Overview
The best nine days in Tanzania — explore the full Northern Circuit, visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti and Lake Manyara for the country's greatest wildlife concentrations and, in season, the Great Migration.
Where you'll go
- Serengeti
- Ngorongoro
- Tarangire
- Lake Manyara
- Arusha
- Kilimanjaro
- Olduvai
Day by Day
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. transfer to your accommodation in Arusha for an overnight stay. If time permits, you can explore Arusha’s town center or visit the local Maasai Market.
- 2
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Drive to Tarangire National Park, Tarangire is famous for its large elephant population and ancient baobab trees. upon arrival, begin your game drive in the park, where you’ll likely see elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, and a variety of bird species. After a game drive in the park with herds of giants, head to your lodge for overnight stay.
- 3
Day 3: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater
Morning game drive in Tarangire before departing for Ngorongoro Crater. in afternoon check-in at your lodge near the crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the "Big Five" such as lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino. in the everning sunset view from the rim of the crater.
- 4
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration
Full-day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater floor. The rich ecosystem here supports a wide range of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino. in afternoon stop for a picnic lunch on the crater floor or return to the lodge for lunch. in evening at leisure at your lodge with stunning views of the crater rim.
- 5
Day 5: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, drive from Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park. On your way to Serengeti, you might pass through the Olduvai Gorge , a significant archaeological site known as the "Cradle of Mankind." embark on game drive upon arrival in the Serengeti to see vast plains and abundant wildlife. in sunset hours stay overnight at a lodge in Serengeti.
- 6
Day 6: Serengeti National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives to explore the Serengeti’s incredible wildlife, including wildebeests, zebras, lions, cheetahs, and more. you may be able to witness the Great Migration , where millions of wildebeests and zebras move through the Serengeti in search of food and water. after game drive overnight stay in Serengeti.
- 7
Day 7: Serengeti – Early Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Lake Manyara
Early morning game drive to witness the sunrise and catch animals at their most active. then after breakfast, drive towards Lake mayara national park. upon arrival embark on game drive in Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and other waterfowl. Overnight stay in Manyara area.
- 8
Day 8: Lake Manyara to Arusha
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara, followed by a drive back to Arusha. Optional cultural visit : You can visit a Maasai village or explore Arusha town and enjoy a local lunch. Overnight stay in Arusha.
- 9
Day 9: Departure
If your flight is later in the day, you can relax in Arusha or do a final activity such as visiting a local market or museum. And transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (or Arusha Airport) for your departure flight.
Gallery
A taste of the landscapes and wildlife on this kind of trip.
What's included
- ✓4WD Safari vehicle with pop up roof
- ✓Professional English-speaking safari-guide
- ✓Accommodations
- ✓Meals
- ✓Mineral water during safari (unlimited)
- ✓Airport transfers (Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro Airport)
- ✓National Park fees
Not included
- –Visa paid on arrival at the airport
- –International and Domestic Flights
- –Tips for the crew: US $ 20-35 per person per day
- –Any additional fees/ individual costs (items of personal nature)
- –Travel Insurance (Flying Doctors insurance available for US $ 40)
Good to Know
Best time to visit+
Southern Serengeti (Calving Season): January to March (for the calving season). Northern Serengeti (Mara River Crossings): July to October (for the Mara River crossings).
What to pack+
Bring comfortable, neutral-colored clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, so a light jacket is recommended.
Visas and travel documents+
A valid passport and tourist visa are required for entry into Tanzania. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining, and consider applying for a visa in advance.
Meals+
Meals include local and international dishes, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice.
Booking policy+
Advance booking with a deposit is required; terms and conditions apply.
When to travel
When to travel
Best game viewing, dry and cool. Book well ahead; prices peak.
Fewer vehicles, decent game, variable weather. Good value.
Lush and quiet, newborn animals and birds, some camps close. Lowest prices, occasional heavy rain.
Common questions
Common questions
Is this a private safari or a group tour?
Private by default — your own 4×4, your own driver-guide, and an itinerary we shape around you. We also run a few set-date small-group departures if you'd rather share costs.
What's included in the price?
Park and crater fees, a private 4×4 with a professional driver-guide, accommodation, meals as listed, airport transfers and drinking water on game drives. International flights, visa and travel insurance are not included.
Will I see the Big Five?
Lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard are seen on most northern-circuit trips. Rhino are only reliably seen in the Ngorongoro Crater and are never guaranteed.
How much driving is there?
Park roads are rough and the legs between parks are long — see the driving-times table. Flights between the far parks can be added to cut the longest transfers.
Why book this with Sereta Safaris
A local team
Born and based in Arusha, at the gateway to the northern parks and Mount Kilimanjaro.
11 years on the ground
Guiding safaris, treks and Zanzibar trips since 2013.
Registered operator
A registered Tanzanian tour operator — verify us on the public BRELA business register.
Direct, not a middleman
You plan with the same team that runs your trip. No call centres, no resale.
