildlife. Afterward, you will depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with opportunities to spot more animals along the way. By evening, you will arrive at the crater rim, where breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater unfold before you. Dinner and overnight will be at your chosen lodge or camp, perched on or near the crater rim, offering a cool, serene atmosphere after the Serengeti’s heat.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Simba Public Campsite
Mid-range: Rhino Lodge
Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
On the final day of your safari, you will wake up early for a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This natural caldera is home to one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, and hippos. Flamingos and other bird species line the crater’s soda lake, creating a stunning backdrop for photography. After a half-day game drive and picnic lunch inside the crater, you will ascend the walls and begin your journey back to Arusha, where the safari concludes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Safari Add-ons (Optional)
Hot air balloon safari in Serengeti
Maasai village cultural visit
Walking safari in Lake Manyara or Arusha National Park
Extra nights in Arusha before/after safari
Included
Accommodation as per itinerary
Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Transport in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Park entry fees and crater service fee
Drinking water during safari
Excluded
International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Drinks at lodges/camps (unless stated)
Optional activities (balloon safari, cultural visits, etc.)