What You Need to Know: The 6-day northern circuit safari costs from US$3,190 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level (US$2,315 budget, US$4,910 luxury), with full days in Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Serengeti and a night on the crater rim. It is our recommended safari if you want all four main parks without rushing.
Is the 6-Day Northern Circuit Safari Right for You?
Choose this for all four northern parks, each with real time, at a relaxed pace. It suits families, keen photographers and anyone who would rather not spend whole days on the road. If the Serengeti is your main interest, the 7-day safari gives it a third night instead of Lake Manyara.
| This safari suits you if… | Consider another safari if… |
|---|---|
| You want all four parks without rushing | You want three Serengeti nights: the 7-day safari |
| You want a night on the crater rim | You have five days: the 5-day safari |
| You are traveling with children | You want Lake Natron and Lake Eyasi too: the 8-day safari |
The 6-Day Northern Circuit Safari Route at a Glance
Arusha – Tarangire – Mto wa Mbu – Lake Manyara – Karatu – central Serengeti (2 nights) – Ngorongoro crater rim – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha.
| Day | Route | Driving or flying | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arusha – Tarangire – Mto wa Mbu | About 2.5 hours, then 1 hour | Mto wa Mbu |
| 2 | Lake Manyara – Karatu | Short drives | Karatu |
| 3 | Karatu – central Serengeti | About 7 hours with stops and a game drive | Central Serengeti |
| 4 | Full day in the Serengeti | Game drives only | Central Serengeti |
| 5 | Serengeti – crater rim | About 4 hours after a morning drive | Crater rim |
| 6 | Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha | 4–5 hours after the crater | — |
6-Day Northern Circuit Safari Itinerary, Day by Day
One park per day, with a night on the crater rim to finish.
-
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire, then Mto wa Mbu
A full day in Tarangire with your lunch box at a picnic site, then a short drive to Mto wa Mbu, a lively market town at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment.
Elephants and baobabsTarangireLunch box, dinner -
Day 2: Lake Manyara, then Karatu
A game drive through Lake Manyara's forest, woodland and lake shore, then up the escarpment to Karatu.
Forest, lake and birdsLake ManyaraBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 3: Karatu to the central Serengeti
Through the highlands, past the crater viewpoint, and a game drive into the Serengeti to your lodge.
Into the SerengetiHighlands, SerengetiBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 4: Full day in the Serengeti
Game drives in the central Serengeti, around Seronera and the kopjes, planned around recent sightings.
A full game-drive dayCentral SerengetiBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 5: Serengeti to the Ngorongoro crater rim
A morning game drive, then about 4 hours to the crater rim for the night.
Last Serengeti driveSerengeti, crater rimBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater, return to Arusha
An early descent for a crater game drive and picnic lunch, then 4–5 hours to Arusha.
The crater floorNgorongoroBreakfast, picnic lunch
Where You Stay and What You Eat on the 6-Day Northern Circuit Safari
| Night | Area | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mto wa Mbu | Fig Tree Lodge, Nsya Lodge | Moonbow Lodge, Mawe Mawe Manyara | Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge |
| 2 | Karatu | Crater Rim Inn, Country Lodge Karatu | Karatu Tented Lodge, Pamoja Farm Villas | Gibbs' Farm, Acacia Farm Lodge |
| 3 | Central Serengeti | Maboresho Tented Camp, Nyani Campsite | Mberesero Serengeti Central Lodge, Serengeti Classic View Camp | Serengeti Serena Lodge, Four Seasons Serengeti |
| 4 | Central Serengeti | Maboresho Tented Camp, Nyani Campsite | Mberesero Serengeti Central Lodge, Serengeti Classic View Camp | Serengeti Serena Lodge, Four Seasons Serengeti |
| 5 | Ngorongoro crater rim | Ngorongoro Wild Camp, Simba Campsite | Ngorongoro Safari Lodge, Ang'ata Ngorongoro | Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Lion's Paw |
How Much Does the 6-Day Northern Circuit Safari Cost?
The 6-day northern circuit safari costs from US$3,190 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level, US$2,315 on a budget basis and US$4,910 at luxury level.
| Travelers | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US$3,510 | US$4,550 | US$6,690 |
| 2 | US$2,315 | US$3,190 | US$4,910 |
| 3 | US$1,890 | US$2,780 | US$4,410 |
| 4 | US$1,840 | US$2,715 | US$4,435 |
| 5 | US$1,680 | US$2,565 | US$4,230 |
| 6 | US$1,685 | US$2,560 | US$4,275 |
Park fees on this route
| Fee | 2026 rate (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Tarangire National Park | About US$59 per person per 24 hours |
| Lake Manyara National Park | About US$59 per person per 24 hours |
| Serengeti National Park | US$82.60 per person per 24 hours |
| Serengeti concession fee (nights inside the park) | Per person per night, by season |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area (also charged when you drive through) | US$70.80 per person per 24 hours |
| Ngorongoro crater service fee | US$295 per vehicle per descent |
What the 6-Day Northern Circuit Safari Price Includes
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and your own driver-guide
- All park fees and the Ngorongoro crater service fee
- 5 nights' accommodation at the level you choose
- Lunch box on Day 1; other meals at your lodges
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Not included
- International flights and visas (US$100 for US citizens)
- Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult from October 1, 2026 (we can help you buy it)
- Travel insurance, including medical evacuation
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Drinks at lodges and personal items
- Arusha hotel nights and airport transfers, which we can add
- Optional activities such as a Serengeti balloon flight
Tips are the main extra. We suggest US$10–25 per person per day for your driver-guide, or US$40–60 per vehicle per day for a group, plus US$5–10 per guest per night for lodge staff. For this 6-day safari that is about US$60–150 per person for the guide. See our safari tipping guide.
When Is the Best Time for the 6-Day Northern Circuit Safari?
Any month from June to October gives the best general game viewing, with dry roads and animals gathered near water; January and February are also excellent. We don't recommend the long rains of April and May for road safaris: roads slow down and some camps close.
5, 6 or 7 Days?
The extra days go to Lake Manyara and the Serengeti.
| 5-day | 6-day | 7-day | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serengeti nights | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Lake Manyara | Short visit | Full day | No |
| Night on the crater rim | No | Yes | Yes |
| Price from (2, mid-range) | US$2,630 | US$3,190 | US$3,680 |
See the 5-day and 7-day safaris.
How to Book the 6-Day Northern Circuit Safari
| When you cancel | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more before arrival | 100% |
| 30–59 days | 90% |
| 15–29 days | 60% |
| 10–14 days | 25% |
| Less than 10 days, or a no-show | No refund |
What Else to Read Before You Book
This page covers what is particular to the 6-Day Northern Circuit Safari from Arusha. The parts that work the same way on our other trips are explained once, in these guides:
- Serengeti National Park guide: the wildlife, the best areas and the season.
- Ngorongoro Crater guide: the wildlife, the best areas and the season.
- Tarangire National Park guide: the wildlife, the best areas and the season.
- Lake Manyara National Park guide: the wildlife, the best areas and the season.
- Our safari vehicles: the Land Cruisers we use, pop-up roofs, charging and who drives.
- Airport transfers and nights in Arusha: getting from Kilimanjaro airport to the start of your safari.
- Zanzibar beach holidays: adding a few days on the coast after the safari.
- Safari safety tips: how game drives, camps and walks are kept safe.
- Vaccinations and travel health: malaria, yellow fever and what to ask your doctor.
- Tipping on safari: how much to give your driver-guide and lodge staff.
- Booking and cancellation terms: deposit, payment and refunds.
Common Questions About the 6-Day Northern Circuit Safari
Why sleep on the crater rim?
It puts you close to the descent road, so you reach the crater floor early, before most vehicles.
Is the safari private?
Yes. Your vehicle and guide are for your group only.
Is there Wi-Fi in the vehicle?
Yes, and charging points, though the signal is patchy in remote parts of the parks.
The Bottom Line
If you want the whole northern circuit at an easy pace, with a night on the crater rim, the 6-day safari is the one. For more Serengeti, take seven days.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers and your lodge level through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our sales team will reply with a written quotation.