Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Private transfer to your Arusha lodge with welcome dinner and detailed safari briefing.
DAY 1
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS TANZANIA
The Ultimate Northern Circuit — 8-Day Big Five Safari
EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW
Safari Overview
<p><p>Eight days of pure, unadulterated wilderness — the Northern Circuit is Tanzania's most iconic safari route, and this itinerary elevates it to an art form. Beginning in Arusha, you'll embark on a private overland journey through landscapes that have captivated explorers for centuries.
Your adventure opens in Tarangire National Park, where ancient baobab trees frame herds of over 300 elephants. Continue to the emerald-fringed shores of Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions and vast flocks of flamingos. The Ngorongoro Crater — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest intact volcanic caldera — offers virtually guaranteed Big Five sightings in a single morning's game drive.
The journey culminates with three full days in the Serengeti, staying in a private concession area far from the crowds. Expect intimate encounters with lion prides, leopard lounging in acacia branches, and the eternal ebb and flow of the Great Migration. Nights are spent in award-winning lodges and fly camps chosen for their unrivalled vantage points.</p></p>
Route Overview
Follow the itinerary as it moves through each destination, with grouped day ranges for consecutive stays.
6 STOPS6 Destinations: Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Highlands
Safari Highlights
Curated moments, destinations, and experiences woven into this journey.
★Arusha Town
★Lake Manyara National Park
★Tarangire National Park
★Serengeti National Park
★Ngorongoro Crater
Itinerary
An editorial journey through each day of the safari, with destinations, imagery, and places you will stay.
Lake Manyara National Park
Drive to the breathtaking Lake Manyara, shimmering at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Search for tree-climbing lions, hippo pods, flamingo flocks and over 400 bird species in this compact gem.
⌂ Tloma Lodge →DAY 2
Tarangire National Park
A full day in Tarangire — famous for its ancient baobabs and massive elephant herds. Game drives along the river reveal lion, leopard, python and herds of wildebeest and zebra.
⌂ Tarangire Treetops →DAY 3
Karatu to Serengeti — Olduvai Gorge
Cross the Ngorongoro Highlands, stopping at Olduvai Gorge — the "Cradle of Mankind". Descend into the Serengeti for afternoon game drives across the endless plains.
⌂ Zuri Serengeti Camp →DAY 4
Full Day in the Serengeti
Explore the Serengeti from dawn to dusk. Morning and afternoon game drives revealing lion prides, leopard in sausage trees, cheetah hunts, and vast herds of herbivores. Optional balloon safari at sunrise.
⌂ Zuri Serengeti Camp →DAY 5
Serengeti — Northern Sector
Drive north toward the Mara River region. This area is famous for dramatic wildebeest river crossings. Big cats and crocodile sightings are frequent. Picnic lunch on the savanna.
⌂ Zuri Serengeti Camp →DAY 6
Ngorongoro Crater Descent
Early departure for the Ngorongoro Crater. Descend 600 metres into the caldera for a half-day game drive — spot black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo and hippo in this extraordinary natural arena.
⌂ Ngorongoro Farm House →DAY 7
Ngorongoro to Arusha — Departure
Morning drive through the green Karatu highlands back to Arusha. Farewell lunch, souvenir shopping, and transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport.
DAY 8
Where You Will Stay
A curated look at the camps and lodges stitched into this itinerary.
Tloma Lodge
Lake Manyara National Park
Tarangire Treetops
Tarangire National Park
Zuri Serengeti Camp
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Farm House
Ngorongoro Crater
Inclusions & Exclusions
A clear view of what is covered and what to plan for separately.
Included
✓["All park and conservation fees","Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof","Professional safari guide","All meals, water, and select beverages","Premium lodge and tented camp accommodation","Ngorongoro Crater service fee","Airport transfers","AMREF Flying Doctors insurance"]
✓["Explore all four Northern Circuit parks in one safari","Big Five sightings virtually guaranteed in Ngorongoro Crater","Tarangire's legendary elephant herds among ancient baobabs","Tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara","Three full days in the Serengeti on a private concession","Award-winning lodges and exclusive fly camps","Sunset cocktails on the Ngorongoro Crater rim"]
Excluded
×["International flights","Visa fees","Travel insurance","Optional balloon safari ($599)","Gratuities","Personal expenditure"]
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