Wildlife Safari
6 Days Classic Birding Tour in the Northern Circuit
A specialist six-day birding journey through Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the highlands.
6 Days / 5 NightsPrivate 4×4 SafariBirdwatchingArusha
The Experience
Explore Tanzania at your own pace
Designed for travellers who want birding to set the pace, this specialist route visits five productive habitats across northern Tanzania with a professional bird guide. Forest and montane species in Arusha National Park lead into Tarangire’s dry-country birds, Lake Manyara’s groundwater forest and wetlands, the Ngorongoro Crater floor, and a final walking experience in the highlands. The safari starts and ends in Arusha, with airport transfers and pre-tour accommodation available separately.
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
After breakfast, meet your specialist guide and travel to Arusha National Park for the first birding day. Explore forest, lake, and montane habitats in search of species such as mustached warbler, bar-tailed trogon, Narina trogon, and tropical boubou, while also watching for the park’s larger wildlife. Return to the Arusha area for an overnight stay.
- Birdwatching
- Full-day game drive
- Day 2
Tarangire National Park
Depart early for Tarangire National Park, combining focused birding with wildlife viewing among baobabs and elephant country. Your guide will look for species including ashy starling, yellow-collared lovebird, and rufous-tailed weaver, while leopard, lion, and a wide range of ungulates are also possible. Overnight at a lodge in the Tarangire area.
- Birdwatching
- Full-day game drive
- Bush lunch
- Day 3
Tarangire National Park to Lake Manyara National Park
Return to Tarangire on a different route to reach habitats not covered the day before. Search for additional bird species while also watching for waterbuck, antelope, giraffe, and other wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park, continue birding for a few more hours, then travel to the Lake Manyara area for dinner and overnight.
- Birdwatching
- Full-day game drive
- Scenic drive
- Day 4
Lake Manyara National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
Spend the day birding in Lake Manyara National Park, moving between groundwater forest, woodland, and lakeshore habitats. The park is also home to elephant, warthog, buffalo, and the elusive tree-climbing lion. In the late afternoon, continue to Karatu in the Ngorongoro highlands for dinner and overnight.
- Birdwatching
- Full-day game drive
- Scenic drive
- Day 5
Ngorongoro Crater
Take the short drive to the Ngorongoro entrance and descend roughly 600 metres to the crater floor. Spend the day identifying birds across grassland, wetland, and woodland habitats while also looking for lion, buffalo, elephant, hippo, and black rhino. Climb back to the highlands in the afternoon for a relaxed evening at the lodge.
- Birdwatching
- Full-day game drive
- Bush lunch
- Day 6
Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Drive to the Endoro entry point for a guided birding walk through the beautiful Ngorongoro highlands. An armed ranger and your professional guide escort the approximately three-and-a-half-hour walk, giving you a final chance to find highland species on foot. Return to the lodge for a hot lunch, then drive back to Arusha, where the tour ends.
- Birdwatching
- Walking safari
- Departure transfer
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$2,920 Per person$2,650 Per person$2,330 Per person
High seasonJan · Feb · Mar · Jun · Oct · Nov$3,310 Per person$2,970 Per person$2,650 Per person
Peak seasonJul · Aug · Sep · Dec$3,840 Per person$3,390 Per person$3,020 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
- Park fees
- Concession fees
- Full-board meals
- Accommodation
- Unlimited game drives
- Bottled water
- Specialist professional bird guide
- Armed ranger escort for the Ngorongoro highlands walk
- Picnic lunches during full-day birding
Not included in your trip
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks
- Laundry
- Airport transfers
- Pre- and post-safari accommodation
- Soft drinks and other beverages not listed as included
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 Safari5 Days / 4 Nights
5 Days Classic Northern Circuit Safari
Wildlife Safari6 Days / 5 Nights
6 Days Northern Circuit Safari
Wildlife Safari3 Days / 2 Nights
3 Days Northern Circuit Safari
Ready to plan 6 Days Classic Birding Tour in the Northern Circuit?
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