A compact six-day loop through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit: Tarangire’s baobabs and elephants, Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro’s crater floor and Lake Manyara’s riverine life. Long drives, early starts, and consistently excellent wildlife viewing make this a classic safari introduction.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light slices across acacia silhouettes as the Land Cruiser rolls out of Arusha — dust braided into the road, conversations soft, cameras poised. Over six days you'll move from the elephant-packed woodlands of Tarangire to the open, wind-swept plains of the Serengeti, then down into the volcanic caldera of Ngorongoro and the river-lined forests of Lake Manyara. Each landscape pushes a different rhythm: termite mounds like small hills in Tarangire, endless horizon in the Serengeti where herds pulse like a living current, and the crater floor where predators and grazers meet in compact intensity.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect long periods sitting in a safari vehicle and short, easy walks at picnic or camp stops.
Wildlife
History
Ngorongoro is a collapsed volcanic caldera whose enclosed ecosystem has supported human settlement for millennia; Maasai pastoral communities have long shaped the cultural landscape around these parks.
Conservation
Northern Circuit parks rely on revenue from tourism to fund anti-poaching and community initiatives; visitors can support conservation by following park rules, minimizing waste, and engaging certified community tours.
Reserve your spot on the 6-Day Best of Tanzania Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire - Comfort today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Carry local currency
ATMs can be limited; bring enough Tanzanian shillings for tips, park extras, and souvenirs.
Layer for temperature swings
Days heat quickly on the plains while mornings and crater rims are cool — pack lightweight layers and a windbreaker.
Protect from the sun
High-altitude sun and open plains mean sunscreen, wide-brim hat, and sunglasses are essential for daytime drives.
Bring binoculars and a camera with zoom
Vehicle windows and distance sightings reward optics more than long hikes — a 8–10x binocular and 200–300mm lens help capture wildlife behavior.
Binoculars (8–10x)
Improves distant sightings and allows quiet observing without approaching animals.
Sun hat & sunscreen
Open plains and high sun demand reliable sun protection all year.
Lightweight layers and a warm jacket
Cool mornings on the crater rim and evenings at camp require insulating layers.
Insect repellent and basic first-aid kit
Mosquitoes can be active near water; bring repellent and personal meds.