A compact introduction to Tanzania’s northern circuit, covering Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater in six days — enough time for a genuine first taste of each without a longer commitment.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Your driver-guide meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport for the drive to Lake Manyara, roughly two hours from Arusha, arriving with time for an afternoon game drive through groundwater forest and along the soda lake’s shoreline.
Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeLake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryTarangire Treetops
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
The drive to the Serengeti climbs through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area’s highlands and descends onto the plains via Naabi Hill gate. Afternoon game drive on arrival.
Transfer to Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Options
BudgetSerengeti Wildebeest Camp
Mid-rangeSerengeti Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryFour Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A full day across the plains for lion, leopard, elephant and, seasonally, the Great Migration.
Full Day Serengeti Game Drives
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
The drive back toward the crater rim, arriving with dramatic views into the caldera below.
Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeNgorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryNgorongoro Crater Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
An early descent onto the crater floor for a full day of game viewing — one of the highest wildlife densities anywhere in Africa within a collapsed volcanic caldera.
Ngorongoro Crater Descent
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
A relaxed morning at the lodge before the drive back to Arusha, timed against your onward flight.
Return to Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Permits & Costs
| Lake Manyara park entry | ~$53 per person per day |
| Serengeti park entry | ~$82 per person per day |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area fee | ~$70 per person per day, plus crater descent fee |
Who This Itinerary Suits
First-time Tanzania visitors wanting a genuine but compact introduction to the northern circuit’s headline parks.Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof hatch
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Park entry & crater descent fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance