A Tanzania safari isn’t complete without experiencing the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti National Park, and Tarangire National Park — three of the most famous wildlife destinations in East Africa.
If you’re wondering:
“Can I combine Ngorongoro with Serengeti and Tarangire in one safari itinerary?”
The answer is absolutely YES!
In fact, combining these parks into a single Northern Circuit safari is one of the most popular and rewarding safari experiences in Tanzania. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about multi-park safaris, including best routes, recommended durations, costs, and insider tips for 2025.
These three parks each offer unique landscapes, wildlife encounters, and safari experiences:
Ngorongoro Crater → A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking caldera and incredible wildlife density.
Serengeti National Park → World-famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration and endless savannah plains.
Tarangire National Park → Famous for huge elephant herds, baobab trees, and a more off-the-beaten-path safari.
By combining all three, you’ll enjoy diverse ecosystems, varied game viewing, and a well-rounded safari — perfect for first-time visitors and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Since these parks are located in Northern Tanzania, they’re connected by excellent safari routes. A typical journey begins in Arusha and follows this order:
Arusha → Tarangire → Ngorongoro → Serengeti → Back to Arusha
(or vice versa)
| Route Segment | Distance | Driving Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arusha → Tarangire | 120 km | 2 – 2.5 hrs | Elephants & baobabs |
| Tarangire → Ngorongoro | 170 km | 3 – 3.5 hrs | Scenic views & Maasai villages |
| Ngorongoro → Serengeti | 150 km | 3.5 – 4 hrs | Olduvai Gorge, wildlife en route |
| Serengeti → Arusha | 330 km | 6 – 7 hrs (or 1 hr flight) | Migration & big cats |
The length of your trip determines how many parks you can visit comfortably. Here are some sample itineraries:
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire (Game drive)
Day 2: Tarangire → Ngorongoro (Crater tour)
Day 3: Ngorongoro → Serengeti (Game drive en route)
Day 4: Full-day Serengeti game drive
Day 5: Serengeti → Arusha
Best For: Travelers short on time but wanting a taste of all three parks.
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire (Full-day game drive)
Day 2: Morning Tarangire drive → Karatu stay
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater tour
Day 4: Drive to Serengeti (Central)
Day 5: Full-day Serengeti safari
Day 6: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Highlands → Karatu
Day 7: Return to Arusha
Best For: Travelers seeking better wildlife sightings and more relaxed pacing.
Days 1-2: Tarangire National Park
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park (optional stop)
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater
Days 5-7: Serengeti National Park (Central & Northern)
Day 8: Optional balloon safari in Serengeti
Day 9: Drive back via Ngorongoro Highlands
Day 10: Return to Arusha or fly to Zanzibar
Best For: Those wanting a comprehensive, immersive safari with the chance to witness the Great Migration.
Your timing can greatly affect your safari experience:
| Season | Months | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | June – Oct | Dry season, migration crossings, best wildlife viewing | Higher prices & limited lodge availability |
| Calving Season | Jan – Mar | Serengeti baby wildebeests, predator action | Excellent for photographers |
| Green Season | Nov & Apr-May | Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, lower rates | Some areas muddy and harder to access |
Pro Tip:
July – September: Best for Mara River crossings in Serengeti.
January – March: Perfect for calving season in Southern Serengeti.
The total cost depends on trip length, lodge category, and group size. Here’s an estimate for 7 days / 6 nights covering Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti:
| Safari Type | Price per Person | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Camping | $1,400 – $1,800 | Shared camps, transfers, park fees |
| Mid-Range Lodges | $2,200 – $3,200 | Comfortable lodges, all meals, game drives |
| Luxury Safari | $4,000 – $7,500+ | Exclusive lodges, private guides, flights optional |
Luxury: Tarangire Treetops, Lemala Mpingo Ridge
Mid-Range: Tarangire Safari Lodge, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
Budget: Zion Campsite, Kigongoni Campsite
Luxury: &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Neptune Luxury Lodge
Mid-Range: Rhino Lodge, Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
Budget: Simba Campsite, Octagon Lodge
Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Singita Grumeti, &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas
Mid-Range: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Budget: Seronera Campsites, Nyani Campsite
Book Early – Especially if traveling in peak season (June–October).
Consider Fly-In Options – Save long drives by flying between parks.
Mix Lodges & Camps – Combine luxury lodges with tented camps for a balanced
EXPERIENCES
BEST TOURS
copyright©2026 . Enjore Safaris
