6-Day Northern Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & More

Summary

Northern Circuit Safari Adventure: Game Drives & Lodge Stays

You’ll explore Tanzania’s top parks—from elephant herds in Tarangire to big cats in Serengeti and rare rhinos in Ngorongoro Crater—all while traveling comfortably between cozy lodges and classic bush camps with expert local guides leading every step.

What’s the experience like?

The first morning kicked off with a quick coffee at the hotel in Arusha before our guide, Joseph, rolled up in a sturdy 4x4. The drive to Tarangire National Park went by in a blur of red-dust roads and glimpses of Maasai herders with their cattle. Entering the park, you can’t miss those giant baobabs—some look like they’ve been there forever. We spotted elephants almost right away, close enough to hear them tearing at the grass. There’s this earthy smell after last night’s rain that just hangs in the air. Giraffes poked their heads above the acacias and we caught sight of a troop of baboons squabbling near a muddy waterhole. By late afternoon, we were tired but happy as we headed to Eileens Trees Inn for dinner and a hot shower.

The next day took us through rolling highlands dotted with wheat fields and coffee farms—locals waved as we passed by on our way toward the Serengeti. Joseph pulled over at a viewpoint above Ngorongoro Crater; honestly, it’s hard to take your eyes off that massive green bowl stretching below. Once inside Serengeti National Park, everything changes—the plains seem endless and you start seeing wildlife everywhere: zebras crossing in single file, wildebeest herds kicking up dust, even a couple of lions lounging under rocky outcrops (they call them kopjes here). We reached Tukaone Camps just as the sun dipped low—dinner tasted even better after a day bouncing along those tracks.

Full day in Serengeti means early starts and lots of excitement. Our guide tracked migrating herds by radio chatter from other drivers—sometimes you’ll wait quietly for ages then suddenly hundreds of animals appear out of nowhere. We watched cheetahs scanning for prey and vultures circling overhead. The air gets chilly before sunrise but warms up fast; I ended up peeling off layers by mid-morning. Lunch was picnic-style under an acacia tree with zebras grazing nearby (don’t leave your sandwich unattended). Nights at camp are something else—you fall asleep to distant hyena calls.

On day four we squeezed in one last game drive through Serengeti before heading toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area. There’s always that hope you’ll spot something new—a rhino maybe or leopards draped over tree branches. After lunch at a quiet picnic site (watch out for sneaky vervet monkeys), we drove up to the crater rim just as golden light hit the grasslands below. The view is unreal—like looking into another world. Our lodge overlooked the crater edge so we could watch sunset colors spill across the caldera while sipping ginger tea.

Waking up early is worth it when you’re descending into Ngorongoro Crater—the mist clings to everything and you can hear birds starting up before you even see them. Inside the crater it’s packed with life: black rhinos moving through tall grass, lions sprawled near waterholes, buffaloes staring back at us from muddy patches. We stopped for lunch beside a small lake where hippos grunted just offshore. In the afternoon we made our way toward Lake Manyara area—roads lined with banana stalls and kids waving as we passed by.

Lake Manyara National Park feels different from everywhere else—lush forests echo with blue monkeys calling overhead and baboon families lounging right by the roadside (they’re not shy). The lake itself shimmers pink with flamingos if you catch it at the right time of year; sometimes you’ll see elephants feeding quietly among acacias or lions stretched out on tree branches (yes, really). After one last game drive spotting impalas and hippos on grassy plains, we headed back to Arusha feeling dusty but full of stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moshi/Arusha to Tarangire Park

• Safari to Tarangire National Park game drive

Day 2 — Tarangire to Serengeti Park

• Travel via Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti

Day 3 — Serengeti National Park Game Viewing

• Full day game viewing in Serengeti

Day 4 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro Area

• Morning game drive in Serengeti
• Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area lodge

Day 5 — Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara

• Game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater
• Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park

Day 6 — Lake Manyara to Moshi/Arusha

• Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park
• Return to Moshi/Arusha

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for families or older travelers?

Yes! The tour is designed for all fitness levels and ages—just let us know about any special needs so we can make sure everyone’s comfortable.

What kind of vehicle will we use during game drives?

You’ll travel in a private 4x4 jeep equipped with pop-up roof for viewing, charging stations for devices, and even a fridge for cold drinks.

Are meals included during the safari?

Yes—all meals are included during your stay at lodges or camps along with drinking water throughout your journey.

Will I see all members of the Big Five?

Your chances are excellent! Guides track animal movements daily but sightings depend on luck and season—Ngorongoro is especially good for rhinos.

What’s included

Your safari covers private 4x4 transport (with fridge & charging ports), all park fees, professional English-speaking guide, unlimited game drives, overnight stays in lodges or camps (double occupancy), all meals during safari days, government taxes, Flying Doctors emergency insurance—and plenty of wildlife moments!