5 days Classic Northern Circuit Safari price from
$ 1199
per person
Experience Tanzania's most famous Northern Circuit safari route covering four incredible national parks. This 5-day adventure takes you through Tarangire's elephant paradise, Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and the endless plains of Serengeti.
Witness Africa's Big Five in their natural habitats, from Tarangire's massive elephant herds to Ngorongoro's dense predator populations. Stay in comfortable lodges and camps strategically located for optimal wildlife viewing. Perfect for first-time safari-goers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking Tanzania's classic safari experience.
Day 01:
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Depart from Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, spotting elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and diverse bird species. The Tarangire River attracts large concentrations of wildlife during dry season. Overnight at lodge/camp near Tarangire.
Day 02:
Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and diverse ecosystems. Game drive through groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and the alkaline lake itself. Look for hippos, flamingos, baboon troops, and the famous tree-climbing lions. Optional visit to Maasai village. Overnight at lodge near Lake Manyara.
Day 03:
Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater
Morning drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a full day of spectacular wildlife viewing. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts approximately 25,000 large animals including endangered black rhinos, lions, elephants, and huge herds of wildebeest and zebras. Lunch at picnic site by the hippo pool. Overnight at lodge on crater rim.
Day 04:
Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park
Drive to the legendary Serengeti National Park via Olduvai Gorge (optional visit to archaeological site). Enter the Serengeti and experience your first game drive in this vast ecosystem. Search for the Big Five and witness incredible predator-prey interactions. Depending on season, you might encounter the Great Migration. Overnight at camp/lodge in central Serengeti.
Day 05:
Serengeti to Arusha
Early morning game drive in Serengeti to catch predators at their most active. After breakfast, begin your journey back to Arusha with picnic lunch en route. Stop at various viewpoints for final photos of the stunning Tanzanian landscape. Arrive in Arusha in late afternoon where your classic Northern Circuit safari concludes, with memories to last a lifetime.
Included
All accommodations as per itinerary
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
4x4 Safari vehicle with pop-up roof
All national park fees & crater service fee
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Drinking water throughout safari
Airport transfers (on arrival & departure)
Excluded
International & domestic flights
Tanzania Visa ($50 for most nationals)
Travel & medical insurance
Alcoholic & soft drinks
Tips for guide & camp staff
Personal expenses & souvenirs
Optional activities (balloon safari, etc.)
Booking form
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The best time for the Northern Circuit safari is during the dry season from June to October when wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources. The Great Migration typically passes through Serengeti from July to September, offering spectacular river crossing sightings. January to February is also excellent for calving season in southern Serengeti, when thousands of wildebeest are born. The safari operates year-round with unique experiences each season, including lush green landscapes during the rainy season (March-May) with fewer tourists and lower prices.
Absolutely! This classic route offers excellent chances to see all Big Five animals (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino). Tarangire is famous for massive elephant herds and buffalos. Ngorongoro Crater has the highest density of lions in Africa and is the best place to see the endangered black rhino. Serengeti is home to all Big Five species. Lake Manyara offers lion sightings including the rare tree-climbing lions. Leopards can be spotted in all parks with your experienced guide's help, particularly during early morning and late afternoon game drives.
Our package includes comfortable safari lodges and tented camps located strategically within or near the parks for optimal wildlife viewing. Options range from budget-friendly campsites to luxury lodges depending on your preference and budget. Standard options include safari lodges with private bathrooms, hot showers, swimming pools, and delicious buffet meals. Tented camps offer an authentic bush experience with en-suite facilities, hot bucket showers, and dining under the stars. All accommodations include comfortable beds, mosquito nets, and charging facilities.
Yes, all national park entry fees, conservation fees, and the Ngorongoro Crater service fee ($295 per vehicle) are included in the package price. This also includes the vehicle entry fees and all government taxes. You won't have to pay any additional park fees during your safari. This comprehensive pricing ensures no surprise costs upon arrival. The only potential extra costs are for optional activities like the Serengeti balloon safari or Olduvai Gorge museum entry.
We use custom-built 4x4 safari vehicles (Toyota Land Cruisers) with pop-up roofs for excellent game viewing and photography. Each vehicle has 6-7 window seats so everyone gets great views without obstruction. The vehicles are equipped with charging ports for electronics (cameras, phones), cool boxes for drinking water and soft drinks, and two-way radios for communication between guides to share wildlife sightings. All vehicles are regularly maintained for safety and comfort, with seat belts for all passengers.
Tipping is not included in the package but is customary in Tanzania to recognize excellent service. Recommended guidelines: $15-20 per day for your main guide, $10-15 per day for assistant guide/chef if applicable, and $5-10 per day for lodge/camp staff (divided among porters, waiters, housekeeping). Tips can be given in USD, TZS, or EUR. Your guide will handle distribution to the team if requested. Tipping is discretionary and reflects your satisfaction with the service provided.
Recommended packing includes: neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, beige - avoid bright colors and camouflage), layers for morning/evening coolness (fleece or light jacket), comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent with DEET, binoculars (essential for wildlife viewing), camera with extra batteries and memory cards, headlamp or flashlight, reusable water bottle, personal medications, and a small daypack. Laundry services are available at most lodges for a small fee.
Yes, this safari is family-friendly and suitable for children aged 5 and above. We offer discounted rates for children (3-15 years typically 30-50% off adult prices). Many lodges have family rooms, interconnecting rooms, and child-friendly menus. Your guide will adjust the pace and duration of game drives to suit younger travelers. For children under 12, we can arrange shorter game drives and more frequent bathroom stops. Please inform us of children's ages when booking so we can arrange appropriate car seats and child-friendly activities.
Most international visitors require a visa to enter Tanzania. Visas can be obtained online through the official Tanzania eVisa system (recommended, processing takes 5-10 business days) or upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and other major entry points. Single entry tourist visas cost $50-100 USD depending on nationality. Several countries including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and some African nations are visa-exempt for tourist stays up to 90 days. Please check current requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
Cancellations made 30+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a 10% processing fee. Cancellations made 15-29 days before departure receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than 14 days before departure receive no refund. We offer free date changes up to 14 days before departure, subject to availability and applicable park fee changes. Travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and baggage loss is highly recommended and mandatory for some nationalities. We can provide insurance recommendations upon booking.
