Safari Overview
Are you interested in exploring the finest aspects of Tanzania within a span of 5 days? This luxurious safari provides an opportunity to experience the key attractions of the Northern Safari Circuit, all in elegance! Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti await you! With varied landscapes, more than 500 bird species, and the chance to witness the Big 5 in their natural environment. You will be accommodated in some of the most exceptional lodgings that Tanzania has to offer, enjoying top-notch service and amenities after an exhilarating day in the wilderness.
Safari Highlights
- Spotting the Big Five (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo)
- Birdwatching
- View Ngorongoro Crater
- Watch a large herd of elephant families in Tarangire
- Visit the Famous Serengeti National Park
Itinerary
You will be picked up from the airport by our King representative and driven to your accommodation in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you will hopefully have time to relax and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Arusha is nestled into the foothills of Mt. Meru, Africa’s 5th highest mountain. The altitude gives the city a comfortable climate and lush green environment for many months of the year. Arusha is known as the safari capital of Tanzania. Its streets are full of hustle and bustle and the surrounding villages offer opportunities to meander around coffee plantations, meet local people and more.
Accommodation: Gran Melia or Equivalent
Meals & Drinks: at own expense
Your Safari guide will collect you from your accommodation after breakfast. You will then drive to Tarangire National Park, your first taste of the wilderness on your luxury safari. This transit drive is approximately two and a half hours on good tarmac roads. The Park is named after the Tarangire River which runs through it. This ‘river of warthogs’ is the only source of water for wildlife in the region during the dry season. The Park is famous for its herds of elephant that you may see meandering through the bush. During the dry season, you may see them congregating at the river to enjoy a drink or just to cool off from the hot sun. Apart from elephants, Tarangire is also a paradise for bird lovers. From parrots, hornbill, lovebirds and lilac breasted rollers to kori bustards, eagles and vultures. Lunch will be at a picnic site inside the Park. After your game drive, you will transit to your luxury accommodation in Karatu.
Accommodation: Kitela Lodge or Equivalent
Meals & Drink: All meals included, All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
After breakfast, you will drive up into the cooler regions of Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). NCA covers more than 8,000 km² (3,200 square miles) and includes Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu, Olduvai Gorge, Empakaai & Olmoti Craters and Oldoinyo Lengai Mountain. The spectacular Ngorongoro Crater is the main feature of this area. Around 3 million years ago a volcano (estimated to be larger than Kilimanjaro) exploded and collapsed in on itself, forming what is technically known as a ‘Caldera’. It created a unique ecosystem with a wide variety of habitats and potable water. This special habitat means that today, Ngorongoro Crater is home to some of the densest large mammal populations in Africa. The Crater also offers the best chance of seeing the endangered black Rhino. The Crater is approximately 20km (12.5 miles in diameter) so viewing opportunities are plentiful and regular. Most guests find that 4 hours is normally enough inside the Crater. You will then transit through Ngorongoro Conservation Area, to the Serengeti, entering at the Southern edge of the Park. Dinner and overnight will be in Central Serengeti.
Accommodation: Nyota Luxury Camp or Equivalent
Meals & Drink: All meals included, All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
The Serengeti is truly spectacular. It is famous for its vast open grasslands which allow for excellent sightings of wildlife. The Serengeti’s climate and vegetation have remained largely untouched for millions of years. Whilst it boasts abundant wildlife, it is perhaps best known for the annual Great Migration. Vast numbers of wildebeest; accompanied by large numbers of zebra and antelope move in an annual pattern, constantly seeking fresh grazing. The migration can be found during any given month; you just need to know where to look! The question should really be about the ‘best places’ to see the animals during a certain time of year. In addition to the iconic landscapes, you have a good chance of encountering predators, and you may see lion, cheetah and leopard. It is a truly life-changing experience.
In the afternoon, you will start your journey back to Karatu, hopefully enjoying more wonder on the way!
Accommodation: Kitela Lodge or Equivalent
Meals & Drink: All meals included,All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a small but diverse park 120km west of Arusha. Manyara will be the last Park you visit on your luxury safari. Everything you’ll see here is on a different scale. It is both compact (this is one of the narrowest parks in Africa) and epic (the Great Rift Escarpment towers over Lake Manyara’s western boundary). The park’s namesake is a shallow, salt lake. It covers a large area of the park, flooding and drying with the seasons and is home to thousands of wading birds (including flamingos and over 500 other bird species). You may see baboon and elephant in the park’s thick evergreen forest and watch for the tree-climbing lions that have become famous throughout Africa.
Picnic lunch in the park. After your game drive, you will say farewell to your Guide and will be dropped off at a place of your choosing e.g. Arusha, Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport.
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drink: Breakfast & Lunch, Drinks not included
What's Included
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
What's Not Included
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$15.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Most Asked Safari Questions
Many travelers ask us when the best time is to visit Tanzania. The answer is … there is not one right answer. It depends on what you want to see, where you want to go, your budget and interests. Please find a comprehensive guide on when is the best time to visit Tanzania here.
Dry Season (June to October & December to February): These months are ideal for safaris and beach visits due to the pleasant weather and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. However, expect higher hotel rates and more crowded parks and attractions.
Mid Season (March & November): This period offers a balance of moderate hotel rates and fewer tourists. The weather can be variable, and some attractions might have limited availability (due to rains), but you still get great wildlife sightings and a more relaxed safari experience.
Wet Season (April & May): Perfect for budget-conscious travelers, the low season features the lowest hotel rates and the least crowded parks. The heavy rains make the scenery vibrant and lush, but travel plans can be affected by the weather.
Our safaris in Tanzania offer an opportunity to explore the country’s incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. We specialize in private safaris, which means you have a 4×4 Landcruiser or jeep all to yourselves. You have the flexibility to decide when the safari starts and ends, and our experienced guides can help you make that decision on the day of your adventure. Whether you want to witness the animals at their most active during sunrise and sunset when temperatures are pleasant, or if you fancy ending the day by the pool, it’s entirely up to you. Tanzania’s diverse wildlife is active at various times of the day, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot the animals in action.
At Tanzania Specialist, we’re all about co-creating your perfect journey. When you plan your Tanzania adventure with us, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on a personalized experience. We start by understanding your wishes and preferences, and we won’t stop until every aspect of your journey aligns perfectly with your vision. Our team works closely with you to ensure that your entire trip is tailor-made to your satisfaction. And for added convenience, we offer a selection of our most popular Tanzania trips and safaris as a starting point for your consideration.
Absolutely, Tanzania is renowned as one of the prime destinations to encounter the Big Five. These magnificent creatures—lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo—can be observed in their natural habitats, making Tanzania a preferred choice for wildlife enthusiasts.
Absolutely, Tanzania is a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. The country offers a hospitable environment, especially in tourist areas like Arusha, and you can explore its beautiful landscapes and wildlife with confidence. Local people are friendly, and safety measures, such as keeping an eye on your belongings, are always advisable, just as you would in any other part of the world. Tanzania’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people make it a fantastic place to visit.
