Safari Overview
A Northern Circuit safari designed for families — sensible driving days, lodges with pools and family rooms, and a guide who knows how to keep children engaged without sacrificing wildlife quality. You'll explore Tarangire's elephants, Lake Manyara's playful baboons and flamingos, the Serengeti plains, and the Ngorongoro Crater, all from an Arusha base on the northern route.
Game drives are paced for comfort: picnic lunches, time back at the lodge in the heat of the day when helpful, and a Maasai village visit that gives kids a memorable cultural connection.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival Day
Family welcome at JRO and transfer to Arusha. Pool time at the lodge and a kid-friendly safari briefing over dinner. Your guide plans a smooth day with breaks, time for photos, and flexibility based on weather and your preferences. Overnight at Arusha Planet Lodge (family rooms). Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Tarangire — Elephant Day
Gentle full-day game drive focused on Tarangire's elephants, giraffes, and zebra — easy for young eyes to spot. Return to lodge with pool access. Your guide plans a smooth day with breaks, time for photos, and flexibility based on weather and your preferences. Overnight at Marera Valley Lodge. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Lake Manyara National Park
Manyara's compact size suits families — baboons, elephants, flamingos, and (with luck) tree-climbing lions. Afternoon rest at the lodge. Your guide plans a smooth day with breaks, time for photos, and flexibility based on weather and your preferences. 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
Drive into the Serengeti with game viewing en route. Afternoon on the plains — first Serengeti game drive for the family. Your guide plans a smooth day with breaks, time for photos, and flexibility based on weather and your preferences. Overnight at Serengeti family tented camp. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Serengeti Family Game Day
Flexible game drive — your guide adapts to the family's energy. Optional mid-day return to camp. Lions, cheetahs, and herds on the plains. Your guide plans a smooth day with breaks, time for photos, and flexibility based on weather and your preferences. Overnight at Serengeti family tented camp. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Serengeti — Ngorongoro Highlands
Morning drive in the Serengeti, then scenic transfer to the cooler Ngorongoro highlands. Your guide plans a smooth day with breaks, time for photos, and flexibility based on weather and your preferences. 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 — Big Five Day
Descend into the crater for a compact, wildlife-rich game drive — rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, and flamingos in one day. Your guide plans a smooth day with breaks, time for photos, and flexibility based on weather and your preferences. Overnight at Karatu lodge. 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 with songs and beadwork the kids will love, then transfer to JRO or Arusha Airport. Safari certificates on request. Your guide plans a smooth day with breaks, time for photos, and flexibility based on weather and your preferences. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Private family 4×4 with pop-up roof
- Professional family-friendly guide
- All park and conservation fees
- Family rooms / adjoining lodges where available
- All meals on safari
- Bottled water
- Maasai village visit
- Airport transfers
- International flights
- Visa and insurance
- Tips
- Drinks other than water
- Optional balloon safari
Requirements
Sun protection for children
Light layers for early mornings
Binoculars and camera
Passport and visa for all travellers
