4 Days Northern Circuit Safari
4 Days Northern Circuit Safari Overview
Why 4 Days Northern Circuit Safari is Perfect for You
Choosing the 4 days northern circuit safari means diving into Tanzania’s most stunning national parks and getting up close with extraordinary wildlife.
With knowledgeable local guides leading every step, the 4 days northern circuit safari delivers unforgettable moments surrounded by nature’s finest. It’s the ideal escape for anyone wanting to experience the true magic of the African wilderness.
Three Parks in Four Days: Experience Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti, all in a well-paced itinerary.
Big Five Encounters: Spot lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo across diverse habitats.
Exciting Game Drives: Enjoy expert-led morning and afternoon safaris for the best wildlife viewing.
Ngorongoro Crater: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the endangered black rhino.
Luxury Lodging: Stay in comfortable lodges or tented camps with breathtaking views and warm hospitality.
Day 1: Full-Day Game Drive in Tarangire National Park
Your 4 days northern circuit safari starts with a drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park. Spend the day spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, and many birds among baobab trees. After a picnic lunch, head to your lodge near Lake Manyara for dinner and rest.
Day 2: Half-Day Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater, Transfer to Serengeti
Begin your day with a morning game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater. See hippos, rhinos, lions, and elephants in this unique wildlife haven. After lunch, travel to Serengeti National Park and settle into your camp or lodge.
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in the Serengeti
Enjoy a full day exploring the Serengeti on this day. Search for big cats, wildebeest, zebras, and more across the vast plains. Pause for a packed lunch and end the day with dinner and stories at camp.
Day 4: Early Morning Game Drive and Departure
Start your last day with an early game drive to catch wildlife in the golden morning light. After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airstrip or Arusha.
Your unforgettable 4 days northern circuit safari comes to a close.
What’s Included
- 3 nights accommodation in carefully selected lodges and tented camps
- All meals during safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- All game drives in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking guide/driver with extensive wildlife knowledge
- Park entrance fees and conservation fees
- Government taxes and levies
- Bottled water during game drives
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
Not Included
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Visa fees (approximately $50-100 depending on nationality)
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Laundry services
- Tips for guide/driver
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (balloon safari, etc.)
- Any pre or post safari accommodation
Best Time for a 4 Days Northern Circuit Safari
Planning your 4 days northern circuit safari starts with knowing how the seasons shape wildlife behavior, landscapes, and the overall experience across Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Central Serengeti.
Here’s a detailed month-by-month guide to help you make the most of your 4 days northern circuit safar
January – Green and Alive
In January, the landscape is lush and vibrant following the short rains. This is a great time for game viewing in Tarangire and Ngorongoro, with fewer crowds. Central Serengeti is rich in resident wildlife like lions, elephants, and giraffes that do not migrate.
- Tarangire: Green, fewer elephants but great birding and antelope sightings.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Excellent visibility, big cats, rhinos, and waterbirds.
- Central Serengeti: Abundant resident wildlife—perfect for predators and scenery lovers.
February – Quiet and Scenic
This is a peaceful month across the Northern Circuit. The greenery is still present, and it’s a rewarding time for photographers and nature lovers. Wildlife is active, and the crowds are fewer than in peak season.
- Tarangire: Lush scenery with good general game viewing.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Ideal for spotting hyenas, zebras, and hippos around water sources.
- Central Serengeti: Resident predators like lions and leopards are still very active.
March – The Calm Before the Rains
Early March remains a solid time to visit before the long rains begin later in the month. There’s still good wildlife viewing, but roads may begin to soften toward the end of March.
- Tarangire: Quieter season, but animals are still around woodland areas.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Great visibility for crater wildlife including wildebeest, elephants, and rhinos.
- Central Serengeti: Excellent time for predator sightings and quiet bush moments.
April – Rainy but Rewarding
April is the wettest month, but it’s also the most affordable time for a Northern Circuit Safari. The parks are quiet, landscapes are strikingly green, and wildlife is still there—though sometimes harder to spot in thick vegetation.
- Tarangire: Many animals move out, but birdlife and greenery shine.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Still very rewarding as the crater’s ecosystem is closed and animals remain inside.
- Central Serengeti: Fewer vehicles and excellent photography opportunities between showers.
May – Green Beauty and Solitude
The rain starts to ease by mid-May, and the air is fresh and clear. This is a favorite for travelers who enjoy peaceful game drives and breathtaking landscapes without the crowds.
- Tarangire: Wildlife returns gradually, and landscapes are incredibly beautiful.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Still great for game viewing and rhino sightings.
- Central Serengeti: Good time for seeing resident prides of lions and watching the bush come alive.
June – Dry Season Begins
June marks the start of the long dry season—one of the best months for a Northern Circuit Safari. Wildlife begins to concentrate around permanent water sources, and roads are in excellent condition.
- Tarangire: Elephants start returning in large numbers, especially near the Tarangire River.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Top wildlife viewing month—dry grass, open views.
- Central Serengeti: Big cats, elephants, and other residents are easy to spot.
July – Peak Safari Begins
June marks the start of the long dry season—one of the best months for a Northern Circuit Safari. Wildlife begins to concentrate around permanent water sources, and roads are in excellent condition.
- Tarangire: Elephants start returning in large numbers, especially near the Tarangire River.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Top wildlife viewing month—dry grass, open views.
- Central Serengeti: Big cats, elephants, and other residents are easy to spot.
August – Wildlife Everywhere
This is one of the very best months for a Northern Circuit Safari. All three parks offer incredible sightings and clear skies. It’s also a great time to see predators in action.
- Tarangire: High concentration of elephants, zebras, and lions.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Wildlife viewing is superb—this is a bucket list month.
- Central Serengeti: Excellent visibility for cheetahs, lions, and buffalo.
September – Still Prime Safari Time
The dry season continues and so does the amazing game viewing. Water is scarce, so animals concentrate around rivers and crater lakes, making this month especially fruitful.
- Tarangire: Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and predators frequent the Tarangire River.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Great time for spotting lions and elephants.
- Central Serengeti: Calm, open landscapes full of wildlife and predator-prey dynamics.
October – Wildlife at Its Best
This is often the final month before the short rains, and it’s a gem for wildlife lovers. Many photographers choose October for its golden light and high visibility.
- Tarangire: Elephants in huge numbers; possibly the best elephant viewing in East Africa.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Rhinos, lions, hippos, and jackals all highly active.
- Central Serengeti: Big cats, zebras, and antelope gather around remaining waterholes.
November – Short Rains Start
This is often the final month before the short rains, and it’s a gem for wildlife lovers. Many photographers choose October for its golden light and high visibility.
- Tarangire: Elephants in huge numbers; possibly the best elephant viewing in East Africa.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Rhinos, lions, hippos, and jackals all highly active.
- Central Serengeti: Big cats, zebras, and antelope gather around remaining waterholes.
Packing List for Your Safari
Neutral-colored clothing
Comfortable walking shoes/boots and sandals
Binoculars and camera with a telephoto lens
Daypack
Pro tip: Use soft-sided duffel bags and check for laundry services at lodges!
Why Travel With Us?
- 20+ years of safari experience in Tanzania
- Exceptional guides trained in wildlife behavior & conservation
- Customizable tours to fit your travel style
- Reliable, friendly service with local knowledge
- Commitment to responsible tourism & local communities
Start Planning Your 4 Days Northern Circuit Safari
Ready to experience Tanzania’s top parks and see the Big Five up close on a 4 Days Northern Circuit Safari?
Frequently Asked Questions About 4 Days Northern Circuit Safari
What wildlife can I expect to see on the 4 days northern circuit safari?
You’ll encounter most of the Big Five, great migration herds, and over 500 bird species if it is the right time of the year for migration.
What is the best time of year to go on the 4 days northern circuit safari?
The dry season (June to October) offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Will I be able to see the Big Five on this safari?
Yes, there is a high chance of seeing all Big Five animals (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and black rhino) across the parks.
Are accommodations included in 4 Days Northern Circuit Safari?
Yes, comfortable lodges or tented camps are included throughout the safari.
Is this 4 Days Northern Circuit Safari suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Yes! The 4 Days Northern Circuit Safari is family-friendly and can be customized for all ages.
Is the 4 days northern circuit safari suitable for first-time safari travelers?
Yes, it’s perfect for beginners wanting a rich experience in a short time.
How physically demanding is the 4 days northern circuit safari?
It’s mostly game drives with minimal walking, suitable for most fitness levels.
How far is the drive between the parks?
Driving distances are manageable but can be long due to park sizes:
- Arusha to Tarangire: ~2.5 hours
- Tarangire to Ngorongoro: ~2.5 hours
- Ngorongoro to Serengeti (Central): ~4–5 hours (with scenic stops)
- Serengeti to airport (Seronera to Arusha): usually via domestic flight, or ~8–9 hours by road if returning by car
We recommend flying back for comfort and time savings
Do I need a visa or any vaccinations for this safari?
Yes, most travelers need a Tanzanian tourist visa, which can be obtained online or on arrival. A Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you’re coming from or transiting through a Yellow Fever risk country. It’s also recommended to take malaria prevention tablets, consult your doctor before travel.
Can 4 Days Northern Circuit Safari be customized to add more days or parks?
Absolutely! You can extend your Northern Circuit Safari to include Lake Manyara, Lake Natron, or spend more days in the Serengeti. We can tailor the itinerary based on your interests, timeframe, and budget.