Verified
They created us a beautiful and seamless honeymoon
They created us a beautiful and seamless honeymoon. They…
Nikhila Reddy, June 2026
Your 8-day itinerary, day by day
This road-based route follows the original eight-day itinerary with a private vehicle and guide. It is designed to keep a lid on costs while preserving time in every major northern-circuit wildlife area.
Duration8 days
Guide price$4,895
RoutePrivate northern circuit
Where you stay4 lodges & camps
Show prices inindicative only, we quote in USD
Make an Enquiry- Day 1-2
Arrive at Kilimanjaro and transfer to Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your lodge to settle in after your flights.
OvernightKatambuga House (1 night)
- Day 2-4
Tarangire National Park
Meet your private guide for a short briefing, then drive to Tarangire for game viewing before settling into camp. The next day can be a full-day safari with picnic lunches or separate morning and afternoon drives.
OvernightAcacia Tarangire Luxury Camp (2 nights)
- Day 4-5
Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Highlands
Drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive, stopping for a cultural visit at Mto wa Mbu en route, then continue into the Ngorongoro Highlands for the night.
OvernightNgorongoro Farm House (1 night)
- Day 5-7
Serengeti National Park
Continue by road to the Serengeti plains, game viewing as you enter the park and settle into camp. Day six is devoted to game drives across the Serengeti's open plains.
OvernightHippo Trails Camp (2 nights)
- Day 7-8
Ngorongoro Crater
Retrace the route to the Ngorongoro Highlands and descend to the crater floor for a game drive with picnic lunches. Return to the rim and your final lodge in the late afternoon.
OvernightNgorongoro Farm House (1 night)
- Day 8
Return to Arusha and Kilimanjaro
After breakfast, drive to Arusha for lunch at a local restaurant, then continue to Kilimanjaro International Airport for onward flights booked after 5pm.
Your private driving route
The entire safari links Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro by road, with the same private guide and vehicle throughout.
- 1Arusha
- 2Tarangire National Park
- 3Lake Manyara National Park
- 4Central Serengeti
- 5Ngorongoro Crater
Each numbered stop follows the itinerary in order. Unlike the fly-in trips, this route is connected by road in your private safari vehicle.
Where you'll stay
Four comfortable bases keep this private driving safari good value and well paced. Browse verified first-party photos from every property below.
Arusha
Katambuga House
A quiet first-night base near Arusha, ideal for recovering from the international journey before safari.
Tarangire National Park
Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
A tented camp that keeps you close to Tarangire's wildlife while maintaining the value focus of the driving itinerary.
Ngorongoro Highlands
Ngorongoro Farm House
A comfortable highlands lodge used before and after the Serengeti, well located for Lake Manyara and the crater.
Serengeti National Park
Hippo Trails Camp
A practical Serengeti base for two nights of game viewing across the open plains.
Ready to plan your Northern Circuit Driving Safari?
Share your dates, priorities and budget. One of our Tanzania specialists will come back with first thoughts and tailor this itinerary around you, with no obligation.
What's included
Every Brilliant trip is fully inclusive of the things that matter, plus a level of support you won't find with an off-the-shelf package.
In your price
- Experienced safari guides
- All domestic and internal flights listed in the itinerary
- All road transfers and airport pick-ups and drop-offs
- All accommodation as per the itinerary, amendable to your budget and preferences
- Fees for guides, scouts, drivers and cooks
- All entrance and park fees
- Fees for all activities as per the programme
- Shared or private daily game drives, depending on your route and preferences
- Full-board meal plan unless specified otherwise
- Select local-brand drinks on safari
- AMREF Flying Doctors cover
- Conservation charges
With Brilliant, you'll also get
- One-to-one planning with a dedicated East Africa specialist through our Bucket List Safari System
- A local ground-support team on hand throughout your trip
- Dedicated pre-travel support for practical questions and preparation
- A personalised guest portal and mobile app
- WhatsApp contact with your local support team
- A one-to-one safety briefing
- Step-by-step visa and travel-document guidance
- Access to our international flight specialist for US guests
The 'Life Happens' Postponement Guarantee
If life gets in the way and you need to postpone your trip, we won't charge any fees to move it and your deposit is applied to the rescheduled dates. Terms and conditions apply, enquire for details.
Prices are per person based on two people travelling together during high season (July to October). Travel outside this period generally costs less.
Your questions answered
How much does the Northern Circuit Driving Safari cost?
The itinerary starts from $4,895 per person based on two people travelling together during high season. Travelling outside high season generally costs less, and final pricing depends on dates and camp availability.
Is the safari private?
Yes. The route is designed around a private vehicle and guide, giving you control over the pace of game drives and stops throughout the circuit.
How much driving is involved?
The trip connects the northern circuit by road, including Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. There are longer transfer days, but they are broken up with wildlife viewing and landscape changes.
Can I upgrade the camps?
Yes. This is a tailor-made starting point. We can upgrade individual camps, add nights, use light aircraft for selected legs or change the route around your budget and preferred pace.
When is the best time to travel?
The long dry season from roughly June to October is excellent for wildlife viewing. The green months can be quieter and better value. We will advise on the best timing for your priorities.
Talk to someone who's actually been there
A road safari is all about pacing. Our Tanzania specialists will help you balance game drives and transfer times, choose the right camp level and decide where a flight upgrade is worth it for your dates and budget.
Barry
Safari Specialist & Field Guide
Alyson
Guest Experience Specialist
Tracy
Tailor-Made Safari Specialist
Holly
Guest Experience Specialist
Marc
Africa Travel Specialist
Speak to an Expert
Interested in the Northern Circuit Driving Safari? Tell us your dates, budget and what matters most. A Tanzania specialist will tailor the camps, pace and private guiding around you.
Step 1 of 6Quick questions
Where do you want to travel to?
We've selected the destinations on this page. Add or remove any you like.
1 destination selected
Rated Excellent by safari travellers
Excellent
4.9 out of 5 based on 188 reviews
We don't just write about these safari destinations; we send travellers there every season. Here's what they say about planning their trip with Brilliant.
Verified
Our Safari trip was an amazing experience
Our Safari trip was an amazing experience from the time we…
Bridget McKenzie, June 2026
Verified
Once in a life time holiday
We went on my 60th Birthday once in a lifetime Safari. Wow…
Sheena, May 2026
Verified
Memorable, amazing and well organised
Very well organised tour. Lovely lodges and tented lodges. Great…
Susan Twomey, June 2026
As seen in
CNBC
CNBC
Ready to plan your African adventure?
1
Listen
We start by getting to know you: your dates, who's travelling, your budget and the wildlife and moments you're dreaming of.
2
Design
Then we design your safari from scratch, hand-picking the camps, routing and pace to suit you. No off-the-shelf packages, just impartial expert advice.
3
Refine & reserve
We fine-tune every detail with you, then place a 24 hour hold on your preferred camps, with no obligation, before you confirm.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.