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4-Day Safari from Zanzibar: Northern Circuit Active
Safari from Zanzibar

4-Day Safari from Zanzibar: Northern Circuit Active

A 4-day journey combining Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.

Plan this trip
Duration4 Days / 3 Nights
DestinationsArusha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park
Starting fromTailored quote
Overview

About this safari

A 4-day journey combining Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park. Coordinate mainland flights with the Zanzibar stay so that safari time works with arrival and return schedules.

This 4 days / 3 nights private safari starts in Zanzibar and takes you to Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park. Your own vehicle and guide set the pace, and every stay and transfer is confirmed around your dates.

Start / endZanzibar → Zanzibar
TravellingPrivate vehicle & guide
StaysMid-range or luxury
Customise this route

Safari snapshot

A quick look at the route, day by day.

Day-by-day safari summary
DayPlaceHighlightsHotel options
Day 1Arusha National Park - Walking Safari and Mount Meru ViewsFlight from Zanzibar · Picnic lunch · Arusha national park game drive · Walking safariTULIA BOUTIQUE
Day 2Lake Manyara National Park - Rift Valley Forests and Lakeshore WildlifeGame drive at lake manyara · Picnic lunch · Wildlife and bird watchingMarera valley
Day 3Ngorongoro Crater Safari - Descent into a UNESCO World Heritage SiteEarly game drive at Ngorongoro crater · Picnic lunchMarera valley
Day 4Elephant Herds and Wide Savanna LandscapesTarangire National Park safari Scenic game drive · Picnic lunch · Return flight to ZanzibarDeparture

Ways to customise this trip

  • Add a night in the bush, a cultural visit or a balloon flight
  • Upgrade your stays or finish with beach time in Zanzibar
Customise this trip
Where you go

Route

1Arusha National Park2Lake Manyara3Ngorongoro Crater4Tarangire
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
  1. Day 1Arusha National Park
  2. Day 2Lake Manyara
  3. Day 3Ngorongoro Crater
  4. Day 4Tarangire

Day by day

Here is how the days run. We can adjust the route around your dates and the pace you want.

1Day 1Arusha National Park - Walking Safari and Mount Meru ViewsTULIA BOUTIQUE / Lunch, Dinner
Arusha National Park

Explore Arusha National Park’s woodland and lake scenery, with wildlife stops along the planned game-drive route. The programme also includes a guided walking activity where scheduled park arrangements permit.

Main stop
Arusha National Park
Accommodation
TULIA BOUTIQUE
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Activities
Flight from Zanzibar · Picnic lunch · Arusha national park game drive · Walking safari
Accommodation · Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa
Arusha City landscape
Tulia Boutique Hotel & SpaBoutique hotel / Mid-range / Arusha CityView accommodation
2Day 2Lake Manyara National Park - Rift Valley Forests and Lakeshore WildlifeMarera valley / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Manyara National Park

Look for wildlife and birds as the game drive moves between Lake Manyara’s forest habitats and lakeside landscapes.

Main stop
Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation
Marera valley
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities
Game drive at lake manyara · Picnic lunch · Wildlife and bird watching
Accommodation · Marera Valley Lodge
Karatu landscape
Marera Valley LodgeSafari lodge / Mid-range / KaratuView accommodation
3Day 3Ngorongoro Crater Safari - Descent into a UNESCO World Heritage SiteMarera valley / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ngorongoro Crater

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for wildlife viewing across the basin’s grasslands, wetlands and lake margins.

Main stop
Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation
Marera valley
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities
Early game drive at Ngorongoro crater · Picnic lunch
Accommodation · Marera Valley Lodge
Karatu landscape
Marera Valley LodgeSafari lodge / Mid-range / KaratuView accommodation
4Day 4Elephant Herds and Wide Savanna LandscapesBreakfast, Lunch
Tarangire National Park

Explore Tarangire by safari vehicle, looking across the river corridors and baobab woodland for wildlife. Complete the arranged airport transfer and domestic connection back to Zanzibar after the day’s activities.

Main stop
Tarangire National Park
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Activities
Tarangire National Park safari Scenic game drive · Picnic lunch · Return flight to Zanzibar

Accommodation

Where you stay on this trip. We can move the comfort level up or down when we plan your dates.

Tour rates

Your price depends on your dates, group size and the stays you choose. We confirm it in writing once we have checked availability.

Travel styleWhat changesPrice
Mid-rangeComfortable lodges and tented camps, well placed for the parksOn request
LuxurySmaller, more private camps with extra space and serviceOn request

Prices are per person and assume shared rooms. Season, park fees, group size, flights and lodge availability all affect the final quote.

Get my exact quote

What’s included

Included

  • A detailed proposal will confirm the vehicle, guide, accommodation, meals and park fees included in your chosen arrangement.

Not included

  • International flights, visas and travel insurance unless explicitly stated.
  • Optional activities and personal expenses not listed in the confirmed proposal.
Ask what’s included
Traveller stories

Travellers who explored Tanzania with us

Traveller story
Yandel F.Oct 2026 · TripAdvisor
Traveller story
Zeger-JanSept 2026 · TripAdvisor
Traveller story
Valence J.Rome, Italy · Sept 2026 · TripAdvisor
Traveller story
Paxton X.United States · Sept 2026 · TripAdvisor
Traveller story
David S.Aug 2026 · TripAdvisor
Traveller story
Josip Š.Zagreb, Croatia · Aug 2026 · TripAdvisor
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

  1. Can this 4 days / 3 nights itinerary be changed?

    Yes. We can review your dates, daily pace, room preferences and interests, then build a specific proposal. Changes to flights, activities or park nights may affect cost and availability.

  2. Which accommodation will I stay in?

    Your proposal will name the properties and room categories for each night. Any stays shown here are planning options and remain subject to availability; alternative properties are agreed before confirmation.

  3. What wildlife will we see?

    Wildlife sightings depend on season, weather and the animals themselves. Your guide plans around local conditions, but particular species, migration movements and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.

  4. Can I change the route and accommodation?

    Yes. The published routes are starting points. Tell us your dates, interests and preferred comfort level so we can adjust nights, transfers and activities before quoting.

  5. What determines the final price?

    The travel season, number of travellers sharing a vehicle, park fees, room arrangements, lodge availability and domestic flights all affect cost. Your written proposal will identify inclusions and optional extras.

  6. Can the safari finish in Zanzibar?

    A mainland safari can connect with Zanzibar by a separately arranged domestic flight. Leave enough time for the transfer and confirm baggage allowances before booking flights.

  7. When is the best time for a Tanzania safari?

    Wildlife can be seen all year. June to October is dry, with animals gathering near water. January to March brings the calving season in the southern Serengeti. April and May are the long rains: greener, quieter and often better value. We match the parks and camps to the month you travel.

  8. How many days do I need?

    Two or three days suit Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Four to six days let you add the Serengeti without rushing, and seven or more give time for extra parks, a cultural visit or the coast. Fewer long drives usually means a better trip.

  9. Is the safari private?

    Our tailor-made safaris are private: your own vehicle and guide, and a daily pace set around your group. Shared departures can sometimes be arranged for solo travellers — ask us and we’ll explain the options.

  10. What vehicle will we travel in?

    Game drives are in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography. Your proposal confirms the vehicle and seating for your group size.

  11. Is a safari suitable for children?

    Yes, with the right planning. We keep drives shorter, choose family-friendly rooms and build in rest time. Some camps and activities have minimum ages, so please share each child’s age when you enquire.

  12. Can you cater for dietary needs?

    Most lodges and camps can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other meals with notice. Tell us about allergies or requirements when you enquire and we’ll pass them to every property on your route.

  13. Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?

    Requirements depend on your nationality and recent travel, and a yellow fever certificate may be needed if you arrive from certain countries. Malaria precautions are generally advised. Please check with a travel health clinic before you go.

  14. What should I budget for tips?

    Tipping is not compulsory but is customary for guides and lodge staff. We include current guidance with your proposal so you can plan for it in advance.

  15. Will there be Wi-Fi and charging?

    Many lodges and camps offer charging points and some Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow or limited to main areas in remote parks. A spare power bank is useful on game drives.

  16. How far in advance should I book?

    For July to October and the holiday season, three to nine months ahead gives the best choice of camps. Shorter notice is often possible — send us your dates and we’ll check availability.

Your safari, your way4 Days / 3 Nights · Safari from Zanzibar
Plan this trip
Your safari notebook

A few details.
A good beginning.

Tell us who is coming and what you would love to find here. We’ll send back a route you can read, question and make your own.

  • Planned around your dates and interests
  • Midrange or luxury, at your pace
  • A personal conversation with our local team
Prefer to chat? WhatsApp our team →
Step 1 of 74 day safari from zanzibar northern circuit active

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