Overview
Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
This 6-Day Lodge & Tented Camp Tanzania Safari allows us to experience the highlights of the Northern Safari Circuit. We experience breath-taking wildlife in the midst of some of the most diverse landscapes: monkeys in the forest, lions in trees, elephants amongst the acacias, and a huge variety of animals inside a collapsed volcano.
We will also visit the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The landscapes are jaw-dropping, and the variety and volume of wildlife we will see are unforgettable!
You can also suggest or opt for a Budget Camping Safari Itinerary – and it can be adapted to suit your own personal needs and preferences, as well as for any seasonal changes or migratory animal movements.
Tour Highlights
Departure and Return Place:
We can start/end this tour from any hotel in Moshi/Arusha or from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Dress Code:
Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hat, spare clothing.
Customizations:
Can be amended/customized upon request, to suit your requirements.
Extensions:
Trip Extensions are available on request.
Season:
The Dry season (from late June to October) offers the best wildlife viewing in general – with the wildebeest migration as its absolute highlight.
The timing of the migration varies every year (the best chance of seeing it is during June and July), while the wildebeest calving is from late January to February.
What to Expect on Tour
You will experience the excitement of game viewing in some of the most spectacular national wildlife game parks in Africa.
Look out for incredible views of the Ngorongoro Crater, and witness the annual Great Migration of a million wildebeest and zebra crossing the open plains of the Serengeti.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Arusha town. You will meet your guide who will brief you on your Africa Safari tour. You will spend the rest of your time at your own leisure and relaxation.
Accommodation:
Mid-range: Palace Hotel / Arusha Planet Lodge
Budget: Tulia Boutique Hotel / Green Mountain Hotel
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, our Safari Guide will collect you with a Tanzanian smile from your lodgings for the drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Manyara, a relatively small but diverse park 120 km west of Arusha, is named for the shallow salt lake that occupies a significant portion of its lands. Flooding and drying seasonally, this soda lake is home to thousands of flamingos and over 500 other bird species.
On our exploration of the park, we may encounter monkeys, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalos, elephants, and—if lucky—tree-climbing lions. The park is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from open grassy plains to primate-filled woodlands and baobab-dotted cliffs.
After a full day in the park, we drive to our accommodation where we’ll relax and enjoy a sumptuous meal before retiring to our comfortable quarters.
Accommodation:
Mid-range: Kudu Lodge / Karatu Simba Lodge
Budget Camping: Lilac Campsite / Panorama Campsite
Day 3: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, we journey toward the fertile highlands where the local people grow wheat, coffee, and corn. Passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we’ll enjoy a stunning view of the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater before continuing to the iconic Serengeti National Park, which we reach by midday.
The Serengeti, Tanzania’s largest national park, spans over 15,000 km² and showcases a variety of landscapes including grassy plains, swamps, lakes, savannah, and mountains. This park is home to the world-famous Great Migration, where wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes move in vast numbers in search of food and water. We may witness this spectacular natural event depending on the time of year.
After an extensive game drive, we head to the Seronera Valley for a delicious evening meal and an overnight stay.
Accommodation:
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp / Sound of Silence
Budget Camping: Nyani Campsite
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
This entire day is dedicated to immersive game drives across the Serengeti. Known for its incredible biodiversity, the Serengeti is home to impala, buffalo, crocodile, hippo, and the iconic migrating herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope. The timing and path of this Great Migration are dictated by rainfall patterns and vary each year.
From November to December, the herds travel from the wooded northern areas to the lush grasslands of the south. During the long rains from April to June, they migrate back north. In addition to the migratory animals, we may encounter resident predators like leopards, cheetahs, and lions, playing out nature’s drama in the circle of life.
After an unforgettable day of exploration and photography, we return to our camp or lodge for a relaxing evening, a hearty dinner, and a peaceful overnight on the Endless Plains.
Accommodation:
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp / Sound of Silence
Budget Camping: Nyani Campsite
Day 5 Serengeti to Ngorongoro
After breakfast, you will drive from Serengeti National Park to the Ngorongoro Crater.
When you first see Ngorongoro Crater, it looks like a forgotten world. Concealed by the
steep volcanic walls is a pristine wilderness including sweeping savannah, pockets of
acacia woodland, and glistening lakes and swamps. The Crater was created when a
large volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself two to three million years ago.
The drive down the into the Crater is an adventure in itself and when you reach the
Crater floor, you quickly find yourself amongst large numbers of wildebeest, zebra,
gazelle, and more than 500 bird species. The Crater provides you with the best chance
of seeing the endangered black rhino, which can sometimes be spotted in the open
grasslands.
After a full afternoon inside the Crater, you will head to your accommodation for dinner
and an overnight stay in Karatu.
Accommodation
Mid-range: Kudu Lodge /Karatu Simba Lodge
Budget Camping: Lilac Campsite/ Panorama Campsite
Day 6: Tarangire National Park – Masai Village – Arusha
After breakfast, we head out on a short drive to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its impressive elephant herds and rich diversity of landscapes. From seasonal swamps to expansive savannah, the Tarangire River flows through this ecosystem, attracting a host of wildlife.
From the open top of our safari vehicle, we’ll search for zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant, and giraffe. With some luck, we may even witness lions (Simba) stalking their prey or spot leopards lounging in the treetops.
After an eventful morning and a scenic lunch in the park, we begin our journey back to Arusha. On the way, we’ll stop at a traditional Maasai village to learn about their rich culture and unique way of life. Following this immersive cultural experience, we continue back to Arusha, arriving in the early evening.
Accommodation:
Palace Hotel / Arusha Planet Lodge
Next Day:
You will be picked up from your accommodation for your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport, according to your flight schedule.
Pricing Includes
- All the mentioned safari activities
Air ambulance service by AMREF Flying Doctors
Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers
Hotel accommodations according to the itinerary
Transportation in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography
All park fees
All meals according to the itinerary
Bottled water throughout the tour
Binoculars (1 per vehicle)
Medical kit
18% VAT on tour fees and services
Crew salaries
Pricing Excludes
- Air tickets
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips to your safari guide ($20–$35 per day per car)
Other optional activities
Personal expenses
