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Destinations

Arusha National Park Lake Manyara National Park Mafia Island Mahale Mountains National Park Mkomazi National Park Mount Kilimanjaro Ngorongoro Crater Nyerere National Park Ruaha National Park Serengeti National Park Tarangire National Park Zanzibar
Northern Circuit Southern Circuit Western Circuit Eastern Circuit Coastal Circuit

Travel Style

Honeymoon Escapes High-End Luxury Family Friendly

Adventure

Hot Air Balloon
Calving Season Jan - Mar (Ndutu) River Crossing Jul - Oct (Mara)
Budget Safaris

Currency

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Northern Circuit 3 Days

3 Day Northern Tanzania Express Safari

Starting from $777 per person

Multi-Destination
Private & Exclusive
Family

About this Journey

This concise 3-day itinerary is a premier Luxury and High-End introduction to Tanzania's most accessible and iconic wildlife destinations, perfectly designed for travelers with limited time. It features exclusive accommodations such as Arusha Coffee Lodge or Gran Melia Arusha and The Manor Ngorongoro, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout the journey. The itinerary efficiently delivers two distinct and spectacular safari experiences: a full-day exploration of the elephant-rich landscapes and ancient baobabs of Tarangire National Park, followed by an immersive descent into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater—a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with the Big Five in a breathtaking caldera setting. Expertly guided and seamlessly routed, this express package offers a powerful and unforgettable wildlife encounter, providing the essence of a classic Northern Circuit safari in a condensed, high-quality format, ideal as a standalone short break or as an extension to a Zanzibar beach holiday.

Daily Schedule

3 Stops
Day 1

Arrive Arusha.

You will arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will be warmly greeted by your dedicated safari guide. They will assist you with your transfer to your accommodation, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey. Once at your lodge or hotel, you’ll have time to relax and settle in before enjoying a delicious dinner. Afterward, you'll have an overnight stay, allowing you to rest and recharge for the exciting safari ahead. In the evening, there will be a pre-safari briefing, where your guide will provide essential information about the safari, covering safety protocols, the upcoming itinerary, and what to expect during the adventure.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeUnder the Shades Safari Lodge
Luxury Arusha Coffee Lodge
ExclusiveGran Melia Arusha
Day 2

Arusha – Tarangire – Karatu.

Early in the morning after breakfast, we will depart for Tarangire National Park for a full day of game drives and exploration. Tarangire is one of Tanzania’s largest and most beautiful parks, famous for its ancient baobab trees and large herds of African elephants. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including lions, giraffes, zebras, and many bird species, offering an incredible safari experience. The drive from Arusha to Tarangire is approximately 120 km, taking about 2 hours. You will enjoy your packed lunch inside the park, surrounded by the stunning scenery and wildlife. In the late afternoon, we will check out of the park and drive towards Karatu for dinner and overnight. The drive from Tarangire to Karatu is around 100 km, taking approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, passing through picturesque landscapes, local villages, and along the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeBougainvillea Lodge
LuxuryNeptune Ngorongoro Lodge
ExclusiveThe Manor Ngorongoro
Day 3

Karatu - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha.

After breakfast, taking picnic lunches with you and drive to Ngorongoro crater descend down to the crater floor for a full day of tracking game with your guide. The crater is 610m deep and 260km² wide, making it the largest Caldera in the world. The crater contains all the big five animals (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopard and buffaloes), hippos, cheetah, antelopes and spotted hyena. Also in the crater you can see different species of birds. And some animals such as velvet monkey, jackal, foxes, rock and tree hyraxes, warthog, gnu, zebra and hare. In the late afternoon, after your game drive and exploration in Ngorongoro Crater, you will ascend from the caldera and begin your drive back to Arusha. The journey from Ngorongoro to Arusha covers approximately 190 km and takes about 4 hours, passing through scenic landscapes and local villages. Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be transferred directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward international flight.
Accommodation Options

Package Inclusions

Included

  • * All transport, 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing
  • * Hotel and lodge accommodation as detailed
  • * All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • * Bottled drinking water
  • * Services of various local guides
  • * All National Park entrance and camp site fees
  • * All food - breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals
  • * Donations and payments to local community projects

Excluded

  • * International flights
  • * Travel and personal accident insurance
  • * Visa, passport, vaccinations, and medicines
  • * Tips (While tipping is not obligatory, it is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for your guide's hard work and dedication in making your trip memorable. A recommended amount is US$30 per day per guest.)
  • * Expenditure on personal bar bills (including all additional drinks), souvenirs, personal items
  • * Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary
  • * any additional services requested
Free PDF

Safari Packing List

Essential items, health tips, and travel advice prepared by our experts.

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2025/2026 Rates (USD)

Service Tier 1 Guest 2 Guests 3 Guests 4 Guests 5 Guests 6 Guests 7 Guests 8 Guests 9 Guests 10 Guests
Mid-RangeComfort Lodges - $1,050 $966 $893 $861 $819 $798 $777 - -
LuxuryPremium Camps - $1,810 $1,665 $1,539 $1,484 $1,412 $1,376 $1,339 - -
ExclusiveSignature - $1,895 $1,743 $1,611 $1,554 $1,478 $1,440 $1,402 - -

Frequently Asked Questions

Our safari prices typically include park fees, accommodation as per your chosen tier (Mid-Range, Luxury, or Exclusive), private 4x4 vehicle, professional English-speaking guide, all meals on safari, and Flying Doctor emergency evacuation cover. International flights, visas, tips, and personal expenses are not included.

Make your dream trip come true

At Visit Tanzania, every itinerary is adjustable. Our specialists work closely with you to customize this trip to your exact preferences.

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