Classic Northern Circuit - Arusha NP · Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara
Length4 days / 3 nights
From$1,430per person sharing, 2 travellers
StartsArusha / JROAny date
StylePrivate 4x4Your own guide

Route

Arusha NP · Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara

Why this trip works

  • Arrival-day walking safari in Arusha National Park, no wasted afternoon
  • Tarangire River game drive at the height of the dry-season elephant gathering
  • Full crater descent with hot lunch at the Ngoitoktok swamp
  • Lake Manyara: 400 bird species, baboons and the famous tree-climbing lions

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha National Park

    We meet you at Kilimanjaro International with coffee and snacks, brief you on the route, then drive straight to Arusha National Park for a ranger-led walk to Tululusia waterfall and an afternoon game drive between the Momella Lakes. Dinner and a real bed at Tulia Hotel.

    Tulia Hotel & Spa, Arusha·Half board

  2. Day 2 · Tarangire National Park

    After breakfast you head for Tarangire with a packed lunch. The park's dry-season elephant concentration is one of the largest in the world, and the baobabs along the river make it the most photogenic park on the northern circuit.

    Eileen's Trees Inn, Karatu·Full board

  3. Day 3 · Ngorongoro Crater, then Karatu

    An early descent into the crater: black rhino, lion, huge buffalo herds and flamingo on Lake Magadi. Lunch at the hippo pool picnic site, then back up the rim to Karatu for the night.

    Eileen's Trees Inn, Karatu·Full board

  4. Day 4 · Lake Manyara and departure

    A half-day in Lake Manyara National Park - groundwater forest, baboon troops, hippo and, if you are lucky, lions in the acacia branches. Lunch, then transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport, or straight on to Zanzibar.

    Departure·Breakfast, lunch

Included

  • Private Land Cruiser with two pop-tops, fridge, charging and Wi-Fi
  • Three nights full board mid-range lodges (Tulia Hotel and Eileen's Trees Inn)
  • All park and conservation fees, crater service fee and walking-safari ranger
  • Professional driver-guide throughout
  • Unlimited water, soft drinks, tea, coffee and picnic lunches
  • Government taxes, ground handling and airport transfer

Not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa and travel insurance
  • Tips for driver-guide and lodge staff
  • Alcoholic drinks and personal purchases
Classic Northern Circuit - Arusha NP · Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara
Classic Northern Circuit - Arusha NP · Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara
Classic Northern Circuit - Arusha NP · Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara

Questions about this trip

Yes. Many guests finish this route with an evening flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar; we time the Lake Manyara game drive so you reach the airport with two hours to spare.

It is compact but dense: groundwater forest, an alkaline lake and the Rift Valley escarpment in one view. It is also the closest park to Arusha, so it fits neatly on a departure day.
Price
$1,430
per person sharing, 2 travellers
  • USD 1,430 per person sharing for two; total for two travellers is USD 2,860.
  • Ask for the child rate if you travel with under-12s - park fees are reduced and lodges often share a family room.
Get this itinerary +255 689 780 780

Park, concession and crater fees included. Free quote in 24 hours.

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