Tanzania · Private or group · Mid-range safari
The northern circuit, unhurried
Seven days through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, two nights in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, with lodge stays and time to enjoy each place.
Price on request
The journey in brief
The experience
This is the classic northern Tanzania safari with room to breathe. After a night in Arusha you spend a day each in Tarangire and Lake Manyara, then two nights in the Serengeti.
The last full day is in the Ngorongoro Crater. Lodges are chosen with you after you enquire, and the itinerary can be adjusted around the season.
Arrival night in Arusha
Tarangire and Lake Manyara at an easy pace
Two nights in the Serengeti
Ngorongoro Crater game drive
The route
Arusha
Tarangire
Lake Manyara
Karatu
Serengeti
Ngorongoro
Arusha
Arusha → Tarangire → Lake Manyara → Karatu → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Arusha
Day by day
This is a sample itinerary. We confirm the exact route, timings and lodges with your quote, and your guide adjusts each day around road and wildlife conditions.
Day 1 / Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport and transfer to your lodge. The rest of the day is free to recover from your journey.
Day 2 / Arusha → Tarangire National Park
Drive to Tarangire for a day among baobabs, elephant herds and the river valley.
Day 3 / Tarangire area → Lake Manyara National Park → Karatu
Game drive through Lake Manyara's groundwater forest and along the lakeshore, then climb the escarpment to Karatu.
Day 4 / Karatu → Serengeti
Cross the Ngorongoro highlands to the Serengeti, with game viewing in the afternoon.
Day 5 / Serengeti National Park
A full day in the Serengeti, planned around the season and the latest sightings.
Day 6 / Serengeti → Ngorongoro
A morning game drive, then the drive to the Ngorongoro area, with an optional stop at Olduvai Gorge.
Day 7 / Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
Descend early into the crater for a game drive, then return to Arusha for your onward journey.
Where you stay
Lodges for this safari are agreed with you after you enquire, based on your dates, preferences and availability.
Arusha · 1 night
Tarangire area · 1 night
Karatu · 1 night
Serengeti · 2 nights
Ngorongoro · 1 night
Accommodation pattern: Mid-range · Overnight at the lodge.
This safari is priced for your exact dates. Lodge rates, park fees and availability vary through the year, so we confirm a written price once we know your dates and party size.
Prices can depend on travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and changes to park fees. All terms are confirmed in writing before you book.
The details
This is the usual scope of this safari. Your written quote lists exactly what is included for your trip.
Before you travel
Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.
Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.
A soft bag is easiest in safari vehicles. If any part of your trip includes light-aircraft flights, baggage limits apply.
Weather and wildlife movement change through the year. Tell us your dates and we will explain what to expect.
Questions travellers ask
Often, yes. Tell us what you would like to change and we will confirm what is possible for your dates.
Prices for this safari depend on your dates, party size and accommodation availability, so we quote for your exact trip.
We reply with availability, any suggestions for your dates and a written quote. Nothing is booked until you have agreed the quote and booking terms.
No. Wildlife is free-ranging and sightings vary. Your guide will plan each day around conditions to give you the best chances.
Keep exploring
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Price on request
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A mid-range northern circuit covering Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, the area where all of the Big Five may be found.
Price on request
The next step
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability and send a written quote; nothing is booked until you agree.
Use Plan My Safari to send your dates, travellers and preferences for this safari. It takes about two minutes.
Still deciding?
If this safari is close but not quite right, describe your ideal trip and we will suggest a route.
7 days · Tanzania
Price on request
