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Destinations

Arusha National Park Lake Manyara National Park Mafia Island Mahale Mountains National Park Mkomazi National Park Mount Kilimanjaro Ngorongoro Crater Nyerere National Park Ruaha National Park Serengeti National Park Tarangire National Park Zanzibar
Northern Circuit Southern Circuit Western Circuit Eastern Circuit Coastal Circuit

Travel Style

Honeymoon Escapes High-End Luxury Family Friendly

Adventure

Hot Air Balloon
Calving Season Jan - Mar (Ndutu) River Crossing Jul - Oct (Mara)

Currency

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Northern Circuit 9 Days

9 Day Tanzania Premier Wildlife Immersion

Starting from $3,336 per person

Multi-Destination
Private & Exclusive
Honeymoon

About this Journey

This 9-day itinerary is a premier High-End safari experience, offering an exclusive and in-depth exploration of Tanzania's legendary Northern Circuit. Designed for the discerning traveler, it features a curated selection of luxury accommodations such as Gran Melia Arusha, The Manor Ngorongoro, and Tarangire Treetops, ensuring exceptional comfort and unique settings. The journey is distinguished by a thoughtful routing that maximizes wildlife viewing while minimizing backtracking, and by including a rich Cultural Excursion in Mto wa Mbu—a highlight that adds a meaningful human dimension to the natural wonders. Guests will enjoy immersive, full-day game drives across the diverse ecosystems of Lake Manyara, the vast Serengeti Plains (with three nights for deeper exploration), the unparalleled Ngorongoro Crater, and the elephant-dominated landscapes of Tarangire National Park. With private transfers, expert guiding, and a focus on exclusive, uninterrupted wildlife encounters, this package represents the pinnacle of a comprehensive and luxurious Tanzanian safari adventure.

Daily Schedule

9 Stops
Day 1

Arrival Day.

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 – Lake Manyara – Karatu.

We depart early in the morning from Arusha and head towards Lake Manyara National Park, covering approximately 125 kilometers in about 2 hours. Upon arrival, we embark on game drives and exploration of the park, renowned for its lush scenery, tree-climbing lions, and diverse birdlife. A packed lunch will be enjoyed amidst the beautiful surroundings of the park. In the late afternoon, after the game drive, we proceed to the nearby town of Mto wa Mbu, located just 5 minutes from the Manyara gate. Here, we immerse ourselves in cultural exploration, visiting local farms, sampling traditional cuisine, and learning about the rich cultural diversity of the town, home to over 120 different tribes. Later, we continue our journey, ascending the scenic Rift Valley escarpment wall as we make our way to the Crater Highlands. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at a lodge or camp, surrounded by the stunning highland landscapes.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeBougainvillea Lodge
LuxuryNeptune Ngorongoro Lodge
ExclusiveThe Manor Ngorongoro
Day 3

Karatu – Central Serengeti.

After an early breakfast, we depart from the Crater Highlands and make our way to the central part of Serengeti National Park. The journey covers approximately 200 kilometers and takes around 5 to 6 hours, including game viewing along the way. Our route passes through the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering breathtaking landscapes and a chance to spot wildlife even before reaching Serengeti. With packed lunches provided, we continue the drive as the scenery transitions from the highlands to the endless plains of the Serengeti. Upon entering the park, we begin game drives en route, witnessing the incredible diversity of wildlife that the Serengeti is famous for, including large herds of wildebeest, zebras, predators, and a variety of bird species. By late afternoon, we arrive at your special camp or lodge in the central Serengeti, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay under the vast African skies.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeSounds of Nature Tented Camp
LuxuryMelia Serengeti Safari Lodge
ExclusiveDunia Camp
Day 4

Central Serengeti.

You will spend the full day in the central Serengeti, exploring this iconic and expansive national park known for its incredible wildlife and dramatic landscapes. After breakfast, we will embark on a morning game drive, where you’ll have the opportunity to witness the rich diversity of animals, including the famous "Big Five" — lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos. Depending on the time of year, you may also have the chance to see the incredible wildebeest migration if you’re visiting during that season.
A packed lunch will be provided, and you can enjoy it either in the park or during a stop at a scenic viewpoint, immersing yourself in the serenity of the Serengeti. In the late afternoon, we will continue with another game drive, exploring different parts of the park and spotting more wildlife.
After a fulfilling day of adventure, we will return to our accommodation in the Serengeti for dinner and overnight, where you can relax and reflect on the day's experiences.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeSounds of Nature Tented Camp
LuxuryMelia Serengeti Safari Lodge
ExclusiveDunia Camp
Day 5

Central Serengeti.

you will spend the entire day immersed in the wildlife-rich heart of the Central Serengeti, known for its vast savannahs and high concentrations of predators and grazing animals. After an early breakfast, you'll set off for full-day game drives, exploring various regions of the Seronera Valley—home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and a wealth of other wildlife. You'll cover approximately 80 to 120 kilometers throughout the day, depending on animal sightings and routes, which translates to 6 to 8 hours of game viewing with stops. A packed lunch will be enjoyed at a scenic picnic site within the park, allowing you to relax and take in the spectacular surroundings. In the late afternoon, you'll return to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on the day's unforgettable safari experiences.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeSounds of Nature Tented Camp
LuxuryMelia Serengeti Safari Lodge
ExclusiveDunia Camp
Day 6

Central Serengeti – Karatu.

After an early breakfast and checking out of your lodge, we embark on our final game drive in the breathtaking Central Serengeti. This region is renowned for its vast plains teeming with wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras. We spend the entire day exploring its diverse landscapes and observing the incredible wildlife interactions. In the late afternoon, after enjoying a scenic picnic lunch, we begin our journey to Karatu in the Crater Highlands, covering approximately 200 km in about 4-5 hours. As we ascend into the lush, rolling hills, the scenery shifts from open savannah to verdant highlands. We arrive in the evening, just in time for a well-deserved dinner and an overnight stay in Karatu, preparing for the next adventure.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeBougainvillea Lodge
LuxuryNeptune Ngorongoro Lodge
ExclusiveThe Manor Ngorongoro
Day 7

Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu.

After an early breakfast, we depart for an exciting exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most remarkable wildlife destinations in Africa. Covering 260 square kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, home to an incredible concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino. As we descend 600 meters into the crater, we’ll witness its breathtaking landscapes, from lush grasslands to acacia forests and soda lakes teeming with flamingos.

By midday, we take a break in a designated relaxation area within the crater, where we enjoy our picnic lunch while surrounded by stunning scenery and the sounds of nature. In the late afternoon, we ascend from the crater, covering approximately 25 km (about 1 hour drive) back to our lodge in Karatu. Upon arrival, we unwind with dinner and settle in for an overnight stay, reflecting on the day's incredible wildlife encounters.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeBougainvillea Lodge
LuxuryNeptune Ngorongoro Lodge
ExclusiveThe Manor Ngorongoro
Day 8

Karatu – Tarangire.

After breakfast, we depart for Tarangire National Park, a drive of approximately 150 kilometers taking around 3 hours. Known for its iconic baobab trees, vast savannah landscapes, and large herds of elephants, Tarangire offers a truly unique safari experience. With packed lunch provided, we spend the full day enjoying game drives throughout the park, exploring its diverse habitats and observing a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species drawn to the Tarangire River. In the late afternoon, after a fulfilling day of exploration, we proceed to our special camp where a delicious dinner awaits. You'll spend the night under the starlit African sky, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeTarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge
LuxuryElephant Spring Camp
ExclusiveTarangire Treetops
Day 9

: Full Day Tarangire - Arusha.

We wake up early in the heart of Tarangire National Park, ready to join private game drives and further exploration of this remarkable park. The early morning hours offer the best chances to witness wildlife at its most active—elephants moving through the misty savannah, predators on the hunt, and various bird species starting their day. As we traverse different parts of the park, you’ll have opportunities to soak in the tranquil beauty of Tarangire unique landscapes and spot any wildlife you may have missed the day before.
In the late afternoon, we check out of the park and begin our drive back to Arusha, covering approximately 120 kilometers in about 2.5 to 3 hours. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in time to catch your international flight onward, marking the end of your unforgettable safari adventure.
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
  • * All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • * Bottled drinking water in your safari vehicle
  • * 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 $5,860 $4,145 $3,767 $3,579 $3,465 $3,390 $3,336 $3,579 $3,522 $3,465
LuxuryPremium Camps $9,163 $8,230 $7,480 $7,106 $6,880 $6,731 $6,624 $7,106 $6,992 $6,880
ExclusiveSignature $11,726 $9,380 $8,525 $8,099 $7,842 $7,672 $7,550 $8,099 $7,969 $7,842

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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