This safari offers the best highlights of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. Your safari exploration begins in the woodland savanna of Tarangire where the wildlife density is exceptionally high especially during dry season. Explore Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Be stunned by the breathtaking landscapes of Ngorongoro Crater, one of the natural wonders of the world. Venture deep into the Serengeti’s endless plains from Seronera Valley to Northern Serengeti, by the Mara River where the endless annual rhythm of the Great Migration resonates through a migrating herd of 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra, Thomson’s gazelle and best-known population of great predators, lions, spotted hyenas, leopards.

Destinations

Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti & Northern Serengeti.

When is the best time to visit?

Late-July and August is the best time to see the wildebeest migration cross the Mara River. The crossings will continue through September and sometimes stretching into October.

Private Safari

This is a private safari tour with exclusive use of our custom 4×4 Landcruiser and accompanied by a professional English-speaking safari driver guide from start to finish.

Day 1 | Arrival

After a series of transit and flights, you are finally here in Tanzania, and you will soon find out that the long trip was well worth it. Your safari guide will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to your hotel in Arusha. Have a good night’s rest before your early start tomorrow morning.

Day 2-3 | Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, travel overland to Tarangire National Park and begin your first safari day. Tarangire is a savanna woodland dotted with monumental ancient baobabs alongside the most magnificent herds of African elephants found in Northern Tanzania. Tarangire River provides water all the year round, making Tarangire NP a critical refuge during dry season for migratory ungulates, resulting in sheer densities of wildlife.

Day 4 | Lake Manyara National Park

In the morning, travel overland to Lake Manyara National Park. Spend the rest of your day exploring the acacia woodlands backdropped by the spectacular Great Rift Valley. Lake Manyara is one of the best parks in Africa for bird watching as it hosts over 400 species of birds. Afterwards, travel to Ngorongoro and embark on a late-afternoon Crater rim walking safari.

Day 5 | Ngorongoro Crater

Leave your lodging by 6:00am, head to the Crater Floor and be one of the first vehicles on the ground. You will descend into the crater through a lush highland forest, with magnificent birdlife to be spotted among the different tree species. Once on the grassy crater floor, you may discover a large variety of grazing herbivores, as well as the predators that are attracted by this abundant supply of prey. Afterwards, travel to Central Serengeti with an en-route game.

Day 6 | Central Serengeti

Today, explore the famous Seronera Valley and the endless plains of Serengeti. With seasonal swamps and deep pools of water, the Seronera River supports a plentiful food source for the surrounding wildlife. Wildebeest, zebras, elephants, gazelles, and many other species can be spotted here on any given day. A large amount of prey also attracts a high population of predators. This is a good hunting ground for lions as they patiently wait at the base of the river to ambush their prey.

Day 7-9 | Northern Serengeti

Today, travel to the Mara River in Northern Serengeti. Famous for the legendary wildebeest crossing and featured in countless wildlife documentaries, the Mara River hosts the most amazing spectacle in Africa. If you are visiting between July to October, you will have opportunities to catch thrilling game action or perhaps even witness a river crossing, as the wildebeests and zebras’ endeavor one of the most difficult parts of their migration journey and cross over to Masai Mara.

Day 10 | Depart for Home

Spend your last morning exploring the Serengeti and immerse yourself in the wild. Travel to the Serengeti airstrip and fly back to Arusha and say goodbye to your expert safari guide who has been there for you every step of your journey. Once you are picked-up from Arusha Airport, an optional dayroom is available at extra cost. Afterwards, depart to the Kilimanjaro Airport for your international flight back home.