Grand Northern Circuit Safari

OVERVIEW

This comprehensive ten-day safari provides thorough exploration of all five major Northern Circuit parks plus cultural experiences. The extended timeframe allows multiple days in Serengeti to follow wildlife movements, leisurely exploration of smaller parks, and flexibility to respond to seasonal animal concentrations or special sightings.

You'll experience Tanzania's complete ecological diversity: Arusha National Park's mountain and lake environments, Tarangire's elephant super-herds, Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions and flamingo populations, Serengeti's vast plains and predator abundance, and Ngorongoro's crater ecosystem. Three full days in Serengeti allow strategic positioning for Great Migration (seasonal), multiple predator encounters, and thorough coverage of different park zones.

This itinerary suits travellers who prefer depth over speed, appreciate natural history interpretation, and want comprehensive wildlife portfolios. The pacing allows rest days, cultural activities, and time to savour each location rather than rushing.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • All five Northern Circuit parks in single comprehensive journey
  • 3 full days in Serengeti for thorough wildlife exposure
  • Big Five viewing across multiple ecosystems
  • Great Migration encounters (seasonal timing dependent)
  • Cultural visits to Maasai villages and local communities
  • Photography opportunities across diverse landscapes
  • Flexible itinerary responsive to wildlife movements
  • Comprehensive bird watching (800+ species across parks)

DETAILED ITINERARY

Morning departure, full-day game drive in Arusha NP with Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater, possible walking safari option, overnight near park.

Transfer to Tarangire (3 hours), afternoon game drive focusing on elephant herds and baobab landscapes, overnight Tarangire area.

Morning and afternoon game drives with mid-day rest, focus on Tarangire River wildlife concentrations, overnight Tarangire area.

Morning departure to Lake Manyara, afternoon game drive seeking tree-climbing lions, hippo pools, and birdlife, overnight Lake Manyara area.

Transit through Ngorongoro Conservation Area with crater rim viewpoints, afternoon arrival in Serengeti for evening game drive, overnight Central Serengeti (Seronera).

Full day exploring Seronera Valley with morning and afternoon game drives, predator focus on resident lion prides and leopards, overnight Serengeti.

Second full Serengeti day with flexibility to explore northern or southern regions depending on seasonal wildlife, optional balloon safari, overnight Serengeti.

Morning game drive during Serengeti departure, transfer to Ngorongoro rim with optional cultural visit en route, afternoon arrival for rest, overnight crater rim.

Pre-dawn descent into crater for 6-hour game drive with exceptional wildlife density including Black Rhino, mid-afternoon ascent and transfer to Karatu for cultural activities or rest, overnight Karatu

Morning cultural visit (Mto wa Mbu market, coffee plantation, or Maasai village depending on preference), return to Arusha with arrival early afternoon.

ACCOMODATION

Budget tier: Public campsites and budget lodges providing basic clean accommodation with meals. Examples: Various campsites, Fanaka Lodge, budget properties in each area.

Mid-range tier: Comfortable lodges and tented camps with en-suite facilities, quality meals, swimming pools at some properties. Examples: Tloma Lodge (Karatu), Katikati Tented Camp (Serengeti), Sangaiwe Tented Lodge (Tarangire), Kankada Farm Retreat (Arusha area).

Luxury tier: Premium lodges and exclusive camps with exceptional service, cuisine, and locations. Examples: Ngorongoro Serena, Four Seasons Serengeti, Tarangire Treetops, Lake Manyara Serena.

Transport & Guiding:

Extended Land Cruiser 4x4 with pop-up roof, professional certified guide throughout 10 days ensuring continuity and relationship building, maximum 6 guests per vehicle, all equipment included.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

OTHER ITENARIES

Classic Northern Circuit Safari

3 DAYS

Tarangire & Ngorongoro Express Safari

7 DAYS

Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb

6 DAYS

Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb