This 6-day midrange safari on the northern circuit of Tanzania, takes you to the most famous and incredible parks whereby you will visit all major parks which are Tarangire, Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro. In Tarangire, you will be astonished by the large African elephants as well as the huge and ancient baobab trees. Ngorogoro crater will be the icing on the cake and the best place to visit the endangered black rhinos, Lake Manyara National Park which is famous for the tree climbing lions and the birds’ population as well as the western corridor of the Serengeti following the great migration. You will sleep in midrange lodges with private showers.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT TO ARUSHA

Upon arrival at the airport in Arusha (ARK) or Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO), you will be met and welcomed by your representative from Gardenia African Safaris who will give you a short brief before you drive to your lodgings in Arusha for overnight.

Destination: Arusha city

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge / A1 Hotel & Resort / Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa 

Meal: Bed & Breakfast

DAY 2: ARUSHA TO TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast at your Arusha hotel around 7:30 AM, your driver-guide will pick you up for a 2.5-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Known for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, Tarangire covers about 2,603 square kilometers and hosts diverse wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species.

The name “Tarangire,” meaning “river of warthogs,” reflects the importance of the Tarangire River for both herbivores and carnivores.

You’ll have lunch at a picnic site around noon, then continue your game drive into the afternoon before heading to your lodge in Karatu for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Destination: Tarangire National Park

Accommodation:  Marera Valley Lodge / Farm of Dreams Lodge / Bougainvillea Safari Lodge

Meal: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 3-4: KARATU TO WESTERN SERENGETI FOLLOWING THE GREAT MIGRATION

Early morning after breakfast, we depart to Western Serengeti. Around end of April, May and June, a vast army of wildebeests along with its partners: zebras, elands and gazelles mill around the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, south of the Grumeti River. Harassed behind by lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas and ahead by giant Nile crocodiles, many hundreds perish as some hazard the river crossing while others detour it. But the beauty of the landscape, stretching without end beneath an infinite sky on a Serengeti West Safari, changes something within the watcher, who becomes more aware of the place of humankind within the drama of the animal world.

After Lunch and an extensive game drive, we head for our Tented partner lodges for dinner and overnight.
You will spend 2 nights at Western corridor.

Destination: Western Serengeti

Accommodation: Mbalageti Serengeti

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 

DAY 5: WESTERN SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK TO NGORONGORO CRATER TO KARATU

After breakfast at your Serengeti accommodation, you’ll drive about 4 hours to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Before descending into the crater, you’ll stop at a viewpoint for a stunning view.

Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to around 25,000 mammals and over 500 bird species, including migratory flamingos. It’s the best spot in East Africa to see the endangered black rhino and features wildlife like zebras, wildebeests, and lions.

With a diameter of about 20 kilometers, the crater is great for wildlife viewing. You’ll enjoy a packed lunch at the Ngoitoktok picnic site, known for its hippo pool, before concluding your game drive. Afterward, you’ll ascend the crater and head to your Karatu accommodation for dinner and relaxation.

Destination: Ngorongoro crater 

Accommodation:  Marera Valley Lodge / Farm of Dreams Lodge / Bougainvillea Safari Lodge

Meal: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 6: LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK TO ARUSHA

After breakfast at your Karatu lodge around 7:30 AM, you’ll drive about 1 hour to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its vibrant birdlife and tree-climbing lions. The park spans 325 square kilometers, with a shallow alkaline lake attracting numerous migratory and native bird species, including flamingos and pelicans.

Wildlife includes lions, elephants, giraffes, and more. Located in the rift valley, the park offers activities like forest hikes, canoeing, and walking safaris.

You’ll have lunch at a picnic site before heading to Arusha to meet a Gardenia African Safaris representative for a farewell. If you wish to stay an extra night in Arusha or need a ride to the airport, we can assist with arrangements.

Destination: Lake Manyara National Park

Meal: Breakfast & Lunch