This five-day northern-circuit loop links Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. It balances a full Serengeti game-drive day with a final crater visit; confirm the exact overnight stops when you book.
The route
The places along your route
Tarangire National Park
Begin the loop in Tarangire, where baobab country and river habitats shape the day’s wildlife drive.
Lake Manyara National Park
Pause at Lake Manyara to explore its woodland, open ground and lakeshore habitats.
Serengeti National Park
Give the Serengeti a full day of game drives, choosing areas with your guide as conditions change.
Ngorongoro Crater
Finish the circuit with a crater-floor game drive before returning to Arusha.
Wildlife route at a glance
- 01Arusha
- 02Tarangire
- 03Lake Manyara
- 04Serengeti
- 05Ngorongoro Crater
- 06Arusha
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Tarangire National Park
Travel from Arusha to Tarangire for a park game drive through open savannah, seasonal marshes and baobab country. Your guide can adjust the route to current conditions and sightings.
Day 2 · Lake Manyara
Explore Lake Manyara’s woodland and lakeshore, then continue west toward the Serengeti. This is a transfer day, so the time available for stops depends on road and park conditions.
Day 3 · Serengeti National Park
Use the full day for Serengeti game drives. Ask your guide which areas best match recent sightings; wildlife distribution changes through the year.
Day 4 · Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands
Take a morning drive in the Serengeti, then leave the park for the Ngorongoro Highlands. Build in time for the overland journey and any wildlife stops.
Day 5 · Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive across its varied habitats, then return to Arusha after the visit.