5 Days Essential Northern Circuit Family Safari, Tanzania
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5 Days Essential Northern Circuit Family Safari

5 Days Arusha · Tarangire National Park · Serengeti National Park · Ngorongoro Crater · Lake Manyara National Park Private safari

From $1,700 per person

Safari Overview

Embark on a refined journey through the heart of East Africa’s wild heritage. This expertly curated itinerary explores the four primary jewels of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, offering a perfect balance of exhilarating game drives and comfortable lodge stays. Your family will traverse the vast plains of the Serengeti, witness the geological wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater, and discover the unique arboreal lions of Lake Manyara.

Led by a professional guide and dedicated team, you will travel in a custom-fitted 4x4 safari vehicle designed for optimal wildlife photography and comfort. From the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire to the flamingo-fringed shores of Lake Manyara, each day promises a new encounter with the 'Big Five' and the staggering scale of the Great Migration.

We have selected premium mid-range lodges that provide a warm Tanzanian welcome, allowing you to relax in style after your days in the bush. This tour is specifically designed for those who wish to experience the raw beauty of the savannah without compromising on essential comforts, making it the quintessential Tanzanian getaway.

Highlights

  • Witness the Great Migration plains of the Serengeti
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater floor
  • View Tarangire’s massive herds of African elephants
  • Spot rare tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara
  • Authentic optional visit to a Maasai Boma

Day by Day

Your Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Arusha to Tarangire National Park

    Begin your adventure with a drive to Tarangire, a park defined by its iconic Baobab trees and vast elephant population. Enjoy a full afternoon of game viewing followed by a picnic overlooking the Tarangire River.

    Activities:
    Game drives and river-view picnic
    Meals:
    Lunch, Dinner
    Overnight:
    Suricata Boma Lodge (Mid-range)
    Distance:
    120 km (2 hours)
  2. Day 2

    Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park

    Journey toward the Serengeti, stopping for a panoramic view of the Ngorongoro Crater. You may choose an optional cultural visit to a Maasai village before reaching the central Seronera plains for a sunset game drive.

    Activities:
    Scenic transit and evening game drive
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Overnight:
    Serengeti Matawi Camp (Mid-range)
    Distance:
    250 km (6 hours)
  3. Day 3

    Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

    Experience the magic of a Serengeti sunrise during an early morning game drive. After a hearty brunch, continue wildlife viewing as you transit toward the highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

    Activities:
    Sunrise game drive and Serengeti transit
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Overnight:
    Ang’ata Camp (Mid-range)
    Distance:
    140 km (4 hours)
  4. Day 4

    Ngorongoro Crater to Mto wa Mbu

    Descend 650 metres into the world's largest intact volcanic caldera for a morning of unparalleled wildlife sightings, including the rare Black Rhino. Return to the rim and drive to your lodge for a relaxing evening.

    Activities:
    Half-day Crater floor tour
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Overnight:
    Suricata Boma Lodge (Mid-range)
    Distance:
    60 km (1.5 hours)
  5. Day 5

    Lake Manyara to Arusha

    Explore the lush groundwater forest of Lake Manyara, home to baboons, hippos, and tree-climbing lions. After a final morning of bird watching and game viewing, return to Arusha to conclude your safari.

    Activities:
    Morning game drive and hippo pool visit
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch
    Overnight:
    End of Tour (No accommodation)
    Distance:
    130 km (2.5 hours)

What's Included

  • Professional English-speaking safari guide and chef
  • Full board lodge accommodation as per itinerary
  • All national park fees and government taxes
  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and charging points
  • Unlimited bottled mineral water and soft drinks
  • Guaranteed window seating for all guests

Not Included

  • Gratuities for safari staff
  • International and domestic airfare
  • Tanzanian entry visas
  • Optional Serengeti hot air balloon excursions

Best Time for This Safari

The dry season from June to October offers the most dramatic wildlife sightings around water sources. The green season from November to May is spectacular for birdwatching and seeing newborn calves.

Questions

Safari FAQs

We use custom-built 4x4 safari Jeeps featuring pop-up roofs for 360-degree viewing and power inverters to charge your devices.

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