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Northern Circuit 6 Days

6 Days Safari Highlight

Starting from $1,994 per person

Multi-Destination
Private & Exclusive

About this Journey

This 6-day itinerary is the most complete classic Northern Circuit safari. It expertly combines wildlife, culture, and iconic landscapes by visiting Lake Manyara, Tarangire, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater, plus a dedicated cultural experience in Mto wa Mbu. It's designed for travelers who want a thorough and immersive introduction to Tanzania's premier safari destinations.

Daily Schedule

6 Stops
Day 1

Arrive Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at TBA, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your accommodation. After check-in, you'll have time to relax and settle in. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a pre-safari briefing to prepare you for the exciting journey ahead. Overnight stay at your lodge
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeUnder the Shades Safari Lodge
LuxuryArusha Coffee Lodge
ExclusiveGran Melia Arusha
Day 2

Arusha – Tarangire - Karatu

After an early breakfast, your safari adventure begins! You'll depart from your accommodation and drive approximately 120 km (around 2 hours) to Tarangire National Park, famous for its towering baobab trees, large elephant herds, and diverse wildlife. Spend the day exploring the park's scenic landscapes and enjoying thrilling game drives, with a packed lunch provided to maximize your time in the wild. In the late afternoon, you'll check out of Tarangire and continue your journey, zigzagging up the dramatic Rift Valley wall towards the Crater Highlands. The drive to your lodge in the Crater Highlands covers about 150 km (roughly 3 hours). Upon arrival, settle in, savor a hearty dinner, and unwind overnight, surrounded by the cool, elevated atmosphere of the highlands.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeBougainvillea Lodge
LuxuryNeptune Ngorongoro Lodge
ExclusiveThe Manor Ngorongoro
Day 3

Karatu – Lake Manyara - Karatu

You will depart early in the morning for a cultural exploration in Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant town known for its rich cultural diversity and local traditions. Here, you will have the opportunity to interact with different ethnic communities, visit local markets, see traditional banana plantations, and learn about local craftsmanship, offering a unique glimpse into the daily life of Tanzanian people. By early afternoon, you will enter Lake Manyara National Park for an exciting game drive with a picnic lunch. This beautiful park is famous for its breathtaking scenery, lush groundwater forests, and diverse wildlife. The alkaline Lake Manyara itself attracts thousands of flamingos, while the surrounding park is home to elephants, giraffes, hippos, and the famous tree-climbing lions. As you drive through the park, you will witness the incredible variety of birdlife and stunning landscapes that make this a must-visit destination. In the late afternoon, drive back to crater highlands for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeBougainvillea Lodge
LuxuryNeptune Ngorongoro Lodge
ExclusiveThe Manor Ngorongoro
Day 4

Karatu – Central Serengeti

Starts early with a departure to Central Serengeti [approx. 335 km, 7-8 hours driving time, including stops and game drives]. The journey traverses the scenic Crater Highlands and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering glimpses of breathtaking landscapes. The day is primarily dedicated to game drives and exploration within Central Serengeti. A packed lunch will be enjoyed en route, with dinner and overnight at your camp, nestled within the heart of the park
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeSounds of Nature Tented Camp
LuxuryMelia Serengeti Safari Lodge
ExclusiveDunia Camp
Day 5

Central Serengeti

You will spend the day exploring the vast and wildlife-rich landscapes of Central Serengeti through further game drives. This region is teeming with diverse wildlife, including large prides of lions, elusive leopards resting in acacia trees, and massive herds of elephants roaming the plains. The Seronera River, a lifeline for many animals, attracts a variety of species, making it a prime location for wildlife viewing. As you traverse the open savannah and rocky outcrops, you will have the chance to witness the daily dramas of the wild, from predator hunts to herds of grazers moving across the plains. After a full day of adventure, you will return to your camp to relax, enjoy a delicious dinner, and spend another night immersed in the serenity of the Serengeti
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeSounds of Nature Tented Camp
LuxuryMelia Serengeti Safari Lodge
ExclusiveDunia Camp
Day 6

Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Kilimanjaro Airport

Begins with an early breakfast and a game drive en route to the Ngorongoro Crater [approx. 180 km, 3-4 hours driving time], a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This natural wonder is a massive caldera, a collapsed volcano, home to an incredible concentration of wildlife, often referred to as "Africa's Garden of Eden." The day includes a descent into the crater floor for a unique game drive experience, accompanied by a picnic lunch amidst this breathtaking landscape. Late afternoon sees the ascent back up the crater rim, followed by a drive back to Arusha [approx. 3 hrs 37 min, 214.5 km] for your international flight onward.

End of Itinerary
Accommodation Options

Package Inclusions

Included

  • * All transport, 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing
  • * Hotel and lodge accommodation as detailed
  • * Bottled drinking water
  • * Services of various local guides
  • * All National Park entrance and camp site fees
  • * All food - breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals
  • * Donations and payments to local community projects

Excluded

  • * International flights
  • * Travel and personal accident insurance
  • * Visa, passport, vaccinations, and medicines
  • * Tips (While tipping is not obligatory, it is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for your guide's hard work and dedication in making your trip memorable. A recommended amount is US$30 per day.)
  • * Expenditure on personal bar bills (including all additional drinks), souvenirs, personal items
  • * Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary
  • * any additional services requested
Free PDF

Safari Packing List

Essential items, health tips, and travel advice prepared by our experts.

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2025/2026 Rates (USD)

Service Tier 1 Guest 2 Guests 3 Guests 4 Guests 5 Guests 6 Guests 7 Guests 8 Guests 9 Guests 10 Guests
Mid-RangeComfort Lodges - $2,695 $2,479 $2,291 $2,210 $2,102 $2,048 $1,994 - -
LuxuryPremium Camps - $5,260 $4,839 $4,471 $4,313 $4,103 $3,998 $3,892 - -
ExclusiveSignature - $6,060 $5,575 $5,151 $4,969 $4,727 $4,606 $4,484 - -

Frequently Asked Questions

Our safari prices typically include park fees, accommodation as per your chosen tier (Mid-Range, Luxury, or Exclusive), private 4x4 vehicle, professional English-speaking guide, all meals on safari, and Flying Doctor emergency evacuation cover. International flights, visas, tips, and personal expenses are not included.

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At Visit Tanzania, every itinerary is adjustable. Our specialists work closely with you to customize this trip to your exact preferences.

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