Safari Overview
A week on the Northern Circuit combining Lake Manyara's compact diversity, two full days on the Ndutu and southern Serengeti plains, a dedicated Central Serengeti game drive, and a full Ngorongoro Crater descent. Extra time means better chances for calving-season drama (Jan–Mar), relaxed photography stops, and no rushed crater day.
Ideal for first-time Serengeti visitors who want Ndutu, classic Serengeti plains, Manyara, and Ngorongoro in one coherent week from Arusha.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival Day
Meet at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to your Arusha lodge. Evening safari briefing and dinner. 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.
Lake Manyara National Park
Full-day game drive through Manyara's groundwater forest and lake shore — tree-climbing lions, elephants, baboons, flamingos, and diverse birdlife. Overnight 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.
Karatu — Southern Serengeti / Ndutu
Scenic drive into the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with continuous game viewing en route. Continue south to the Ndutu plains for an afternoon drive — cheetah, lion, and grazing herds depending on season.
Full Day Ndutu & Southern Serengeti
Dawn-to-dusk on the Ndutu and southern Serengeti plains — wildebeest calving and predator action in season (Jan–Mar), cheetah on termite mounds, and vast open landscapes. Bush lunch on the plains. Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Overnight at Ndutu area tented camp or lodge. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Ndutu — Central Serengeti
Morning game drive in the Ndutu region, then transfer north to the Central Serengeti (Seronera) for an afternoon on the classic plains — lions, 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 tented camp or lodge. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Serengeti — Ngorongoro Crater
Sunrise game drive in the Serengeti, then transfer to Ngorongoro for a full-day descent and game drive on the crater floor — rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, and flamingos on Lake Magadi. Your guide plans the day around the best wildlife movement and light for photography, with breaks for meals and rest. Overnight at Karatu lodge 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 lodges and tented camp
- 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 layers for crater mornings
Camera and binoculars recommended
Valid passport and Tanzania visa
