Tanzania Short Northern Circuit
Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara in five days
Your Route
Arusha → Lake Manyara → Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
Route Details
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara
Compact park with tree-climbing lions and flamingo-covered alkaline lake.
Highlights
- Tree-climbing lions in the groundwater forest
- Flamingos along the lake shore
- Diverse habitats in a small area
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Full crater exploration with excellent Big Five viewing.
Highlights
- Dense wildlife concentration on crater floor
- Good black rhino sighting probability
- Crater rim views at sunset
A Typical Day
Sample from Lake Manyara National Park
5:30–6:30
Early wake-up call
7:00–12:00
Game drive along the lake shore and escarpment
12:00–15:00
Lunch at camp, rest
15:00–18:00
Afternoon game drive in the forest
18:00–21:00
Dinner at camp
Activities
Included Activities
Optional (additional cost)
Is This Right for You?
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers, those with limited time, and first-timers wanting a taste of Tanzania safari.
Not ideal for
Those wanting Serengeti, travelers seeking luxury, or anyone wanting an extended safari experience.
Trade-offs
Like what you see?
We'll customize this route around your preferences
Best Time to Go
Year-Round
Both parks offer good viewing year-round
Why This Itinerary Works
Every Vurara Safaris itinerary reflects specific trade-offs. Here is the reasoning behind this route:
5 days balances depth at each location against travel fatigue. Shorter trips sacrifice wildlife time; longer trips face diminishing returns.
Segment order minimizes backtracking and positions high-density wildlife areas at optimal points in the journey.
Budget tier prioritizes wildlife access over amenities. Shared vehicles and basic camps reduce per-person costs without sacrificing game viewing.
Budget-conscious travelers, those with limited time, and first-timers wanting a taste of Tanzania safari.
Why each segment was chosen:
Lake Manyara National Park
Location selected for wildlife density, logistical efficiency, and alignment with stated priorities.
Ngorongoro Crater
Crater floor offers the highest density of wildlife in Africa. One full day is optimal; more time faces diminishing returns.
These decisions are not arbitrary. They reflect documented trade-offs from thousands of safari conversations.
How Vurara Safaris makes decisionsCustomization Options
Accommodation Options
Travel Modes
Available Extensions
Tarangire Addition
Add 2 nights in Tarangire for elephants
Cost Context
$2,500–$4,500/pp
Per person estimate
This cost band represents typical per-person pricing for this itinerary pattern. Actual costs vary based on accommodation tier, travel mode, season, and party size.
Excluding international flights
Related Decisions
Questions to consider before booking