Discover the best of Tanzania’s legendary Northern Circuit on an unforgettable seven-day safari through four iconic destinations. From the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire and the beautiful forests of Lake Manyara to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the wildlife-filled Ngorongoro Crater, this itinerary brings together an exceptional variety of landscapes and wildlife in one classic Tanzania safari.
Best for: First-time Tanzania visitors, couples, families, photographers and travellers looking for the classic Northern Circuit experience.
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Safari Style: Private guided safari
Starting Point: Arusha
Ending Point: Arusha
Destinations: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Transport: Private 4×4 safari vehicle
Meals: Full board during the safari
| Comfort Level | High / Peak Season (Jul–Oct, Dec–Jan) | Low / Green Season (Apr–May, Nov) |
| Mid-Range Tented Camps / Lodges | $2,450 – $2,850 | $2,050 – $2,350 |
| Luxury Safari Lodges | $4,200 – $5,100 | $3,500 – $4,100 |
Single supplement applies for solo occupancy (+25–35%).
Distance/Time: ~120 km | 2.5 hours drive.
Morning pickup from Arusha or JRO Airport. Drive through Maasai plains into Tarangire, home to Africa’s largest elephant herds and towering baobab trees. Afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River, tracking waterbuck, giraffes, and tree-dwelling python species.
Overnight: Tarangire Simba Lodge / Maramboi Tented Lodge (Mid-Range) or Sanctuary Swala / Tarangire Treetops (Luxury).
Distance/Time: ~70 km | 1.5 hours drive.
Short morning transfer to Lake Manyara. Drive through the evergreen groundwater forest, home to baboon troops, blue monkeys, and over 400 bird species. Afternoon game drive along the alkaline lake shores looking for pink flamingos and Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions.
Overnight: Kirurumu Manyara Lodge / Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge (Mid-Range) or Escarpment Luxury Lodge (Luxury).
Distance/Time: ~205 km | 4.5–5 hours drive.
Scenic drive ascending the Great Rift Valley Escarpment and traversing the Ngorongoro Conservation Area highlands. Enter Serengeti through Naabi Hill Gate into the central Seronera region. Late-afternoon game drive across the savannah tracking cheetahs and lion prides.
Overnight: Thorn Tree Camp / Serengeti Central Camp (Mid-Range) or Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge / Four Seasons (Luxury).
Early morning game drive during peak predator activity. Explore Seronera River valley, Retima Hippo Pool, and rockkopjes favored by leopards. Full day with picnic lunches in the bush. Optional dawn Hot Air Balloon Safari ($600/pax).
Overnight: Same as Day 3.
Full day customized to track seasonal Wildebeest Migration movements—heading North toward Mara River (Jul–Oct), South toward Ndutu (Dec–Mar), or West toward Western Corridor (May–Jun). Unrivaled opportunities for predator-prey dynamics.
Overnight: Same as Day 3 (or seasonal mobile camp).
Distance/Time: ~145 km | 3.5 hours drive.
Sunrise game drive leaving the Serengeti. Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge archaeological site ($25/pax). Afternoon arrival on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim for sunset vistas over the caldera.
Overnight: Rhino Lodge / Ngorongoro Farm House (Mid-Range) or Ngorongoro Serena Lodge / Lion’s Paw Camp (Luxury).
Distance/Time: ~180 km | 3.5 hours drive back to Arusha / JRO.
Early 600m descent into the 264 sq km caldera for a 6-hour game drive. Spot the endangered black rhino, hippos in Gorigor Pool, and dense lion prides. Midday ascent and direct transfer back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Tanzania offers incredible wildlife experiences year-round, but the best time depends on your interests.
Yes, we allow date changes, subject to availability and our booking terms. If you need to reschedule, please notify us as soon as possible. Changes made within a specific time frame (e.g., 30 days before departure) may incur an additional fee, depending on accommodations and services already reserved.
We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy allows flexibility depending on the notice period. For detailed terms, we’ll provide all booking conditions during the reservation process, ensuring transparency and peace of mind.
Our cancellation and refund policy is designed to offer flexibility:
Yes, you can request changes to your itinerary, such as adding activities, extending your stay, or altering accommodations. Changes are subject to availability and may incur additional costs. Please contact us as early as possible to make adjustments.
To confirm your safari booking, a deposit of 30–50% (depending on the package) is required at the time of reservation. The remaining balance is typically due 30 days before your safari begins. We’ll provide detailed payment instructions and receipts for your records.
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unforeseen events such as cancellations, medical emergencies, or trip interruptions. Many travel insurance policies also cover safari-specific needs like evacuation and loss of belongings.
Absolutely! We offer family-friendly safaris with activities tailored for kids, including shorter game drives, cultural experiences, and accommodations with family rooms. Your children will love learning about wildlife and nature in a safe and engaging environment.
At Private Explorers, sustainability is at the core of our operations. We:
