Spotlight on Northern Tanzania Safari
This journey covers Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, combining the vast plains of the Serengeti, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and the baobab-dotted landscapes of Tarangire. The experience shifts with the seasons, especially in the Serengeti, where camp location is aligned with the movement of wildlife across the ecosystem.
DURATION
7 Nights
LOCATIONS
• Arusha • Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Tarangire National Park
Day 1
Arrive in Arusha and settle in for an overnight stay before heading into the safari circuit.
Stay at hotels such as Four Points by Sheraton Arusha / Mount Meru Hotel or similar.
Days 2-5
The Serengeti is defined by movement and scale. Camp locations shift based on season – north (June–Nov) for river crossings, southern plains (Jan–March) for calving season, and central/western areas in between. Game drives focus on open plains, predator activity, and large herds.
Stay at camps such as Serengeti Heritage Camp / Into Wild Africa Camp or similar.
Days 5-6
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a compact ecosystem with one of Africa’s highest densities of wildlife. It offers a strong chance to see the Big Five within a single day.
Stay at lodges such as Rhino Lodge / Marera Valley Lodge or similar.
Days 6-8
Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds, baobab trees, and quieter atmosphere compared to the Serengeti. Wildlife gathers along the Tarangire River, especially in the dry season.
Stay at camps such as Tarangire Safari Lodge / Sangaiwe Tented Lodge or similar.
WHAT THIS REALLY MEANS
- A strong introduction to Tanzania’s core safari circuit
- Seasonally driven Serengeti experience
- Good wildlife with simpler accommodations
- More structured and less exclusive
Starting From
- Peak Season (June – Oct | Dec 15 – Jan 2): USD $4,200 per person (7 Nights) (~ $600 PPPN)
-
Off-Season (April – May | Nov):
USD $3,010 per person (7 Nights) (~ $430 PPPN)
DURATION
8 Nights
LOCATIONS
• Arusha • Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Tarangire National Park
Day 1
Arrive and settle in before your safari begins.
Stay at hotels such as Arusha Coffee Lodge / Lake Duluti Lodge or similar.
Days 2-5
Camp positioning follows the migration patterns, ensuring better access to wildlife throughout the year. Experiences include full-day game drives and tracking predators across vast open plains.
Stay at camps such as Kati Kati Camp / Nyikani Camp (seasonal locations) or similar.
Days 5-7
Spend more time in the highlands, allowing for a more relaxed crater experience and exploration of surrounding areas.
Stay at lodges such as Ngorongoro Farm House / Plantation Lodge or similar.
Days 7-9
A quieter park with excellent elephant sightings and varied landscapes. The pace here is slower and more relaxed compared to the Serengeti.
Stay at camps such as Tarangire Sopa Lodge / Maramboi Tented Lodge or similar.
WHAT THIS REALLY MEANS
- Better located camps with improved wildlife access
- More time in key areas like Ngorongoro
- Smoother pacing and overall experience
- Higher comfort and guiding standards
Starting From
- Peak Season (June – Oct | Dec 15 – Jan 2): USD $6,800 per person (8 Nights) (~ $850 PPPN)
-
Off-Season (April – May | Nov):
USD $5,200 per person (8 Nights) (~ $650 PPPN)
DURATION
8 Nights
LOCATIONS
• Arusha • Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Tarangire National Park
Day 1
Arrive in Arusha and settle in for an overnight stay before your onward safari flights.
Stay at hotels such as Legendary Lodge / Arusha Coffee Lodge (luxury suites) or similar.
Days 2-5
Luxury camps are positioned to follow the migration, offering front-row access to key wildlife events. Expect highly personalized guiding, fewer vehicles, and seamless fly-in logistics.
Stay at camps such as Namiri Plains / Dunia Camp / Singita Grumeti / Wilderness Usawa (seasonal) or similar.
Days 5-7
Stay in premium lodges along the crater rim or nearby highlands, combining dramatic views with easy access to the crater floor.
Stay at lodges such as Entamanu Camp / The Highlands / Sanctuary Ngorongoro Camp or similar.
Days 7-9
At the luxury level, Tarangire becomes more exclusive, with camps located in quieter sections offering a more private experience.
Stay at camps such as Oliver’s Camp / Sanctuary Swala Camp or similar.
WHAT THIS REALLY MEANS
- Seamless fly-in safari with minimal transit time
- Top-tier camps in prime wildlife locations
- Highly personalized and flexible experiences
- Consistent, high-quality guiding throughout
Starting From
- Peak Season (June – Oct | Dec 15 – Jan 2): USD $11,200 per person (8 Nights) (~ $1,400+ PPPN)
-
Off-Season (April – May | Nov):
USD $8,800 per person (8 Nights) (~ $1,100+ PPPN)
Seasons
June – October (Peak Season)
Cool, dry conditions with crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons make this the most popular time to travel. Vegetation is thinner, improving visibility, and wildlife tends to gather around water sources, making sightings more consistent. This is also when the migration is typically in the northern Serengeti, with chances of river crossings.
November – December (Short Rains / Shoulder Season)
Intermittent rains begin to freshen the landscape, turning it greener and more scenic. Wildlife viewing remains good, and this period sees fewer crowds. The migration is crossing the Mara River in November and crossing the Eastern Serengeti in December on its way back to Southern Serengeti.
January – March (Green Season / Calving Season)
The southern Serengeti plains come alive during calving season, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife interactions. Landscapes are lush and excellent for photography, with large migration herds concentrated around the Ndutu and Kusini areas.
April – May (Long Rains / Low Season)
Heavier rains can make some areas less accessible, and travel logistics can be more challenging. However, it can still be a somewhat quiet time in the parks, with vibrant scenery and excellent value for those willing to work around weather conditions. During this period, the migration is typically found in the central and western Serengeti corridor as the herds continue their journey northward.
Extensions (Optional)
Zanzibar (2–3 Nights)
Add a beach escape with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a slower pace after safari.
Lake Natron (1–2 Nights)
A more offbeat extension, known for its dramatic landscapes, volcanic scenery, and seasonal flamingo populations. The best flamingo concentrations are typically seen between July and October, although timing varies depending on rainfall and water levels.
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- All meals as indicated (Fully Inclusive basis at camps)
- Soft drinks, beer, house wines, and selected spirits at camps
- Transfers and local flights
- Shared game drives (day and night) and walking safaris
- Park fees, conservation charges, and emergency support cover
- Laundry services at camps
Exclusions
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Premium spirits, champagne, and cellar wines
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Optional activities (e.g., Balloon Safaris)
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