5-Day Tanzania Northern Safari: The Ultimate Wildlife Circuit
Overview
The 5-Day Northern Circuit Safari is our most popular mid-length package, offering a deep dive into the heart of Tanzania’s wildlife heritage. This itinerary is specifically designed to provide ample time in the legendary Serengeti, combined with the “Big Five” sanctuary of the Ngorongoro Crater, the elephant empires of Tarangire, and the birdwatcher’s paradise of Lake Manyara. Traveling with Uncensored Tours and Safari Limited ensures a private, flexible, and high-quality experience through the world’s most celebrated national parks.
Description
This 5-day journey covers the “best of the best” in Northern Tanzania. Unlike shorter trips, this package includes two nights in the Serengeti, allowing you to venture deeper into the plains where the Great Migration (seasonal) and large predator populations reside. You will witness the transition from the giant baobab landscapes of Tarangire to the lush groundwater forests of Manyara, ending with the dramatic descent into the Ngorongoro Crater. This is an immersive adventure for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to experience the “real” Africa at a steady, enjoyable pace.
❌ Excluded
Flights: International and domestic airfare.
Visas: Entry visa for Tanzania.
Tips: Gratuities for your safari guide and lodge staff.
Beverages: Alcoholic drinks and sodas at the lodges.
Optional Activities: Balloon Safari ($550–$600 pp), Maasai Village visit ($50 per vehicle).
✅ Included
Included in this package:
Private Transport: 4×4 Custom Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and charging ports.
Expert Guide: Professional, English-speaking driver-guide (certified wildlife expert).
Accommodation: 4 nights in high-quality mid-range lodges or luxury tented camps.
Park Entry Fees: All fees for Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara.
Crater Service Fee: All permits required to descend into the Ngorongoro Crater floor.
All Meals: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) throughout the safari.
Water: Unlimited mineral water during game drives.
Airport Transfers: Pickup and drop-off at Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha Airport.
🗺️ The 8-Day Itinerary
Your safari begins with a morning pickup. We drive to Tarangire, famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. The Tarangire River is the primary water source for thousands of animals during the dry season, making it a prime spot for viewing lions, leopards, and large herbivores.
Accommodation: Lodge/Tented Camp in Karatu or Tarangire
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we head toward the Serengeti, driving through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands. Wildlife viewing begins the moment we enter the Serengeti gates. We head to the Central Seronera area, known for its high density of big cats (lions, cheetahs, and leopards) along the riverbanks.
Accommodation: Tented Camp inside Central Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
A full day dedicated to the endless plains. Depending on the season, we will track the Great Migration or focus on the resident predators of the Seronera Valley. You have the option for an early morning game drive (best for spotting hunts) or a hot air balloon safari at dawn.
Accommodation: Tented Camp inside Central Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti as we head toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. Along the way, you have the option to visit a Maasai Boma to learn about local culture. We reach the crater rim in the late afternoon for spectacular sunset views over the caldera.
Accommodation: Lodge/Camp in Karatu or on the Crater Rim
Meals: Full Board
We descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 5-6 hour game drive. This is the best place in Tanzania to see the rare Black Rhino. After a picnic lunch by the Hippo Pool, we ascend and begin our journey back to Arusha, arriving in the early evening.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
