Safari Overview
Our most comprehensive Northern Circuit itinerary — unhurried time in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Central and Northern Serengeti (including the Mara region in season), and two nights on the Ngorongoro highlands bracketing a full crater day. Designed for travellers who want depth, not distance: every park is on the classic Arusha northern route.
Extra Serengeti nights mean better predator sightings, flexible photography stops, and room to follow migration movement without long drives to southern Tanzania parks.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival Day
Welcome at JRO and transfer to Arusha. Safari briefing and overnight. Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Overnight at Gran Meliá Arusha or Planet Lodge. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Tarangire National Park
Full day among elephant herds and baobabs with bush lunch in the park. Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Overnight at Burunge Tented Lodge or similar. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Tarangire — Lake Manyara
Morning game drive in Tarangire, then Lake Manyara for forest, lake birds, and tree-climbing lions. Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Overnight at Marera Valley Lodge. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Central Serengeti
Scenic drive into the Serengeti with game viewing en route. Afternoon on the Seronera plains. Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Overnight at Serengeti Sound of Silence or similar. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Full Day Central Serengeti
Full day exploring kopjes, woodlands, and open plains — lions, cheetahs, leopards, and migration herds (seasonal). Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Overnight at Serengeti Sound of Silence. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Central Serengeti — Northern Serengeti
Drive north toward Kogatende / Mara region with continuous game viewing. Best for river crossings Jul–Oct. Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Overnight at Enkutoto Migration Camp or similar. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Northern Serengeti — Mara River
Full day at the Mara River frontier — wildebeest crossings, crocodiles, and predator drama in season. Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Overnight at Enkutoto Migration Camp. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Northern — Central Serengeti
Morning in the north, then return to Central Serengeti for a different perspective on resident wildlife. Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Overnight at Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Serengeti — Ngorongoro Highlands
Final Serengeti morning drive, then scenic transfer to the Ngorongoro highlands. Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Overnight at Ngorongoro Farm House. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Ngorongoro Crater
Full-day game drive on the crater floor — Big Five, rhino, flamingos, and dense wildlife. Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Overnight at Rhino Lodge or similar. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Maasai Land
Dedicated visit to Maasai Land near Karatu — traditional welcome, village tour, beadwork, and cultural insight in the Ngorongoro highlands. Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Overnight at Marera Valley Lodge. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Farewell
After breakfast, transfer to JRO or Arusha Airport for your departure flight. Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional driver-guide
- All park and conservation fees
- Mid-range / luxury lodges and tented camps
- All meals on safari
- Maasai Land village visit
- Bottled water
- Airport transfers
- International flights
- Visa and travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Balloon safari (optional)
- Personal expenses
Requirements
Safari clothing in neutral tones
Warm layers for crater rim
Camera gear and binoculars
Valid passport and visa
