5 Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari Package | Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro 2025

Experience a 5 Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari through Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Encounter diverse wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and stay in top-rated lodges. Ideal for wildlife lovers seeking authentic African adventure.

5 day tanzania northern circuit safari adventure

(General Overview - Generous African Tours & Safaris)

This immersive 5-day Northern Circuit safari in Tanzania offers an exceptional journey through the country’s most iconic parks: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. Ideal for those short on time but looking to cover top wildlife destinations, this safari offers rich game viewing, comfortable lodges or tented camps, and professional guides. Expect to witness the Big Five, endless savannahs, ancient baobab trees, and the world’s largest intact caldera — all in just five thrilling days.

5 Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari Package

Tour Highlights

Game drives in three iconic national parks: Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
Spot the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino
Explore the vast Serengeti plains and ancient baobab trees of Tarangire
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Stay in handpicked lodges or luxury tented camps
Experienced, English-speaking safari guide
Scenic landscapes, rich birdlife, and cultural insights

Destinations Covered

Tarangire National Park
Serengeti National Park (Central)
Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast in Arusha, your driver-guide will pick you up and begin your journey to Tarangire National Park — roughly a 2-hour drive. Known for its massive baobab trees and large elephant population, Tarangire offers incredible wildlife viewing. During the dry season, the park becomes a haven for game animals as they gather around the Tarangire River. Enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch inside the park. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, lions, wildebeest, zebras, and over 500 species of birds.

Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp near Lake Manyara or Karatu
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Tarangire – Serengeti National Park

Depart after breakfast for the legendary Serengeti National Park, driving through the scenic highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey is long (about 5-6 hours), but the landscapes and wildlife sightings along the way are mesmerizing. Upon arrival in the central Serengeti (Seronera area), enjoy an en-route game drive before reaching your camp or lodge. Central Serengeti is rich in wildlife throughout the year, especially predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Accommodation: Central Serengeti tented camp or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

Spend the entire day exploring the endless plains of Serengeti. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Your guide will plan your game drive based on seasonal wildlife movements. If your visit aligns with the Great Migration, you may witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras crossing rivers or grazing in herds. Expect encounters with large prides of lions, elephants, buffalo, and possibly elusive leopards. Picnic lunch will be provided in the bush to maximize your safari time.

Accommodation: Central Serengeti tented camp or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive as you depart Serengeti. Head toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arriving in the late afternoon. Stop at Maasai Boma (optional) for cultural interaction. Overnight will be at a lodge or camp located near the crater rim. The temperature drops significantly at higher altitudes, so be prepared for a chilly evening.

Accommodation: Lodge on Ngorongoro Crater rim or Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Return to Arusha

After an early breakfast, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. This volcanic caldera is home to an estimated 25,000 animals, including one of the few remaining populations of black rhino. Enjoy close-up views of lions, hyenas, elephants, hippos, and abundant birdlife including flamingos. After a picnic lunch at the Hippo Pool or Lerai Forest, ascend the crater and return to Arusha in the late afternoon, where the safari ends.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Why Choose This Safari Package

Perfect balance of adventure and comfort within five days
Covers the most iconic parks in northern Tanzania
Ideal for wildlife photography and game viewing
Private safari with personalized service
Flexible accommodation options: budget, mid-range, or luxury
Operated by professional, licensed safari guides
Can be customized for families, honeymooners, or solo travelers

Inclusions

All park entry fees and government taxes
Transport in 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Accommodation on full-board basis (except in Arusha)
Bottled mineral water during game drives
All game drives as per itinerary
Crater service fees

Exclusions

International flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees for Tanzania
Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
Optional activities (e.g., Maasai village visit, hot air balloon)
Personal expenses (alcohol, souvenirs, laundry, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best time to do this safari?

The safari can be done year-round, but the dry season (June to October) offers the best wildlife viewing. For the Great Migration in Serengeti, plan between June and August (north) or November (central).

Is the safari private or group-based?

This package is typically offered as a private safari, meaning only your travel party will be in the vehicle. However, group options may be available on request.