5 Day: Scenic Northern Circuit Safari

Discover the Wonders of Tanzania on a 5-Day Scenic Northern Circuit Safari

If you’re dreaming of witnessing Africa’s iconic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, this 5-Day Scenic Northern Circuit Safari promises an unforgettable adventure. While we haven’t personally been on this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itineraries paint a picture of a truly immersive experience—perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone eager to explore Tanzania’s top parks.

What we love about this safari? First, the chance to spend two nights in the Serengeti, allowing for deeper game drives and fewer rushed moments. Then, there’s the opportunity to visit the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, both renowned for their incredible biodiversity. Lastly, the flexible itinerary and expert guides promise a personalized experience tailored to your interests.

A possible consideration? The long drives between parks can be tiring for some travelers, especially on the second day when heading into the Serengeti. However, the spectacular scenery and wildlife sightings make the journey worthwhile.

This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a comprehensive safari experience with a good balance of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural insights, all within a relatively manageable timeframe and budget.

Key Points

• Balanced Itinerary: Combines Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire, offering diverse habitats and wildlife.
• Expert Guides & Flexibility: Guides are knowledgeable, and your day plans can be adapted to your preferences.
• Value for Money: At $2,000 per person, this includes all fees, meals, and park entry, making it a good investment for a memorable safari.
• Authentic Experiences: Opportunities for sunrise game drives, optional balloon safaris, and close encounters with wildlife.
• Comfort & Convenience: Private safari vehicle with six seats, all meals included, and hotel pickup/drop-off.
• Highly Rated: Consistently praised for excellent organization, knowledgeable guides like Joseph, and stunning scenery.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Lake Manyara National Park

Your adventure kicks off with a morning pickup from your Arusha hotel at around 8 am, setting out across the Great Rift Valley. Lake Manyara may be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to scenery and wildlife. Expect lush acacia forests, towering figs, and a lively baboon and blue monkey population.

The park’s main attractions include giraffes, elephants, impalas, and a significant number of buffaloes. The lake itself hosts a large herd of hippos, often visible lounging in the water. Reviewers highlight the stunning landscapes and the opportunity for fantastic photography, with one noting, “The landscapes of Lake Manyara are something that cannot be described with words.”

The game drive lasts about 7 hours, and while the admission ticket is free, the scenery and wildlife viewing make this a top start to the safari.

Day 2: Serengeti National Park

The drive into the Serengeti begins early, with most of the day dedicated to exploring this world-famous park. The route itself offers spectacular views—vast plains stretching to the horizon, dotted with acacia trees and grazing wildlife. There’s a sense of endlessness here that words struggle to capture.

This is the realm of the Great Migration—over 2 million wildebeests, zebras, and various antelopes—making it one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth. Visitors can expect to see lions, cheetahs, and other large predators that thrive here.

At around 7 hours of travel, the journey is lengthy but rewarding. Reviewers emphasize how the scenery alone makes the long drive worthwhile, with one commenter mentioning that the trip into the Serengeti is “spectacular,” and the landscape’s size defies perception.

Day 3: Full Day in the Serengeti

This day offers ultimate flexibility—you and your guide can choose to do a morning game drive, return for lunch and some rest, then do an afternoon drive, or opt for a full-day adventure with a picnic in the park. One reviewer appreciated this approach: “We are completely flexible with your preferences, and this day will be organized according to your wishes.”

Optional activities like an early morning hot air balloon ride can be added for an extra fee, offering a bird’s-eye view of the sprawling plains and wildlife.

This day is ideal for truly enjoying the Serengeti’s wildlife spectacle, capturing photos of lions lounging on rocks or elephants wandering across the plains.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

An early start is recommended to catch the morning activity of choice—whether that’s a game drive or a sunrise viewing that reveals the crater’s stunning topography bathed in dawn light.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a world wonder—a volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife. Expect to see lions, rhinos, hippos, and flamingos, all within a relatively small area. Reviewers mention the breathtaking views and the chance to witness animals in such a concentrated setting.

After a brunch pack and a game drive out of Serengeti, you’ll head towards the crater for another round of wildlife spotting. The 7-hour day includes the fee for entrance, making this a seamless experience.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater & Departure

Your final day begins very early with a descent into the crater floor for one last game drive—a highlight for wildlife lovers. The dense concentration of animals makes for incredible sightings, and the landscape offers a canvas of volcanic formations and lush grasslands.

Post-lunch, you’ll enjoy a short drive and game drive before ascending back out of the crater. Expect to return to Arusha around 5 pm, ready to reflect on a full, wildlife-packed adventure.

Why This Safari Offers Excellent Value

At $2,000 per person, this safari covers almost everything—meals, park fees, transport, and a knowledgeable guide. Given the high standards and flexible itinerary, you’re getting a lot of value. The inclusion of all fees and taxes, plus a private 4×4 vehicle with six seats, ensures comfort and exclusivity without the hefty price tag of luxury lodges.

The option for an early balloon safari (extra cost) adds a special touch, offering a unique perspective on the Serengeti’s vastness. Many reviewers appreciated how well-organized and attentive the team was, with one describing the staff as “very knowledgeable,” particularly highlighting guides like Joseph for their expertise and considerate approach.

Accommodation & Food

While the tour mentions meals included—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—reviewers also point out the quality of food and safety of the tents. Guests enjoyed the views from their campsites, which were sometimes surrounded by animals like monkeys and impalas, adding to the authentic safari atmosphere.

Transportation & Comfort

Travel is in a private safari jeep with a pop-up roof, ideal for wildlife viewing and photography. The journey timings are designed to maximize wildlife sightings, such as early morning game drives when animals are most active.

Guides & Customer Service

The reviews consistently highlight helpful, well-informed guides like Joseph, who are passionate about wildlife and attentive to guests’ needs. The tour manager, Anita, was praised for responsive and helpful communication, ensuring travelers felt supported from booking to drop-off.

Who Should Consider This Safari?

This tour is perfect for those looking for a comprehensive and well-organized safari experience without the need for luxury lodges. It suits travelers who want to spend quality time in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara, with flexible days for game drives.

It’s also ideal for those who appreciate a personalized approach—since this is a private tour, your game drive times and activities can be tailored to your preferences. Budget-conscious travelers will find this provides excellent value for a full safari experience, especially considering all included costs.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate; however, it’s best suited for those comfortable with long drives and outdoor camping or lodge stays.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all days.

What is the vehicle like?
You’ll travel in a private 4×4 safari jeep with a pop-up roof and six seats, perfect for wildlife viewing and photography.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, guides discuss daily plans with you, making it flexible based on your preferences, including game drive timings and activities.

Are there optional activities?
Yes, you can opt for additional experiences like an early morning balloon safari with extra payment.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are not refundable.

To sum it up, this 5-day Northern Circuit Safari offers a well-rounded, cost-effective way to explore some of Tanzania’s most iconic parks. With knowledgeable guides, stunning landscapes, and wildlife encounters, it suits travelers seeking an authentic adventure with enough flexibility to tailor the experience. If you’re after a balanced mix of scenery, wildlife, and comfort, this tour is a fantastic choice that will leave you with memories to cherish.