Overview & Summary
Experience the pinnacle of Tanzania's northern safari circuit on this expertly crafted 4-day journey through three of Africa's most iconic wilderness areas. Begin in Tarangire National Park, where ancient baobab trees stand sentinel over vast elephant herds gathering along the life-giving Tarangire River. Continue to the legendary Serengeti National Park, whose endless plains host the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth and offer year-round predator sightings. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, where over 25,000 animals including the Big Five roam freely within this natural amphitheater. Your BMC TOURS & SAFARI guide ensures seamless travel, expert wildlife interpretation, and unforgettable moments across these diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
Full Itinerary
Ancient Baobabs, Tarangire River Elephants & Karatu Highlands Stay
Your safari begins with a warm welcome from your BMC TOURS & SAFARI guide at your Arusha hotel. Drive to Tarangire National Park, a landscape dominated by giant ancient baobab trees and sweeping savannahs.
Embark on an afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River, watching herds of up to 300 elephants gathering while lions rest under shade. Enjoy a riverfront picnic lunch before transferring to your lodge near Karatu for dinner.
Dinner and overnight at Marera Valley Lodge
Ngorongoro Highlands Drive, Central Serengeti Predator Savannahs & Sunset Safari
After breakfast, journey to the legendary Serengeti National Park, driving through the Ngorongoro highlands before descending to the vast plains. Drive through grassy savannahs and rocky kopjes where wildlife abounds.
Depending on the season, witness herds of the Great Migration. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your journey and continue game viewing in the central Serengeti before settling into your tented camp for dinner and overnight surrounded by bush sounds.
Overnight at Osinon Serengeti Camp
Dawn Predator Patrol, Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari & Crater Rim Lodge Stay
Wake before dawn for an optional hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti plains (or an early morning game drive rejoining your guide). Drift silently above the savannah as the sun rises, celebrating with a champagne bush breakfast upon landing.
Begin your scenic drive toward the Ngorongoro Highlands, enjoying a final game drive en route. Arrive at your lodge perched on the Ngorongoro Crater rim in the late afternoon for dramatic caldera sunset views before dinner.
Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Safari Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater Big Five Caldera Tour, Lake Magadi Flamingos & Arusha Drop-off
After early breakfast with spectacular crater views, descend 600 meters onto the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a half-day game drive. Track lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and endangered black rhinos roaming freely in this intact volcanic caldera.
Explore Lake Magadi's pink flamingos and enjoy a picnic lunch at Ngoitokitok Springs watching hippos wallow. Ascend the crater wall in the early afternoon and begin your return drive to Arusha for flexible drop-off at your hotel or airport.
END OF OUR SERVICESInclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Professional English-speaking BMC TOURS & SAFARI guide
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Airport and hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha
- All park entry fees for Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
- Ngorongoro Crater descent fee and crater service fee
- 3 nights' accommodation (1 night Karatu, 1 night Central Serengeti, 1 night Ngorongoro Rim)
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners (including picnic lunches)
- Bottled drinking water throughout your safari
- All government taxes and levies
Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs and laundry
- Accommodation in Arusha before or after the safari
- Optional hot air balloon safari (can be arranged in advance)
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional Activities
