5-Day Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro
A short Northern Circuit safari with three famous parks. See elephants and baobabs in Tarangire, forests and birds in Lake Manyara, and the Big Five inside Ngorongoro Crater. Private 4×4, expert driver-guide, and flexible pacing. Start/finish in Arusha (fly from Zanzibar to Arusha if needed).
Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire
Morning pickup in Arusha.
Drive to Tarangire National Park.
Afternoon game drive for elephants, giraffes, and baobab valleys.
Dinner and overnight near/inside Tarangire.
Day 2: Tarangire → Lake Manyara (Karatu)
Sunrise game drive in Tarangire.
Drive to Karatu / Lake Manyara area.
Optional village walk or relax at the lodge (extra).
Dinner and overnight in Karatu.
Day 3: Lake Manyara → Ngorongoro
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park (forest, lake views, birdlife; sometimes tree-climbing lions).
After lunch, drive to Ngorongoro area.
Dinner and overnight on/near the crater rim or in Karatu.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater — Game Drive
Early descent into the crater for a half-day game drive.
Look for lions, buffalo, hippos, and (with luck) rhino.
Picnic at the hippo pool; return to the rim/Karatu.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Ngorongoro/ Karatu → Arusha
Easy morning; drive back to Arusha.
Drop-off at hotel or airport. Trip ends.
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
All park and conservation fees
4 nights in mid-range lodges/tented camps (private ensuite)
Meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Transfers in Arusha (hotel/airport)
International flights
Domestic flights (e.g., Zanzibar ↔ Arusha, on request)
Visas and travel insurance
Optional activities (e.g., village walk), spa, and personal expenses
Drinks at lodges/camps other than drinking water
Tips/gratuities for guide and lodge staff
Runs year-round. Dry season (Jun–Oct) is great for elephants; green season (Nov–May) brings lush views and excellent birding.