Wildlife Safari

Tours / Wildlife Safari / 3 Days Northern Circuit Safari

3 Days Northern Circuit Safari

A compact private safari linking Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara from Arusha.

3 Days / 2 NightsPrivate 4×4 SafariTarangire National ParkNgorongoro Crater
Elephant herd drinking beneath an acacia tree in Tarangire

The Experience

Explore Tanzania at your own pace

This concise private safari follows the classic northern Tanzania route from Arusha through Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. Each park contributes a different landscape: baobab country and elephants in Tarangire, the concentrated wildlife of the crater floor, then forest and lake-edge habitats at Manyara. It is a practical choice for travellers with limited time who still want three distinct national-park experiences and a guide who can shape the day around current sightings.

Duration3 Days / 2 Nights
Travel stylePrivate 4×4 Safari
Best timeAll year
Accommodation3 stay options
Trip focusTarangire National Park · Ngorongoro Crater
Start / endArusha

Daily Plan

Your journey, day by day

Each day has a clear plan, with enough flexibility to follow wildlife conditions, weather, and your interests.
  1. Day 1

    Arusha to Tarangire National Park

    Leave Arusha after breakfast for Tarangire National Park. The drive opens into broad grassland, ancient baobabs, and the Tarangire River corridor, where elephant herds often gather in the dry season. Spend the afternoon on a private game drive looking for giraffe, buffalo, zebras, and the park’s rich birdlife. Later continue to the Karatu highlands for dinner and an overnight close to the following day’s crater descent.

    • Scenic drive
    • Afternoon game drive
    Meals: Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Lodge · Karatu area lodge
    Zebra beside flamingos on the Ngorongoro Crater floor
  2. Day 2

    Ngorongoro Crater

    Depart Karatu early and enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for a full day on the crater floor. The enclosed caldera concentrates grassland, woodland, lakes, and swamps into one remarkable game-viewing area. Your guide will look for lion, buffalo, elephant, hippo, and, with luck, black rhino, while flamingos often gather around Lake Magadi. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the designated site before returning to the Karatu area for the night.

    • Morning game drive
    • Full-day game drive
    • Bush lunch
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Lodge · Karatu area lodge
    Flamingos and birds on Lake Manyara
  3. Day 3

    Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

    Travel to Lake Manyara National Park for a final game drive through groundwater forest, acacia woodland, and the open lakeshore. Look for blue monkeys, baboons, large buffalo, and a varied mix of waterbirds; wildlife is viewed at the pace the conditions allow. After lunch, return to Arusha, where the safari concludes or connects with your onward flight, Kilimanjaro climb, or Zanzibar extension.

    • Morning game drive
    • Scenic drive
    • Departure transfer
    Meals: Breakfast, LunchAccommodation: End of trip
    Elephants and zebras beside water in northern Tanzania

Pricing & Seasons

Choose the travel period that suits you

Prices are per person in USD and vary by season, group size, and accommodation level.
Season2 Travellers4 Travellers6+ Travellers
Low seasonApr · May$1,490 Per person$1,350 Per person$1,190 Per person
High seasonJan · Feb · Mar · Jun · Oct · Nov$1,690 Per person$1,510 Per person$1,350 Per person
Peak seasonJul · Aug · Sep · Dec$1,960 Per person$1,730 Per person$1,540 Per person

Your final quote is tailored to your dates, party size, accommodation level, and optional experiences.

Create My Custom SafariNo obligation. Local safari experts reply within 24 hours.

Trip Specifics

What's included and excluded

Included in your trip

  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional guide
  • Airport transfers
  • Park fees
  • Concession fees
  • Full-board meals
  • Accommodation
  • Unlimited game drives
  • Bottled water
  • Ngorongoro Crater descent permit
  • Picnic lunch during the crater game drive
  • Safari briefing before departure

Not included in your trip

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Laundry
  • Optional Maasai community visit and personal purchases

Reviews

What Our Travelers Say

Verified by TripAdvisor

Our tailor-made safari across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater exceeded every expectation. Seeing the Great Migration up close was a life-changing moment. Everything was timed perfectly.
Sarah & David K.Bush & Beach Safari - 12 Days
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via Lemosho was tough, but the BBM team guided us with unbelievable care and expertise. Pushing through summit night was made possible by their incredible crew.
Marcus ChenKilimanjaro Climb Machame - 8 Days
Zanzibar was pure paradise. Combining our dusty game drives with quiet, breezy beaches in Stone Town was the ultimate itinerary layout. Having a single contact made it so stress-free.
Elena PetrovaWildlife & Zanzibar - 10 Days

Where You'll Sleep

Choose your stay style

Pick one level or mix different accommodation levels across the itinerary.
Included in the standard itinerary

Classic Safari Tents

Practical tented camps and smaller lodges with ensuite facilities, attentive hosts, and a location chosen to keep transfer time sensible.

Comfort upgrade available on request

Comfort Lodges

Characterful lodges and well-appointed camps with larger rooms, inviting shared spaces, and reliable service after a full day in the parks.

Premium stay option available

Premium Luxury Camps

Intimate premium camps or lodges selected for privacy, thoughtful dining, and generous space between game drives.

Ready to plan 3 Days Northern Circuit Safari?

Share your preferred dates, group size, and travel priorities. Our Arusha-based team will refine this itinerary around you.

  • Tailor-made arrangements
  • Local team based in Arusha
  • Flexible itinerary adjustments

Plan Your Trip