5 Days Mid-Range Northern Circuit Safari

Overview

This 5-day safari takes you through the Northern Circuit’s best destinations: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. You will experience diverse ecosystems ranging from baobab-dotted savannahs, endless Serengeti plains, and the unique Ngorongoro Crater to the lush forests of Lake Manyara. Designed for comfort, this itinerary combines thrilling wildlife experiences with mid-range lodge or tented camp accommodations.

Highlights

Explore Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro in four days
Witness elephants, lions, cheetahs, wildebeests, and the Great Migration
Game drives in diverse landscapes: savannah, crater, and highlands
Budget or mid-range accommodations available for comfort and affordability

Detailed Itinerary

On the first day, you will depart from Arusha or Moshi and drive through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands to the Serengeti, where an afternoon game drive in the Seronera region introduces you to lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and, seasonally, the Great Migration.

Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Depart from Arusha in the morning and head to Tarangire National Park, home to huge elephant herds, baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. Enjoy game drives before overnight at a mid-range lodge or tented camp in Tarangire/Karatu.

Day 2: Tarangire – Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, drive across the Rift Valley and Ngorongoro highlands toward Serengeti National Park. Afternoon game drive in the Seronera area, famous for lions, cheetahs, and seasonal wildebeest migration. Overnight in a mid-range tented camp or lodge inside Serengeti.

Day 3: Full Day Serengeti National Park

Spend the day exploring Serengeti’s endless plains with morning and afternoon game drives. Spot predators, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and if lucky, the Great Migration. Dinner and overnight at the same Serengeti accommodation.

Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Early morning game drive in Serengeti, then head toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop at Olduvai Gorge (optional) before proceeding to a lodge or camp on the crater rim. Enjoy spectacular views and overnight stay.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Lake Manyara – Arusha

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive, spotting lions, rhinos, buffaloes, and flamingos at the lake. After lunch, drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a short game drive to see tree-climbing lions, elephants, and hippos. Later in the afternoon, return to Arusha.