A Comprehensive Northern Circuit6 Days Tanzania Safari

This 6-day safari covers Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro Crater, offering a complete Northern Tanzania experience. From bird-filled lakes to predator-packed plains, it’s a journey through diverse habitats with ample time for discovery.

Tour Overview

Embark on an epic 6-day safari with Raptor Safari & Tours, your premier Arusha-based experts, immersing yourself in the vibrant wilderness of Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. Lake Manyara dazzles with flamingo-filled lakes and tree-climbing lions, Tarangire captivates with elephant herds and baobab plains, the Serengeti thrills with the Great Migration, and Ngorongoro’s UNESCO-listed caldera teems with Big Five wildlife. Ideal for adventurers craving a deep, varied experience, this safari offers extended Serengeti exploration, blending thrilling game drives with Tanzania’s iconic landscapes, guided by our passionate local team in a custom 4x4. Discover a world of wonder, crafted into an unforgettable odyssey.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Tarangire National Park

Begin your journey with a 7 AM pickup from your Arusha hotel, where your expert guide shares Tarangire’s highlights. Arrive by 9:00 AM for 6-7 hours of game drives. Morning explorations track elephants (2,000+ in dry season), giraffes, and leopards in acacias, with baobabs setting the scene. Pause for a picnic lunch by the Tarangire River, watching wildebeest gather. Afternoon drives reveal cheetahs, ostriches, and vibrant birdlife, with opportunities for photography. Optional walking safaris add adventure (pre-booked). Depart by 3:30 PM, returning to your Mto wa Mbu lodge or camp (Inside the park or outside the park) for dinner and overnight, reflecting on Tarangire’s wild beauty.

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, depart at 7:30 AM for Lake Manyara National Park (1 hour). Arriving at the park by 8:30 AM. Spend 3-4 hours on game drives: morning tracks reveal elephants, zebras, and rare tree-climbing lions, while the soda lake sparkles with flamingos and pelicans. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch near the hot springs, framed by the Rift Valley escarpment. Afternoon drives uncover hippos and over 400 bird species, with time for photos. Depart by 1:30 PM, driving 1 hour to a cozy lodge or camp in Karatu for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater to Central Serengeti

Rise for breakfast and depart at 6:30 AM for Ngorongoro Crater (30 minutes), descending into the 260 km² caldera by 7:30 AM for a 6-hour game drive. Morning tracks spot black rhinos, lion prides, and zebra herds, while Lake Magadi shimmers with flamingos. Enjoy a picnic lunch near Ngoitokitok Swamp, watching hyenas roam. Ascend by 2:00 PM and drive 3 hours to central Serengeti, arriving by 5:30 PM. Settle into a lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight, enveloped by the Serengeti’s wild ambiance, poised for extended exploration.

Day 4: Full Day Serengeti National Park

Awaken for a full day in the Serengeti, starting with a 6:30 AM game drive (6-8 hours). Morning tracks follow lions, cheetahs, and wildebeest herds (1M+ during migration season), with chances to witness predator hunts. Pause for a picnic lunch under an acacia tree, soaking in the endless plains. Afternoon drives seek leopards in kopjes, elephants, and vibrant birdlife, with time for photos of the iconic savanna. Optional hot-air balloon safaris offer a stunning aerial view (pre-booked). Return to your Serengeti lodge or camp by 4:30 PM for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Full Day Serengeti National Park

Rise early for another full day in the Serengeti, beginning with a 6:30 AM game drive (6-8 hours). Morning explorations venture into new areas, tracking giraffes, hyenas, and elusive rhinos, with opportunities to observe mating rituals or playful cubs. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a waterhole, watching zebras gather. Afternoon drives reveal hippos in pools and colorful rollers, with time to capture the golden light. Return to your lodge or camp by 4:30 PM for dinner and overnight, savoring the Serengeti’s endless wonders under a starlit sky.

Day 6: Serengeti to Arusha

After breakfast, embark on a final 3-4 hour morning game drive in the Serengeti, starting at 6:30 AM. Track buffalo, ostriches, and remaining Big Five, capturing last glimpses of the migration or sunrise over the plains. Enjoy a picnic breakfast in the bush, surrounded by the savanna’s serenity. Depart the Serengeti by 11:00 AM, driving 250 km (5 hours, including a lunch stop) back to Arusha, arriving by 5:00 PM. Reflect on an epic journey filled with Tanzania’s wildlife masterpieces, crafted by Raptor Safari & Tours.

Price Included:

Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, Wi-Fi, and fridge
Professional Tanzanian guide with extensive wildlife expertise
Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area entry fees
5 nights accommodation (lodge or camp in Karatu and Serengeti) with dinners and breakfasts
Gourmet picnic lunches/breakfast and unlimited bottled water
Binoculars for shared use
Round-trip transfers from Arusha hotels
First-aid kit and satellite phone for safety

Price Excluded:

Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Personal travel insurance
Tips for guide (suggested: $15-$25/day)
Optional hot-air balloon safari, walking safari, or Maasai village visit fees
International flights or visas
Accommodation in Arusha (available on request)
Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, cameras)

Payment terms

Deposit Payment

Deposit is 20% of the total booking amount.
Deposit can be paid via an online card payment or through bank transfer.
Once you make the advance payment you will receive a booking confirmation.

Balance Payment

Balance can be paid via online card payment, bank transfer or with cash.
Card Payment or bank transfer can be done 7 days prior to the tour date (recommended 14 days prior).
Cash can be paid on arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009).