5-Day Northern Circuit Safari
The classic Tanzania safari — Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire in five days
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive Arusha — Drive to Tarangire
After morning pick-up from Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport, head south towards Tarangire National Park. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River, home to Africa's densest elephant population. Enormous ancient baobab trees, large herds of buffalo, and hundreds of bird species set the tone for the safari ahead.
Tarangire bush camp or lodge
Day 2 — Full Day in Tarangire
A full day exploring Tarangire's varied ecosystems — from the swamp zones packed with wildebeest and zebra in the dry season, to the open savannah where lions and leopards patrol. Tarangire is one of Tanzania's best-kept secrets: fewer crowds than the Serengeti, but exceptional wildlife density from June to October when animals converge on the river.
Tarangire bush camp or lodge
Day 3 — Drive Through Ngorongoro — Arrive Serengeti
Depart early and drive up through the Ngorongoro Highlands, passing Maasai villages and cool montane forest before descending into the Serengeti ecosystem. Stop at the Ngorongoro Crater rim for sweeping views across the world's largest intact caldera. Continue west into the Serengeti for an evening game drive — your first of Africa's most famous wilderness.
Serengeti tented camp
Day 4 — Full Day in the Serengeti
A full day in the Serengeti — morning and afternoon game drives with a packed picnic lunch in the bush. The central Seronera Valley is home to resident lion prides and leopards. From July to September, the Great Migration brings over 1.5 million wildebeest through the Western Corridor and Grumeti River. Year-round, the Serengeti delivers an extraordinary concentration of predators and prey.
Serengeti tented camp
Day 5 — Ngorongoro Crater — Return Arusha
The grand finale: descend into the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing roughly 25,000 large animals in a 260 km² bowl. Spot all five of the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the rare black rhino. After a crater-floor picnic, drive back to Arusha arriving early evening. Karibu — welcome to Tanzania.
Return to Arusha — overnight optional
Included
- ✓All park entrance fees
- ✓4WD safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- ✓Professional English-speaking guide
- ✓Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- ✓Airport transfers from/to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport
- ✓Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees
- ✓Drinking water throughout
Not included
- ✗International and domestic flights
- ✗Visa fees ($50 USD for most nationalities)
- ✗Travel insurance (required)
- ✗Gratuities for guide and camp staff
- ✗Personal expenses and souvenirs
- ✗Alcoholic beverages
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time for the 5-day Northern Circuit safari?
June to October (dry season) is the best time — animals concentrate around water sources and vegetation is low, making wildlife easy to spot. January to March is also excellent for the calving season in the Southern Serengeti, when thousands of wildebeest are born each day.
How much does a 5-day Northern Circuit safari cost?
Budget safaris start from around $1,800 per person for group departures using shared vehicles and basic camps. Mid-range camps run $2,500–$3,500 per person. Luxury private safaris range from $4,000–$8,000+ per person. Park fees alone are approximately $250–$350 per person across all three parks.
Can I see the Great Migration on a 5-day Northern Circuit?
Yes — the Great Migration is present in the Serengeti ecosystem year-round, though the herds move between different zones. From July to September the dramatic river crossings at the Grumeti happen. The calving season in the Southern Serengeti runs January–March. Your guide will position you in the right area for the time of year.
Is this itinerary suitable for first-time safari-goers?
Absolutely. The Northern Circuit is the ideal first Tanzania safari — well-maintained roads, excellent infrastructure, experienced guides, and near-guaranteed Big Five sightings. The combination of Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro delivers the full breadth of Tanzania's wildlife in one compact trip.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most nationalities require a visa, obtainable online at eTA.immigration.go.tz for $50 USD, or on arrival at Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Julius Nyerere (DAR) airports. Citizens of around 70 countries, including several African nations, now travel visa-free following Tanzania's 2024 policy change.
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