Wonders Tanzania Safari

6 days—Explore Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, witnessing diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and the iconic Big Five on an unforgettable

From

$2267 USD

pp
Quick to reply to quote requests!

Safari summary

Tanzania's Northern Circuit, which includes Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, offers an extraordinary safari experience. Each of these iconic locations presents its own unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural significance, creating an unforgettable adventure. Here's a detailed description of what makes each area so special:

Lake Manyara National Park:
Lake Manyara is one of the most fascinating parks in Tanzania, famous for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. Located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, the park is named after the shallow soda lake that takes up a significant portion of its area. The lake is a vital stop for migratory birds, especially flamingos that flock to its shores in huge numbers during the wet season. The birdlife here is unparalleled, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

In addition to its impressive bird species, Lake Manyara is known for its population of tree-climbing lions, a rare sight in the animal kingdom. The park is also home to giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous species of antelope. Visitors can also see the park’s impressive variety of monkeys, such as the vervet monkeys, baboons, and the unique blue monkeys. A game drive through the park will bring you across its stunning terrain, which ranges from dense forests and wetlands to acacia woodlands and open savannah.

Serengeti National Park:
Serengeti, meaning “endless plain” in the Maasai language, lives up to its name with vast, rolling grasslands stretching out as far as the eye can see. It is one of the most famous wildlife destinations in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Serengeti National Park is known for its incredible concentration of wildlife and is home to the renowned Great Migration, one of nature's most extraordinary phenomena. Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles travel across the park’s plains in search of fresh grazing, providing a thrilling spectacle for visitors.

The Serengeti is not just about the migration; it is also home to the "Big Five"—lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos—as well as cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles, hippos, and a wide variety of bird species. The central Seronera area of the park is one of the best places to spot predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as their prey species. The Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems, from the grassy plains to the riverine forests and kopjes (rocky outcrops), provide excellent opportunities for both game drives and photography.

Ngorongoro Crater:
Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s most stunning wildlife locations and is often referred to as "Africa’s Garden of Eden." The crater, a collapsed volcanic caldera, is the largest of its kind and forms a natural wildlife sanctuary that harbors an incredible diversity of animal species. Its floor is home to a range of habitats, including grasslands, swamps, and forests, which are home to a wide variety of wildlife. The crater is also renowned for its high concentration of animals, including the “Big Five.”

The crater is particularly famous for its large population of black rhinos, one of the rarest of the Big Five. It is also one of the best places to see elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and a variety of other mammals. Predators like cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas are frequently spotted, making for an exciting safari experience. One of the most iconic features of the crater is the alkaline lake in the center, which attracts flamingos and other waterfowl. The lush vegetation surrounding the crater is perfect for observing birdlife, and the clear, cool air provides breathtaking views of the area.

Unique Features of the Northern Circuit:
The Northern Circuit is a region of Tanzania where a variety of ecosystems come together, offering visitors a combination of wildlife diversity and natural beauty. Each of the three main parks—Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater—offers something unique:

Scenic Diversity: From the lush, green forests and wetlands of Lake Manyara to the endless savannah of Serengeti and the volcanic landscapes of Ngorongoro Crater, the Northern Circuit offers an incredible range of landscapes. This diversity not only creates an amazing safari experience but also supports a variety of flora and fauna, making it a prime destination for nature lovers.

Birdwatching: The region is a haven for birdwatchers. Lake Manyara’s birdlife is one of its biggest attractions, with thousands of flamingos and other species of waterfowl congregating in the park. Serengeti is also home to various birds, including raptors and migratory species, while Ngorongoro Crater offers fantastic opportunities for birdwatching, particularly around the lake and wetland areas.


About this tour

Tour type Custom, tailor-made, private
Main focus Game drives
Activity level Moderate activity
Best months All months
Countries
Parks

Fine details

Safari highlights
  • Walking safari—with armed guard
  • Hot air balloons
  • Photography safari—with professional guide
What’s included?
  • Accommodation
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals
  • Park fees
  • Private vehicle and driver
  • Tips and gratuities
What’s not included?
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Hot air balloons
  • Internal flights
  • International flights
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Visas

Itinerary

Arusha to Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara

You will be picked up at 8:30 AM from your Arusha hotel and begin your journey to Lake Manyara National Park for a full-day game drive. As you enter the park, you’ll pass through lush forests filled with Acacia and Mahogany trees. Watch for buffaloes, giraffes, baboons, and impalas during the drive. If lucky, you may spot the famous tree-climbing lions. In season, the shoreline is dotted with flamingos. Afterward, enjoy dinner at your camp or lodge.

Lake Manyara to Central Serengeti

Serengeti

After breakfast, we depart for Serengeti National Park, passing through the scenic farmlands of Karatu and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descending from the highlands, we enter the vast Serengeti with its endless plains. We’ll head to Seronera, a prime wildlife hub known for its rich biodiversity and the Seronera River, attracting a variety of species. Arriving in time for lunch, we’ll enjoy an afternoon game drive exploring the park's incredible wildlife.

Central Serengeti

Serengeti

You can choose between a relaxed breakfast and a full day game drive at 9:00 AM, with a packed lunch and return by 6:00 PM, or an early morning drive at 6:00 AM, followed by breakfast and a relaxing break before an afternoon game drive. Today, you'll explore the Seronera area of Serengeti, one of the richest wildlife habitats, known for its lion prides and leopards. The Seronera River attracts diverse wildlife, making it a prime spot for game viewing.

Central Serengeti

You can choose between a relaxed breakfast and depart for a full-day game drive around 9:00 AM with a packed lunch, returning around 6:00 PM, or an early morning game drive at 6:00 AM, followed by breakfast and an afternoon drive with a packed lunch. Today’s adventure takes you through the central Serengeti, particularly the Seronera area, renowned for its rich wildlife, including lion prides and leopards. The Seronera River attracts a variety of species, ensuring excellent game viewing year.

Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro Crater

After an early breakfast at 6:30 AM, you'll begin your day with a packed lunch for a morning game drive in Serengeti National Park. Your guide will select the most rewarding circuits based on your previous sightings and preferences. Expect to encounter plenty of big cats, especially lions, along with other wildlife in this rich ecosystem. In the afternoon, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Ngorongoro Crater to AArusha

Ngorongoro Crater

On the final day, after breakfast, you'll descend into Ngorongoro Crater at 6:30 AM. The crater, the world’s largest unfilled caldera, offers a 5-hour game drive where you can spot elephants, rhinos, lions, and more. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Hippo Pool, then ascend back to the rim. After a 4-hour drive, you’ll be dropped off in Arusha by 6:00 PM, bringing an unforgettable safari to a close with cherished memories.

Here are the latest 6 tours by Origin Ventures and Safaris. See all 49 tours.

Mikumi and Ruaha
From 1400.00 pp
6 days | Mid-range | Moderate activity

Tour by: Origin Ventures and Safaris

Countries:

Tanzania flag

Focus: Game drives

Tarangire, Natron & Serengeti
From 2000.00 pp
6 days | Mid-range | Moderate activity

Tour by: Origin Ventures and Safaris

Countries:

Tanzania flag

Focus: Game drives

Ultimate Tanzania Safar
From 2100.00 pp
6 days | Mid-range | Moderate activity

Tour by: Origin Ventures and Safaris

Countries:

Tanzania flag

Focus: Game drives

Private Tanzania Safari
From 2300.00 pp
6 days | Mid-range | Moderate activity

Tour by: Origin Ventures and Safaris

Countries:

Tanzania flag

Focus: Game drives

Group Adventure & Beyond
From 1900.00 pp
5 days | Mid-range | Easy activity

Tour by: Origin Ventures and Safaris

Countries:

Tanzania flag

Focus: Game drives

Group Tour Manyara & Serengeti
From 1850.00 pp
5 days | Mid-range | Easy activity

Tour by: Origin Ventures and Safaris

Countries:

Tanzania flag

Focus: Game drives

See all 49 tours

Tour offered by:
Origin Ventures and Safaris
YAScore: 84/100
Based on 22 reviews

Overall rating
Cleanliness of vehicle
Meet and greet team
Quality of itinerary
Responsiveness of staff