Tanzania · Safari

7-Day Northern Circuit Safari in Tanzania with Serengeti and Ngorongoro

7 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Lake Manyara's diverse ecosystems with tree-climbing lions and vibrant birdlife
02 Experience the vast Serengeti plains with abundant wildlife and the Great Migration
03 Descend into Ngorongoro Crater to witness the Big Five in a unique setting
04 Discover varied landscapes from forests and lakes to savannah and volcanic caldera

Explore Tanzania's Northern Circuit on a 7-day safari through Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Discover tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and diverse ecosystems in Manyara, then witness vast savannah plains and incredible wildlife, including the Great Migration, in Serengeti. Descend into Ngorongoro Crater to spot the Big Five in a unique volcanic landscape. Experience breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity, and unforgettable game drives across some of Africa's most iconic national parks during this immersive wildlife adventure.

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater and experience its unique enclosed ecosystem.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Tanzania and Transfer to Moshi or Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and receive a warm welcome from your professional safari guide.
Travel to your lodge in Moshi or Arusha through coffee farms and banana plantations.
Enjoy scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru along the route.
Experience the fertile landscapes shaped by volcanic soils.
Relax at your lodge and prepare for the upcoming safari adventure.
Enjoy the calm and welcoming atmosphere of northern Tanzania.

Day 02

Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

Begin your safari after breakfast with a journey to Lake Manyara National Park along the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
Enter a dense groundwater forest filled with towering mahogany and fig trees.
Experience a cool and shaded habitat rich in biodiversity.
Drive through the park as the landscape opens into grassy floodplains and an alkaline lake.
Observe flamingos and other water birds along the lake shores.
Spot baboons, elephants, and giraffes across forest and open plains.
Look for the rare tree-climbing lions resting on branches.
Discover the unique blend of forest, grassland, and lake ecosystems within a compact area.

Day 03

Journey to Serengeti National Park

Travel from Lake Manyara through the scenic highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Observe rolling green hills and Maasai communities tending cattle along the route.
Descend into Serengeti National Park and witness vast open savannah plains.
Experience the iconic landscape with acacia trees and rocky kopjes.
Begin your first game drive in Serengeti's rich ecosystem.
Spot lions resting on rocky outcrops and cheetahs scanning for prey.
Observe large herds of zebras and wildebeest grazing across the plains.
Discover one of the oldest ecosystems, with abundant wildlife supported by short-grass vegetation.

Day 04

Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Spend a full day exploring Serengeti National Park and its vast ecosystem.
Observe predators such as lions and leopards during the early morning hours.
Spot wildlife easily across the open plains, including elephants and grazing herds.
Witness the natural interaction between predator and prey throughout the day.
Experience the Great Migration, depending on the season and timing.
Observe wildebeest and zebras moving in search of fresh grazing.
Discover how rainfall and vegetation influence wildlife movement.
Explore diverse habitats of grasslands, scattered trees, and seasonal water sources supporting rich biodiversity.

Day 05

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands

Enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before departure.
Travel towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area through changing landscapes.
Observe the transition from open plains to cooler and greener highlands.
Experience Tanzania's geographical diversity within a short distance.
Spot Maasai herders living alongside wildlife in traditional settings.
Arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater rim and enjoy panoramic views of the vast caldera below.

Day 06

Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater and experience its unique enclosed ecosystem.
Explore diverse habitats including grasslands, swamps, forests, and a soda lake.
Observe zebras, wildebeest, and other grazers across the crater floor.
Spot predators such as lions and hyenas within the rich ecosystem.
Discover how permanent water sources support year-round wildlife presence.
Look for the endangered black rhino and other members of the Big Five.
Enjoy frequent and accessible wildlife sightings within the compact crater area.

Day 07

Return to Arusha and End of Safari

Begin your scenic journey after breakfast back to Arusha or Moshi.
Travel through charming villages and picturesque landscapes along the route.
Observe the changing scenery from highlands to open plains.
Reflect on the diverse ecosystems experienced throughout the safari.
Conclude your journey with an appreciation of Tanzania's rich wildlife and natural beauty.

Where this trip takes you

Lake Manyara, Great Rift Valley escarpment, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd 7 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Private airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Luxury accommodation as specified (5-star hotel and premium lodge)
Full-board meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Professional English-speaking safari guide
All national park and conservation area entrance fees
Unlimited game drives as per itinerary
Bottled mineral water during game drives
Government taxes and tourism levies
Personalized safari planning and on-ground support
Private portable luxury toilet tent

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights
Visa fees for Tanzania
Travel insurance
Alcoholic and premium beverages
Gratuities for the safari guide and lodge staff
Personal expenses (beverages and souvenirs)

What to bring

Neutral-colored clothing
Sunscreen
A hat
Insect repellent
A good camera or binoculars

Know before you go

Before embarking on your 7-day safari through Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, it's important to be well prepared for a smooth and enjoyable experience. This Northern Circuit journey involves long but scenic drives across diverse landscapes, so expect early mornings and full days of exploration. The best time to travel is during the dry season (June to October) for optimal wildlife viewing, although the green season offers lush scenery and fewer crowds. Pack light with neutral-colored clothing, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and a good camera or binoculars to fully enjoy the wildlife encounters. Accommodations typically range from comfortable lodges to tented camps, offering a balance of comfort and immersion in nature. Starting and ending in Arusha or Moshi, this safari is ideal for travelers seeking a complete and unforgettable introduction to Tanzania's rich wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty.

Logistics