Overview & Summary
Experience the perfect introduction to Tanzania's northern safari circuit on this carefully crafted 4-day journey through three of its most iconic destinations. Begin in Tarangire National Park, where massive elephant herds gather beneath ancient baobab trees and the life-giving Tarangire River attracts predators and prey alike. Discover Lake Manyara's lush groundwater forests and open floodplains, home to legendary tree-climbing lions and thousands of flamingos painting the shoreline pink. 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 endangered black rhino roam freely within this natural amphitheater. Your BMC TOURS & SAFARI guide ensures seamless travel and unforgettable wildlife encounters every step of the way.
Full Itinerary
Tarangire Baobabs, Riverfront Elephant Herds & Kirurumu Tented Lodge
Your safari begins with a warm welcome from your BMC guide at Kilimanjaro Airport, Arusha Airport, or your Arusha hotel. Drive to Tarangire National Park, the "Land of Giants", where baobab-studded landscapes unfold before you.
Upon entry, spot elephant herds numbering in the hundreds along the Tarangire River while lions rest in acacia shade. Enjoy a riverfront lunch box before continuing game drives watching giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and over 500 bird species. Transfer to Mto Wa Mbu in golden evening light.
Dinner and overnight at Kirurumu Tented Lodge
Rift Valley Groundwater Forests, Tree-Climbing Lions & Pink Lake Shorelines
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park nestled beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Explore lush groundwater forests where baboons forage and elephants emerge from shadows.
Emerge onto floodplains searching for tree-climbing lions draped across acacia branches. Marvel at thousands of pink flamingos along alkaline shores, enjoy a lakeside picnic lunch, and transfer to Karatu for dinner.
Dinner and overnight at Marera Valley Lodge
Ngorongoro 600m Crater Floor Descent, Black Rhino Search & Ngoitokitok Springs Lunch
After early breakfast, ascend to the Ngorongoro Crater rim for panoramic caldera views before descending 600 meters onto the crater floor. Track lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and endangered black rhinos.
Explore Lake Magadi's pink flamingos and enjoy a picnic lunch at Ngoitokitok Springs watching hippos surface just meters away. Ascend the crater wall in the late afternoon and return to Karatu for dinner.
Dinner and overnight at Marera Valley LodgeDawn Lake Manyara Game Drive, Soft Morning Light Wildlife Tracking & Return
Wake before dawn and return to Lake Manyara National Park for an early morning game drive as the Rift Valley escarpment glows amber in soft morning light.
Track lions beginning their morning routine, forest elephants, and kingfishers along the shoreline. Exit the park and enjoy a scenic drive back to Arusha for afternoon 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, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater
- Ngorongoro Crater descent fee and crater service fee
- Game drives as described in the itinerary
- 3 nights' accommodation (1 night Kirurumu Tented Lodge, 2 nights Marera Valley Lodge)
- 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 activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional Activities
