5-Day Tanzania Wildlife Explorer Safari
Expedition Overview
Discover the highlights of Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit on this 5-day wildlife adventure covering Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti. With more time in the parks, this itinerary offers a richer wildlife experience than a short safari.
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Safari Style: Private / Small Group
Starting Point: Arusha
Ending Point: Arusha
Accommodation: Mid-range / Luxury options
Destinations Explored on This Route
2 Iconic Parks & ReservesClick any destination to read our comprehensive wildlife guide, best travel seasons, and conservation details:
Tarangire National Park
Famed for ancient thousand-year-old baobabs and the highest concentration of elephant...
Serengeti National Park
Spanning nearly 15,000 square kilometers, the Serengeti is the epicenter of the Great...
Safari Expedition Route Map
GPS Trail & PacingInteractive route map detailing the journey through Tanzania's northern circuit wilderness and travel stops:
Key Safari Highlights
- Tarangire elephant country
- Lake Manyara wildlife and birdlife
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Serengeti National Park
- Multiple game drives
- Big Five viewing opportunities
- Scenic Rift Valley landscapes
- Professional safari guide
- Comfortable safari accommodation
Daily Itinerary
Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Enjoy a game drive through landscapes dominated by ancient baobabs and open savannah. Tarangire is particularly famous for elephants and seasonal concentrations of wildlife.
Activities:
Game drive, photography and bird watching.
Tarangire – Lake Manyara – Karatu
Enjoy a game drive through the park's forests, wetlands and open areas. Wildlife may include elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, baboons, hippos and numerous bird species.
Continue to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Activities:
Lake Manyara game drive, bird watching and photography.
Karatu – Serengeti National Park
The journey takes you through the Ngorongoro highlands before entering the Serengeti ecosystem. Enjoy an afternoon game drive after entering the park.
The Serengeti is famous for its vast plains, abundant wildlife and annual wildebeest migration.
Activities:
Scenic drive, Serengeti game drive and wildlife photography.
Full-Day Serengeti Safari
Start with an early morning game drive when predators are often active. Continue exploring different areas of the park with a packed picnic lunch.
Depending on the season and location, you may encounter wildebeest, zebras, lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and hyenas.
Activities:
Full-day game drive, wildlife tracking, photography and bird watching.
Serengeti – Ngorongoro – Arusha
Depending on timing and your chosen accommodation, a Ngorongoro viewpoint stop or crater experience can be incorporated, subject to the itinerary and applicable fees.
Continue to Arusha for the end of your safari.
Activities:
Morning game drive, scenic transfer and photography.
Expedition Photo Gallery
3 Wilderness MomentsPhotographs captured on recent expeditions across this route. Click any image to view high-resolution photos:
✓ What is Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional safari driver-guide
- Park and conservation fees
- Accommodation
- Meals as stated
- Game drives
- Drinking water
- Government taxes
- Arusha pickup and drop-off
× What is Excluded
- International flights
- Visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Laundry
- Optional activities
- Accommodation outside the itinerary
- Any service not listed under Includes
Frequently Asked Questions
Need to Know InfoHave questions about game drives, packing, or booking this route? Here are essential answers:
Five days provides a good introduction to the Northern Circuit, while longer itineraries allow more time in Serengeti.
Yes. A Zanzibar beach extension can be added after the safari.
Yes. Private safari vehicles can be arranged for couples, families and groups.
Ready to Customize This Safari?
Want to add extra days in the Serengeti, include a hot air balloon flight, or finish with relaxing beaches in Zanzibar? Let our expert naturalists customize this route for you.