About the 5-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari
This 5-day safari follows the northern circuit, Tanzania’s classic safari route, through Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. You see elephants and baobab trees in Tarangire, the vast plains of the Serengeti, and the wildlife-rich floor of the Ngorongoro Crater.
It suits travellers who want the highlights of northern Tanzania in a short time. It includes long drives on rough roads. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Planning tips: check entry requirements on the official Tanzania e-visa site. The East Africa Tourist Visa does not cover Tanzania. See also our East Africa safaris. Park fees for the activities in the itinerary are included. Request a free quote and we will reply by email.
Read the full trip guide: 5-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari
Table of Contents
Last updated October 2026. Planned by Victoria Kayaga, founder of Afraeka Adventures, with over 7 years in East African tourism.
5 day Tanzania northern circuit safari: quick answer
This 5 day Tanzania northern circuit safari links Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater by road from Arusha in four nights. It is a compact version of the classic northern circuit. Sightings are never guaranteed, and the route is customisable.
Day-by-day route of the 5 day Tanzania northern circuit safari
Day 1: drive from Arusha to Tarangire, about 2 hours, for game drives among elephants and baobabs. Day 2: a morning game drive, then drive to your lodge near Karatu, about 3 hours. Day 3: drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and across the Serengeti plains, with a possible stop at Olduvai Gorge and a game drive on the way to camp. Day 4: a morning game drive in the Serengeti, then travel to your lodge on the Ngorongoro crater rim. Day 5: descend into the crater for a morning game drive and picnic lunch, then drive to Arusha.
What to expect on this safari
With only one Serengeti night, days 3 and 4 are mostly travel plus game drives. If you want more Serengeti time, we suggest our longer itineraries. The herds move around the Serengeti with the rains, so timing cannot be guaranteed.
What is included
Included are airport pick-up and drop-off in Arusha, a 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide, accommodation for 4 nights, meals as specified, bottled water, and park, conservation area and crater fees. International flights, Tanzania visa fees, insurance, tips, drinks, personal expenses and optional activities are not included.
How Afraeka plans your northern circuit safari
We tailor lodges and pace to your group and can replace road legs with a flight. Send us your questions and we will reply by email with a personal quote.
Who this safari suits
Travellers who want Tarangire, the Serengeti and the crater in five days and accept some long drives.
5 day Tanzania northern circuit safari FAQ
Which parks does it cover?
Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Are park fees included?
Yes, including conservation area and crater fees.
Will I see the Great Migration?
We cannot guarantee it; timing depends on the rains.
Can I add days?
Yes, the trip is customisable.
Related guides and sources
Find destination information on the official Tanzania tourism site. Read our East Africa Tourist Visa guide, browse our Tanzania safaris, or request a free quote for this 5 day Tanzania northern circuit safari.
Before you book the 5 day Tanzania northern circuit safari
Choose your dates first, then your lodges. Pack warm layers for cool mornings, sun protection, a hat, binoculars and a camera with spare batteries. Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic about vaccinations and malaria prevention well before you travel, and arrange travel and medical insurance that covers safari activities. If you have dietary needs, mobility questions or children travelling, tell us when you enquire so we can plan around them.
The 5 day Tanzania northern circuit safari in more detail
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire
The 5 day Tanzania northern circuit safari starts with a drive of about 2 hours from Arusha to Tarangire National Park. You take game drives among elephants and baobab trees, which are the park’s trademark.
Day 2: Tarangire to Karatu
On day 2 you take a morning game drive in Tarangire and then drive to your lodge near Karatu, which takes about 3 hours. This is the shortest travel day of the trip, so you have some time to rest before the Serengeti.
Day 3: across the Serengeti plains
Day 3 takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and across the Serengeti plains, with a possible stop at Olduvai Gorge and a game drive on the way to camp. The drive is long and the roads can be rough, so we plan comfort stops.
Day 4: Serengeti and the crater rim
On day 4 you take a morning game drive in the Serengeti and then travel to your lodge on the Ngorongoro crater rim. With only one Serengeti night, days 3 and 4 are mostly travel plus game drives. If you want more Serengeti time, we suggest a longer itinerary or a flight instead of a road leg.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater and return to Arusha
On the final day you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive and picnic lunch, then drive to Arusha. The crater floor holds a high concentration of wildlife in a small area.
Pace and comfort
This is a compact version of the classic northern circuit, so expect long drives and some rough roads. You stay four nights, travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide, and park, conservation area and crater fees are included. The herds move around the Serengeti with the rains, so timing cannot be guaranteed.
Making it your own
Every Afraeka trip is tailor-made. We can tailor the lodges and pace to your group and replace road legs with a flight. See more options on our Tanzania safaris page. The East Africa Tourist Visa does not cover Tanzania, so check the current entry requirements. Send us your questions and we will reply by email with a personal quote.
Tanzania’s classic northern circuit in five days. You begin with Tarangire’s elephants and baobabs, travel across the Ngorongoro highlands into the Serengeti, then finish in the Ngorongoro Crater.
We arrange your driver-guide, accommodation and park permits, and every itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, interests and budget. Contact us for a personal quote.
Highlights
- Game drives in Tarangire among elephants and baobabs
- Scenic drive over the Ngorongoro highlands into the Serengeti
- Possible stop at Olduvai Gorge on the way
- Game drives on the Serengeti plains
- Morning game drive and picnic lunch in the Ngorongoro Crater
