6-Day Tanzania Northern Safari with Serengeti and Ngorongoro

6 Days Round trip from Moshi / Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park among iconic baobabs and elephant herds
02 Journey through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on the way to Serengeti National Park
03 Full-day Serengeti safari with early game drives for peak wildlife activity
04 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a wildlife-rich half- or full-day game drive
05 Comfortable mid-range lodge or tented camp stays with most meals included

Discover Tanzania's classic Northern Safari Circuit on this 6-day mid-range adventure from Arusha to Tarangire, the Serengeti, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. This well-paced journey combines scenic drives with rewarding game viewing across iconic landscapes, from Tarangire's baobabs and elephant herds to the vast Serengeti plains and the wildlife-rich crater floor. Expect daily game drives timed around the rhythms of the bush, comfortable evenings in mid-range lodges or tented camps, and excellent chances to spot elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and more.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire National Park Safari

After breakfast, depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park. Enjoy a full-day game drive among the park's famous baobabs and elephant herds. Tarangire is particularly known for its elephant population and distinctive landscapes.

Overnight: Mid-range lodge/tented camp around Tarangire/Karatu

Meals: Lunch & dinner

Day 02

Tarangire to Serengeti via Ngorongoro

After breakfast, drive toward Serengeti through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Continue into the Serengeti, with game viewing along the way.

Overnight: Mid-range lodge/tented camp in Central Serengeti

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 03

Full-Day Serengeti Game Drive

Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti. Begin with an early game drive when wildlife is often active, followed by continued exploration of the plains and wildlife-rich areas.

Possible sightings include lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs, and leopards.

Overnight: Central Serengeti mid-range lodge/tented camp

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 04

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands

Enjoy an early morning game drive before departing Serengeti toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. Continue with wildlife viewing en route and arrive at your lodge in the afternoon.

Overnight: Mid-range lodge/tented camp in Karatu/Ngorongoro area

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 05

Ngorongoro Crater Safari to Karatu

After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half/full-day crater game drive. The crater offers excellent opportunities to see a variety of wildlife within a relatively compact area.

After the crater tour, return to your accommodation in Karatu.

Overnight: Mid-range lodge/tented camp in Karatu

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 06

Karatu to Arusha

After breakfast, depart Karatu for Arusha. Depending on your departure time, you can have lunch in Arusha before your safari ends.

Safari ends in Arusha / Moshi

Meals: Breakfast & lunch

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi / Arusha 5 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

5 nights mid-range accommodation
All meals as indicated
Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
Park entry fees
Ngorongoro Crater fees
Game drives as specified
Drinking water during game drives
Airport/Arusha transfers where applicable
Government taxes and applicable tourism charges

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips for guide/driver and lodge staff
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal expenses
Laundry
Balloon safari
Items not specifically mentioned under inclusions

What to bring

Passport & travel documents
Travel insurance details
Lightweight clothing
Warm jacket/fleece
Comfortable closed shoes
Hat & sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Personal medication
Camera/binoculars
Power bank
Reusable water bottle
Small backpack/day bag
Cash for personal expenses and tips

Know before you go

Bring your passport - make sure it is valid for your trip and check Tanzania's visa requirements before traveling.
Travel insurance - comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, including medical and emergency assistance.
Pack light - a soft-sided bag is more practical for safari vehicles than a large hard suitcase.
Clothing - bring lightweight, comfortable clothes, a warm layer for cool mornings/evenings, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes.
Sun protection - pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The African sun can be strong.
Binoculars & camera - binoculars are very useful for spotting wildlife at a distance. Bring extra memory cards and batteries/power banks.
Prepare for early mornings - some of the best wildlife viewing can happen during early morning game drives, so expect some early starts.
Road conditions - safari involves driving on a mixture of paved and unpaved roads. Some journeys can be long and bumpy.
Wildlife is unpredictable - seeing specific animals cannot be guaranteed. Your guide will choose areas based on recent sightings and conditions.
Respect wildlife - stay inside the vehicle unless your guide says it is safe to get out. Never feed or approach wild animals.
Drinking water - carry a reusable water bottle. Your safari operator should clarify how much drinking water is provided.
Mobile network - network coverage can be limited in some remote safari areas. Let family or friends know that you may occasionally be offline.
Cash - carry some Tanzanian shillings or a small amount of major foreign currency for tips and personal purchases. Card facilities vary by location.
Tipping - tips are customary for safari guides and lodge staff, but the amount is your choice and should reflect the service you received.
Be flexible - weather, wildlife movements, road conditions, and park regulations can affect the daily schedule.