Ready for Your Classic Northern Wonders Safari?
Experience the best of Tanzania's wildlife in Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara
Wildlife Safari
Classic Northern Wonders: 6 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Manyara Safari
- Dream Trails Expeditions
- 6 Day Safari
- Big Five & Migration
From - $3500
🌍 Safari Overview
Experience the very best of Tanzania's northern circuit on a breathtaking journey through Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara. This classic safari blends world-class wildlife encounters, dramatic landscapes, and diverse ecosystems into one unforgettable adventure.
Begin in the Serengeti, where endless plains host lions, cheetahs, elephants, and season permitting the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration. Continue to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its dense wildlife population and rare black rhinos. Conclude your journey in Lake Manyara National Park, known for its lush forests, flamingo-lined shores, and iconic tree-climbing lions. Expertly arranged by Dream Trails Expeditions, this itinerary offers exceptional game drives, stunning scenery, and seamless comfort from start to finish delivering a truly immersive taste of Tanzania's wild beauty.
- Tour Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Destinations Covered: Arusha • Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro Crater • Lake Manyara National Park
- Safari Type: Private or small-group guided wildlife safari
- Accommodation Style: Mid-range or luxury lodges & tented camps
- Transport: 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof & power outlets
- Start / End Point: Arusha (pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport or hotel)
- Guide: Professional, English-speaking driver-guide
- Meals: Full board during the safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- 🦁 Experience epic game drives on the legendary plains of Serengeti
- 🐾 Witness lions, cheetahs, elephants, and—seasonally—the Great Migration
- 🌋 Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife-rich UNESCO World Heritage Site
- 🦏 Spot the rare black rhino and enjoy close-up predator encounters in the Crater
- 🌿 Explore Lake Manyara's lush forests, diverse birdlife, and tree-climbing lions
- 🦩 Enjoy sightings of flamingos along the shimmering Manyara lakeshore
- 🚙 Travel in a comfortable 4x4 Land Cruiser with a professional safari guide
- 🏨 Stay in handpicked safari lodges and tented camps for a seamless experience
Arrival & Transfers
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you'll be warmly welcomed by our Dream Trails Expeditions representative and transferred to your Arusha hotel for rest and safari briefing.
What to Pack
- Light, breathable clothing (neutral tones)
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent
- Warm jacket for early morning drives
- Camera, binoculars, and spare batteries
- Comfortable closed shoes
Travel Documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Tanzania tourist visa (online or on arrival)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (recommended)
Health & Safety
Stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothing, and protect yourself from the sun. Follow your guide's instructions at all times and maintain a safe distance from wildlife. All meals come from hygienic lodges, and vehicles carry first-aid kits for basic emergencies. Your comfort and safety are always a priority with Dream Trails Expeditions.
Tanzania's northern circuit offers remarkable wildlife encounters throughout the year.
- June – October: Best time to witness the Great Migration and general game viewing
- November – March: Lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, and excellent birdwatching
- April – May: Quieter parks and excellent photographic opportunities
For migration safaris, July to October is the best period to witness the Mara River crossings in Northern Serengeti.
✅ Included in This Safari
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- All meals during safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Professional safari guide
- 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof & unlimited mileage
- All national park entry fees and crater service fees
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover
🚫 Excluded from This Safari
- International & domestic flights
- Tanzania tourist visa
- Travel & medical insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges
- Optional activities (balloon safari, cultural visits)
- Tips and gratuities for guides & lodge staff
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
Your Serengeti & Ngorongoro safari can be customized to match your dream experience:
- 🌅 Add a hot-air balloon safari over Serengeti
- 👣 Include cultural visits to Maasai villages
- 🏞️ Extend your stay with extra days in Serengeti or Ngorongoro
- 💎 Upgrade to luxury lodges or private tented camps
- 📸 Add a professional photographer for your safari moments
- 🌍 Local Knowledge: We're Tanzanian experts with deep regional insight
- 🦓 Authentic Experiences: From wild safaris to cultural encounters
- 🚙 Comfort & Safety: Professional drivers, modern safari vehicles, and reliable partners
- 💫 Tailor-Made Journeys: Every itinerary is crafted around your travel style
- 💚 Sustainable Travel: Supporting wildlife conservation and local communities
6-Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Manyara Safari Itinerary
01
🛬 Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha
Route: Kilimanjaro International Airport → Arusha
- Distance / Time: ~1 hour drive from JRO | Elevation: ~1,400 m
- Habitat: Urban / Highland Garden
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where a Dream Trails Expeditions representative will warmly welcome you
- Transfer to your lodge in Arusha and check in for rest after your long journey
- Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxing afternoon or short city exploration
- In the evening, meet your safari guide for a detailed briefing and enjoy dinner at the lodge
Overnight: Arusha (Standard Lodge / Hotel)
02
🦁 Day 2 — Arusha to Serengeti National Park
Route: Arusha → Serengeti (via Ngorongoro route)
- Distance / Time: ~325 km / 6–7 hours drive
- Habitat: Savannah plains & woodland
- After an early breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park with picnic lunch boxes en route
- Drive through the Ngorongoro highlands with scenic views before descending into the vast plains of Serengeti
- Arrive in the park by afternoon for your first game drive — spotting elephants, giraffes, lions, and possibly cheetahs on the golden grasslands
- Head to your camp or lodge inside or near the park for dinner and relaxation
Overnight: Serengeti National Park (Mid-range Lodge / Tented Camp)
03
🌅 Day 3 — Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti
Route: Central Serengeti circuits
- Habitat: Endless plains, kopjes & rivers
- Enjoy a full day of exploration in the Serengeti, one of the world's most famous wildlife reserves
- Early morning and late afternoon drives increase your chances of seeing predators in action — lions, leopards, and hyenas
- Stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot overlooking the plains
- Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and a relaxing night under the stars
Overnight: Serengeti National Park (Mid-range Lodge / Tented Camp)
04
🦏 Day 4 — Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Route: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Distance / Time: ~160 km | Approx. 3–4 hours drive
- Habitat: Highland forest and volcanic crater
- Early breakfast, then drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Descend into the crater for a thrilling day of game viewing in one of Africa's most unique wildlife habitats
- Spot the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the rare black rhino — alongside zebras, wildebeests, flamingos, and hippos
- Enjoy a picnic lunch at the crater floor near a scenic water spot
- Later, ascend to the crater rim and continue to accommodation. (Optional cultural visit to Maasai)
Overnight: Mid-range Lodge or Hotel inside Ngorongoro or Karatu (Full Board)
05
🦩 Day 5: Lake Manyara – Flamingos & Tree-Climbing Lions
Route: Karatu → Lake Manyara → Arusha
- Distance: 180 km (4 hours)
- Habitat: Groundwater forest, acacia woodland, soda lake shoreline
- Morning drive from Karatu to Lake Manyara National Park
- Begin game viewing in the lush groundwater forest, spotting monkeys, baboons, elephants, and birdlife
- Continue to the acacia woodlands to search for the park's famous tree-climbing lions
- Visit the soda lake shoreline to observe flamingos (seasonal) and a variety of waterbirds
- Optional Treetop Canopy Walk for aerial forest views
- Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated site inside the park
- Afternoon game drive covering hot springs, hippo pools, and scenic viewpoints
- Drive back to Arusha by late afternoon or early evening
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha
06
✈️ Day 6 — Departure from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport
Route: Arusha → Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Distance / Time: ~50–60 km | Approx. 1–1.5 hours drive
- After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning at your lodge
- Depending on flight time, you can visit a local market or cultural center
- Later, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home
- Your Dream Trails Expeditions safari adventure ends with unforgettable memories and warm farewells from your guide
End of Tour: Kilimanjaro International Airport
