Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Best of Northern Tanzania Safari. This region of Tanzania is home to some of the most breathtaking wildlife reserves in Africa, including the Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park. Each of these parks offers a unique experience, from observing herds of elephants to spotting tree-climbing lions and hundreds of bird species. With stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural encounters, Northern Tanzania is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Lake Manyara, afternoon game drive 

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater, half-day game drive 

Day 3: Game drives, guided walks, or biking 

Day 4: Tarangire game drive, return to Moshi/Arusha 

Day 1: Drive to Lake Manyara, afternoon game drive

Drive 3-4 hours from Moshi to Lake Manyara, lunch en route. Afternoon game drive in Lake Manyara.

Lake Manyara is a highly scenic park, rimmed on one side by the tall cliffs of the Rift escarpment, and ringed with a variety of habitats including the namesake for the park, Lake Manyara. The game we see in Manyara include hippos, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, impala, dwarf mongooses, hyraxes, hippos, wildebeest, zebra, and on rare occasions, tree-climbing lions and leopards.

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater, half-day game drive

Drive 30-60 minutes to Ngorongoro Crater. Half-day game drive in the crater.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest caldera measuring nearly 2,000 feet in depth while covering 250 square kilometers in area. The Crater is a spectacular setting and contains an abundance of wildlife with over 20,000 large animals including Tanzania’s remaining black rhino. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is unique in that it allows over 40,000 Masaai pastoralists with their cattle goats and sheep to live alongside the abundant wildlife in a natural setting.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Game drives, guided walks, or biking

Today explore more of the area, either on a full-day game drive with your AWR safari guide into either Tarangire or Lake Manyara, or try an active or cultural half-day activity.

Local activities include a Zipline, cultural hike, biking to the Lake Manyara shoreline, Mto wa Mbu village tour, Tinga Tinga painting class, or a coffee tour. Ideally, these are done as a half-day morning tour with a relaxing afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Tarangire game drive, return to Moshi/Arusha

Tarangire, morning game drive. Afternoon, return to Moshi/Arusha via Mto Wa Mbu.

Tarangire is famous for its huge herds of elephants, healthy and large lion feelings of pride, and towering baobab trees. Throughout the dry season, thirsty antelope and elephants trek from many miles away to drink along the Tarangire River. Rare mammals here include the long-necked gerenuk, oryx, and wild dog.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch