10-Day Ultimate Northern Circuit
A slow, rich safari through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. Extra nights in the Serengeti give you more time for big cats, golden hours, and unhurried drives. Private 4×4 with an experienced driver-guide. Start and finish in Arusha. You can add flights to or from the Serengeti to save travel time.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Arusha
Airport pickup and hotel transfer. Trip briefing and rest. Overnight in Arusha.
Day 2: Arusha → Tarangire
Drive to Tarangire National Park. Game drive among baobabs, elephants, and giraffes. Overnight near or inside Tarangire.
Day 3: Tarangire → Karatu (Manyara area)
Sunrise game drive in Tarangire. Continue to Karatu. Optional village walk or relax at the lodge (extra). Overnight in Karatu.
Day 4: Lake Manyara → Serengeti (Central)
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara for forest, lake views, and birdlife. After lunch, drive to Central Serengeti. Sunset game drive. Overnight in Serengeti.
Day 5: Serengeti — full day
Sunrise and afternoon game drives for lions, cheetahs, hippos, and large herds. Picnic lunch or hot lunch at camp. Overnight in Serengeti.
Day 6: Serengeti — second full day
Explore a different area or follow fresh sightings. Optional hot-air balloon at dawn (extra). Overnight in Serengeti.
Day 7: Serengeti — third full day
Unhurried day to stay with sightings longer and enjoy golden-hour photography. Overnight in Serengeti.
Day 8: Serengeti → Ngorongoro/Karatu
Leisurely game drive out of the park. Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge (entry extra). Overnight on the crater rim or in Karatu.
Day 9: 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 lodge in Karatu. Overnight.
Day 10: Karatu → Arusha (or Zanzibar)
Easy morning. Drive back to Arusha for hotel or airport drop-off. Optional flight to Zanzibar. Trip ends.
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
English-speaking driver-guide
Park and conservation fees, including crater descent fee
9 nights in mid-range lodges or tented camps with private ensuite
Meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Airport/hotel 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 to October and December to March we adjust which Serengeti area you stay in to follow the Great Migration or calving grounds. Sightings are never guaranteed, but your guide will position you for the best chances.