This 4-day luxury safari on the northern circuit of Tanzania, takes you to the most famous and incredible parks whereby you will visit three parks which are Tarangire, 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 and Lake Manyara National Park which is famous for the tree climbing lions and the birds’ population. You will sleep in luxury 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: Mount Meru Hotel / Arusha Coffee Lodge / Gran Melia Arusha

Meal: Bed & Breakfast

DAY 2: ARUSHA TO TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast at your Arusha hotel around 7:30 to 8:00 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 spans approximately 2,603 square kilometers and offers a diverse array of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, buffalos, lions, and leopards. The park is home to over 500 bird species, such as bee-eaters and ostriches.

The name Tarangire comes from the Mbugwe term meaning “river of warthogs,” and the Tarangire River is essential for both herbivores and predators, especially during the dry season. Lunch will be served at a picnic site around noon, after which you’ll continue your game drive until late afternoon. You’ll then exit the park and drive to your luxury lodge in Karatu for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Destination: Tarangire National Park

Accommodation:  Kitela Lodge / Neptune Ngorongoro / Gibb’s Farm 

Meal: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 3: NGORONGORO CRATER TO KARATU

After breakfast at your Karatu lodge around 7:30 to 8:00 AM, you’ll depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a roughly 1-hour drive to the gate. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is 600m deep. Before descending, you’ll stop at a viewpoint to take in the stunning panorama.

Home to about 25,000 mammals and over 500 bird species, including migratory flamingos, Ngorongoro is the best place in East Africa to see endangered black rhinos, part of the Big Five. You can spot zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, lions, and more within its 20km diameter. The park offers 5-6 hours for exploration if you’re short on time. A highlight is the Ngoitoktok picnic site, a hippo pool where you’ll enjoy lunch.

After your packed lunch, you’ll complete your game drive before ascending the crater and heading to your accommodation for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Destination: Ngorongoro crater

Accommodation:  Kitela Lodge / Neptune Ngorongoro / Gibb’s Farm 

Meal: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 4: LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK TO ARUSHA

After breakfast at your Karatu lodge around 7:30 to 8:00 AM, you’ll drive about 1 hour to Lake Manyara National Park. This park is renowned for its diverse birdlife and tree-climbing lions, covering approximately 325 square kilometers, with a third land and two-thirds lake. The shallow alkaline lake attracts many birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and secretary birds.

Wildlife in Lake Manyara includes lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more. Located in the southwestern Rift Valley region, the park also offers activities like forest hikes, canoeing, and walking safaris.

Lunch will be served at a picnic site, after which you’ll drive to Arusha. There, you’ll meet a Gardenia African Safaris representative for a special farewell. If you wish to extend your stay in Arusha, we can arrange that, or if you have a flight, we’ll take you to the airport for your onward journey.

Destination: Lake Manyara National Park

Meal: Breakfast & Lunch