5-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit: Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Manyara

Baobabs and elephants, the Ngorongoro Crater and tree-lion country in one compact circuit.

5 days / 4 nights3 destinationsPrivate safariMid-range lodges & tented campsRequest a Quote

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Overview

A quick look at this safari

Duration

5 days

Destinations

Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park

Style

Private

Accommodation

Mid-range lodges & tented camps

Vehicle

4x4 safari land cruiser with pop-up roof

Guide

Professional local safari guide

Starting price

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Availability

Flexible dates, 2026 / 2027 / 2028

Tanzania's northern highlights in five focused days. Tarangire's dry-season elephant herds and ancient baobabs, a full day inside the wildlife-packed Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara's forest lions — all with a private vehicle and guide from Arusha.

Safari expert's note

The crater floor has black rhinos — go down at first light for the best chance and the thinnest traffic.

Day by day

Your itinerary

Day 1 · Arusha → Tarangire

Arusha to Tarangire

Drive south to Tarangire for an afternoon among baobabs and elephants.

🍽 All meals🛏 Tarangire lodge

Day 2 · Tarangire → Ngorongoro

Tarangire to Ngorongoro

A morning game drive, then the scenic Karatu farmlands up to the crater rim for sunset views.

🍽 All meals🛏 Crater-rim lodge

Day 3 · Ngorongoro → Ngorongoro

Full day in the crater

Descend 600 m into the caldera for a full day with rhinos, lions, flamingos and dense herds.

🍽 All meals🛏 Crater-rim lodge

Day 4 · Ngorongoro → Lake Manyara

Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara

Cross to Manyara for afternoon game drives among flamingo shores and groundwater forest.

🍽 All meals🛏 Manyara lodge

Day 5 · Lake Manyara → Arusha

Manyara to Arusha

A final morning searching for tree-climbing lions, then return to Arusha by evening.

🍽 Breakfast & lunch🛏 —

The route

Your journey on the map

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors

Arusha to TarangireTarangire
Tarangire to NgorongoroNgorongoro
Full day in the craterNgorongoro
Ngorongoro to Lake ManyaraLake Manyara
Manyara to ArushaArusha

Pricing

What this safari costs

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Per person sharing, mid-range lodges; final pricing confirmed in your quote.

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What drives the price

· Season — peak season (roughly June–October and late December) costs more than green season.
· Accommodation level and whether camps are inside or outside the parks.
· Group size — per-person costs drop as your party grows.
· Flying between parks versus driving adds convenience and cost.
· Park entry fees, which vary by country and park.

Timing

Best time to travel

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Green months (highlighted above) balance value and scenery; dry months concentrate wildlife around water and are easiest for travel. We'll advise the best window for your goals.

The details