Experience the essence of Tanzania’s famed Northern Safari Circuit in unparalleled comfort and style with this 5 Days Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara Safari. This luxury itinerary is crafted for travelers seeking not only exceptional wildlife viewing but also indulgence, personalized service, and stunning landscapes. From the elephant-dotted savannahs of Tarangire to the lush, lake-fringed forests of Manyara and the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, each destination offers a unique perspective on Tanzania’s natural wonders. With private game drives, opulent accommodations, and the option for curated cultural experiences, this journey is ideal for couples, families, and solo explorers who want to combine adventure with elegance.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Your safari begins in Arusha, the vibrant gateway city to Tanzania’s wilderness. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you’ll be greeted by your personal driver-guide and transferred to your luxury lodge. Nestled amid coffee plantations or within the foothills of Mount Meru, your accommodation offers a tranquil start to your journey.
Spend the day relaxing after your flight perhaps with a massage at the lodge’s spa, a walk through verdant gardens, or sipping Tanzanian coffee on your veranda. In the evening, enjoy a gourmet welcome dinner and a detailed safari briefing from your guide, who will tailor your game drives to your preferences.
Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge by Elewana, Legendary Lodge, Gran Meliá Arusha.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Transfer to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, a 2.5-hour drive through scenic highlands and Maasai homelands. Known for its ancient baobab trees and dense elephant populations, Tarangire is a hidden gem with rich biodiversity and fewer crowds. Upon arrival, begin your first luxury game drive, winding through acacia woodlands and along the Tarangire River where lions, buffalo, impalas, and migratory birds congregate.
Pause for a gourmet bush lunch or picnic in a shaded spot, then continue your exploration in the afternoon. The golden hour here is breathtaking, with the warm light illuminating the dramatic landscapes. Arrive at your luxury lodge or camp in time for sundowners, followed by a three-course dinner accompanied by fine wines and starlit views.
Accommodation: Tarangire Treetops by Elewana, Sanctuary Swala Camp, Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Transfer Lake Manyara National Park
Today, journey toward Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but diverse reserve tucked beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Often overshadowed by larger parks, Manyara offers a surprising range of wildlife, from flamingos in the alkaline lake to baboons, blue monkeys, and famously tree-climbing lions. Begin your game drive mid-morning, traversing groundwater forests, grassy floodplains, and hot springs.
Enjoy a private picnic lunch in the park, then continue wildlife viewing along the lakeshore, where elephants and hippos cool off during the heat of the day. In the late afternoon, ascend the escarpment to your luxury lodge in Karatu, where sweeping views and cool highland breezes offer a tranquil end to the day.
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Gibb’s Farm, The Manor at Ngorongoro.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater – The Big Five in One Day
Set out early for a full-day exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s premier wildlife-viewing destinations. Descend 600 meters into the caldera, a natural amphitheater filled with over 25,000 animals. With your expert guide, track the Big Five; lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo alongside zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, flamingos, and more.
Enjoy a gourmet picnic breakfast or lunch at a scenic site, such as the hippo pool or under a shady fig tree. The crater’s varied habitats from forests and grasslands to swamps and lakes allow for astonishing biodiversity in a relatively compact area. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon for a final night of refined relaxation, perhaps with a glass of wine by the fire or a spa treatment to unwind.
Accommodation: &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, The Highlands by Asilia, Entamanu Ngorongoro.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Cultural Experiences – Return to Arusha
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with highland views, followed by an optional visit to a nearby Maasai village, where you’ll gain insight into the traditional pastoralist lifestyle. Alternatively, embark on a short guided hike to the Olmoti Crater or enjoy the lodge’s gardens and spa one last time. After check-out, begin your return drive to Arusha, stopping en route for a leisurely lunch at a coffee estate or boutique lodge.
Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to your preferred departure point—Arusha Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or your next luxury destination. Consider extending your journey with a few days in Zanzibar or a fly-in safari to the Serengeti for the Great Migration.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 5 Days Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara Safari.
The 5 Days Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara Safari cost includes;
- Airport Transfers.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Wildlife Game Drives.
- Bottled water in the car.
- Tour guide allowances.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
However, the tour cost excludes; International Air Fare, Visa Fees, Souvenirs, Tips to local guides, personal medical and travel insurance, personal shopping bills and items not listed as included in the cost.