6 Day Safari Tanzania: The Best Northern Circuit Itinerary

Embarking on a 6 day safari Tanzania, will give you the opportunity to explore the heart of East Africa. A northern circuit itinerary allows you to see the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife that define this iconic region. This itinerary takes you through the renowned national parks including Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. 

I spent two weeks in Tanzania on my own, and I explored the northern circuit on a 6 day safari and I am excited to share my experience with you so you can decide for yourself how amazing it is to visit this area. Personally, I thought this was the best 6 day safari itinerary in Tanzania to do.

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Self Drive or Safari?

Before I dive into the best 6 day safari Tanzania for the northern circuit, I wanted to address this question. Can you self drive through these areas? Yes you can. Should you self drive? I do not recommend it. The main reason is because you want to enjoy the experience and not worry about hitting wildlife and constantly staring at the road. 

Booking a safari through a reputable tour company ensures your safety and comfort while on your dream trip. The guides know how to best navigate the park’s dirt roads and how to find the most fascinating wildlife.

Planning Your Safari

I have the great opportunity to work with the company that I used when I visited Tanzania and I would love to help you plan your safari. There are many options for a safari if 6 days is not short or not long enough! Please contact me so that we can discuss further and I can help check ‘safari’ off your bucket list.

Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara

Your Tanzania northern circuit itinerary begins with a pick up from your hotel in Arusha. The scenic two hour drive to Lake Manyara National Park will mark the start of the 6-day safari in Tanzania. As you journey towards this picturesque national park, keep an eye out for wildlife and birds. There are over 1000 birds in Tanzania, and at least 400 can be found in these national parks. 

Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions and vast flocks of flamingos. There is a good chance you will also see herds of elephants, baboons, giraffes and much more. Enjoy a game drive, soaking in the wilderness. I couldn’t believe it when we were right in the middle of a herd of elephants. It was an amazing encounter!

Accommodations:

After your first game drive, you will be taken to your accommodations for the first night. Your lodge may be in the Lake Manyara area or close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. I stayed at the HHando Coffee Lodge, but there are many lodges in the national parks that you could stay at, that come highly recommended. They all will provide you with an amazing time and possibly wildlife encounters.

Day 2: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park

After a hearty breakfast, you will head out and continue on the 6 day safari in Tanzania towards the legendary Serengeti National Park, the highlight of the Tanzania northern circuit itinerary. You will stop at Olduvai Gorge, an important archaeological site, before reaching the Serengeti. Prepare to be mesmerized by its endless plains and abundant wildlife during the afternoon game drive.

The real fun starts as you explore the savannah looking for the Big Five and lots of other wildlife including cheetahs, hyenas and birds. If you are lucky, like I was, you may stumble upon a pride of lions stalking their next meal.

Accommodations:

Depending on your itinerary, you may stay at one or two different lodges while in the Serengeti. I stayed at Kati Kati Tented Camp for my first two nights which I highly recommend for a glamping experience that you will never forget. Your tent faces the open plains of the savannah, raised beds and ‘manual’ showers all make for an amazing time. 

My last day in the Serengeti I stayed at the Seronera Wildlife Lodge. This is a luxury safari lodge that did not disappoint. Amazing food, views and the pool made for a relaxing time. The hippos calling at night from behind the lodge were a little eerie!

Day 3: Full Day Exploration of Serengeti

If you have ever experienced a safari in South Africa, you may find that a safari in South Africa differs from one in Tanzania. Depending on the lodge and itinerary in the Serengeti, your typical safari day may also work a bit differently. 

Today was dedicated to exploring the Serengeti, which was a crucial part of the safari in Tanzania. Known for its large herds and spectacular annual migration, the Serengeti offers unparalleled wildlife encounters. If you are lucky enough to visit during the Great Migration, you may witness the 2 million wildebeests and 1 million zebras that trek between Kenya and Tanzania.

I was lucky enough to see a small group of animals grazing when I was there in February, but it was still an amazing site to see. Visiting between July and October is the best chance to see these animals crossing the Mara River.

All throughout your safari, you will see many different birds that are absolutely beautiful and of all different sizes. You may get to see some of the larger species like the infamous Secretary Bird or Kori Bustard. If you are interested in starting birdwatching, this is the best place to experience their beauty! You may be a little overwhelmed but I promise you will cherish it forever.

Once your day is done, return back to your lodge for your final night in the Serengeti.

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

After your final breakfast, you will take a final jaunt around the area then say goodbye to the Serengeti, and head to the Ngorongoro Crater, another highlight of the Tanzania northern circuit itinerary. Descend into the crater to see a variety of wildlife or explore the Ngorongoro Conservation area along the crater rim. Marvel at the scenery and diversity, capturing sightings of various animals.

Accommodations

Depending on your plans, I highly recommend you stay at a lodge on the crater rim, like Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge, so you can enjoy the beautiful views from the balcony. There are other lodges you could stay at, that are inland if you want to be in a forested area.

Day 5: Second Day Exploration of Ngorongoro Crater

Continue exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, a key part of your Encounter Africa’s iconic wildlife in this caldera, deepening your appreciation for Northern Tanzania’s biodiversity through guided game viewing excursions. This area houses a condensed amount of animals, at least 30,000 large animals. If you are lucky, you may get to find the endangered black rhino.

This area is also great for many birds including many herons, ostriches, flamingos near Lake Magadi in the crater and the rosy-throated longclaw.

Head back to your lodge for your final night on your safari.

Day 6: Ngorongoro to Arusha

On the final day of our Tanzania northern circuit itinerary, I returned to Arusha, concluding the 6 day safari Tanzania. Some itineraries may stop in Tarangire National Park for a short exploration on your way back to Arusha. You will be dropped off at your lodging so you can relax as you reflect back on the last 6 amazing days!

Safari Tips

FAQ’s for A Safari

Final Thoughts

Embarking on a bucket list trip to Africa for a 6 day safari Tanzania, offers a blend of wildlife encounters, geological wonders and natural beauty. Book your safari today and discover the magic of Northern Tanzania firsthand. I promise that you will not be disappointed.

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