An unforgettable wildlife safari in Tanzania with an expert private driver/guide. Discover the premier wildlife destinations on the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit without breaking the bank.

You find yourself in Arusha, the starting point for Tanzania’s renowned Northern Safari Circuit. Explore Tarangire National Park, famous for its magnificent elephant herds, towering baobab trees, and a rich variety of wildlife. Next, embark on a journey through one of Africa’s most legendary wildlife parks, Serengeti National Park. Renowned for its expansive plains that welcome the yearly spectacle of millions of wildebeest and zebras, and teeming with formidable predators such as lions and cheetahs. Complete your journey through Northern Tanzania with an exhilarating experience in Ngorongoro Crater, the largest inactive volcanic caldera on the planet. This breathtaking location provides unmatched opportunities to observe a rich variety of wildlife, including Africa’s iconic Big 5, all set against a spectacular backdrop.

Day 1: Arusha – Tanzania

Your journey through Northern Tanzania kicks off as you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha. Arusha, one of Tanzania’s oldest settlements, stands as the entry point to the renowned wildlife parks of the Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit, featuring the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. At the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha presents breathtaking vistas of the mountain and is in proximity to the renowned Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The city is perfectly located close to the major national parks and boasts a bustling atmosphere with lively markets, rich cultural heritage, and contemporary amenities.

Upon your arrival, our welcoming representative will be there to greet you, providing an exciting briefing for the journey that lies ahead. They will also take care of your transfer to the Zawadi House Hotel (or similar) for check-in and an overnight stay. The remainder of the day invites you to unwind at the hotel or dive into the vibrant energy of Arusha.

Stay at Zawadi House Hotel (or a comparable option)
Discover Zawadi House Hotel in Arusha
Zawadi House Hotel presents beautifully designed rooms featuring generous bathrooms with luxurious showers and private balconies or patios that showcase breathtaking views of the enchanting landscape. Every room is equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, luxurious bedding, a minibar, tea/coffee-making facilities, and a safe to keep your valuables secure.

Zawadi House presents an array of dining choices that cater to every taste. The on-site restaurant offers an exciting array of local and international dishes, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can kick off their day with a robust breakfast buffet, savor a refreshing lunch by the pool, and treat themselves to a gourmet dinner beneath the twinkling stars. The hotel also boasts a charming bar where you can relax with a cocktail or a glass of wine. Other amenities feature an invigorating outdoor pool, a fully equipped fitness centre, and a spa providing a variety of treatments to revitalize both body and mind.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park & Karatu – Tanzania

Day 2 of your Tanzania wildlife safari kicks off at 8 am. After breakfast, your private driver-guide prepares picnic lunch boxes as you set off in the 4×4 safari vehicle for Tarangire National Park, where an exciting mid-morning game drive awaits you.

The landscape of Tarangire National Park showcases expansive savannah grasslands, adorned with acacia and towering baobab trees, inviting exploration and discovery. This Tanzanian national park comes alive in the dry season as wildlife journeys to the area, lured by the refreshing waters of the Tarangire River. Lions, leopards, zebras, buffaloes, and wildebeest roam freely in this expansive 2,850-square-kilometre (1,100 square miles) park, where the elusive tree-climbing pythons can also be found. Tarangire is home to over 550 bird species, creating an incredible opportunity for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Keep exploring the park in pursuit of wildlife until late afternoon, taking a break at lunchtime to enjoy your packed meal. As the sun starts to set, make your way out of Tarangire Park and journey to the charming town of Karatu to settle into the Bougainvillea Safari Lodge (or a similar option), your starting point for an exciting adventure in Northern Tanzania.

Exciting Activities: Full-Day Tarangire Safari Accommodation: Bougainvillea Safari Lodge (or similar)
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Discover Bougainvillea Safari Lodge in Karatu
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge in Karatu invites guests to experience a unique fusion of comfort and rustic allure in its thoughtfully designed rooms. Each room boasts comfortable beds adorned with mosquito nets, en-suite bathrooms equipped with hot showers, and private verandas that offer stunning views of the vibrant gardens. Rooms come alive with modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, and plenty of storage space. The lodge’s décor showcases local art and natural materials, crafting a cozy and welcoming ambiance that captures the essence of the stunning Tanzanian landscape.

Dining at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge is an exhilarating experience, highlighting fresh, locally sourced ingredients that tantalize the senses. The lodge’s restaurant offers an exciting array of delectable meals, featuring both local Tanzanian specialties and international favorites, all crafted with precision by the talented kitchen team. The lodge also boasts a delightful bar where guests can unwind with a drink after an exhilarating day of safari escapades. Additional amenities feature an inviting outdoor pool, a snug lounge area complete with a fireplace, and stunning gardens ideal for relaxed walks. Bougainvillea Safari Lodge offers a tranquil and cozy haven, perfect for embarking on thrilling explorations of the nearby wildlife reserves.

Days 3 and 4: Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

Following breakfast, your journey through Northern Tanzania takes you to the legendary Serengeti National Park. Serengeti Park boasts a vibrant array of predators, featuring majestic lion prides with their golden manes and solitary leopards that roam the acacia-dotted landscapes along the Seronera River. Cheetahs traverse the expansive southeastern plains in impressive numbers. In this vibrant landscape, all three African jackal species coexist alongside spotted hyenas and a variety of elusive small predators, from the insect-eating aardwolf to the stunning serval cat.

Reach your luxurious tented camp, Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp (or similar), just in time for a delightful lunch followed by a refreshing short siesta. Later, embark on your first thrilling drive through the Serengeti. Your driver-guide will skillfully navigate the reserve, keeping an eye out for the legendary Big 5 animals – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Moreover, the Serengeti is renowned for its expansive groups of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. As the Great Migration unfolds, countless ungulates, such as wildebeests and zebras, traverse this region on their journey to Kenya’s Masai Mara National area, just beyond the border (see our notes about the Great Migration below).

Among the many remarkable creatures that can be spotted are cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, and a variety of antelope species. The Serengeti National Park boasts a vibrant array of bird species, featuring everything from majestic eagles and vultures to the striking lilac-breasted rollers and graceful flamingos. As the sun sinks beneath the horizon, return to camp for a satisfying safari dinner and an enchanting evening by the campfire beneath a sprawling sky filled with stars.

On Day 4 of your Tanzania Safari Tour,

prepare for an exhilarating full-day adventure in the breathtaking Serengeti National Park. Set off at dawn and journey across the vast landscapes in pursuit of wildlife. The Serengeti Plains stretch across a vast 15,000 square kilometres (6,000 square miles), teeming with one of the planet’s most remarkable and densely packed animal populations. Pause to savor a packed lunch in this stunning landscape before resuming your journey to discover the amazing array of animals, both big and small, that inhabit the Serengeti.

In Serengeti Park, you can embark on a hot air balloon safari (additional cost) that offers a breathtaking view of the vast grasslands and a chance to observe the rich wildlife from an extraordinary aerial vantage point.

Another exciting option is a visit to a Maasai community to discover their fascinating daily rituals. The Maasai are renowned for their stunning beading, deep-rooted traditions, and lively clothing. Immerse yourself in their unique traditions and witness their harmonious relationship with the environment that surrounds them.

As the sun sets on an exhilarating day spent exploring the wild, return to the cozy camp to relish one final night beneath the twinkling stars, soaking in the peacefulness of the African savannah.

Included Activities: Exciting game drives in the Serengeti
Optional Activities: Soaring in a Hot Air Balloon, Immersing in Maasai Culture
Stay: Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp (or comparable)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner twice
Discover the Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp nestled within the breathtaking Serengeti National Park.
Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp provides an exhilarating safari experience with its lavish tented lodgings nestled in the vibrant heart of Serengeti National Park. Every tent is crafted to ensure ultimate comfort while embracing the essence of the wild around it. The tents are expansive and come equipped with cozy beds adorned with high-quality linens, en-suite bathrooms boasting hot showers, and private verandas that present stunning vistas of the Serengeti plains. They come with contemporary comforts like solar-powered lighting, charging stations for your gadgets, and complimentary toiletries.

Dining at Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp is an exhilarating experience, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients that tantalize the senses. The camp’s dining area offers delightful meals, featuring satisfying breakfasts, picnic lunches, and exquisite dinners beneath the night sky. Experience a delightful array of dishes that fuse the rich tastes of Tanzanian cuisine with global influences, crafted by skilled chefs. Alongside the dining area, the camp boasts a snug lounge tent where you can unwind with a drink, dive into a book, or exchange tales of your thrilling safari experiences.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater & Karatu – Tanzania

After breakfast, your journey through Northern Tanzania will take you to the Ngorongoro National Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features the expansive Ngorongoro Crater, a remarkable volcanic caldera brimming with a variety of wildlife, while also fostering conservation initiatives and the traditional Maasai pastoralist way of life.

The Ngorongoro Crater stands as the main highlight of the region. The sunken crater creates a grand natural arena teeming with an astonishing variety of wildlife. Venture down the crater’s steep walls, reaching the Ngorongoro Crater floor just in time for a delightful picnic lunch.

Embark on an exhilarating afternoon game drive, seeking out the majestic Big 5 of Africa – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo – along with a vibrant array of wildlife, from zebras to hippos and wildebeest. Often referred to as “Africa’s Garden of Eden,” Ngorongoro Crater stands as a strong candidate for the next Seven Wonders of the Natural World. It is the largest unbroken crater on the planet, teeming with around 25,000 animals, making it a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts. It boasts an incredible array of animal species found in East Africa, featuring the rare and critically endangered Black Rhino among them.

After an exhilarating day on safari, your vehicle will climb the crater walls and return to Karatu for another stay at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge.

Exciting Activities: Ngorongoro Crater Expedition
Stay at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge (or a comparable option)
Dining: Morning Feast, Midday Meal & Evening Banquet

Day 6: Journey from Karatu to Arusha – Tanzania

Today marks the conclusion of your exhilarating journey through Northern Tanzania. After breakfast, you will embark on a journey back to Arusha Airport, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Africa Rift Valley. Make sure to arrive on time for your flight, whether it’s your international journey back home or a local trip to Zanzibar, where you can conclude your Tanzania safari with a delightful beach getaway.

Breakfast: A delightful start to the day
A Day on Safari in Tanzania:
Before dawn: Rise to the aroma of hot coffee or tea while the crisp morning air envelops you.
Morning game drive (from dawn until about 9 am): Gear up and jump into the open vehicle with your camera at the ready. Your knowledgeable guide will traverse the wilderness, searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife as the sun ascends and transforms the scenery. Every turn holds the promise of an exhilarating discovery, whether it’s a pride of lions with playful cubs, a magnificent herd of elephants, or a swift cheetah on the prowl. The journey takes around two hours, though it can change based on what you encounter along the way.
Breakfast (around 9 am): Head back to the lodge and savor a delightful breakfast to recharge after your thrilling escapade.
Mid-morning pause: Embrace a moment of tranquility after the exciting early start. Relax by the pool, indulge in some much-needed rest, or dive into exciting optional activities provided by the lodge, including nature walks, cultural excursions to nearby villages, or thrilling bike rides.
Midday meal (approximately 1 pm): Lunch is often enjoyed at the lodge or camp, setting the stage for an exciting day ahead. However, on full-day game drives, you’ll savor a picnic lunch surrounded by the untamed beauty of the wilderness.
Afternoon game drive (late afternoon): As the sun begins to dip, embark on another thrilling game drive, seeking out the wildlife that may have eluded you earlier. Your guide’s knowledge will enhance your experience as you encounter diverse wildlife.
As the sun dips below the horizon, we make our way back to camp, the evening air filled with anticipation. As the sun sinks beneath the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors, head back to the camp for a revitalizing shower and a delightful treat.
Evening meals and winding down: Savor a delightful dinner, then enjoy drinks and engaging conversations around a warm campfire, exchanging tales of your thrilling explorations. Retire early, well-rested and brimming with excitement for the adventures that await the next day.
During your journey through Tanzania’s wild landscapes, your expert driver-guide will be your trusted companion and invaluable resource. They’ll share their knowledge of the local wildlife, traditions, and history, guaranteeing a safe, comfortable, and remarkable safari experience.

Flexibility: The schedule provides a framework, but your guide will take your preferences into account and modify the timings whenever feasible. The focus is on following park rules and making sure that every journey is safe, all while keeping an eye on the clock. Your personal guide will offer insightful suggestions while remaining eager to learn about your passions.