7 Days Classic Northern Circuit Safari

Price per person start from
3084 to $ 5800

Overview

Experience Tanzania’s Iconic Wildlife & Landscapes

Embark on a memorable journey through some of Tanzania’s most celebrated national parks. This classic Northern Circuit Safari combines thrilling game drives, luxurious midrange lodges, and the stunning natural beauty of Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara.

Day 1: Arrive in Arusha – Welcome dinner and overnight at a quality Arusha lodge.
Day 2: Explore Tarangire National Park – Full-day game drive amid elephant herds and ancient baobabs, with a gourmet picnic lunch.
Day 3: Transfer to Serengeti National Park – Afternoon game drive showcasing iconic wildlife and expansive savannahs; overnight at a lodge or tented camp.
Day 4: Discover Serengeti National Park – Enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives and opt for an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the plains (optional).
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Adventure – Scenic drive to the crater followed by a full-day descent to explore one of Africa’s richest wildlife sanctuaries, with lunch on the crater floor.
Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park – Morning drive to the park famed for its flamingo-lined lake and tree-climbing lions, with a full-day game drive and scenic picnic.
Day 7: Departure from Arusha – After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Safari Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival in Arusha– Welcome to Tanzania

Your journey begins the moment you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, where you’ll be warmly greeted by your dedicated safari team. From the moment you step off the plane, you’re in expert hands—your driver-guide will assist with your luggage, provide cold bottled water and refreshing towels, and begin introducing you to the landscapes, people, and rhythms of Tanzania.
Settle into your private, air-conditioned transfer vehicle for a scenic drive (approximately 30 to 90 minutes, depending on arrival airport) to Arusha Farm House, a charming colonial-style lodge located on a working coffee estate in the foothills of Mount Meru. Along the way, enjoy views of bustling villages, banana groves, and the distant volcanic peaks that mark the gateway to the safari circuit.
Upon arrival at the lodge, you’ll be welcomed with a chilled juice or fresh brewed Tanzanian coffee. After check-in, take time to relax in your spacious cottage-style room, stroll through the tropical gardens, or unwind by the pool with a cool drink in hand. As the sun sets over the lush hills of Tengeru, gather around a fire or enjoy the open-air veranda before a beautifully prepared dinner is served at the main restaurant.

Accommodation: Arusha Farm House or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Drinks Included: Bottled water during transfer
Activities Included: Private airport transfer, full safari briefing, lodge amenities (garden walk, pool, lounge)

DAY 2

Tarangire National Park – The Land of Giants

- After a hearty farm-to-table breakfast, your safari adventure officially begins with a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park—a journey of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours (about 120 km) through rolling hills, Maasai villages, and open savannah. Known as “The Land of Giants,” Tarangire is famed for its massive elephant herds, towering baobab trees, and a rich variety of wildlife drawn to the life-giving Tarangire River.
- Enjoy a full-day game drive, exploring a range of habitats from lush swamps to dry woodlands. Your expert guide will track wildlife in real-time, offering you the chance to see lions, giraffes, leopards, and a vast array of birdlife. Around midday, pause at a scenic picnic site to enjoy a freshly packed lunch while overlooking the park’s dramatic landscape.
- In the late afternoon, as the soft golden light filters through the baobabs, you’ll continue your game drive before making your way toward the highlands. Arrive at your lodge in Karatu by early evening, just in time to refresh and enjoy a warm dinner and drinks.
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge or similar (Karatu)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Drinks Included: Bottled water during game drive, soft drinks, local beer or house wine with dinner
Drive Time: 2–2.5 hours (Arusha to Tarangire); 1.5–2 hours (Tarangire to Karatu)
Safari Time in Park: Approx. 6–7 hours
Highlights: Elephant herds, baobab groves, predator sightings, scenic bush lunch, private guided experience

DAY 3

Serengeti National Park – Heart of the Wild

- After an early breakfast, check out and begin your overland journey to the legendary Serengeti National Park—Tanzania’s most iconic safari destination. The drive from Karatu to Serengeti via Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Naabi Hill Gate typically takes 5 to 6 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and road conditions. This scenic transfer is more than just travel—it’s part of the experience. Ascend through misty highlands and volcanic terrain, skirt the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, and pass through Maasai country before entering the vast open plains of the Serengeti.
- Upon entering the park at Naabi Hill Gate, enjoy a picnic lunch or a rest stop before beginning your first game drive across the golden savannahs. With your guide leading the way, explore central Serengeti’s wildlife-rich zones, keeping watch for big cats like lions and cheetahs, thousands of grazing antelope, and, during the migration season, the incredible spectacle of wildebeest and zebra herds on the move. The sheer scale and raw beauty of the landscape will captivate you from the moment you arrive.
- By late afternoon, arrive at your carefully selected safari accommodation—either a classic lodge or a luxury tented camp nestled in the wilderness. Enjoy a warm welcome, a refreshing drink, and time to unwind as the sun sets over the endless plains. Dinner is served under canvas or in a cozy dining area, offering the perfect close to your first full day in the Serengeti.
Accommodation: Friends Camp Serengeti or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Drinks Included: Bottled water during drive, soft drinks or house wine with dinner
Drive Time: Approx. 4.5–6 hours (Karatu to Serengeti, including game drive en route)
Safari Time in Park: Afternoon game drive
Highlights: Scenic transfer via Ngorongoro, first views of Serengeti plains, predator sightings, introduction to migration zones (seasonal)

DAY 4

Serengeti National Park – Dawn to Dusk Safari

- Wake before sunrise for a steaming cup of coffee or tea before heading out on an early morning game drive, one of the most rewarding times of day for wildlife viewing. As the golden light spills across the plains, predators such as lions and hyenas are still active from the night hunt, and herbivores like zebras, wildebeest, and giraffes begin to move in search of fresh grazing. The crisp air and dramatic morning sky also make this the perfect time for photography, offering iconic silhouettes and dynamic wildlife behavior.
- For those seeking an unforgettable aerial perspective, this morning offers the optional experience of a hot air balloon safari (additional cost). Float silently above the vast plains as the sun rises, witnessing the Serengeti from the sky—a spectacular way to spot game from above, followed by a champagne bush breakfast upon landing in the wilderness.
- After lunch and a bit of downtime, set out again for an afternoon game drive, exploring different sections of the park depending on wildlife movement, the season, and your interests. This may include riverine areas where elephants gather, rocky kopjes where lions bask, or open grasslands teeming with life.
- Return to camp by late afternoon, where you’ll have time to freshen up before gathering for a delicious dinner. Enjoy the evening sounds of the Serengeti around a campfire or beneath the stars as you recount the day’s thrilling encounters.
Accommodation: Friends Serengeti camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks Included: Bottled water during drives, soft drinks or house wine with dinner
Safari Time in Park: Early morning and afternoon game drives; full-day wildlife immersion
Optional Activity: Hot air balloon safari with champagne breakfast (pre-booking recommended)
Highlights: Sunrise safari, predator sightings, varied ecosystems, personalized game drives, full day of exploration

DAY 5

Ngorongoro Crater – A Natural Wonder

- Begin your day with a 7:00 AM departure from your Serengeti camp, setting off on a 3‑hour, 120 km drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area entrance. From there, continue 15 km to the crater rim before descending 610 meters into the vast caldera—a 15 km winding drive that takes about an hour. Once on the crater floor, embark on a full-day game drive (6–7 hours) through diverse habitats—from the lush Lerai Forest to soda lakes and marshy springs—under the expert guidance of your private driver-guide. You’ll encounter over 25,000 animals, including all members of the Big Five (elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino), as well as hippo pools, flamingos on Lake Magadi, and graceful wildebeest and gazelle herds.
- At midday, pause at the Ngoitokitok Springs picnic site—complete with hippo pools and restroom facilities—for a gourmet al‑fresco lunch prepared by your lodge’s chefs. After lunch, continue your wildlife exploration, focusing on the crater’s dark-green pastures where black rhinos are occasionally seen. In the late afternoon, make the scenic ascent back up to the rim, retracing the same winding road in about an hour. Arrive at your rim‑side lodge in time for sundowner cocktails on a panoramic deck, followed by a farm‑to‑table dinner and a restful night under the cool highland breezes.
Accommodation: Marera valley lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Drinks Included: Bottled water and soft drinks during game drives; local beer or house wine with dinner
Drive Time: 3 hrs (Serengeti to crater entrance) + 1 hour (ascent to rim)
Safari Time in Crater: Approx. 6–7 hours
Highlights: Dramatic 610 m descent into a UNESCO caldera, intimate Big Five encounters, gourmet picnic at Ngoitokitok Springs, spectacular crater vistas.

DAY 6

Lake Manyara National Park – The Enchanting Waterside

- - After breakfast at your lodge in Karatu, check out and head out for a day of exploration in Lake Manyara National Park, located just 30 minutes away (approx. 25 km). Begin your game drive upon arrival, following forest-lined roads where baboons roam in large troops and elephants emerge from the greenery. As you move toward the open plains and lakeshore, watch for buffalo, giraffes, warthogs, and hippos wallowing in the water. The shallow soda lake is often rimmed with thousands of flamingos and hosts over 400 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers alike.
  - Around midday, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch at one of the park’s shaded viewpoints overlooking the water or near the hot springs area, where the landscape opens up and panoramic views of the escarpment provide a stunning backdrop. After lunch, continue your game drive into the southern reaches of the park, or enjoy a short nature walk on the elevated boardwalks if time permits.
  - By mid-afternoon, begin your transfer back to Arusha, a drive of approximately 5 to 3 hours (about 130 km) through the heart of northern Tanzania’s countryside.
  Accommodation: Arusha Farm House or similar
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
  Drinks Included: Bottled water during game drive, soft drinks or house wine with dinner
  Drive Time: 30 minutes (Karatu to Lake Manyara); 2.5–3 hours (Lake Manyara to Arusha)
  Safari Time in Park: Approx. 5–6 hours
  Highlights: Tree-climbing lions, flamingos and birdlife, forest elephants, hot springs, lakeshore picnic, return to Arusha in comfort

DAY 7

Departure Day – Farewell Tanzan

- After a relaxing final night at Arusha Farm House, wake to the sounds of birdsong and the aroma of freshly brewed Tanzanian coffee. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the veranda or in the garden restaurant, with views of the surrounding plantation and Mt. Meru in the distance.
- Depending on your international or domestic flight time, you may choose to relax at the lodge, take a short walk through the coffee fields, or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you reflect on the wildlife-filled days behind you. For those with afternoon or evening flights, an optional visit to the nearby Cultural Heritage Centre, Shanga handicrafts workshop, or local markets can be arranged for souvenir shopping, artwork browsing, or learning about Tanzanian crafts and culture.
- Your driver will transfer you to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in good time for check-in—approximately 1 to 1.5 hours’ drive depending on traffic and airport location. Bottled water and luggage assistance are included for your comfort.
- As you take to the skies, you leave with unforgettable memories of sweeping savannahs, thrilling wildlife encounters, warm local hospitality, and the spirit of Africa in your heart.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Included: Private airport transfer, bottled water during transfer
Optional Add-Ons (time permitting): Visit to Cultural Heritage Centre, Shanga Workshop, Tanzanite Experience, or a local café

Package Highlights

Seamless Transfers & Expert Guidance: From airport pickups to daily game drives, enjoy hassle-free travel with experienced English-speaking safari guides.
Comfort & Adventure: Stay in carefully selected midrange lodges and tented camps that blend comfort with authentic safari living.
Inclusive Game Drives: All scheduled game drives are included, ensuring you experience Tanzania’s best wildlife encounters.
Local Flavor: Enjoy delicious meals prepared with local ingredients, complemented by unlimited drinking water and selected beverages during game drives.

Why Choose Our Classic Northern Circuit Safari?

Authentic Safari Experience: Immerse yourself in Tanzania’s rich wildlife and landscapes with carefully curated experiences that highlight each park’s unique features.
Expertly Planned Itinerary: Our route maximizes game-viewing opportunities while allowing time to appreciate the local culture and scenic beauty.
Personalized Service: Enjoy the personalized attention of experienced guides and seamless travel arrangements throughout your safari.

Book Now to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure through Tanzania’s iconic national parks!

Why Choose This Safari?

Unparalleled Wildlife Viewing: Experience Tanzania’s most famous parks, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire, each known for its incredible concentration of wildlife.
Exclusive Accommodation: Stay in luxurious lodges and tented camps that combine comfort with the excitement of being in the wild.
Expert Guides: Our professional safari guides are experts in wildlife and will ensure you have an informative and thrilling experience.
Tailored Experience: From private game drives to bespoke dining experiences, your safari is designed around your preferences.
Seamless Transfers: All mentioned transfers, from airports to lodges, are included for a hassle-free experience.

Included in cost

Ground transfers and airport pickups
6 nights’ accommodation in quality lodges/tented camps
All meals as mentioned on day by day schedule (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Daily game drives with a 4×4 safari vehicle
Park, conservation, and crater descent fees
Services of a professional safari guide

The price does not include

International flights
Visa fees and travel insurance
Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon ride)
Gratuities for guides and lodge staff

7 Days Classic Northern Circuit Safari