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5 Days Best Northern Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara

From 1850.00 / person

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Overview 5 Days Best Northern Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara

Experience an unforgettable 5 Days Best Northern Tanzania Safari with Morishas Tours & Safaris, a trusted Tanzania tour operator. This carefully designed Northern Circuit safari takes you to four of Tanzania's most spectacular wildlife destinations: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park.

Enjoy exciting game drives, breathtaking landscapes, and opportunities to see the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceros. From the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire to the endless Serengeti savannah and the wildlife-filled Ngorongoro Crater, this itinerary offers an excellent combination of wildlife, scenery, and adventure.

Safari FeatureDetails
Duration5 Days / 4 Nights
Safari TypeWildlife & Big Five Safari
DestinationsTarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara
Safari CircuitNorthern Tanzania
Starting PointArusha / Moshi
Ending PointArusha / Moshi
AccommodationLodge / Tented Camp
Transport4x4 Safari Vehicle with Pop-Up Roof
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Main ActivitiesGame Drives & Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife HighlightsBig Five, Wildebeest, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos & More
Ideal ForCouples, Families, Solo Travelers & Groups
Travel StylePrivate / Customized Safari
Best TimeJune–October & January–February
Tour OperatorMorishas Tours & Safaris

As an experienced Tanzania tour company, we provide professional safari guides, comfortable 4x4 vehicles, carefully selected accommodation, and personalized service throughout the journey. This package is ideal for travelers who want to experience the highlights of Northern Tanzania within five days without missing some of the country's most famous wildlife destinations.

Safari Highlights

  • Tarangire National Park: Experience large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife across the park's beautiful landscapes.
  • Serengeti National Park: Explore the endless plains and search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, wildebeest, zebras, and other wildlife.
  • Ngorongoro Crater: Descend into the world's largest intact volcanic caldera for an exceptional Big Five and wildlife viewing experience.
  • Lake Manyara National Park: Discover a scenic park famous for its birdlife, elephants, tree-climbing lions, hippos, and lush landscapes.
  • Big Five Safari: Enjoy opportunities to spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceros in their natural habitats.
  • Spectacular African Landscapes: Experience baobab-dotted savannahs, endless plains, crater landscapes, forests, and breathtaking sunsets.
  • Professional Guided Game Drives: Explore the parks in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle with an experienced local guide.
  • Photography Opportunities: Capture Tanzania's incredible wildlife, landscapes, and unforgettable safari moments.
  • Authentic African Experience: Experience the beauty and diversity of Tanzania through a carefully planned Northern Circuit safari.

Estimated Safari Price

The price of this 5 Days Best Northern Tanzania Safari depends on the number of travelers, travel season, accommodation category, and availability. Below are estimated mid-range prices to help you plan your Tanzania safari.

Number of TravelersEstimated Price (USD per Person)
1 PersonFrom $1,850
2 PeopleFrom $1,500
4 PeopleFrom $1,250
6 PeopleFrom $1,000

Safari Includes & Excludes

Price Includes

Your 5 Days Best Northern Tanzania Safari with Morishas Tours & Safaris, a trusted Tanzania tour company, includes everything you need for a comfortable and memorable safari experience.

  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for excellent wildlife viewing
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
  • All national park and conservation entrance fees
  • Ngorongoro Crater service fee
  • 4 nights accommodation in carefully selected mid-range lodges or tented camps
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Bottled drinking water during the safari
  • Unlimited game drives as outlined in the itinerary
  • Pick-up and drop-off in Arusha (or Moshi upon request)
  • Government taxes, VAT, and applicable tourism levies

Price Excludes

The following items are not included in the safari price:

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, telephone calls, etc.)
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks unless specified
  • Tips and gratuities for the safari guide, drivers, and lodge staff
  • Optional activities not included in the itinerary
  • Additional accommodation before or after the safari unless requested
  • Any services not specifically mentioned under Price Includes

Optional Add-On Experiences

Enhance your Tanzania safari by adding one or more of the following experiences:

  • Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti
  • Maasai Village Cultural Tour
  • Olduvai Gorge Museum Visit
  • Walking Safari (where available)
  • Zanzibar Beach Holiday Extension
  • Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure
  • Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour
  • Chemka Hot Springs Day Trip
  • Arusha City Tour

Our travel specialists can customize your itinerary to match your interests, travel style, and budget, ensuring an unforgettable adventure with Morishas Tours & Safaris, your trusted Tanzania tour operator.

Why Choose This 5-Day Northern Tanzania Safari?

This 5-Day Best Northern Tanzania Safari is one of the most rewarding wildlife adventures for travelers who want to experience Tanzania's iconic national parks within a limited time. Combining Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park, this itinerary offers an exceptional balance of wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable safari experiences.

Visit Four Iconic National Parks

Explore four of Tanzania's most celebrated safari destinations, each offering unique landscapes, ecosystems, and wildlife encounters. From Tarangire's giant elephant herds and ancient baobab trees to the endless plains of the Serengeti, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and the lush forests of Lake Manyara, every destination adds something special to your journey.

Excellent Opportunities to See the Big Five

This itinerary provides outstanding chances to spot the Big Five, lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhinoceros—along with cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

Experience the World-Famous Serengeti

Spend two unforgettable days exploring Serengeti National Park, one of Africa's most famous wildlife destinations. Depending on the season, you may witness part of the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, while enjoying exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the park.

Professional Local Safari Guides

Your safari is led by experienced local guides with extensive knowledge of Tanzania's wildlife, ecosystems, and national parks. They work hard to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities while sharing fascinating insights about the animals, landscapes, and local conservation efforts.

Comfortable Travel Throughout Your Journey

Travel in a well-maintained 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, allowing excellent wildlife viewing and photography. Every part of the itinerary is carefully planned to provide comfort while making the most of your time in the parks.

Ideal for Every Type of Traveler

Whether you are traveling as a solo adventurer, couple, family, group of friends, photographer, or honeymooner, this safari offers a flexible experience that can be tailored to your interests, travel style, and budget.

Personalized Service from Start to Finish

As a trusted Tanzania tour operator, Morishas Tours & Safaris is committed to providing personalized service, carefully planned itineraries, professional guidance, and memorable travel experiences. Our experienced team works closely with every traveler to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable safari from arrival to departure.

Make Your Tanzania Safari Unforgettable

If you are looking for a safari that combines Tanzania's most famous wildlife destinations with excellent value, experienced guides, and personalized service, this 5-Day Northern Tanzania Safari is an outstanding choice for your next African adventure.

Best Time to Visit Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara

This 5-Day Best Northern Tanzania Safari can be enjoyed throughout the year, with each season offering unique wildlife experiences and beautiful landscapes. The best time to travel depends on your interests, whether you want to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, see the Big Five, enjoy birdwatching, or experience Tanzania's lush green scenery.

SeasonMonthsWhat to Expect
Dry SeasonJune – OctoberExcellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around rivers and waterholes. This is the best time to see the Big Five and enjoy comfortable safari conditions.
Calving SeasonJanuary – MarchThousands of wildebeest calves are born in the southern Serengeti, attracting predators and offering spectacular wildlife viewing.
Green SeasonNovember – DecemberShort rains transform the landscape into lush greenery, making it an excellent time for birdwatching, photography, and fewer crowds.
Long Rainy SeasonMarch – MayBeautiful green landscapes, fewer visitors, and attractive accommodation rates, although some roads may become more challenging after heavy rainfall.

Seasonal Highlights by Destination

Tarangire National Park

The best wildlife viewing is generally during the dry season (June to October), when large herds of elephants and many other animals gather around the Tarangire River.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti offers incredible wildlife viewing throughout the year. Depending on the season, travelers may experience different stages of the Great Wildebeest Migration, from calving in the south to river crossings in the north.

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is a year-round safari destination thanks to its permanent water sources and resident wildlife. It remains one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is beautiful in every season. The green season is especially rewarding for birdwatchers, while the dry season offers excellent opportunities to spot elephants, hippos, baboons, and other wildlife.

Our Recommendation

For the best overall wildlife experience, we recommend traveling between June and October. If your dream is to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration or the calving season, our travel specialists at Morishas Tours & Safaris, a trusted Tanzania tour company, can recommend the most suitable travel dates based on your interests and itinerary.

What to Pack for Your 5-Day Northern Tanzania Safari

Packing the right items will help you stay comfortable and enjoy every moment of your safari. Whether you are visiting during the dry or green season, we recommend bringing the following essentials for your 5-Day Northern Tanzania Safari.

CategoryRecommended Items
ClothingLightweight shirts, comfortable trousers or shorts, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, brown), light fleece or jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
FootwearComfortable walking shoes, sandals for relaxing at the lodge, and extra socks.
Sun ProtectionWide-brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30+), and lip balm.
PhotographyCamera, extra batteries, memory cards, binoculars, and a phone charger or power bank.
Personal ItemsPassport, travel documents, personal medications, toiletries, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, and hand sanitizer.
Optional ItemsTravel pillow, notebook, guidebook, rain jacket (during the rainy season), and a small backpack for daily essentials.

Safari Clothing Tips

  • Choose neutral-colored clothing to blend with the natural environment.
  • Avoid bright colors and camouflage clothing.
  • Dress in layers, as mornings can be cool while afternoons are often warm.
  • Comfortable clothing will make long game drives more enjoyable.

Photography Tips

Northern Tanzania offers some of Africa's best wildlife photography opportunities. Bring a camera with a zoom lens if possible, extra batteries, and sufficient memory cards to capture unforgettable moments in Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara.

Important Travel Documents

Before your departure, ensure you have:

  • A valid passport
  • Tanzania visa (if required)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Flight tickets and travel confirmations
  • Emergency contact information

Need Help Preparing?

As a trusted Tanzania tour operator, Morishas Tours & Safaris provides pre-travel guidance to help you prepare for your safari. If you have any questions about what to pack or what to expect, our travel specialists are always ready to assist you before your adventure begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this 5-day safari suitable for first-time visitors to Tanzania?

Yes. This itinerary is one of the best choices for first-time visitors because it combines four of Northern Tanzania's most famous wildlife destinations in a well-balanced safari experience.

2. What animals can I expect to see during this safari?

You may see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhinoceros), along with cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, crocodiles, warthogs, monkeys, baboons, and hundreds of bird species. Wildlife sightings vary depending on the season and nature.

3. What type of accommodation is included?

This package typically includes carefully selected mid-range lodges or tented camps. Luxury and budget accommodation options are also available upon request.

4. Is this safari available as a private tour?

Yes. This safari can be arranged as a private tour for couples, families, friends, photographers, or small groups who prefer a more personalized experience.

5. Can I join a group safari?

Yes. Depending on availability and travel dates, group joining options may be available for travelers looking for a more affordable safari experience.

6. What kind of safari vehicle will we use?

You will travel in a well-maintained 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, providing excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.

7. What is the best time to book this safari?

This safari is available throughout the year. However, June to October is generally excellent for wildlife viewing, while January to March is popular for the wildebeest calving season in the Serengeti.

8. Are park entrance fees included?

Yes. All national park entrance fees and the Ngorongoro Crater service fee are included, as specified in the package inclusions.

9. Can the itinerary be customized?

Absolutely. As a trusted Tanzania tour operator, Morishas Tours & Safaris can customize the itinerary to match your travel dates, budget, accommodation preference, and interests.

10. How do I book this 5-Day Northern Tanzania Safari?

Simply contact Morishas Tours & Safaris, a reliable Tanzania tour company, with your preferred travel dates and group size. Our team will prepare a personalized itinerary, confirm availability, and provide a detailed quotation to help you plan your unforgettable Tanzania safari.

Itinerary in this Tour Package

Day 1: Arusha/Moshi – Tarangire National Park

Your 5-Day Northern Tanzania Safari begins with a morning departure from Arusha or Moshi towards Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania's most beautiful wildlife destinations. The journey takes you through scenic countryside before entering the park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds.

After entering Tarangire, enjoy a full-day game drive across the park's diverse landscapes. Keep your eyes open for elephants gathering around water sources, as well as lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, and many other species.

Tarangire is particularly impressive during the dry season when wildlife concentrates around the Tarangire River and other permanent water sources. The park's distinctive baobab-studded scenery also provides excellent opportunities for photography.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated area before continuing your afternoon game drive. Later, leave the park and proceed to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 1 DetailsInformation
DestinationTarangire National Park
ActivitiesGame Drive & Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife HighlightsElephants, Lions, Giraffes, Zebras, Buffaloes & Antelopes
MealsLunch & Dinner
AccommodationLodge / Tented Camp
DrivingArusha/Moshi – Tarangire
Safari FocusElephants, Baobabs & Wildlife

Overnight: Tarangire area
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Tarangire National Park – Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, leave the Tarangire area and begin your journey towards the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The drive takes you through the beautiful landscapes of the Great Rift Valley and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with opportunities to enjoy Tanzania's changing scenery along the way.

After entering Serengeti, begin an exciting game drive as you explore its vast golden plains. Serengeti is renowned for its incredible concentration of wildlife and is the heart of the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of Africa's most spectacular natural events.

Depending on the season and wildlife movements, you may encounter lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, hyenas, and many other species. Your experienced safari guide will help you search for wildlife and understand the fascinating ecosystem of the Serengeti.

Enjoy a picnic lunch during the day before continuing your game drive. In the late afternoon, proceed to your lodge or tented camp for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Day 2 DetailsInformation
RouteTarangire – Serengeti National Park
ActivitiesScenic Drive & Game Drive
Main HighlightSerengeti Plains & Wildlife
WildlifeLions, Elephants, Leopards, Cheetahs, Zebras & Wildebeest
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
AccommodationLodge / Tented Camp
Safari FocusWildlife & Great Migration Ecosystem

Overnight: Serengeti National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti National Park Game Drive

Wake up early and prepare for another exciting day in the legendary Serengeti National Park. After breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive across the vast savannah plains, where every turn can bring a new wildlife encounter.

The Serengeti is home to one of the world's most remarkable concentrations of predators and herbivores. During your game drive, you may encounter large prides of lions, elusive leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, and numerous antelope species.

If your travel dates coincide with the Great Wildebeest Migration, your guide will adjust the game-drive areas according to seasonal wildlife movements, giving you the best possible opportunity to experience the migration.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in a designated area while surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Serengeti. Continue exploring throughout the afternoon before returning to your accommodation in the evening.

Relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next stage of your Northern Tanzania adventure.

Day 3 DetailsInformation
DestinationSerengeti National Park
ActivitiesFull-Day Game Drive
Main HighlightWildlife & Serengeti Ecosystem
WildlifeLions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Elephants, Wildebeest, Zebras & More
Special ExperienceGreat Wildebeest Migration – Seasonal
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
AccommodationLodge / Tented Camp
Safari FocusPredators, Herbivores & Wildlife Photography

Overnight: Serengeti National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After an early breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti National Park, giving you another opportunity to spot wildlife that may have been missed during the previous days. Early morning is one of the best times to observe predators returning from their nightly hunts while many animals are still active.

Following the game drive, continue your journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one of Tanzania's most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the Serengeti plains and the surrounding highlands while your guide shares fascinating insights into the region's wildlife, history, and conservation efforts.

Stop for a picnic lunch before continuing to your lodge or tented camp located on or near the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Upon arrival, take time to relax and enjoy the cool highland atmosphere while preparing for the exciting crater safari the following day.

Day 4 DetailsInformation
RouteSerengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
ActivitiesMorning Game Drive & Scenic Transfer
Main HighlightsFinal Serengeti Wildlife Viewing & Ngorongoro Highlands
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
AccommodationLodge / Tented Camp
Safari FocusWildlife, Scenic Landscapes & Crater Rim Views

Overnight: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Lake Manyara National Park – Arusha/Moshi

After an early breakfast, descend approximately 600 meters into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive. Often referred to as Africa's "Garden of Eden," the crater is one of the best places to spot the Big Five within a single day. Its rich ecosystem supports an incredible variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, black rhinoceroses, leopards, hippos, hyenas, zebras, wildebeest, and numerous bird species.

Enjoy an exciting morning exploring the crater floor before stopping for a picnic lunch at a designated picnic site, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

In the afternoon, continue to Lake Manyara National Park for a short game drive through its lush groundwater forest and open plains. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, elephants, hippos, flamingos (seasonal), and over 400 bird species, offering a perfect finale to your Northern Tanzania safari.

Later in the afternoon, drive back to Arusha or Moshi, where your unforgettable 5-Day Northern Tanzania Safari with Morishas Tours & Safaris comes to an end.

Day 5 DetailsInformation
RouteNgorongoro Crater – Lake Manyara National Park – Arusha/Moshi
ActivitiesCrater Game Drive, Picnic Lunch & Afternoon Game Drive
Main HighlightsBig Five, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Wildlife
WildlifeLions, Black Rhinos, Elephants, Hippos, Flamingos, Baboons & More
MealsBreakfast & Lunch
Ending PointArusha / Moshi
Safari FocusBig Five & Scenic Wildlife Experience

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

End of Safari