5 Days Private Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara
Experience Tanzania's complete northern circuit on this immersive 5-day private safari. Journey through Tarangire's elephant herds, Serengeti's endless plains, Ngorongoro's crater wonderland, and Lake Manyara's diverse ecosystems - with expert guides and exclusive vehicle use throughout.
This private safari can be customized to midrange or luxury standards, offering flexible accommodation options while maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities in each spectacular park.
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Your private safari begins with morning pickup from your Arusha hotel or airport. After meeting your guide, depart for Tarangire National Park (approximately 2.5 hour drive).
Enjoy full day game drives among ancient baobabs, spotting massive elephant herds, lions, zebras, and over 550 bird species. Picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Tarangire River where wildlife congregates during dry season (June-October).
As sunset paints the savannah golden, drive to your selected midrange or luxury lodge near Karatu for dinner and overnight, with the sounds of the African bush surrounding you.
Day 2: Karatu to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, journey to the legendary Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with breathtaking crater views.
Enter Serengeti at Naabi Hill Gate for picnic lunch before afternoon game drives in the endless plains. Your private guide will track recent wildlife movements to maximize sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the Great Migration (seasonal).
Arrive at your selected midrange or luxury lodge/tented camp in Central Serengeti for dinner and overnight. Enjoy sunset views over the savannah from your accommodation.
Day 3: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Morning game drive in Serengeti with breakfast boxes to catch predators at their most active. Visit kopjes (rock outcroppings) that serve as lion observation points and leopard hiding spots.
Return to camp for lunch before driving to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approximately 3 hours). The route offers stunning highland scenery and possible Maasai cultural encounters.
Arrive at your crater rim lodge in time for sunset views over the caldera. Dinner and overnight at your selected midrange or luxury property, with cooler temperatures at this elevation.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Tour to Karatu
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at dawn (around 6:30 AM) when wildlife is most active. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts about 25,000 large animals including all the Big Five.
Morning game drives offer excellent chances to see endangered black rhinos, large elephant herds and abundant predators. Breakfast at the scenic Ngoitokitok picnic site near a hippo pool.
After lunch, ascend the crater walls and drive to Karatu (approximately 1 hour) for overnight at your selected lodge. Relax and recount the day's incredible sightings over dinner.
Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park - Departure
After breakfast, explore Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and diverse habitats. Morning game drives reveal buffalo herds, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species.
Watch for the famous lions lounging in acacia trees and large troops of baboons along the lakeshore. The alkaline lake attracts thousands of flamingos during wet season.
After picnic lunch, drive back to Arusha (approximately 2 hours), arriving by late afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or airport, concluding your unforgettable 5-day northern circuit safari.