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Giraffe crossing the grass of the Northern Circuit

Private journeys · Arusha

The Northern Circuit, at your pace

Serengeti light, the crater rim, baobabs at Tarangire — then the coast, if you want the sea after the plains. Every departure is private, and quoted for your dates.

  • 7–9 days
  • Private vehicle
  • From Arusha
The collection

Choose how you travel

Three ways onto the circuit. Open a journey, read the days, then ask us to shape the lodges around you.

Prefer to talk it through on WhatsApp

The route

Day by day

Lodges, parks, and the hours between them — written the way the journey is actually driven.

7Days Northern Shoveler Adventure Safari Itinerary
7 Days / 6 Nights

7Days Northern Shoveler Adventure Safari Itinerary

Tarangire · Manyara · Serengeti · Ngorongoro

Experience the highlights of Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit on this 7-day adventure. The journey combines the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park, the scenic beauty of Lake Manyara, the dramatic Ngorongoro Highlands and Crater, and the world-famous wildlife of the Serengeti. With comfortable lodge and tented-camp accommodation throughout, this itinerary provides a balance of exciting game drives, scenic transfers and time to enjoy Tanzania's spectacular wilderness

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Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arrive in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit. Meet your safari guide and transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing at the lodge and preparing for the safari adventure ahead. Accommodation: Under the Shade Meals: Half board

Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park for a full day of wildlife viewing. Tarangire is renowned for its large elephant herds You may have the opportunity to watch elephants feeding, drinking or moving through the woodland, magnificent baobab trees the enormous baobabs provide some of the most iconic photographic scenery in the park and diverse wildlife. The Tarangire River and surrounding habitats attract elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes and numerous bird species. Enjoy a game drive through the park with a picnic lunch. In the late afternoon, continue to your lodge for dinner and relaxation. Accommodation: Tarangire Safari Lodge Meals: Full board

Day 3: Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park – Karatu

After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park. Enjoy a game drive through this beautiful park, which lies at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Lake Manyara is known for its diverse landscapes, abundant birdlife, elephants, monkeys, buffalo and its famous tree-climbing lions (not guaranteed), The lake and surrounding wetlands attract many bird species. Depending on the season, you may see flamingos and other waterbirds. After the game drive, continue to Karatu for your overnight stay. Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge Meals: Full board

Day 4: Karatu – Ngorongoro Highlands – Central Serengeti

After breakfast, depart Karatu and travel through the spectacular Ngorongoro Highlands towards the Serengeti. The journey offers beautiful views of the highlands and Ngorongoro Conservation Area before descending towards the vast Serengeti plains, you may see Maasai communities, traditional homesteads and people tending livestock. Enter Serengeti National Park and enjoy an afternoon game drive en route to your accommodation. The Serengeti is the centerpiece of Tanzania's Northern Circuit and is famous for its vast plains and exceptional wildlife. Accommodation: Ang'ata Serengeti Camp Meals: Full board

Day 5: Full Day in Central Serengeti

After breakfast the journey will begin with the packed lunch boxes towards exploring the endless plain of Serengeti. Enjoy a full day exploring Central Serengeti, with morning and afternoon game drives. Central Serengeti offers excellent opportunities to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo and many other species. A full day allows you to explore different areas at a relaxed pace, maximizing opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Return to camp in the evening for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Ang'ata Serengeti Camp Meals: Full board

Day 6: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, depart the Serengeti with a game drive en route towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The crater provides an exceptional concentration of wildlife within its dramatic volcanic landscape, Ngorongoro is one of the places where you have a possibility of spotting the endangered black rhino, The crater supports a healthy lion population, giving you opportunities for predator sightings, you may see elephants, particularly around woodland areas also large buffalo herds are frequently encountered in the crater. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the day before continuing towards your accommodation. In the late afternoon, proceed to Embalakai for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Embalakai Meals: Full board

Day 7: Ngorongoro – Arusha

After breakfast, begin your journey from the Ngorongoro area back to Arusha, enjoy the changing landscapes of northern Tanzania along the way. Depending on your international flight departure time, there may be an opportunity to stop for lunch or refreshments in Arusha before continuing to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). Your safari vehicle and guide will then transfer you directly to the airport in good time for your international flight departure.

Included

  • Park fees
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All taxes/VAT
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • A professional guide
  • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
  • Airport transfer

Not included

  • International flight
  • Additional accommodation
  • Tips
  • Personal items (Visa fee, travel insurance, etc.
9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS MIDRANGE SAFARI NORTHERN SHOVELER ADVENTURE
9 Days / 8 Nights

9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS MIDRANGE SAFARI NORTHERN SHOVELER ADVENTURE

Tarangire · Manyara · Serengeti · Ngorongoro

Embark on an unforgettable 9-day safari adventure through Tanzania’s renowned national parks and wildlife areas. This carefully designed itinerary combines spectacular game drives, breathtaking landscapes, and opportunities to experience Tanzania’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and other iconic African species. From the savannahs of Tarangire and Serengeti to the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater, each day offers a unique opportunity to discover the natural beauty and rich wildlife of Tanzania. The safari concludes with a choice of returning home or extending your journey with a relaxing beach experience in Zanzibar.

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Day 1: Arrival, Transfer & Accommodation

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or Arusha airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our safari representative, who will meet you and assist with your transfer to accommodation. Please look out for a signboard displaying your name for easy identification. You will be transferred to the lodge, where you will have time to relax, freshen up, and rest after your journey. This will also be an opportunity to make any necessary preparations for the following day's safari journey to the national park. Accommodation: Under the Shade Safari Lodge Meal plan: Half board

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

After an early breakfast at the lodge, depart for Tarangire National Park, with packed lunches prepared for the day. The drive takes you through the scenic landscapes of northern Tanzania before entering the park for a full-day game drive. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of elephants, big cats, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, antelopes, and other wildlife Tarangire is renowned for its impressive concentration of African elephants and is one of Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. The Park is characterized by ancient baobab trees, seasonal wetlands, open grasslands, and the permanent Tarangire River, which provides an important source of water for wildlife, particularly during the dry season, Tarangire is also an excellent destination for birdwatching, with more than 500 bird species recorded. In the late afternoon, depart the park and proceed to Tarangire Tree Tops for dinner and overnight accommodation, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Tarangire ecosystem. Accommodation: Tarangire Tree Tops Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner Activities: Game drive in Tarangire National Park

Day 3: Full Game Drive in Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, the game drive will continue through Tarangire National Park, exploring different key areas of the park in search of a wider variety of wildlife. The route will take us through diverse habitats, including open grasslands, woodland areas, and seasonal river surroundings, which attract many species. The aim of the continued game drive is to increase opportunities to encounter more wildlife, such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, buffaloes, predators and various bird species. As you explore deeper into the park, we will make several stops at promising wildlife areas and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and natural surroundings of Tarangire. At midday, you will stop at one of the designated picnic sites inside the park to enjoy lunch surrounded by the natural beauty of Tarangire. After lunch, the game drive will continue through other key wildlife areas, providing further opportunities for wildlife sightings and photography. The day will be dedicated to wildlife viewing and experiencing the rich biodiversity of Tarangire National Park before continuing to the next destination. Accommodation: Tarangire Tree Tops Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner Activities: Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park

Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park for a full-day game drive. Located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is a scenic and diverse protected area famous for its beautiful landscapes, lush groundwater forests, open plains, and the alkaline waters of Lake Manyara. Despite being relatively small compared to some of Tanzania’s other national parks, Lake Manyara offers an impressive variety of habitats and wildlife. During the game drive, you may have the opportunity to encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, impalas, baboons, and a wide variety of bird species. The Park is also known for its tree-climbing lions, although sightings are not guaranteed. The dense woodland and forest areas provide habitat for monkeys, baboons and other wildlife, while the lake and surrounding wetlands attract numerous water birds. The full-day game drive will explore the park’s key wildlife areas, with opportunities to stop at scenic viewpoints and suitable picnic areas for lunch. Enjoy the combination of wildlife, birdlife, lush vegetation, and spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley. In the late afternoon, exit Lake Manyara National Park and transfer to Karatu, a small town located near the major safari destinations of the northern Tanzania circuit. Upon arrival, check in at Manor Lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation: Manor Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activity: Game drive

Day 5: Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, depart for a day game drive into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, one of Tanzania’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, formed when a massive volcano collapsed approximately 2–3 million years ago. The crater floor covers about 260 square kilometers and is surrounded by steep walls rising approximately 600 meters above the floor. Its permanent water sources and fertile grasslands support an exceptional concentration of wildlife throughout the year. The crater is home to an estimated 25,000 large animals, including large populations of wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, buffalo and elephants. Lions, cheetahs and hyenas are also commonly seen, while the crater is one of the places in Tanzania where there is a good chance of spotting the endangered black rhinoceros. The crater’s diverse habitats include open grasslands, forests, wetlands and Lake Magadi, creating a remarkable ecosystem within a relatively compact area. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the game drive, surrounded by the dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife of the crater. In the afternoon, ascend from the crater and continue to Ngorongoro Wild Camp for dinner and overnight accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Ngorongoro Wild Camp

Day 6: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park, with a game drive end route to Pioneer Tented Camp. The Serengeti, meaning “endless plains” in the Maasai language, is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife ecosystems. The Park covers approximately 14,750 square kilometers and forms part of the larger Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, extending north into Kenya. Its vast grasslands, woodlands and seasonal rivers provide habitat for an extraordinary variety of wildlife. Optional Excursion – Olduvai Gorge An optional excursion can be arranged to Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most important archaeological and paleoanthropological sites. Located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the gorge is part of the East African Rift System and has preserved layers of sediments containing important evidence of early human evolution. Olduvai became internationally significant following discoveries of early hominin fossils and stone tools, including evidence associated with the oldowan stone-tool tradition, dating back roughly 2 million years. The discoveries made here have provided scientists with important insights into early human ancestors, their environment and the development of early technology. A visit to Olduvai offers an opportunity to learn about Tanzania’s contribution to the study of human origins and to see the dramatic landscape in which some of these discoveries were made. Continue to Pioneer Tented Camp for dinner and overnight accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Pioneer Tented Camp

Day 7: Full day in Central Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive in Central Serengeti National Park, exploring the diverse landscapes and rich wildlife areas surrounding the Seronera Valley and Moru Kopjes. Throughout the day, explore the Central Serengeti in search of the region’s abundant wildlife. Large herds of wildebeest and zebra, together with gazelles, buffalo, giraffes, elephants and other plains game, can often be encountered. The area is also renowned for its predators, with opportunities to observe lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena in their natural environment. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed during the game drive, allowing you to spend the full day exploring Central Serengeti National Park without returning to camp for lunch. In the late afternoon, return to Pioneer Tented Camp for dinner and overnight accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Pioneer Tented Camp

Day 8: Serengeti to Arusha City

After breakfast, check out from Pioneer Tented Camp and begin your transfer from the Serengeti to Arusha City. A packed lunch will be provided for the journey. The transfer takes you from the vast Serengeti plains toward Arusha, passing through changing landscapes and rural communities along the way. This marks the end of your safari experience in the Serengeti and the beginning of a more relaxed stay around Arusha. Upon arrival in the Arusha area, continue to Lake Duluti Lodge, located near the peaceful shores of Lake Duluti. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax and enjoy the lodge and its tranquil surroundings. In the evening, enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation at Lake Duluti Lodge. Meals: Half board Accommodation: Lake Duluti Lodge

Day 9: Arusha City & Departure

After breakfast at Lake Duluti Lodge, enjoy some free time for shopping in Arusha City. This is an opportunity to purchase souvenirs, local handicrafts, Tanzanian coffee, artwork and other gifts to remember your journey. After shopping, transfer from Arusha City to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or Arusha Airport in time for your international flight.

Included

  • Park fees
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional
  • All taxes/VAT
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • A professional guide
  • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
  • Airport transfer

Not included

  • International flight
  • Additional accommodation
  • Tips
  • Personal items (Visa fee, travel insurance, etc.
Zanzibar Beach Add-on
3–7 Days

Zanzibar Beach Add-on

Zanzibar Archipelago

After the game tracks, this is the beach chapter. The 9-day safari already offers the choice to finish on Zanzibar instead of flying straight home, and the same stay can follow the 7-day trip.

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We book the flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro and the nights on the coast, usually three to seven days. Stone Town, a dhow sunset, snorkelling, and a quiet east-coast lodge are arranged with the safari, so the beach half is not a separate plan.

It suits couples and families. Tell us your dates and we match the lodge to the Northern Circuit trip you have already chosen.