3 Days A Short Northern Circuit Safari
Safari in national parks: Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park
This 3-day adventure is the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit—ideal for travelers with limited time who want to experience diverse wildlife, scenic landscapes, and rich ecosystems. From baobab-dotted savannahs to volcanic craters and lush groundwater forests, each day reveals a new natural wonder.
Begin your journey in Tarangire National Park, renowned for its giant elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Continue to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with the Big Five and other wildlife in a stunning caldera setting.
Conclude your safari with a visit to Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and a variety of birdlife. With expert guides, scenic drives, and comfortable accommodations, this safari offers a compact but unforgettable taste of Tanzania’s natural beauty.
Trip Highlights
- Three iconic parks in just 3 days
- Elephant herds & baobabs in Tarangire
- Big Five sightings in Ngorongoro Crater
- Tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara
- Family-friendly game drives & picnics
- Great for short stays or Zanzibar extensions
Trip Features
- Start Date: Can start any day
- Duration: 8 Days
- Comfort: Can be optimized
- Tour Type: Private Tour
- Tour Plan: Customizable Itinerary
- Transport: Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Airport: Kilimanjaro Int. Airport
Detailed Itinerary
Depart Arusha/Moshi after breakfast and drive to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most scenic parks, known for its large elephant population and towering baobab trees. Enjoy a game drive along the Tarangire River, where herds of wildlife gather. Spot lions, zebras, giraffes, and a variety of birds. After a picnic lunch or hot meal at the lodge, continue with an afternoon game drive. Later, drive to your lodge or camp near Lake Manyara or Karatu for dinner and overnight.
- Accommodation: Budget, Midrange or Luxury in karatu
- Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, depart from Karatu and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Enjoy a full-day game drive on the crater floor, home to an incredible density of wildlife including elephants, lions, rhinos, zebras, and hippos. Along the way, your guide will teach the kids how to spot animal tracks and understand wildlife behavior. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch near the hippo pool before continuing your exploration. In the late afternoon, ascend the crater walls and return to your lodge in Karatu for a relaxing evening, dinner, and storytelling under the stars.
- Accommodation: Budget, Midrange or Luxury in Karatu
- Meal Plan: Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park is known for its rich vegetation, groundwater forests, flamingo-filled lake, and elusive tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a morning game drive spotting elephants, monkeys, birds, and more. After lunch, begin the drive back to Arusha/Moshi, arriving by late afternoon. Drop-off at your hotel or airport marks the end of your quick but wildlife-rich safari adventure.
- Accommodation: N/A
- Meal Plan: Dinner
Spend a full day exploring the vast Serengeti ecosystem. Depending on the season, your guide will take you to areas where the wildebeest migration is most active. Look out for prides of lions, hyenas, and possibly cheetahs or leopards lounging in trees or hunting. Enjoy lunch in the bush and continue exploring river crossings, kopjes, and open plains. Return to your camp in the evening for a warm meal and stories by the campfire.
- Accommodation: Budget, Midrange or Luxury in Serengeti
- Meal Plan: Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Serengeti as you slowly make your way out of the park. Continue to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with chances to see wildlife along the way. Stop for a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenic beauty of the highlands. Arrive at your lodge located near the crater rim or in Karatu for dinner and a restful overnight stay, with views overlooking the vast landscape.
- Accommodation: Budget, Midrange or Luxury Lodge on Crater Rim
- Meal Plan: Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner
Today begins with an early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. This caldera offers one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Africa. Spot elephants, lions, hippos, and if lucky the endangered black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated crater site, often near a hippo pool. After the game drive, ascend the crater walls and drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or airport.
- Accommodation: N/A
- Meal Plan: Dinner
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Transport to and from the Parks
- Allowance for the Crew
- First Aid Kit and Emergency Oxygen
- Park Fees and VAT
- Rescue Support – In case of emergencies within the park, a rescue vehicle is on standby.
- Accommodation During Safari
- Airport Pick-up and Drop-off
- Camping Equipment (if applicable)
- Daily Meals
Not Included
- Drinks at the Hotel – Beverages before or after the safari at your accommodation.
- Personal Belongings – We are not responsible for loss or damage to personal items.
- Tips for the Crew – Gratuities for your driver-guide, cook, or porters are appreciated but not included.
- Taxi Service – Local transport outside scheduled transfers is not covered.
- Health Insurance – Please ensure you have valid travel and medical insurance.
- Flight Tickets – Domestic and international flights are not part of the safari cost.
- Flying doctor emergency evacuation cover