A well-balanced 5-day “Endless Plain” Safari Itinerary through Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, designed to capture the magic of the Serengeti (the land of the endless plains) and surrounding highlights like Ngorongoro, Tarangire, or Lake Manyara.
Best time: Year-round — but best during dry season (June–October) or calving season (Jan–March)
| Day | Destination | Highlights | Overnight Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tarangire OR Lake Manyara | Elephants, baobabs OR tree-climbing lions | Near park / Karatu |
| 2 | Serengeti (Central) | Game drive en route to Serengeti | Serengeti Tented Camp |
| 3 | Serengeti (Full Day) | Big cats, endless plains, migration (seasonal) | Serengeti Tented Camp |
| 4 | Ngorongoro Crater | Crater safari – Big 5 in a day | Karatu / Ngorongoro Rim |
| 5 | Return to Arusha | Scenic drive, cultural stop (optional) | Fly out / Arusha |
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Depart Arusha after breakfast (~8 AM)
Drive ~2–3 hours to Tarangire or Lake Manyara
Option A – Tarangire:
Giant baobab trees
Huge elephant herds
Possible lion and leopard sightings
Option B – Lake Manyara:
Tree-climbing lions
Flamingos, hippos, lush groundwater forest
🛏️ Overnight: Lodge/camp in Karatu or near the park
Early breakfast, drive via Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge (prehistoric site)
Game drive en route across endless plains
Arrive in Central Serengeti (Seronera) by afternoon
Begin spotting lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes
🛏️ Overnight: Tented Camp or Lodge in Central Serengeti
Sunrise game drive (optional)
Explore Central Serengeti or move north/south depending on Great Migration location
Expect to see:
Lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas
Wildebeest herds (in migration season)
Elephants, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, gazelles
🛏️ Overnight: Tented Camp in Serengeti
Early morning departure from Serengeti
Game drive en route
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater (~2,000 ft deep)
Chance to see the Big Five – especially rhinos
Enjoy packed lunch at hippo pool
🛏️ Overnight: Lodge in Karatu or Ngorongoro Rim
After breakfast, drive ~3–4 hours back to Arusha
Optional visit to Maasai village or local market
Transfer to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International (JRO) for departure