6 Day Northern Tanzania Safari
The 6 Day Northern Tanzania Safari is designed for travellers who want to explore several of the most important wildlife destinations in Tanzania's northern safari circuit within one carefully organised itinerary.
The route normally combines Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
Each destination provides a different landscape and wildlife experience, from groundwater forest and wetlands to giant baobabs, Serengeti grasslands and the dramatic volcanic environment of Ngorongoro Crater.
Six days also provides more time for Serengeti wildlife viewing than many shorter northern Tanzania safari itineraries.
6 Day Northern Tanzania Safari at a Glance
- Day 1: Lake Manyara National Park wildlife game drive
- Day 2: Tarangire National Park elephant and baobab safari
- Day 3: Travel to Serengeti National Park and afternoon game drive
- Day 4: Full day Serengeti wildlife safari
- Day 5: Serengeti game drive and transfer toward Ngorongoro
- Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater game drive and return or onward transfer
- Main Destinations: Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- Safari Style: Private or group joining when available
- Vehicle: 4x4 safari vehicle with viewing roof
- Accommodation: Camping, tented camp or lodge according to the confirmed package
Complete 6 Day Northern Tanzania Safari Itinerary
DAY
01
LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Lake Manyara Wildlife Game Drive
Begin the northern Tanzania safari with a road journey toward Lake Manyara National Park accompanied by a professional safari guide.
After completing the required entry procedures, begin wildlife viewing beneath the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment.
Lake Manyara contains groundwater forest, woodland, wetlands and lake environments, making it an excellent first destination for understanding the ecological diversity of northern Tanzania.
Depending on natural wildlife movement, possible sightings include elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, antelopes, baboons and blue monkeys.
Hippos and numerous bird species may also be encountered around suitable wetland environments depending on water conditions and season.
Lake Manyara is associated with tree climbing lions, although this behaviour is unpredictable and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
A picnic lunch is normally enjoyed during the wildlife game drive according to the confirmed safari package.
After further afternoon exploration, leave the park and travel toward the confirmed campsite, lodge or tented accommodation.
Day 1 Highlights
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Great Rift Valley scenery
- Groundwater forest
- Elephant viewing opportunities
- Baboons and blue monkeys
- Wetland habitats
- Birdwatching opportunities
- First overnight safari stay
Destination
Lake Manyara National Park.
Meals
According to the confirmed safari package.
Accommodation
Camping, tented camp or lodge according to the confirmed package.
DAY
02
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Tarangire Elephant and Baobab Safari
After breakfast, travel toward Tarangire National Park for another full wildlife experience.
Tarangire presents a different landscape from Lake Manyara, with open savannah, woodland, seasonal wetlands, river habitats and giant baobab trees.
The park is particularly recognised for opportunities to observe African elephants.
Depending on natural conditions, elephants may be encountered feeding beneath trees, moving through woodland or gathering around available water sources.
Other possible wildlife includes giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, warthogs, antelopes and numerous bird species.
Lions and other predators may also be present in suitable habitats, although no particular wildlife sighting can be guaranteed.
A picnic lunch is normally enjoyed according to the confirmed safari arrangement.
Continue the game drive during the afternoon before travelling toward the accommodation positioned for the following day's journey to Serengeti.
Day 2 Highlights
- Tarangire National Park
- African elephant viewing opportunities
- Giant baobab trees
- Savannah and woodland environments
- Giraffes, zebras and buffaloes
- Professional safari guiding
- 4x4 wildlife game drive
- Second overnight safari stay
DAY
03
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Travel to Serengeti and Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, begin travelling toward Serengeti National Park through the northern Tanzania safari circuit.
Depending on the confirmed route, the journey may travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before continuing toward Serengeti.
The scenery gradually opens into broad grasslands, acacia woodland and classic Serengeti landscapes.
After completing the required park procedures, begin wildlife viewing while travelling deeper into the national park.
Possible sightings include lions, wildebeest, zebras, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, gazelles, hyenas and many bird species.
Cheetahs and leopards also occur within Serengeti, although sightings remain naturally unpredictable.
Continue the afternoon wildlife game drive before arriving at the confirmed Serengeti campsite, tented camp or lodge.
Day 3 Highlights
- Journey toward Serengeti
- Serengeti National Park
- Open plains
- Lion viewing opportunities
- Wildebeest and zebra
- Possible cheetah sightings
- Possible leopard sightings
- First Serengeti overnight stay
DAY
04
FULL DAY SERENGETI
Full Day Serengeti Wildlife Safari
After breakfast, begin a full day dedicated to wildlife exploration inside Serengeti National Park.
Your professional safari guide selects suitable wildlife areas according to natural animal movement, recent activity, road conditions and season.
Serengeti contains extensive grasslands, acacia woodland, rocky kopjes and seasonal water environments supporting predators and grazing wildlife.
Possible sightings include lions, wildebeest, zebras, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hyenas, gazelles and many other species.
Cheetahs may sometimes be encountered across open plains, while leopards can remain concealed in trees or woodland.
Rocky kopjes may provide resting or observation points for lions and other wildlife while creating memorable photographic landscapes.
A picnic lunch may be enjoyed according to the confirmed safari package, allowing more time inside the park.
Continue exploring through the afternoon before returning to the confirmed accommodation for dinner and another Serengeti overnight stay.
Day 4 Highlights
- Full day Serengeti game drive
- Lion and predator opportunities
- Wildebeest and zebra
- Possible cheetah sightings
- Possible leopard sightings
- Serengeti kopjes
- Wildlife photography opportunities
- Second Serengeti overnight stay
DAY
05
SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO
Serengeti Game Drive and Transfer toward Ngorongoro
After breakfast, continue exploring Serengeti before beginning the journey toward Ngorongoro.
The morning provides another opportunity to search for predators and grazing animals in suitable habitats.
Depending on natural wildlife movement, possible sightings include lions, wildebeest, zebras, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hyenas and gazelles.
The guide may explore open plains, rocky kopjes, woodland or seasonal water environments according to current wildlife activity.
A picnic lunch may be enjoyed according to the confirmed safari arrangement.
Later, leave Serengeti and travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Enjoy changing landscapes as the safari approaches the Ngorongoro highlands before arriving at the confirmed accommodation for the final overnight stay.
Day 5 Highlights
- Additional Serengeti wildlife viewing
- Predator viewing opportunities
- Wildebeest and zebra
- Serengeti plains and kopjes
- Wildlife photography
- Transfer toward Ngorongoro
- Ngorongoro highland scenery
- Fifth overnight safari stay
DAY
06
NGORONGORO CRATER
Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive and Return
After an early breakfast, continue toward the Ngorongoro Crater rim for the final major wildlife experience of the safari.
Weather permitting, enjoy views across the crater before descending to the floor using the authorised access road.
The crater contains grasslands, wetlands, forest sections and water habitats supporting a diverse collection of wildlife.
Possible sightings include lions, elephants, buffaloes, wildebeest, zebras, hyenas, hippos, gazelles and other antelopes.
Black rhinos may occasionally be visible, sometimes from considerable distance, although sightings depend entirely on natural wildlife movement.
A picnic lunch is normally enjoyed during the crater game drive according to the confirmed safari package.
After additional wildlife viewing, ascend from the crater and begin the return or onward journey.
The safari can conclude in Moshi, Arusha or another confirmed destination according to the agreed arrangement.
Day 6 Highlights
- Ngorongoro Crater game drive
- Crater rim scenery
- Lion and buffalo viewing opportunities
- Hippo viewing opportunities
- Possible black rhino sightings
- Picnic lunch according to the package
- Return or onward transfer
Why Choose a 6 Day Northern Tanzania Safari?
A six day itinerary allows travellers to explore several of northern Tanzania's major wildlife areas without reducing Serengeti to only a short visit.
Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro each provide different habitats and wildlife opportunities.
This creates a varied itinerary suitable for first time Tanzania visitors as well as travellers combining wildlife with Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar.
Northern Tanzania Safari Highlights
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Tarangire National Park
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Extended Serengeti wildlife viewing
- Elephant viewing opportunities
- Giant baobab trees
- Lion and predator opportunities
- Wildebeest and zebra
- Possible cheetah and leopard sightings
- Possible black rhino sightings
- Professional safari guide
What Is the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit?
The northern Tanzania safari circuit refers to a collection of wildlife destinations in the northern part of the country that can be combined efficiently by road.
Popular destinations include Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The circuit is especially attractive because each destination provides a different ecosystem rather than repeating the same landscape every day.
Lake Manyara Safari Experience
Lake Manyara introduces forest, woodland, wetland and lake environments beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
Possible wildlife includes elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, blue monkeys, hippos and numerous bird species.
Water levels and wetland conditions change according to rainfall and season.
Tarangire Safari Experience
Tarangire provides one of the northern circuit's most distinctive landscapes through its giant baobab trees, open savannah and woodland.
The park is especially recognised for opportunities to observe African elephants.
Possible additional wildlife includes giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, warthogs, antelopes and predators.
Serengeti Safari Experience
Serengeti forms the central wildlife focus of the itinerary.
The route includes wildlife viewing on arrival, a full day of game drives and additional wildlife exploration before travelling toward Ngorongoro.
This provides more time for predator searching, photography and observing the changing landscapes of the Serengeti ecosystem.
Ngorongoro Crater Safari Experience
Ngorongoro Crater creates a dramatic final safari environment.
The crater floor contains grasslands, wetlands, forest sections and water habitats within a volcanic setting.
Possible wildlife includes lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, elephants, hyenas, hippos and black rhinos when natural conditions allow.
Wildlife You May Encounter
- African elephants
- Lions
- Wildebeest
- Zebras
- Buffaloes
- Giraffes
- Cheetahs
- Leopards
- Hyenas
- Hippos
- Warthogs
- Baboons
- Blue monkeys
- Gazelles and other antelopes
- Black rhinos when natural conditions allow
- Numerous bird species
All animals remain free ranging, so no particular wildlife sighting can be guaranteed during the safari.
Elephant Viewing Opportunities
Tarangire provides particularly strong opportunities to observe African elephants.
Elephants may also be encountered in Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro depending on natural movement.
The combination of elephants and giant baobab trees in Tarangire can provide excellent photography opportunities.
Lion Viewing Opportunities
Serengeti and Ngorongoro provide opportunities to search for lions.
Serengeti lions may be encountered on open plains, around rocky kopjes or within other suitable habitats.
Ngorongoro provides another opportunity during the final crater game drive.
All lion sightings remain dependent on natural wildlife movement.
Cheetah Viewing Opportunities
Cheetahs occur in the Serengeti ecosystem and are often associated with open landscapes.
The full Serengeti game drive day provides additional opportunities to explore suitable habitats.
Cheetah sightings remain unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.
Leopard Viewing Opportunities
Leopards occur within Serengeti but can be difficult to locate because they may remain concealed in woodland, vegetation or trees.
Professional guiding helps identify suitable areas, but sightings remain dependent on natural behaviour.
Great Migration Opportunities
Serengeti is internationally recognised for seasonal wildebeest and zebra movement through the wider ecosystem.
The position of the herds changes according to rainfall, grazing conditions and season.
Travellers specifically interested in migration activity should select the most suitable Serengeti region according to their travel dates.
No particular migration event can be guaranteed.
River Crossing Opportunities
River crossings occur during certain migration stages and are highly unpredictable.
Even when large herds gather beside a river, they may remain there without crossing while travellers are present.
A river crossing should therefore never be guaranteed as part of the safari.
Black Rhino Opportunities
Ngorongoro Crater provides an opportunity to search for black rhinos.
They may occasionally be visible from considerable distance, making binoculars useful.
Black rhino sightings depend entirely on natural wildlife movement and cannot be guaranteed.
Can You See the Big Five?
The northern Tanzania itinerary provides opportunities to encounter several members of Africa's famous Big Five.
Lions, elephants and buffaloes may be encountered, leopards occur in Serengeti, and black rhinos may occasionally be visible in Ngorongoro.
A complete Big Five sighting cannot be guaranteed.
Birdwatching on a Northern Tanzania Safari
The route covers several different bird habitats.
Lake Manyara contributes forest, wetland and lake environments, Tarangire adds savannah and woodland, Serengeti provides grassland habitats, and Ngorongoro offers further wetland and open country opportunities.
Travellers interested in birds may find binoculars especially useful.
Private 6 Day Northern Tanzania Safari
A private safari provides a dedicated 4x4 vehicle and professional guide for the confirmed travelling party.
This arrangement is suitable for couples, families, friends and photographers who prefer greater privacy and personalised guiding.
The guide can focus more closely on the group's wildlife interests while following park regulations and practical travel schedules.
Group Joining Northern Tanzania Safari
A group joining safari may be available on selected scheduled departures.
Travellers share a safari vehicle with other guests following the same itinerary.
This arrangement can reduce selected per person vehicle and guide related expenses when a suitable group is available.
6 Day Budget Northern Tanzania Safari
A budget safari normally uses camping or practical lower cost accommodation while maintaining the main wildlife route and game drives.
Camping can reduce accommodation expenses while still providing access to Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
The final quotation should clearly identify camping equipment, campsite arrangements and other included safari services.
6 Day Camping Safari
Camping provides a practical way to explore Tanzania's northern circuit while controlling overnight accommodation costs.
The six day itinerary normally requires five overnight stays.
The exact campsites, tents and camping services should be confirmed before booking.
6 Day Lodge Safari
Travellers seeking permanent accommodation can choose lodges or tented camps.
Accommodation categories can range from practical properties to mid range and premium safari lodges.
The exact accommodation names and room categories should be stated in the confirmed quotation.
Tented Camp Safari
Tented camps provide another accommodation option along the northern Tanzania circuit.
Facilities can vary from relatively simple permanent camps to higher category safari properties.
Accommodation location is especially important around Serengeti because it can influence game drive access and daily travel distance.
Safari Accommodation
A six day northern Tanzania safari normally includes five overnight stays.
Accommodation can use camping, tented camps, lodges or a combination according to the selected package.
Overnight locations are chosen to support practical movement between Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Professional Safari Guide
A professional safari guide accompanies travellers throughout the itinerary.
The guide manages road transportation, park procedures and wildlife game drives while providing information about animals, habitats and landscapes.
Game drive routes can change according to wildlife movement, season, weather and road conditions.
4x4 Safari Vehicle
The itinerary is normally operated using a 4x4 safari vehicle with a viewing roof.
The vehicle is used for road transportation between destinations and wildlife game drives inside the national parks and conservation area.
The viewing roof improves visibility for wildlife observation and photography.
Meals During the Safari
Meals are provided according to the confirmed safari package.
A typical safari arrangement can include breakfast, lunch and dinner during overnight safari days, with exact meals depending on the confirmed program.
The final quotation should clearly identify which meals are included.
Dietary Requirements
Vegetarian and other dietary requirements should be communicated before departure.
Advance notice allows the safari team and accommodation providers to prepare suitable meals where possible.
Drinking Water
Drinking water is normally carried in the safari vehicle according to the confirmed package.
Alcoholic beverages and additional personal drinks may be excluded unless specifically included.
Northern Tanzania Safari for Couples
Couples can choose a private safari for additional privacy or join a suitable scheduled departure when available.
A private arrangement allows the professional guide to focus more closely on the couple's wildlife and photography interests.
Northern Tanzania Safari for Families
Families can enjoy the itinerary using private or group arrangements according to availability.
A private safari vehicle can provide additional convenience for families travelling with children.
Children's ages should be provided when requesting the final quotation.
Northern Tanzania Safari for Solo Travellers
Solo travellers can request a private safari or check whether a suitable group joining departure matches their travel dates.
Joining an existing group can reduce selected vehicle based expenses.
Northern Tanzania Safari for Photographers
The route provides varied photography opportunities across four different wildlife environments.
Lake Manyara provides forest and wetland landscapes, Tarangire offers elephants and baobabs, Serengeti provides predators and broad plains, while Ngorongoro adds dramatic crater scenery.
The full Serengeti day provides additional time for wildlife photography compared with shorter itineraries.
6 Day Northern Tanzania Safari After Kilimanjaro
A six day safari can be an excellent wildlife extension after completing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Travellers can move from the Kilimanjaro region into Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro as part of one Tanzania journey.
Climbers should consider physical recovery when selecting the safari start date.
Northern Tanzania Safari Before Kilimanjaro
The safari can also be arranged before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
The final travel schedule should leave sufficient time for the mountain briefing, equipment preparation and rest before trekking begins.
Combining Northern Tanzania Safari with Zanzibar
A northern Tanzania wildlife safari can also be combined with a Zanzibar beach stay.
The safari portion provides wildlife and landscape experiences, while Zanzibar can provide beach time, cultural activities and Indian Ocean scenery.
Flight and transfer arrangements should be coordinated according to the confirmed travel plan.
6 Day Northern Tanzania Safari Cost
The exact safari cost depends on the number of travellers, private or group joining arrangement, travel dates, accommodation category and services included.
Camping normally provides a more economical accommodation option, while lodge and tented camp prices vary according to location and comfort category.
A detailed quotation should clearly identify park related charges, accommodation, safari transportation, professional guiding, meals and other major inclusions.
What Affects the Safari Price?
- Number of travellers
- Private or group joining arrangement
- Accommodation category
- Travel dates
- National park related charges
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area related charges
- Applicable crater related charges
- Vehicle operation and fuel
- Professional safari guiding
- Meals and drinking water
- Starting and ending locations
What Is Normally Included?
- Safari transportation according to the confirmed package
- Professional safari guide
- 4x4 safari vehicle with viewing roof
- Fuel for the confirmed safari route
- Lake Manyara National Park related charges according to the quotation
- Tarangire National Park related charges according to the quotation
- Serengeti National Park related charges according to the quotation
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area related charges according to the quotation
- Ngorongoro crater related charges according to the confirmed package
- Applicable transit charges according to the final itinerary
- Wildlife game drives
- Five nights accommodation according to the selected package
- Meals according to the confirmed safari program
- Drinking water during the safari
- Return or onward transportation according to the confirmed arrangement
Possible Exclusions
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the safari guide and supporting crew where applicable
- Alcoholic beverages
- Additional personal drinks
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Accommodation before or after the safari unless specified
- Airport transfers unless included
- Optional activities not listed in the confirmed itinerary
- Accommodation upgrades beyond the confirmed category
What to Pack for a Northern Tanzania Safari
- Comfortable lightweight clothing
- Closed comfortable shoes
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Warm layer for Ngorongoro highlands
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera or smartphone
- Binoculars if available
- Personal medication
- Personal toiletries
- Power bank
- Small safari bag
How to Compare Northern Tanzania Safari Packages
Check Before Booking
- Which northern Tanzania destinations are included?
- Is Lake Manyara included?
- Is Tarangire included?
- How much Serengeti game viewing is included?
- Is a full Serengeti day included?
- Is Ngorongoro Crater included?
- Are applicable park charges included?
- Is the safari private or group joining?
- Which accommodation category is included?
- Are all five overnight stays included?
- Which meals are included?
- Is drinking water included?
- Is the 4x4 safari vehicle included?
- Is fuel included?
- Where does the safari start and finish?
Best Time for a Northern Tanzania Safari
Northern Tanzania can provide rewarding wildlife viewing during different periods of the year.
Drier periods can influence wildlife concentrations around available water, while greener periods create lush landscapes and rewarding birdwatching conditions.
The distribution of wildebeest and zebras within Serengeti changes according to seasonal rainfall, grazing conditions and herd movement.
Travellers interested in specific migration stages should plan the Serengeti region according to their exact travel dates.
6 Day Northern Tanzania Safari vs 5 Day Safari
A five day northern Tanzania safari can cover several major destinations within a shorter schedule.
The six day itinerary provides additional time for Serengeti wildlife viewing, reducing the need to move quickly between destinations.
Travellers whose main interests include predators, photography and extended Serengeti exploration may prefer the additional day.
6 Day Northern Tanzania Safari vs 7 Day Safari
A seven day itinerary can provide another full safari day, additional Serengeti time or a slower travel schedule.
The six day itinerary remains a strong balance for travellers who want four major northern Tanzania destinations without extending the safari to a full week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which destinations are included in the 6 Day Northern Tanzania Safari?
A popular itinerary combines Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
How many nights are included?
The six day safari normally includes five overnight stays according to the confirmed accommodation package.
How much time is spent in Serengeti?
The itinerary includes wildlife viewing on arrival, a full Serengeti game drive day and additional game viewing before travelling toward Ngorongoro.
Can the safari be private?
Yes. A private safari provides a dedicated 4x4 vehicle and professional guide for the confirmed travelling party.
Is group joining available?
Group joining may be available when a suitable scheduled departure follows the same route and matches the requested dates.
Can I choose camping or lodge accommodation?
Yes. Camping, tented camps and lodge accommodation can be arranged according to availability, budget and preferred comfort level.
Can I see elephants?
Tarangire provides particularly strong elephant viewing opportunities, although elephants may also be encountered in Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Can I see lions?
Serengeti and Ngorongoro provide opportunities to search for lions, although every sighting depends on natural wildlife movement.
Can I see cheetahs and leopards?
Both species occur within Serengeti National Park, although sightings are naturally unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.
Can I see black rhinos?
Black rhinos may occasionally be visible inside Ngorongoro Crater, sometimes from considerable distance, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Can I see the Great Migration?
Migration viewing depends on travel dates, rainfall, grazing conditions and the actual location of wildebeest and zebra herds within the wider Serengeti ecosystem.
Can I see the Big Five?
The itinerary provides opportunities to encounter several Big Five species, but a complete Big Five sighting cannot be guaranteed.
Are meals included?
Meals can be included according to the confirmed safari package. The exact arrangement should be listed in the final quotation.
Are park charges included?
The final quotation should clearly identify all applicable national park, conservation, transit and crater related charges included in the safari package.
Is this safari suitable after Kilimanjaro?
Yes. A six day northern Tanzania safari can be an excellent wildlife extension after completing a Mount Kilimanjaro climb.
Can I combine the safari with Zanzibar?
Yes. The northern Tanzania safari can be combined with a Zanzibar beach stay according to the confirmed flight and transfer arrangements.
How do I get the exact safari price?
Provide your travel dates, number of adults and children, accommodation preference and whether you want a private or group joining safari. A detailed quotation can then be prepared for the requested arrangement.
Plan Your 6 Day Northern Tanzania Safari
Share your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and accommodation preference to receive a personalised 6 Day Northern Tanzania Safari covering Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro with professional guiding and complete package details.
Request Your Northern Tanzania Safari
