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The Ultimate Northern Circuit Route

6 DAYS CLASSIC MANYARA, CRATER & TARANGIRE

The Northern Circuit's best. Tree-climbing lions, Big Five density, and large elephant herds. This package offers intense game viewing in Tanzania’s most famous parks.

View Detailed Itinerary

Why Choose This 6-Day Classic Safari?

Ngorongoro Big Five

Guaranteed sightings of the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino, within the crater floor.

Tarangire's Giants

Witness the massive elephant populations and iconic baobab trees that define Tarangire National Park.

Manyara Tree Lions

Search for the unique tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara, known for lounging in acacia branches.

6-Day Detailed Itinerary

A balanced itinerary ensuring quality game time in all three essential northern parks.

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Morning (08:30): Pickup from your hotel in Arusha and transfer to Tarangire National Park. Known for its gigantic baobab trees and large elephant population, Tarangire offers a stunning introduction to Tanzania’s wilderness.

Afternoon: Full day game drive focusing on the Tarangire River, which acts as a lifeline during the dry season, attracting migratory animals. Search for lions, leopards, and large buffalo herds.

Overnight: Lodge or Tented Camp near Tarangire | Highlight: Baobab Trees & Elephant Herds | Travel: ~3 hrs

Day 2: Tarangire to Karatu (Ngorongoro Highlands)

Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Tarangire. Look for the colorful birdlife and diverse mammal species before departing.

Afternoon: Drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ascending the escarpment and checking into your lodge located in the tranquil coffee-growing region of Karatu. Prepare for the crater descent tomorrow.

Overnight: Lodge in Karatu/Ngorongoro Gate Area | Highlight: Scenic Drive & Preparation for Crater | Travel: ~2-3 hrs

Day 3: Full Day Ngorongoro Crater Tour

Morning: Early start to descend 600m into the Ngorongoro Crater floor. Spend a full 6 hours exploring this natural wonder, home to around 25,000 large animals.

Wildlife: The crater offers the best chance to see the Big Five, including the critically endangered black rhino. You will also see large concentrations of wildebeest, zebra, and predatory cats. Picnic lunch is served on the crater floor next to a hippo pool.

Overnight: Lodge in Karatu/Ngorongoro Gate Area | Highlight: Big Five & Black Rhino Spotting | Travel: ~1 hr to/from Crater rim

Day 4: Karatu to Lake Manyara National Park

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning or opt for a cultural activity in the Karatu area (e.g., coffee farm tour, Mto wa Mbu village tour).

Afternoon: Drive a short distance to Lake Manyara National Park. Check into your accommodation and enjoy the spectacular sunset views over the Great Rift Valley.

Overnight: Lodge in Mto wa Mbu/Manyara Area | Highlight: Cultural Options & Rift Valley Views | Travel: ~1 hr

Day 5: Full Day Game Drive in Lake Manyara

Morning: Full day game drive exploring Lake Manyara's unique ecosystem, from the dense groundwater forest to the soda lake shore.

Special Focus: We dedicate time to search for the famous Tree-Climbing Lions often found lounging in the acacia trees. Also, look out for large troops of baboons and, seasonally, thousands of pink flamingos along the lake shore.

Overnight: Lodge in Mto wa Mbu/Manyara Area | Highlight: Tree-Climbing Lions & Baboon Troops | Game Drive: Full Day

Day 6: Manyara to Arusha / Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for last-minute souvenir shopping in Mto wa Mbu town.

Mid-Day: Drive back to Arusha. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel or transfer you directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your onward journey.

Overnight: N/A (Departure) | Highlight: Transfer | Travel: ~3-4 hrs to JRO/Arusha

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Package Details: What's Included & Excluded

Inclusions (What you pay for)

  • All Park and Crater entry fees for 6 days (Mid-Range/Luxury).
  • 5 Nights of accommodation (Lodges/Tented Camps).
  • Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch/Picnic, Dinner) throughout the safari.
  • Professional, English-speaking guide/driver.
  • Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle (Land Cruiser or Rover) with pop-up roof.
  • Unlimited bottled mineral water and soft drinks during game drives.
  • All government taxes and levies.

Exclusions (What's not included)

  • International flights to and from JRO/ARK.
  • Visa fees for entry into Tanzania.
  • Gratuities (tips) for the guide and lodge staff.
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal purchases.
  • Travel and medical insurance (Mandatory).
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