5-Day Classic Northern Circuit — Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Highlights

• Four distinct ecosystems in one seamless route
• Tarangire's giant elephant herds and ancient baobabs
• Tree-climbing lions and flamingos at Lake Manyara
• Two nights in the Serengeti for unhurried game viewing
• The Ngorongoro Crater and its dense wildlife
• Chance of all Big Five
• Comfortable lodges and tented camps throughout

Day by day

1. 1

   Arusha to Tarangire National Park

   A short drive (about 2 hours) brings you to Tarangire, famed for enormous elephant herds and the swamps that draw wildlife in the dry season. Spend the day on a game drive among iconic baobab trees. Overnight at a lodge near the park.

2. 2

   Lake Manyara National Park

   Explore Lake Manyara's diverse habitats, from groundwater forest to the alkaline lakeshore fringed with flamingos. Watch for the park's famed tree-climbing lions, large baboon troops and hippos. Overnight in the Karatu highlands.

3. 3

   Karatu to central Serengeti

   Drive up through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend onto the Serengeti plains (around 5-6 hours), game viewing as you go. Reach the Seronera area by afternoon for a game drive. Dinner and overnight at a tented camp.

4. 4

   Full day in the Serengeti

   A full day to explore the Serengeti's rivers and plains in search of lion, leopard, cheetah and, depending on season, the great migration. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

5. 5

   Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

   Drive to the Ngorongoro Crater and descend for a morning game drive on the crater floor, hunting for black rhino and the Big Five. After lunch at a picnic site, ascend and transfer back to Arusha, arriving in the evening.