5-Day Tanzania Big 5 Safari: Northern Circuit

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day Northern Circuit safari in Tanzania with Ol’tau Safaris, exploring four of Africa’s most legendary wildlife destinations – Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. This journey blends breathtaking landscapes, thrilling game drives, and close-up encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife into one seamless adventure.

From the moment your journey begins – whether flying in from Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Arusha – you’ll be immersed in the magic of Tanzania’s premier safari circuit. Watch tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara, be awed by Tarangire’s giant elephant herds and ancient baobabs, stand in awe on the Serengeti’s endless plains as predators stalk their prey, and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder teeming with animals in one of the densest wildlife havens on Earth.

This is more than just a safari – it’s an authentic African experience, designed for families, friends, and large groups who want comfort without losing the thrill of the wild. With Ol’tau Safaris, every detail is taken care of: spacious private 4x4 vehicles, child-friendly itineraries, expert local guides, and handpicked lodges or tented camps that combine comfort with a touch of adventure.

Whether you’re chasing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, photographing pink flamingos along Lake Manyara’s shimmering shores, or watching a black rhino graze in the Ngorongoro Crater, this safari promises unforgettable wildlife moments and breathtaking scenery every single day.

Join us for a Northern Circuit Tanzania safari where the landscapes are epic, the wildlife encounters are thrilling, and the memories will last a lifetime. At Ol’tau Safaris, we put our heart into every journey – because “Ol’tau” means the heart, and this safari is crafted straight from ours.

Safari Itinerary

Day 1 – Lake Manyara National Park
Begin your adventure in the emerald-green paradise of Lake Manyara National Park. Famous for its tree-climbing lions, pink-hued flamingos, and giant baobab trees, Manyara offers a perfect welcome to the Northern Circuit. Watch elephants amble through the forest, hippos wallow in the lake, and playful baboons fill the treetops.

Day 2 – Tarangire National Park
A photographer’s dream awaits in Tarangire, where ancient baobabs tower over vast herds of elephants. This park is known for its incredible concentration of wildlife during the dry season and its untamed beauty year-round. Keep your camera ready for lions, leopards, and a kaleidoscope of birdlife.

Day 3 & 4 – Serengeti National Park
Step into the timeless wilderness of the Serengeti, home to the Great Migration and Africa’s most famous wildlife scenes. Spend two full days exploring the sweeping grasslands, tracking big cats on the hunt, and witnessing unforgettable sunsets over the horizon. Whether it’s wildebeest thundering across the plains or a cheetah sprinting after its prey – the Serengeti never disappoints.

Day 5 – Ngorongoro Crater
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Here, the density of wildlife is unmatched – from black rhinos to massive tusker elephants and prides of lions basking in the morning sun. A fitting finale to an epic Northern Circuit journey.

Why Travel with Ol’tau Safaris?
• Family & Group Specialists – From toddlers to grandparents, we make safaris safe, comfortable, and magical for all ages.
• From South to North, We Deliver Excellence – Whether you start in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Arusha, our service is seamless.
• The Best Value in the Market – Premium experiences at unbeatable prices.
• Heart of the Wild – “Ol’tau” means “the heart” – and we put our heart into every journey.

What’s Included:

✔ Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
✔ Professional, English-speaking driver-guide
✔ All park entry fees for Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
✔ Full-board accommodation (lodges/tented camps) during safari
✔ Bottled drinking water during game drives
✔ Airport pick-up & drop-off (Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Arusha)
✔ Unlimited mileage game drives and wildlife viewing opportunities

What’s Not Included:

✖ International & domestic flights (can be arranged upon request)
✖ Travel insurance & visa fees
✖ Drinks at lodges/camps (except bottled water)
✖ Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, tips)
✖ Optional activities not listed in the itinerary