Great Northern Circuit Highlights – 8 Days
8-day Northern Circuit Dream Safari
Don’t just visit Tanzania – experience it. This 8-day Safari will have you falling in love with the landscapes and wildlife of Africa.
You’ll have a chance to not just see these famous national parks, but enjoy morning walking tours and add-on day hikes, as well.
Tour Itinerary
Safari Type: Budget Camping, Mid-Range and Luxury options available
Destinations:
- Manyara Nat Park
- Serengeti Nat Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire Nat Park
- Arrival: Arusha, Tz/ Kilimanjaro Int. Airport
- Departure: Arusha, Tz/ Kilimanjaro Int. Airport
- Customizable: Yes
- Season: Year-Round
Day 1: Manyara National Park
Your driver will pick your group up from your Arusha-area accommodations in the morning, and head directly to Lake Manyara National Park.
This smaller national park is a great place to stop over as you drive further north, and offers sightings of elephants, giraffes, zebras and even tree-climbing lions.
Top Attractions: Tree-climbing lions, giraffes, and excellent bird viewing.
We do offer airport pick-ups and transfers. Please reach out to learn about starting this itinerary a day early, with accommodations included.
- Half Board: Lunch, dinner and overnight included.
Day 2: Serengeti
In the early morning, depart for Serengeti National Park via Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The drive meanders through the grassy highlands of Ngorongoro, and wildlife sightings of zebras, giraffes and other herbivores are common.
Option to pause at Olduvai Gorge, a famous excavation site where Louis and Mary Leakey made world-changing discoveries about the earliest civilizations.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Ndutu area of Serengeti and take in an afternoon game drive around the Seronera or Ndutu area of Serengeti.
- Full Board: all meals and overnight included.
Top Attractions: Pause for a view over Africa’s Great Rift Valley, and see evidence of the first humans at the excavation site at Olduvai Gorge.
Day 3: Serengeti National Park
Begin with an early morning game drive through Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s largest park in the Northern Circuit. To really get the most out of this famous park, you need several days. Travelers hoping to witness the incredible wildebeest migration over the Grumeti or Mara Rivers should plan for several days in the Serengeti, as the river crossings are at the far northwest corner of the park. No matter what time of the year you visit Serengeti, you’re sure to have excellent game viewing and have a good chance at spotting all of Africa’s Big Five.
- Full Board: all meals and overnight included.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
A final full-day in the Serengeti.
Depending on the time of year, you might see the largest migration of animals at the Grumeti River Crossing, or track lions in the “Big Cat Capital’ of Lobo Valley. Check out the interactive Visitor’s Center in the Seronera area or head to Moru Kopjes to look for Black Rhinos.
- Full Board: all meals and overnight included.
Top Attractions: Wildebeest Migration, herds of antelope, zebras and other grazing animals either during migration or spread across Seronera Valley; Serengeti’s large lion prides, a good chance at seeing cheetahs or leopards, especially in the early morning hours, breathtaking scenery of open plains and vast grasslands.
Day 5: Half-day in Serengeti, drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
After breakfast, begin the drive out of Serengeti.
You will drive through breath-taking landscapes as you head to the Ngorongoro Conservation area, and will likely spot herds of grazing animals such as gazelles, zebras and elands as you drive.
- Option to camp within the Crater (additional fees may apply), or stay at a beautiful lodge just outside of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area limits.
- Option to add a day hike to view the beautiful Olmoti Crater (approx 1-2 hrs hike), and stretch your legs. Additional fees may apply.
- Full Board: all meals and overnight included.
Top Attractions: Depart early for the best chance of seeing cheetahs on the prowl. Depending on the season, you may find elephants in the woodlands.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast, drive back to Ngorongoro and descend into the famous Ngorongoro Crater.
Stop at the viewpoint to look down into the crater from above, then enjoy a full morning of animal viewing. Animals you might spot include the endangered Black Rhino, prides of Crater lions, and Forest Elephants.
After a picnic lunch, continue to visit a seasonal soda lake and Forest areas of the Crater floor.
Drive out of the Crater in the late afternoon.
Option to add a day hike. Empakai Crater, a 2-3 hours trek offers scenic views and a chance to see flamingos up close.
- Full Board: all meals and overnight included.
Top Attractions: Black Rhinos, the Hippo Pool for a picnic lunch, Lake Magadi’s pink flamingos, and the largest concentration of animals found anywhere in the world
Day 7: Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart to Tarangire National Park on a scenic route passing through parts of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours
This park is famous for it’s large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. The Tarangire River attracts animals year-round, making this a favorite park during the dry seasons.
- Full Board: all meals and overnight included.
Top Attractions: East Africa’s largest herds of elephants are found within Tarangire National Park. You’re sure to see these gentle giants during your game drive.
Day 8: Half-day Tarangire National Park, Return to Arusha
Start your morning with breakfast and a half-day game drive in Tarangire National Park.
Explore areas of the park you didn’t get to visit the day before, and you may spot lions and cheetahs during your drive.
In the afternoon, return to Arusha, with options to stop at gift shops and art galleries along the way.
Depending on your plans you may stay a night or transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
End of Safari
It’s always an Adventure!
Safari Prices – 8-Day Great Northern Circuit our
| Prices valid for 2023-2024 | Camping | Standard | Premium |
| 2 ppl | $2396 | $3329 | $4031 |
| 4 ppl | $1844 | $2779 | $3485 |
| 6 ppl | $1660 | $2595 | $3303 |
