6 Days MId-Range safari to northern circuit
Price from: $2350 per person
Overview
Discover Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit
Discover the very best of Tanzania’s legendary Northern Circuit on this unforgettable 6-day wildlife adventure. Explore the diverse landscapes of Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater, three of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.
Day 1–2: Lake Manyara National Park
Begin your journey at Lake Manyara, a scenic park famous for its tree-climbing lions, vibrant birdlife, and lush forests beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Enjoy guided game drives and discover the park’s unique ecosystems, including hippo-filled lakes and dense woodland, making it a perfect start to your safari adventure.
Day 3–4: Serengeti National Park
Continue to the world-renowned Serengeti, where vast open plains host incredible concentrations of wildlife. Witness lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras in their natural habitat. Depending on the season, marvel at the Great Migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet. Your expert guide will take you to the best spots for game viewing and wildlife photography.
Day 5–6: Ngorongoro Crater
Conclude your safari with a visit to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descend into this massive caldera to see dense populations of wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, and hippos. Learn about the crater’s geology, ecology, and conservation from your guide, while enjoying one of the best opportunities to spot the Big Five in a single day.
Safari Experience and Lodging
Throughout your 6-day safari, enjoy comfortable mid-range lodges, thrilling game drives, and expert guidance. This itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure, scenery, and relaxation, ideal for travelers seeking a complete Northern Tanzania safari in a short time.
Highlights
- Tanzania’s classic northern reserves: the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire
- See the Big 5 in Ngorongoro and enjoy wonderful birding
- Seasonal viewing of the annual Wildebeest Migration
- Excellent year-round game viewing
- Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal)
- Beautiful scenery and endless photographic opportunities
- Stay exclusively in luxury lodges and premium tented camps
- Encounter elephant herds and iconic baobab trees in Tarangire
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Arusha
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to take an optional detour to explore Arusha city. This is a great opportunity to experience local life, visit bustling markets, and see notable landmarks before your safari adventure officially begins.
Evening Safari Briefing
Later in the evening, your guide will provide a comprehensive safari briefing, covering the upcoming itinerary, expected wildlife encounters, and essential safari tips. This session ensures you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead and helps you make the most of your safari experience.
Optional Sunset Hike
For a light introduction to Tanzania’s landscapes, you can enjoy an optional sunset hike at Kilima Moto, offering panoramic views of Arusha and the surrounding hills. This scenic walk is a perfect way to unwind after your journey and take in the beauty of northern Tanzania.
Highlights
- Optional Arusha city tour and local market visit
- Sunset hike at Kilima Moto
- Safari briefing and preparation
Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
Departure to Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast at 8:30 am, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its flamingo populations and, occasionally, tree-climbing lions. The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, hosting over 400 species including eagles, vultures, storks, and pelicans.
Morning Game Drive
Enjoy a guided game drive through the park’s diverse habitats. Visit the hippo pools and hot springs, and watch for elephants, buffaloes, wildebeests, warthogs, and playful primates. Lake Manyara’s mix of acacia woodlands and lush grasslands offers perfect opportunities for wildlife photography and close observation of its iconic species.
Transfer to Mto wa Mbu
After your safari, transfer to Mto wa Mbu for your overnight stay. Dinner will be served at the lodge, allowing you to relax and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
Highlights
- Observe flamingos and other birdlife along Lake Manyara
- Visit the hippo pools and hot springs
- Possible sightings of rare tree-climbing lions
- Enjoy rural landscapes and local wildlife
Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park via Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Drive to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, depart for the world-famous Serengeti National Park, approximately a 6-hour drive including stops. Along the way, pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where dramatic landscapes meet abundant wildlife and traditional Maasai pastoral communities.
Optional Maasai Village Visit
Consider an optional stop at a Maasai village to learn about the rich culture and traditions of the Maasai people. Discover their daily life, historic warrior customs, and traditional clothing, while respecting ethical tourism practices no hunting or blood rituals are involved.
Arrival and Afternoon Game Drive
Arrive in the Serengeti Seronera area in the late afternoon and embark on a sunset game drive. Spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, and vast herds of wildebeests and zebras roaming the endless plains. The golden savanna sunsets provide perfect photography opportunities and a magical introduction to the Serengeti.
Highlights
- Optional cultural visit to a Maasai village
- Afternoon game drive in Serengeti Seronera
- Stunning sunset over the Serengeti plains
Accommodation: Serengeti Central Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Day 4: Half Day Serengeti Game Drive & Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Early Morning Game Drive in the Serengeti
Start your day with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti, when wildlife is most active and predators are on the hunt. Spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and vast herds of grazing animals. This is the perfect time for photography and close wildlife observation in one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations.
Scenic Drive to Ngorongoro
After a morning of wildlife viewing and lunch, continue your journey to Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge, located on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Along the way, enjoy the Serengeti’s breathtaking landscapes and rolling plains, offering additional wildlife spotting opportunities.
Sunset at Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Upon arrival at the lodge, settle in and take in panoramic views over the crater. The afternoon offers an optional sunset photography opportunity, allowing you to capture one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders in golden light.
Highlights
- Morning Serengeti wildlife viewing
- Scenic drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro
- Panoramic crater rim views at sunset
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Embalakai Luxury Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive & Return to Arusha
Early Morning Descent into Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a full-day game drive. As the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, the crater provides unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. Look out for black rhinos, elephants, lions, hippos, and a wide variety of other species in their natural habitats.
Lunch in the Crater
Pause for lunch in the crater, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. This break allows you to rest, enjoy the scenery, and capture memorable photographs of the unique ecosystem.
Scenic Drive Back to Arusha
In the afternoon, ascend the crater rim and begin the drive back to Arusha, reflecting on your unforgettable safari experiences. Along the way, admire the rolling highlands and iconic Tanzanian landscapes, your last chance to photograph this remarkable region before returning to the city.
Highlights
- Early morning wildlife safari in Ngorongoro Crater
- Opportunity to spot the rare black rhinoceros
- Scenic drive back to Arusha
Accommodation: Tulia Hotel Boutique and Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:Arusha Depature-Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport
Morning in Arusha
Depending on your departure schedule, enjoy a relaxed morning in Arusha. Take the time to unwind, have breakfast at your lodge, and reflect on your incredible safari experiences across Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Later, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. Travel in comfort as your guide ensures a smooth airport transfer, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.
Highlights
- Smooth airport transfer
- Farewell to Tanzania and its wildlife wonders
Accommodation: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Includes the following:
- A 4×4 safari jeep with a pop-up roof, which enable you to spot wildlife easier
- All park entry fees.
- All Accommodation.
- Bottled water and soft drinks during safari
- A professional English-speaking driver guide.
- All meals as per itinerary
- Mineral water, soft drinks, beer, and wine (on Jeep).
- Airport transfers
- Activities as per the itinerary above.
Excludes the following:
- International Flights.
- Optional activities.
- Visa fees.
- Travel insurance.
- Tipping.
- Personal spending money for souvenirs, etc.
Why Choose a 6-Day Tanzania Safari?
✔ Visit three top national parks in one seamless journey
✔ Excellent chances to see the Big Five and diverse wildlife
✔ Perfect balance of exploration and relaxation
✔ Ideal length for first-time safari travelers
✔ Great value for a comprehensive northern circuit experience
A 6-day Tanzania safari gives you enough time to fully experience the country’s most famous wildlife destinations without feeling rushed — making it one of the most popular safari durations for travelers seeking both adventure and comfort.