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Ultimate Northern Circuit Safari

The complete Northern Circuit in 8 days - Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

Duration 8 Days / 7 Nights
Group 2-6 people
Pickup Arusha
Language English
From $4,515 per person · 3 tiers available
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Overview

The definitive Tanzania safari, covering all four flagship parks of the Northern Circuit. Tarangire's baobab-studded landscapes and elephant herds, Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions and lakeshore birdlife, three full days in the Serengeti, and the grand finale on the Ngorongoro Crater floor. Ideal for travellers who want to experience the full diversity of Tanzania's wildlife in one trip. Available in Budget, Mid-range and Luxury tiers.

Highlights

All four Northern Circuit parks
Three full Serengeti days
Ngorongoro Crater descent
Tarangire elephant herds
Lake Manyara tree-climbing lions
Maasai cultural visit

Compare Tiers

All tiers share the same expert guide, private 4x4, full meal plan and itinerary. The difference is the comfort level of your accommodation.

  Budget Mid-range Recommended Luxury
Price (per person) $4,515 $5,555 $7,515
Accommodation Comfortable mid-range hotels and tented camps. Clean, en-suite rooms. Quality lodges and tented camps in or close to the parks. Pool, restaurant, character. Premier lodges and luxury tented suites. Private decks, spa options, fine dining.
Vehicle Shared 4x4 with pop-up roof, bottled water Private 4x4 with pop-up roof, charging ports, fridge Private 4x4 fully equipped, refreshments and snacks on board
Meals Hotel breakfast and dinner; picnic lunch on game-drive days Full board with regional menus and dietary options Gourmet full board with sundowners, bush dinners and wine pairings
Best for Travellers prioritising value and the wildlife experience Couples, families and most first-time visitors Honeymoons, milestone trips and discerning travellers

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Morning pickup from your Arusha hotel and drive southwest to Tarangire National Park (approx. 3 hours). Afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River - elephant herds, lion prides under sausage trees, and ancient baobabs. Check in to your safari lodge for dinner and overnight.

Full-day exploration of Tarangire with packed breakfast. Silale Swamps, baobab-studded hills and Maasai grazing corridors. Watch for leopards, gerenuk and the unusual fringe-eared oryx. Return to lodge for sundowners and dinner.

Morning game drive exiting Tarangire, then drive to Lake Manyara National Park (approx. 2 hours). Afternoon game drive in the lush groundwater forest - tree-climbing lions, baboon troops and 400+ bird species. Overnight at a lodge on the Rift Valley escarpment.

Drive up through the Ngorongoro Highlands with a photo stop at the crater viewpoint, then onto the rolling Serengeti grasslands. Enter via Naabi Hill Gate and begin game viewing as you make your way to your central Serengeti camp by late afternoon. Dinner under the stars.

Dawn departure with packed breakfast. Explore the Seronera River valley and the open plains. Picnic lunch in the bush. Afternoon drive into the late golden hour - cheetah, lion and elephant on the move. Return to camp for dinner.

Continue tracking the migration depending on the season. Optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight (extra cost) finishing with a champagne bush breakfast. Two full game drives with a midday rest. Bush dinner under the stars.

Slow game drive exiting the Serengeti. Visit Olduvai Gorge museum. Continue to your lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Optional afternoon Maasai boma visit for traditional dances and craft demonstrations. Dinner at the lodge with crater views.

Early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive - black rhino, lion, elephant, flamingo. Picnic lunch at the hippo pool. Late-morning ascent. Drive back to Arusha (approx. 3.5 hours), drop-off at hotel or airport.

What's Included

  • Park and conservation fees
  • Accommodation per chosen tier (Budget hotels $100-$120 / Mid-range $300-$400 / Luxury $600-$700)
  • All meals on safari
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Airport / hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Reservation cost

What's Excluded

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Balloon safari
  • Personal items and tips
  • Alcoholic beverages

Best Time to Visit

Plan around peak wildlife, weather and price windows.

Peak season Shoulder / good Off-season

Long Dry Season

Peak
June – October

Peak game viewing. Animals concentrate around waterholes; thinning vegetation makes spotting easy. The iconic Mara River crossings of the Great Migration occur Jul – Sep.

Calving Season

Peak
January – February

The Great Migration calves in southern Serengeti / Ndutu. Dramatic predator action and excellent weather with surprisingly low crowds.

Short Rains

Good
November – December

Brief afternoon showers, lush green landscapes and excellent birding as migrants arrive. Migration herds move south. Lower-season pricing.

Long Rains

Avoid
March – May

Heavy rainfall, muddy roads, some lodges close. Beautiful green scenery and dramatic skies, but the most challenging time for safaris. Lowest prices.

What to Pack

Recommended essentials based on Tanzanian conditions and our 25 years of experience guiding this trip.

Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing (avoid bright colours, navy and black)
Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection
Strong sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm
Insect repellent (DEET-based)
Closed walking shoes or light boots
Light fleece or jacket for early morning game drives
Binoculars (essential)
Camera with zoom lens and spare batteries
Refillable water bottle
Personal medications and basic first-aid kit
Small backpack for day use
Power adapter (Tanzania uses UK Type G plugs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard safaris require minimal fitness — most game viewing is from the vehicle. If you have specific mobility concerns, let us know so we can plan appropriate stops.

Yes — single travellers typically pay 25-40% above the per-person sharing rate. Contact us for current single-supplement pricing on your chosen package.

Yes, all park entry fees, conservation fees and crater fees are included in the package price.

Yes. Most travellers (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia) can apply for a Tanzania e-visa online (~$50) before travel, or get a visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Allow 7-10 days for e-visa processing.

A Yellow Fever certificate is required only if you are arriving from a yellow-fever country. Recommended (consult your doctor): Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and antimalarial prophylaxis.

Strongly recommended for all travellers and mandatory for Kilimanjaro climbers. Make sure your policy covers high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 m if you are climbing.

A 30% deposit confirms your booking. The remaining balance is due 30 days before arrival. We accept bank transfer, credit card and major mobile money providers.

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, gluten-free and other dietary needs can be arranged with advance notice — please flag them when booking.

Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure (deposit refunded minus a small processing fee). Cancellations 30-60 days out: 50% refund. Less than 30 days: no refund. We strongly recommend trip-cancellation insurance.
Choose your tier
Budget $4,515
Mid-range $5,555
Luxury $7,515
per person · final price varies with group size
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Let's Plan Your Ultimate Northern Circuit Safari

Speak with one of our Tanzania experts today. We'll tailor every detail to your dates, your group and your budget — no cookie-cutter trips, just unforgettable adventures.

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