4-Day Northern Circuit Safari

Classic wildlife safari · Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park

4-Day Northern Circuit Safari

Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro in four days. A compact tour of the northern circuit's variety.

  • 4 days
  • Easy
  • Private safari, 2 to 6 guests
  • June to October

Overview

This route covers three contrasting parks without long transfers. You will see elephants and baobabs in Tarangire, forest, flamingos and hippos at Lake Manyara and the dramatic caldera of Ngorongoro.

It suits travellers who want variety and a relaxed pace over four days.

Safari highlights

  • Three very different landscapes
  • Elephants in Tarangire
  • Forest and lake birdlife at Lake Manyara
  • Ngorongoro Crater game drive

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day1 Arusha to Tarangire

    Drive to Tarangire for a full afternoon of game viewing along the river.

    • Meals: Lunch, dinner
    • Overnight: Tarangire lodge
  2. Day2 Tarangire to Lake Manyara

    Morning game drive in Tarangire, then drive to Lake Manyara for an afternoon in the park, passing through groundwater forest to the lakeshore.

    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    • Overnight: Manyara area lodge
  3. Day3 Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro

    Drive up the Rift Valley escarpment to the crater rim and enjoy sunset views.

    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    • Overnight: Ngorongoro rim lodge
  4. Day4 Ngorongoro Crater and return to Arusha

    Descend to the crater floor for a morning game drive, picnic lunch and a return to Arusha in the afternoon.

    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
    • Overnight: Not included

Accommodation

Accommodation style: Mid-range. Properties are confirmed in your written quote and may be substituted with similar standard if availability requires.

Tarangire lodge

Tarangire · Lodge · 1 night

Mid-range lodge near the park.

Manyara area lodge

Mto wa Mbu · Lodge · 1 night

A lodge on the Rift Valley escarpment with lake views.

Ngorongoro rim lodge

Ngorongoro · Lodge · 1 night

Lodge on the crater rim.

Activities on this safari

Pricing

From $890 per person sharing

Prices are a guide only and vary by season, group size and accommodation. Your written quote is the final price.

Get my exact price

What's included

Included

  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and a window seat for every guest
  • English-speaking driver-guide
  • Accommodation as described, on a full-board basis during the safari
  • All national park, conservation area and camping fees for the itinerary
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in Arusha
  • Bottled drinking water during game drives
  • Government taxes and fees as itemised in your quote

Not included

  • International flights
  • Domestic flights unless listed in your quote
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel, medical and evacuation insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Drinks and meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Optional activities such as balloon flights
  • Personal items and laundry

Important information

  • Visas: most visitors need a visa for Tanzania. Check current requirements for your nationality well before you travel.
  • Health: speak to your doctor or travel clinic about vaccinations and malaria prevention. A yellow fever certificate may be required depending on where you travel from.
  • Insurance: travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended and may be required by lodges.
  • Luggage: soft-sided bags are best for vehicles and light aircraft, where weight limits often apply.
  • Wildlife: sightings cannot be guaranteed and itineraries can change with weather, road and park conditions.

You may also like

Similar safaris

Classic wildlife safari

7-Day Serengeti Safari

The classic northern circuit: Tarangire's elephants, three nights in the Serengeti and a full day in Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
  • Easy
From $1,890 per person sharing View safari

View all safaris

Start planning

Interested in 4-Day Northern Circuit Safari?

Send us your dates and group size. We will confirm availability and send a tailored quote.

Chat on WhatsApp