Grand Northern Circuit Safari

The ultimate Tanzania experience: all northern parks, all wonders.

$3500 / person

8 days

About This Safari

Embark on an unforgettable 8–9 day deluxe journey through the heart of northern Tanzania’s most celebrated parks. Your adventure begins on the sweeping elephant plains of Tarangire, where majestic herds roam beneath towering acacia trees. Wander among ancient baobabs at Lake Manyara, then spend two magical nights on the boundless Serengeti savannah, home to the world-renowned Great Migration. Descend into the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater for unparalleled wildlife viewing, and, if you wish, extend your exploration into the lush landscapes of Arusha National Park. Each day brings a new spectacle—whether tracking the “Big Five,” sharing sundowners as the sun dips below the horizon, or engaging with Maasai communities to learn their timeless traditions. With intimate small-group or private options, this safari offers the ultimate blend of luxury, flexibility, and personal connection amid East Africa’s most breathtaking wilderness.

What's Included

Park Fees & Permits

All national park and conservation area entry fees, including Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater (and optional Arusha NP).

Accommodation

Seven nights’ lodging in comfortable, full-service tented camps and lodges, chosen for their prime wildlife-viewing locations and top-quality service

Meals & Drinks

All meals from Day 1 dinner through Day 8 breakfast, including hearty picnic lunches on game-drive days and sundowner drinks in the bush.

Expert Guided Game Drives

Daily morning and afternoon 4×4 game drives with an experienced, English-speaking guide and driver, plus a private vehicle reserved exclusively for your group.

Transfers & Road Transport

All ground transfers between Arusha, the parks, and your lodges in a private safari vehicle, including airport meet-and-greet on arrival and departure transfers in Arusha.

Trip Planning & Support

Pre-trip itinerary planning, 24/7 in-country support, and all communications (visa invitation letter, e-confirmations, detailed packing list).

Your Journey

Day 1

Arrival in Arusha & Tarangire Sunset Drive

Begin your adventure with a scenic drive from Arusha into Tarangire National Park. Enjoy your first game drive amid Tarangire’s famed elephant herds and baobab-scattered plains. As dusk falls, return to your comfortable lodge in the Tarangire area for dinner and overnight.

Day 2

Full-Day Tarangire Exploration & Transfer to Manyara

Rise early for a sunrise game drive through Tarangire’s rich wildlife habitats, from towering acacias to marshy riverbanks. Spot lions, giraffes, and vast herds of elephants throughout the day. In the late afternoon, journey to the Lake Manyara region, arriving in time for dinner and an evening at your lodge.

Day 3

Lake Manyara Birdlife & Tree-Climbing Lions, then on to Serengeti

Spend the morning exploring Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its vibrant bird colonies and rare tree-climbing lions. After a picnic lunch, drive southward to the southern circuit of the Serengeti. Settle into your camp or lodge and enjoy an evening under the stars

Day 4

Central Serengeti Big Cats & Migration

Head out for a full day of game drives in the Serengeti’s central region. Search for prides of lions, elusive leopards, and the thundering herds of the Great Migration. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the open plains, then return to camp for sundowners and dinner.

Day 5

Optional Balloon Safari & Further Serengeti Game Drives

Choose to rise before dawn for an unforgettable hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti (optional), followed by a champagne breakfast on the plains. Continue afternoon drives in search of cheetahs, elephants, and wildebeest crossings, then relax at your lodge as the sun sets

Day 6

Morning Serengeti Drive & Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater

Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before departing for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ascend the crater rim to your lodge, where panoramic views of the crater floor await. Spend the evening at leisure, absorbing the extraordinary vista.

Day 7

Full-Day Ngorongoro Crater Tour & Maasai Village Visit

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at first light for an all-day wildlife safari—an unparalleled opportunity to spot the “Big Five” against the crater’s lush backdrop. In the late afternoon, visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about traditional customs and daily life. Return to your rim-side lodge for dinner

Day 8

Return to Arusha & Farewell Dinner

After breakfast, depart Ngorongoro and journey back to Arusha. Optionally stop for one last wildlife drive en route or visit Arusha National Park for a brief excursion. Arrive in town in the evening for a farewell dinner before departing the next morning.