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Northern Circuit 12 Days

A 12 Day Premium Safari - Island Escape

Starting from $5,681 per person

Multi-Destination
Private & Exclusive
Honeymoon

About this Journey

This 12-day premier journey is a masterfully curated High-End adventure, perfectly balancing immersive wildlife discovery with Zanzibar’s coastal allure. Designed for discerning travelers, it features exclusive stays at luxury accommodations including Tarangire Treetops, The Manor Ngorongoro, Dunia Camp, and Zanzibar Melia, ensuring sophistication and comfort throughout. The safari portion is distinguished by its inclusion of unique Special Interest Activities like a thrilling night game drive and a guided walking safari in Tarangire, offering intimate wildlife perspectives beyond standard game drives. It seamlessly integrates a rich Cultural Excursion in Mto wa Mbu and extensive exploration across Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Central Serengeti. The adventure then transitions via flight to Zanzibar for an active island experience featuring an aquatic Blue Safari and a historical tour of UNESCO-listed Stone Town. This comprehensive package delivers a complete Tanzanian experience, blending exhilarating wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and serene beachfront relaxation with the seamless luxury and expert guidance of a top-tier travel itinerary.

Daily Schedule

12 Stops
Day 1

Arrival Day.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by your driver-guide who will warmly welcome you. After a brief introduction, you'll be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. Once you arrive, you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner at your lodge. In the evening, a pre-safari briefing will be conducted, where your guide will provide an overview of the upcoming adventure, detailing the itinerary and important safari tips. This will be your opportunity to ask any questions and ensure you’re fully prepared for the exciting days ahead. Afterward, you’ll have a restful overnight stay at your lodge, ready to embark on your safari journey the following day.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeUnder the Shades Safari Lodge
LuxuryArusha Coffee Lodge
ExclusiveGran Melia Arusha
Day 2

Arusha - Tarangire National Park.

After an early breakfast, we will drive to Tarangire National Park, located about 120 km from Arusha, which will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours by road. Tarangire is renowned for its large herds of elephants and the iconic baobab trees that dot its landscape, providing a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing. Upon arrival, we will embark on an exciting picnic game drive, exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems and spotting a variety of animals, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and more.
In the late afternoon, we’ll drive to your lodge located within the park for a relaxing lunch. Afterward, you’ll have some free time to rest and enjoy the lodge’s facilities, such as the swimming pool, or take in the beautiful surroundings. As evening approaches, we’ll prepare for a thrilling night game drive. Night drives offer a unique opportunity to observe nocturnal wildlife, such as leopards, hyenas, and other animals that are active after dark.
Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by a peaceful overnight stay, ready to continue your adventure the next day.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeBaobab Tented Lodge
LuxuryTarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge
ExclusiveTarangire Treetop
Day 3

Tarangire.

Wake up in the heart of Tarangire National Park, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the area. After an early breakfast, you’ll head out for a thrilling morning walk in the park accompanied by an armed ranger. This walk offers a unique, up-close experience of the park’s ecosystem, allowing you to observe wildlife from a different perspective while learning about the environment and safety measures when in the wild. After the walk, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, and then depart for further game drives and exploration in the heart of Tarangire. Known for its large elephant herds and spectacular baobab trees, the park offers fantastic opportunities to spot wildlife. In the afternoon, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and have some free time to relax after the game drive. Enjoy the lodge’s facilities, whether it’s a refreshing swim or simply unwinding in the peaceful surroundings. You may also choose to organize an evening game drive with your guide, offering a chance to spot nocturnal animals. Dinner will be served at the lodge, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing evening before an overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeBaobab Tented Lodge
LuxuryTarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge
ExclusiveTarangire Treetop
Day 4

Tarangire – Karatu.

After an early breakfast, we will enjoy a game drive enroute out of Tarangire and head toward Lake Manyara National Park, which is approximately 70 km away, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Lake Manyara is known for its rich biodiversity, including the famous tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos, and a variety of bird species. The park’s unique combination of forest, savannah, and lake ecosystems offers a fantastic setting for wildlife viewing, especially for bird enthusiasts.
We will explore the park with a picnic game drive, taking time to admire the stunning landscapes and observe wildlife in their natural habitat. In the late afternoon, we’ll drive out of the park and transfer to Mto wa Mbu for a traditional exploration. Mto wa Mbu is a vibrant village known for its diverse cultural heritage, and you’ll have the opportunity to taste local cuisine, visit farms, and explore traditional houses, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people.
Later in the afternoon, we will zigzag our way through the Rift Valley, enroute to the Crater Highlands for dinner and overnight. The stunning views of the valley and the surrounding highlands will provide a perfect end to an exciting and culturally immersive day. After a delicious dinner, you’ll settle in for an overnight stay at your lodge, ready for the next day’s adventures.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeBougainvillea Lodge
LuxuryNeptune Ngorongoro
ExclusiveThe Manor Ngorongoro
Day 5

Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu.

After a hearty breakfast, you'll rise early for an exciting tour of the Ngorongoro Crater. Known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the Ngorongoro Crater is a vast caldera that houses an incredible concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos, all within its lush floor. As you descend into the crater, you'll have the opportunity to witness diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. You’ll enjoy a packed lunch during the day, allowing you to take in the beauty of the area. In the late afternoon, you’ll ascend from the crater and drive to the scenic Crater Highlands, where you'll check back in to your accommodation for the night, enjoying a delicious dinner and relaxing overnight in this stunning location.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeBougainvillea Lodge
LuxuryNeptune Ngorongoro Lodge
ExclusiveDunia Camp
Day 6

Karatu- Central Serengeti.

We begin the day early with a drive from Karatu to central Serengeti, covering approximately 220 kilometers (about 4-5 hours). During the journey, we pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering the chance for a game drive along the way, where you may spot wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. As we continue on to the central Serengeti, the landscape transforms into the iconic plains that are home to a rich diversity of animals, including lions, cheetahs, and elephants. A packed lunch will be provided for you to enjoy while we explore this incredible region. In the evening, we arrive at our special camp, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night under the stars, immersed in the beauty and tranquility of the Serengeti.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeSounds of Nature Tented Camp
LuxuryMelia Serengeti Lodge
ExclusiveDunia Camp
Day 7

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 Lodge
ExclusiveDunia Camp
Day 8

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 Lodge
ExclusiveDunia Camp
Day 9

Serengeti – Zanzibar

After checking out of your lodge early in the morning, we will embark on a game drive enroute to the Seronera Airstrip. This scenic drive offers a final chance to spot wildlife in the Serengeti before heading to the airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar (ZNZ). Upon arrival in Zanzibar, you will be met by your driver-guide, who will transfer you to your beach accommodations. After settling in, enjoy a relaxing dinner at your beachfront resort, where you can unwind and take in the beautiful surroundings. The evening will be yours to enjoy, and you’ll have a peaceful overnight stay, ready to enjoy the serene beauty of Zanzibar the next day
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeFun Beach Resort
LuxuryNungwi Beach Resort
ExclusiveZanzibar Melia
Day 10

Zanzibar

You will embark on the unforgettable Zanzibar Blue Safari. This adventure takes you on a boat ride through the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, where you’ll explore the stunning sandbanks, vibrant coral reefs, and peaceful lagoons. The safari includes opportunities for snorkeling, where you can swim alongside colorful fish and other marine life, as well as relax on the pristine beaches of the sandbanks. A fresh seafood lunch will be served on one of the secluded islands, allowing you to savor the flavors of the ocean while surrounded by the natural beauty of Zanzibar. This day offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and stunning coastal scenery, making it a highlight of your Zanzibar experience.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeFun Beach Resort
LuxuryNungwi Zanzibar Resort
ExclusiveZanzibar Melia
Day 11

Zanzibar

You will begin with a fascinating Stone Town exploration. Known for its rich history and stunning architecture, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with narrow alleys, bustling markets, and beautiful historical buildings. During your tour, you’ll visit significant landmarks such as the Lutheran Church, where you can learn about the historical and cultural significance of the church in Zanzibar's diverse religious landscape. After exploring the town's vibrant streets, you will have some time to soak in the sights and sounds of this unique town. In the late afternoon, you will transfer back to your hotel, where you can unwind and enjoy a delicious dinner. Your day will end with an overnight stay at your beach resort, providing a restful end to an enriching day of exploration.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeFun Beach Hotel
LuxuryNungwi Zanzibar Resort
ExclusiveZanzibar Melia
Day 12

Zanzibar- Back Home.

After an early breakfast and checkout from your lodge, you will be transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your flight back home. As you reflect on your unforgettable safari and beach experience in Tanzania, your driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable journey to the airport. This marks the end of your incredible adventure, filled with memories of wildlife encounters, cultural explorations, and relaxation by the beach. Safe travels as you head back home, carrying with you the incredible experiences of your time in Tanzania.
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 per day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
  • * 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
  • *Local flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar

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 $7,850 $7,058 $6,413 $6,094 $5,899 $5,773 $5,681 $6,094 $5,991 $5,899
LuxuryPremium Camps $10,315 $9,274 $8,427 $8,008 $7,752 $7,586 $7,465 $8,008 $7,872 $7,752
ExclusiveSignature $17,720 $15,932 $14,477 $13,756 $13,317 $13,031 $12,824 $13,756 $13,524 $13,317

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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