A 6-Day Classic Northern Tanzania Safari Package for 2027.

6-Day Signature Northern Tanzania Safari

(Tarangire, Walking Safari, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara)

Trip Overview

Experience an immersive six-day journey across Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, combining traditional game drives with a bush walking safari and complete ecosystem coverage. Designed for travellers seeking a deeper connection to the African wilderness, this itinerary links four distinct conservation areas in a highly practical route.

Begin with the ancient baobabs and elephant herds of Tarangire National Park, including an active guided walking safari on foot. Continue into the endless acacia savannas of the Serengeti National Park for two nights of predator tracking, followed by a descent into the UNESCO World Heritage Ngorongoro Conservation Area crater floor. Conclude with the lush groundwater forests and birdlife of Lake Manyara National Park before returning to Arusha.

Note: This package is fully customisable. Airport pickup and transfer days are considered separate services and can be seamlessly added to this itinerary upon request.

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Land of Baobabs & Giants

Meet your professional safari guide in Arusha at 8:00 AM for a comprehensive trip briefing before departing southwest toward Tarangire National Park. Arrive at the park gate by mid-morning and enter directly into game viewing along the Tarangire River circuit. During dry periods, the river serves as the primary freshwater source for miles around, drawing wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, and large elephant families. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the river before an afternoon game drive through the Silale Swamp. Check in to your lodge or camp inside or near the park for dinner and rest.

• Drive Time & Distance: ~2 hours / 120 km
• Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge / Tarangire Ang’ata Camp
• Luxury: Tarangire Safari Lodge / Maramboi Tented Lodge

Day 2: Tarangire Guided Bush Walk & Afternoon Game Drive to Karatu

Begin the morning on foot with an expert TANAPA park ranger and your safari guide for an authentic bush walking safari. Walking through the savanna offers a unique perspective on tracking animal tracks, understanding local flora, and observing smaller wildlife up close. Return to camp for a late breakfast, then continue on a final midday game drive through the park’s acacia woodlands. In the late afternoon, exit Tarangire and drive up into the coffee-growing highlands of Karatu for evening relaxation and dinner.

• Time & Distance: ~1.5 hours / 90 km (Tarangire to Karatu)
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Farm of Dreams Lodge / Marera Valley Lodge (Karatu)
• Luxury: Kitela Lodge / Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge (Karatu)

Day 3: Karatu to Central Serengeti National Park via Ngorongoro Highlands

Depart early after breakfast, ascending through the rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before dropping down into the vast Serengeti plains. Stop at Naabi Hill Gate for registration and a picnic lunch before entering the Central Serengeti (Seronera region). Spend the afternoon game driving through granite kopjes and open savannas, tracking lions, leopards, and cheetahs before arriving at your camp for sunset.

• Drive Time & Distance: ~4 to 5 hours transit & en-route game viewing / ~170 km
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Kati Kati Tented Camp / Tanzania Bush Camps (Central Serengeti)
• Luxury: Ole Serai Luxury Camp / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge (Central Serengeti)

Day 4: Full Day Exploration in Central Serengeti

Dedicate the entire day to wildlife viewing in the Seronera Valley, home to resident prides of lions, leopards resting in acacia trees, and vast herds of grazers. Embark on an early morning game drive during peak predator activity, followed by breakfast in the bush or back at camp. In the afternoon, explore distant river circuits and kopjes in search of cheetahs before returning to camp for dinner under the stars.

• Drive Time & Distance: Full day game viewing across Central Serengeti
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Kati Kati Tented Camp / Tanzania Bush Camps (Central Serengeti)
• Luxury: Ole Serai Luxury Camp / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge (Central Serengeti)

Day 5: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Exploration to Karatu

Depart the Serengeti early morning and transit back toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend 600 meters onto the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a dedicated morning and afternoon game drive. Search for black-maned lions, spotted hyenas, bull elephants in the Lerai Forest, and the endangered Black Rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool at Ngoitokitok Swamp. In the late afternoon, ascend the crater walls and transfer to your lodge in Karatu for dinner.

• Drive Time & Distance: ~3 hours transit to crater; ~45 minutes crater to Karatu
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Farm of DreamsLodge / Country Lodge (Karatu)
• Luxury: Kitela Lodge / The Manor at Ngorongoro (Karatu)

Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

After breakfast, drive down the Great Rift Valley escarpment to Lake Manyara National Park. Pass through the park’s groundwater forest, home to large olive baboon troops, blue monkeys, and bushbucks. Continue toward the alkaline lake shores to view flamingos, pelicans, and storks. Spend the morning tracking buffaloes, giraffes, and tree-climbing lions before enjoying lunch. In the afternoon, return to Arusha for drop-off at your designated hotel or location.

• Drive Time & Distance: ~30 minutes Karatu to Lake Manyara; ~2.5 hours Lake Manyara to Arusha / ~130 km
• Flight Option: Domestic fly-back options from Seronera Airstrip to Arusha or JRO on Day 5 can be substituted upon request.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Please Note on Lodging:

Accommodations listed are subject to availability upon booking. Should a specific property be unavailable, an equivalent property within the same standard and location category will be substituted.

Inclusions & Exclusions

• What’s Included
• Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, fuel, and unlimited mileage
• Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
• TANAPA armed ranger fee for Tarangire walking safari
• All national park entry fees, transit fees, and Ngorongoro Crater descent permits
• 5 nights accommodation as selected
• All meals on safari (5 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners)
• Bottled mineral water and soft drinks in the vehicle

What’s Excluded

• Airport transfers on arrival and departure days (available as add-ons)
• International and domestic flights
• Tanzania tourist visa fees
• Travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance
• Gratuities for safari guide, walking ranger, and lodge staff
• Premium alcoholic drinks and lodge laundry service
• Optional Serengeti hot air balloon safari ($550–$600 pp)
• Personal expenses and souvenir purchases

Pricing & Booking Policy

Customization & Add-On Services

• This itinerary is 100% customizable to suit individual preferences, budget tiers, and travel schedules.
• Airport Transfers: Pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) on Arrival Day, as well as Departure Day transfers if different from final day, are managed as separate service days and added upon request.
• Pre/Post-Safari Hotel Nights: Additional hotel nights in Arusha before or after the safari can be bundled into the package.

Pricing Basis

• Rates are quoted in USD per person based on Double Occupancy (2 guests traveling together).
• Single Supplement: Surcharges apply for solo travelers or single room occupancy.
• Child Policy: Children under 12 sharing with adults receive discounted rates (30–50% off adult land rates).
• Seasonal Variations: High Season rates apply July–October and December 20–January 5; Green Season discounts apply April–May.

Deposit & Cancellation Terms

• Deposit: A 30% non-refundable deposit is required at confirmation to secure park permits, walking permits, and lodging.
• Final Payment: Balance is due 45 days prior to arrival.
• Cancellation Fees: 60+ days prior = Loss of deposit; 45–59 days = 50% fee; under 44 days = 100% fee.

Health, Safety & Travel Preparation

• Walking Safari Safety: Walking safaris are accompanied by a trained, armed TANAPA park ranger. Participants should wear closed walking shoes and neutral-toned clothing.
• Vaccinations & Health: Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from endemic regions. Malaria prophylaxis (e.g., Atovaquone/Proguanil) is strongly recommended.
• Insurance: Comprehensive medical and emergency evacuation insurance (e.g., AMREF Flying Doctors) is required.
• Packing Essentials: Pack neutral clothing (avoid dark blue/black), warm layers for crater rim mornings, sun protection, sturdy shoes, and personal medications.

Sustainability & Community Impact

• Conservation Support: Direct financial contributions to TANAPA and NCAA park management through walking permits and entry fees.
• Eco-Lodging Standards: Lodges selected utilize solar power, water conservation, and plastic-free operations.
• Local Economy: Support for local guides, rangers, and agricultural producers in Karatu and Mto wa Mbu.