7-Day Ultimate Northern Safari
Seven days to savour the northern circuit at a relaxed pace, with three nights in the Serengeti to follow the migration and predators wherever they lead. The most complete way to see Tanzania's headline parks without rushing.
Highlights
- Three full nights in the Serengeti
- Time to track the great migration seasonally
- Tarangire elephants and Lake Manyara's birdlife
- Ngorongoro Crater deep-dive game drive
- Unrushed schedule ideal for photography
- Chance of all Big Five plus cheetah
- Optional hot-air balloon safari over the plains
Day by day
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1
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Depart Arusha after breakfast for the two-hour drive to Tarangire. Spend the afternoon game driving among baobabs and elephant herds along the Tarangire River. Overnight at a lodge near the park.
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2
Lake Manyara National Park
A day exploring Lake Manyara's forest, lakeshore and escarpment habitats, looking for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, hippos and abundant birdlife. Transfer to the Karatu highlands for dinner and overnight.
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3
Karatu to central Serengeti
Ascend through the Ngorongoro highlands and drive down onto the Serengeti plains, game viewing en route (about 5-6 hours). Arrive at the Seronera area for an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at a tented camp.
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4
Central Serengeti exploration
A full day in the Seronera Valley, a reliable area for lion, leopard and cheetah year-round. With packed lunches you can range widely and linger at sightings. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
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5
Serengeti — following the wildlife
A flexible full day to follow the herds, moving north or into the western corridor depending on the season and the migration's position. Optional early-morning hot-air balloon safari followed by a bush breakfast. Overnight at a tented camp.
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6
Serengeti to Ngorongoro highlands
A final morning game drive in the Serengeti before driving to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy the sweeping views over the crater rim in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at a lodge on the crater rim.
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7
Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at first light for a game drive among rhino, lion, hippo and flamingo. After a picnic lunch, ascend and drive back to Arusha, arriving in the evening.
What's included
- all park and crater fees
- 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- professional driver-guide
- all meals on safari
- lodge and tented-camp accommodation
- bottled water in the vehicle
- Arusha airport transfers
Not included
- international flights
- Tanzania visa
- travel insurance
- tips and gratuities
- drinks
- hot-air balloon safari (optional extra)
- personal items
Tour companies for this trip
For a multi-day trip like this, an operator handles the vehicles, camps and logistics end to end.
Nomad Tanzania
UnclaimedArusha
Luxury mobile & permanent safari camps
Asilia Africa
UnclaimedArusha
Boutique safari camps and lodges
Thomson Safaris
UnclaimedArusha
Northern-circuit safaris with private camps
Wayo Africa
UnclaimedArusha
Walking & active safaris off the beaten track
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