Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit

The northern circuit is the most popular safari route in Tanzania. Explore the national parks of Tarangire and Lake Manyara, before meandering northwest to the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater. Finally, you'll arrive in the world's most famous safari destination, the endless savannah that is the Serengeti.
10 Days
$5,490

Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit - 10 - $5,490

Itinerary Map

Landmarks potentially visited on Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit

Itinerary

The itinerary below is designed to give you an overview of the route. Get in touch with our team for a full travel itinerary, or to create a tailor-made trip. 

Day 1: The Adventure Begins!

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met at the airport with a VIP Meet and Greet before being transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Here you can rest up after your international flight and and meet your guides who will talk you through the plan for the adventure to come.

Depending on your international flight arrival time, you could head straight to Tarangire on arrival. Alternatively, there are some wonderful local activities around Arusha and the Kilimanjaro area if you want to take the day to explore. 

Overnight at Katambuga House


Days 2-3: Tarangire National Park

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, begin your journey through Northern Tanzania as you drive to Tarangire National Park with a private vehicle and guide.    

Tarangire is renowned for its elephant population, you'll find huge herds here. The Silale Swamp acts like a sponge during the rainy season, and slowly releases the water during the dry season, the result is a mass influx of wildlife to Tarangire over the dry season (June - September). The park has a really unique landscape, and an abundance of baobab trees (not easily found anywhere else in northern Tanzania). It's also the only park on the northern circuit where night drives are permitted, so you get the chance to see some of Tanzania's nocturnal animals (porcupines, genets, civets, bush babies, and much more).

Exploring the park with your own private vehicle and guide means you can control the pace and direction of your safari. Your wonderful guide can help you maximise your safari experience. 

Return to Oliver's Camp for sundowners and overnight. 


Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, continue your journey through northern Tanzania, departing Tarangire National Park and embarking on a game drive towards the Ngorongoro Crater. What once was a fiery, lava-strewn, inhospitable area is now home to 25,000 large animals, including lion, black rhino, elephant, and giraffes. 

On the way to the crater, game drive through Lake Manyara National Park and stop for a picnic lunch overlooking the alkaline lake watching for flamingos, zebra, buffalo, elephant (and maybe even tree-climbing lions!).

Overnight at Acacia Farm Lodge


Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

Today you have a full day on safari in the Ngorongoro Crater. It's an early start to ensure you are amongst the first people on the crater floor. 

After a day on safari in the crater, transfer back to your lodge for sundowners before dinner. 


Day 7-9: Serengeti National Park 

This morning you will drive west into the vast Serengeti National Park, game driving through the park towards the camp. Spend the next couple of days on safari in the Serengeti with your private vehicle and guide. 

Note: to track the herds of the Great Migration, where you stay in the Serengeti will depend on your travel dates. This itinerary includes Central Serengeti, but depending on your travel dates you might wants to visit the North or South. Our team can help you understand which option is right for you.    

Overnight at Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge.


Day 10: Return Home

After a final breakfast overlooking the savannah, transfer to the airstrip to connect with a light air flight back to Kilimanjaro. Connect with your international flight home. 

Day rooms can be arranged depending on your international flight times. 

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices are per person based on two people travelling together. Travelling during peak season will incur higher rates.

For a tailor-made itinerary built around your interests and budget, get in touch with our team

Small adjustments to accommodation choices, routes, and activities can make a big difference to the cost of a trip in East Africa. Our team can create a tailor-made trip to suit your budget. 


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Includes

  • The Brilliant Africa Experience: expert guidance from our dedicated specialists to help you cut through the noise, design the trip that's right for you, and have confidence you'll get what you expect (results in 98% 5* reviews) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    • Get Me To Africa Flight Package: we'll connect you with our flight specialist who will find and book the right international flights on your behalf. ✈️ 
    • Dedicated Support: access to a dedicated customer support specialist to help you with all of your pre-travel questions and help you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime ✔️
    • Your tailor-made itinerary is beautifully presented with our bespoke software to share with your friends, family and travel companions ❤️
    • Personalised Guest Portal: access to your unique guest portal, including video guides to common questions, and everything you need to know to prepare for your African adventure 🌍
    • Ground Support Team: our local ground team are on hand to help if you ever need support during your trip. 🎧
    • All Brilliant trips include: all domestic/internal flights, all road transfers and airport pickups/drop-offs, all accommodation as per the itinerary (accommodation can be amended based on budget and preferences), fees for guides/scouts/drivers/cooks, all entrance fees as per the program, fees for all activities as per the program, meal plan full board unless specified otherwise, conservation charge. 

Excludes

  • International flights are quoted separately through our flight partner
  • Visa fees
  • Activities not mentioned or stated as optional in the itinerary
  • Other personal expenses, souvenirs, tips and gratuities

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