8-Day Classic Northern Circuit
A relaxed Northern Circuit safari covering Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. Private 4×4, expert driver-guide, sunrise/sunset game drives, and comfortable lodges or tented camps. Start and finish in Arusha. You can add flights to/from the Serengeti to save time.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire
Drive to Tarangire National Park.
Game drive among baobabs, elephants, and giraffes.
Dinner and overnight near/inside Tarangire.
Day 2: Tarangire → Karatu (Lake Manyara area)
Sunrise game drive in Tarangire.
Continue to Karatu. Optional village walk or lodge time (extra).
Dinner and overnight in Karatu.
Day 3: Lake Manyara → Serengeti (Central)
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara (forest, lake views, birdlife).
After lunch, drive to Central Serengeti (Seronera).
Sunset game drive. Overnight in Serengeti.
Day 4: Serengeti — full day
Sunrise and afternoon game drives for lions, cheetahs, hippos, and plains herds.
Picnic or hot lunch at camp. Overnight in Serengeti.
Day 5: Serengeti — second full day
Explore a new sector or follow fresh sightings with your guide.
Optional hot-air balloon at dawn (extra).
Overnight in Serengeti.
Day 6: Serengeti → Ngorongoro/Karatu
Unhurried game drive out of Serengeti.
Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge (entry extra).
Arrive and overnight on the crater rim or in Karatu.
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater
Early descent for a half-day game drive on the crater floor.
Look for lions, buffalo, zebra, and (with luck) rhino.
Return to your lodge in Karatu. Overnight.
Day 8: Karatu/Ngorongoro → Arusha (or Zanzibar)
Easy morning and drive back to Arusha.
Drop-off at hotel or airport, or connect to Zanzibar.
Trip ends.
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
English-speaking driver-guide
All park and conservation fees (including crater descent fee)
7 nights in mid-range lodges/tented camps with private ensuite
Meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
All local transfers in Arusha and to/from airstrips if flying
International flights
Domestic flights (can be added on request)
Visas and travel insurance
Optional activities (balloon safari, Olduvai entry), spa, and personal expenses
Drinks at lodges/camps other than drinking water
Tips for guide and lodge staff
Season note: From June–October and December–March, we adjust the Serengeti area to follow the Great Migration or calving grounds. Sightings are never guaranteed, but your guide will position you for the best chances.