8-Day Private Northern Tanzania Safari Tour
8 days from £4186 per person, excluding flights
A classic safari for first-timers who want the “true Tanzania” experience
Designed as a seamless private safari in Tanzania, this Northern Circuit itinerary blends immersion, comfort, and the iconic sights that make this region one of the best safari routes.
Begin in Arusha with gentle views of Meru before heading into Tarangire for walking safaris, big elephant herds, and your first real taste of the wild. Continue across Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Highlands, where volcanic landscapes meet dense wildlife.
Finish in the Serengeti, where the golden horizons, and open-grassland game drives showcase everything a Northern Tanzania safari package should offer. With handpicked lodges and time to slow down, this journey captures the full magic of the Northern Tanzania safari circuit and the essence of a luxury Tanzania safari
What's included:
- Return private transfers
- Accommodation as mentioned
- Activities as mentioned
- All meals during safari
- Daily private game drives
- Park fees, conservation fees & taxes
- Meet & assist upon arrival
- Domestic flight from Serengeti to Arusha
Northern Tanzania safari itinerary in detail
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Gran Meliá Arusha
- Deluxe Mount Meru View
- Half-board
Welcome to Tanzania! Be welcomed at the airport by your private guide who’ll assist you with your swift transfer to your stay in Arusha for the night.
Settle in the elegant Gran Meliá Arusha (Deluxe Mount Meru View). Enjoy dinner overlooking lush gardens and the silhouette of Mount Meru as you unwind from your flight.
Day 2: Transfer to Tarangire National Park
- Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge
- Tented Suite
- Full-board
Following a relaxing night and a sumptuous breakfast, this morning you’ll leave Arusha and drive into Tarangire National Park, known for its giant baobabs, big elephant herds, and over 300 bird species. The name Tarangire is derived from the Tarangire River which provides permanent water for wildlife.
We’ll reach your accommodation for the next 2 nights, Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge, which is a gorgeous property with a perfect base to explore the park. Enjoy your first game drive with a picnic lunch inside the park.
Day 3: Walking safari & bush picnic
- Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge
- Tented Suite
- Full-board
Start the morning with a guided Walking Safari, a chance to connect with the bush up close.
After a picnic-style full-day safari, return to the camp for dinner before heading back out for a night game drive, perfect for spotting hyenas, civets, and other nocturnal wildlife.
Day 4: Ngorongoro via Lake Manyara
- Karibu Lions Paw Camp
- Luxury Tent
- Full-board
Your next stop is the world’s largest volcanic caldera – the Ngorongoro Crater. On the way, you will first drive through Makuyuni and Mto wa Mbu villages en route to Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions and vibrant birdlife.
Enjoy a picnic lunch during your game drive before continuing to the highlands of Ngorongoro.
We will reach Karibu Lions Paw Camp in time for dinner, which is conveniently located on the eastern rim of the crater.
Day 5: Full-Day Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
- Karibu Lions Paw Camp
- Luxury Tent
- Full-board
Descend 2,000 feet into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari.
This natural amphitheatre offers one of Africa’s densest concentrations of wildlife such aslion, buffalo, elephant, and rare black rhino all in one place.
Enjoy a picnic lunch with awe-inspiring views inside the crater before returning to camp.
Day 6: En-route to the Serengeti
- Meliá Serengeti Lodge
- Lagoon View
- All-inclusive
Today, you’ll journey across the highlands and into the endless plains of the Serengeti. The Serengeti is famed for its annual migration, when some six million hooves pound the open plains, as more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelle join the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing.
With picnic lunch en route, enjoy your first game viewing in this iconic ecosystem, home to the Great Migration, big cats, and more than 500 bird species.
Afternoon game drive before settling in at Meliá Serengeti Lodge.
Day 7: Full day on safari in Serengeti
- Meliá Serengeti Lodge
- Lagoon View
- All-inclusive
Spend your last full day on this Northern Tanzania private safari exploring the Serengeti’s wildlife-rich valleys, rivers, and open grasslands.
Yet even when the migration is quiet, the Serengeti offers arguably the most scintillating game-viewing in Africa. There is more to Serengeti than large mammals. There are over 500 species of birds, and your guide will also introduce you to the small five’.
For those looking for a unique experience, we can also arrange a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti plains.
Day 8: Departure
- Meliá Serengeti Lodge
- Lagoon View
- All-inclusive
After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive as you make your way to the Seronera Airstrip. Board your light aircraft to Arusha, noting that the flight may make a few brief stops to pick up or drop off other passengers.
On arrival, transfer to Arusha Coffee Lodge for a relaxed lunch in its lush garden setting. If time allows, you can also visit Shanga, an inspiring social enterprise that supports people with disabilities through the creation of beautiful handmade crafts.
When you’re ready, continue to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward flight.
Private Northern Tanzania Safari Tour: FAQs
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
The best time for a northern Tanzania safari is generally June to October, when the weather is dry, wildlife gathers around water sources, and the Great Migration is active in the Serengeti. The only period to avoid is the long rainy season in April and May, unless you’re an avid birdwatcher. Then this period is perfect as migratory birds are everywhere, and many animals give birth during or just after the rains.
Which safari is best in Tanzania?
For most travellers, the Northern Tanzania safari circuit is the best choice. It combines the country’s most iconic parks, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara, into one seamless route with world-class wildlife viewing year-round. If you want classic big-game encounters, dramatic landscapes, and a well-developed network of luxury lodges, the northern circuit is the perfect fit. It’s also the most popular region for private safaris in Tanzania.
What is the difference between North and South Tanzania safari?
The Northern Tanzania safari circuit is home to the country’s most famous parks such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Manyara. It’s ideal for first-timers, families, honeymooners, and travellers who want a guaranteed “wow” factor with high wildlife density and smooth logistics.
The Southern Circuit (Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks) is wilder and more remote, offering fewer visitors, larger distances, and a more off-the-beaten-path feel. Wildlife viewing is excellent but more spread out, making it better suited to seasoned safari travellers looking for solitude and a more raw landscape.
What is the cost of this Northern Tanzania safari?
The cost of this 8-day Tanzania Northern Circuit safari starts at £4186 per person (excl. international), based on low season travel for 2 adults sharing a room.
Can I customise this safari tour?
Sure! This safari is fully customisable to suite you. You can change the villa type, number of nights, activities, or hotels.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes, most travellers require a Tanzania tourist visa, which also covers entry to Zanzibar as it is part of Tanzania. You can obtain a visa online via Tanzania’s official e-visa system or on arrival at major airports. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and you may be asked for proof of accommodation and return flights.
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