Safari Overview
The essential Northern Tanzania safari in five focused days — elephant country in Tarangire, predator-rich plains of the Central Serengeti, and the wildlife-packed floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. Every park is reached from Arusha on the classic northern route; there are no long transfers to the south of the country.
Ideal for travellers with limited time who still want the Big Five, sweeping savannah views, and a professional private guide throughout. The pace is efficient but never rushed — full days in each park with bush lunches and comfortable lodge or tented-camp stays.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival Day
Meet at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to your Arusha lodge. Safari briefing with your guide over dinner as you prepare for the Northern Circuit ahead. Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Overnight at Arusha Planet Lodge or similar. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Tarangire National Park
Full day in Tarangire — giant baobabs, large elephant herds along the river, and excellent lion and leopard sightings. Bush lunch inside the park before continuing to your lodge near Karatu. 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 or similar. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Central Serengeti National Park
Drive into the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro highlands with game viewing en route. Afternoon on the Seronera plains — lions, cheetahs, leopards, and vast grazing herds depending on season. Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Overnight at Serengeti Classic View Camp or similar. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Ngorongoro Crater
Early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive on the caldera floor — black rhino, lion prides, flamingos on Lake Magadi, and dense wildlife in a spectacular setting. Ascend to the rim for overnight. 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 or similar. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Maasai Land + Farewell at Arusha / Airport
Morning Maasai Land visit near Karatu, then transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your onward 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 with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All national park and conservation fees
- Mid-range lodge / tented camp accommodation
- All meals on safari as specified
- Maasai Land village visit
- Bottled drinking water on game drives
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- International flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Drinks other than water
- Optional balloon safari
Requirements
Neutral-toned safari clothing
Warm layer for Ngorongoro mornings
Sun protection and binoculars
Valid passport and Tanzania visa
