About this safari
The 7-Day Northern Circuit Safari is Tanzania’s most iconic route, and for good reason. In one balanced week it links four world-famous parks — Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater — with a pace that lets you enjoy each one without rushing.
You start among Tarangire’s great elephant herds and baobab forests, pass the tree-climbing lions and pink flamingos of Lake Manyara, then spend two full days in the Serengeti chasing the year-round drama of the Great Migration. The finale is a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheatre so rich in wildlife it is often called Africa’s Eden.
The tour runs privately with your own 4x4, guide and itinerary. Every park has its own character, and together they cover the full Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino — plus far more.
It is the perfect first safari: comfortable lodges and camps, short drives between parks, and guidance from a local team who grew up in the shadow of the mountain.
What makes this tour special
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Tarangire’s elephants
Massive herds and giant baobabs in one of Tanzania’s most scenic parks.
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Tree-climbing lions
Lake Manyara is famous for lions that laze in the branches of acacia trees.
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The Great Migration
Two full days in the Serengeti, where wildebeest and zebra move with the rains.
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Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into a crater packed with Big Five wildlife — including black rhino.
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Incredible birding
Flamingos, raptors, hornbills and hundreds of species across all four parks.
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Private 4x4 & guide
Your own vehicle, window seat guaranteed and a guide who knows every track.
Day-by-day plan
Arrival in Moshi or Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania. You are met at Kilimanjaro International Airport and driven to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, beneath the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro. In the evening your guide joins you for a welcome briefing: the route ahead, what to pack, and what each park has in store.
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast you drive south to Tarangire National Park, a 2 to 3 hour journey through Maasai countryside. Tarangire is world-famous for elephants — often in herds of fifty or more — and for its ancient baobab trees. A full afternoon game drive follows the Tarangire River, where herds gather even into the dry season.
Lake Manyara National Park
Today is short and scenic: about 90 minutes brings you to Lake Manyara National Park, cradled between the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the shimmering soda lake. Watch for tree-climbing lions, huge troops of baboons, hippos in the shallows, and — in the season — thousands of flamingos along the shoreline.
Lake Manyara to the Central Serengeti
A morning drive carries you into the Serengeti National Park, crossing the Ngorongoro highlands en route. Entering the endless plains is a moment in itself. Your first game drive explores the Seronera Valley, the heart of the park and a year-round stronghold of lion, leopard and cheetah. Tonight you sleep under the African stars in the central Serengeti.
Full day in the Serengeti
A full day is yours in the Serengeti. Depending on the season, follow the wildebeest herds — calving on the southern plains in early in the year, crossing the Grumeti River in mid-year, or thundering north for the Mara crossings. Game drives at dawn and dusk offer the best predators. Along the way, picnic lunches and endless savannah.
Ngorongoro Crater
An early start brings you to the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Descend 600 metres into a self-contained paradise where some 25,000 large animals live year-round: the Big Five are all here, including rare black rhino. A full crater-floor game drive is a safari highlight few places on Earth can match.
Departure
After a relaxed breakfast on the crater rim, drive back to Arusha or Moshi through the fertile highlands. Arrive mid-afternoon in time for onward travel — or extend your stay with a Zanzibar beach break or a Kilimanjaro climb; our team is happy to arrange either.
What’s included & not included
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Park entry fees for all parks on the itinerary
- All meals as listed (B, L, D) and drinking water on drives
- 6 nights’ accommodation as per the itinerary
- Unlimited game drives with no set mileage limits
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Government taxes and levies
Not included
- International flights and Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips and gratuities for your guide and camp staff
- Optional activities such as balloon safaris and village walks
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
Where you’ll stay
Luxury lodges & tented suites
Full-board luxury camps on rims and rivers, with private decks, plunge pools and all-inclusive service. <!-- TODO: lodge names -->
Comfortable lodges & camps
Well-run lodges and permanent tented camps with ensuite bathrooms, restaurants and warm hospitality. <!-- TODO: lodge names -->
Basic lodge & campsites
Clean, friendly options in and around the parks with shared facilities where applicable. <!-- TODO: lodge names -->
7-Day Northern Circuit Safari in pictures
Best time to take this tour
The Northern Circuit safari works all year, but wildlife viewing peaks in the dry season and the migration moves with the rains.
| Season | Weather | Crowds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Warm, usually dry (short rains easing) | Moderate | Calving season on the southern Serengeti plains |
| Apr–May | Long rains | Low | Quieter parks, lush green scenery, great deals |
| Jun–Oct | Dry, cool mornings | High | Best general viewing; herds concentrate around water |
| Nov–Dec | Short rains | Moderate | Fresh green landscapes, strong season for birding |
Route & logistics
This tour is a loop: it begins and ends in Arusha or Moshi and travels in a clockwise arc through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. The longest single drive is the transfer into the Serengeti on day four; the rest are comfortable 2–4 hour hops.
Road transfers are in a private, safari-equipped 4x4. For guests short on time, scheduled and charter flights can replace the road legs on request at extra cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a private tour?
Yes. You travel in your own 4x4 with your own guide, so departure dates are flexible and the itinerary can be adjusted around you.
What is the best time to take this safari?
June to October offers the most reliable viewing and the famous southern calving season runs January to March. The tour works all year, and the green season from November to May is quieter and more affordable.
Will I see the Big Five?
Very probably. Lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo are reliable across the circuit, and Ngorongoro is one of the best places on Earth to see the endangered black rhino.
Can this safari be combined with Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro?
Yes — many guests add a Zanzibar beach stay or a Kilimanjaro climb onto either end. We will gladly extend the itinerary and quote accordingly.
What should I pack?
Comfortable neutral-coloured clothing, warm layers for early morning drives, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and a camera with plenty of memory. A full packing list is sent with your booking.
How fit do I need to be?
This is a game-drive safari with no hiking, so almost any fitness level is fine. Children are welcome from about 5 years old.
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Ready to secure this itinerary?
Tell us your dates and group size. We will confirm availability, refine the plan around you, and send a full quote — free, with no obligation.
