Wildlife Safari
5 Days Classic Northern Circuit Safari
A five-day lodge safari pairing an Arusha arrival with Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and two rewarding days in Tarangire.
5 Days / 4 NightsPrivate 4×4 SafariNgorongoro CraterLake Manyara National Park
The Experience
Explore Tanzania at your own pace
This classic northern circuit itinerary combines a gentle arrival in Arusha with three distinctive wildlife areas. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater in search of the Big Five, explore Lake Manyara’s forest and lakeshore habitats, then give Tarangire the time it deserves with two days among baobabs, elephant herds, and productive wetlands. Lodge accommodation and a private vehicle keep the journey comfortable while the final morning remains flexible around your flight schedule.
Daily Plan
Your journey, day by day
Each day has a clear plan, with enough flexibility to follow wildlife conditions, weather, and your interests.- Day 1
Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet your professional guide, and transfer privately to your Arusha hotel. Use the afternoon or evening to rest after the flight and enjoy your first taste of Tanzania. Your guide will introduce the route, discuss the next morning’s departure, and note the wildlife you are especially hoping to see.
- Arrival
- Airport transfer
- Rest or free time
- Day 2
Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara National Park
Leave Arusha with your private guide and travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend to the crater floor for a game drive across grassland, woodland, and the lakeshore, looking for lion, buffalo, elephant, hippo, and, with luck, black rhino. After a picnic lunch and a full day in the caldera, continue to the Lake Manyara area for dinner and overnight.
- Scenic drive
- Full-day game drive
- Bush lunch
- Day 3
Lake Manyara National Park to Tarangire National Park
Explore Lake Manyara National Park, where groundwater forest, acacia woodland, and the soda-lake margin support primates, elephants, buffalo, and abundant birdlife. Your guide will also watch for the park’s famously elusive tree-climbing lions. After the game drive, travel on to the Tarangire area and settle into your lodge for the night.
- Full-day game drive
- Scenic drive
- Day 4
Tarangire National Park
Spend a full day in Tarangire National Park, following the river, baobab country, and seasonal swamps with your private guide. Elephant herds are a signature sight, while lion, leopard, cheetah, and an exceptional variety of birds may also be encountered. The flexible day allows time to linger at good sightings before returning to your lodge for a final safari dinner.
- Morning game drive
- Full-day game drive
- Bush lunch
- Day 5
Tarangire National Park to Arusha
Enjoy a relaxed final morning and, when flight timings allow, fit in one last Tarangire game drive. Your guide will then transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for departure. A Zanzibar beach stay or Kilimanjaro climb can be added if you would like to extend the journey.
- Morning game drive
- Departure transfer
- Optional extension
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$2,590 Per person$2,350 Per person$2,070 Per person
High seasonJan · Feb · Mar · Jun · Oct · Nov$2,940 Per person$2,630 Per person$2,350 Per person
Peak seasonJul · Aug · Sep · Dec$3,410 Per person$3,010 Per person$2,680 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 lunches during full-day game drives
- Safari briefing on arrival in Arusha
Not included in your trip
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks
- Laundry
- Optional Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro extension
- Any government-mandated park-fee increases after booking
Reviews
What Our Travelers Say
Verified by TripAdvisor
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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Where You'll Sleep
Choose your stay style
Pick one level or mix different accommodation levels across the 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 Lodges
Characterful lodges and well-appointed camps with larger rooms, inviting shared spaces, and reliable service after a full day in the parks.
Premium Luxury Camps
Intimate premium camps or lodges selected for privacy, thoughtful dining, and generous space between game drives.
Continue The Adventure
Continue your Tanzania journey
Wildlife Safari6 Days / 5 Nights
6 Days Northern Circuit Safari
Wildlife Safari6 Days / 5 Nights
6 Days Classic Birding Tour in the Northern Circuit
Wildlife Safari3 Days / 2 Nights
3 Days Northern Circuit Safari
Ready to plan 5 Days Classic 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