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The journey
Experience Tanzania's Northern Circuit in a way that blends classic safari moments with standout, less-crowded adventures. Begin near Kilimanjaro with a warm cultural welcome at Materuni Village, where you'll enjoy coffee from bean to cup with a Chagga family and a refreshing waterfall swim, then continue to elephant-rich Tarangire, the forests of Lake Manyara, and the legendary Ngorongoro Crater. Along the way, enjoy a canopy walkway, a night game drive, and the wild Empakaai Crater hike before descending into Ngorongoro at first light for prime Big Five viewing. Finish with immersive Serengeti wildlife tracking, a bush breakfast in the savannah, and meaningful local shopping back in Arusha before your onward flight.
At a glance
Day by day
In the morning, arrive in Arusha. Instead of driving straight to the parks, head to Materuni Village at the foot of Kilimanjaro.
Enjoy a coffee tour from bean to cup with a Chagga family, followed by a short hike to Materuni Waterfall. There will also be time to swim.
Overnight in Arusha at Gongali House / Arusha Coffee Lodge, allowing time to rest before the safari.
Drive for about two hours to Tarangire National Park, famous for its 3,000+ elephants and iconic baobab trees.
In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive followed by a sunset walking safari with a Maasai guide.
Overnight at Lemara Mpingo Lodge inside Tarangire, in a luxury tent with views over the valley.
Begin the morning with a game drive in Tarangire.
Then drive to the Lake Manyara area. In the afternoon, experience the treetop walkway - an 18 m high walkway through the forest canopy - followed by a bike ride through the banana plantations in Mto wa Mbu village.
In the evening, enjoy a night game drive in Manyara Conservancy, where you may see porcupines, genets, and bush babies.
Overnight at Manyara Secret or Escarpment Luxury Lodge.
Set out early for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Instead of going straight into the main crater, first hike Empakaai Crater. This 3-hour hike takes you down into a wild crater with a flamingo lake, with no cars at all - only you, a ranger, and Maasai.
In the afternoon, continue with a game drive to the crater rim.
Overnight at Entamanu Ngorongoro on the wild northern rim, where you sleep with Maasai blankets and crater views, away from the crowded southern side.
At 5:30 AM, descend into Ngorongoro Crater, the best time to enter before the crowds arrive. Spend 4-5 hours searching for the Big Five.
In the afternoon, fly or drive to Central Serengeti.
Overnight at Lemara Nanyukie or Nomad Entamanu Mobile Camp.
Spend a full day in the Serengeti, not just driving through it.
In the morning, go on a game drive to track the Great Migration and big cats.
At midday, enjoy a bush breakfast in the savannah set up by your guide.
In the afternoon, visit Bushman Rock Art and end the day with a sundowner accompanied by Maasai stories by the fire.
An optional hot air balloon ride at dawn is available for $599.
This experience is highly recommended here.
Overnight at the same camp in the Serengeti.
Enjoy a morning game drive followed by a bush flight back to Arusha.
In the afternoon, visit the Maasai market and Shanga workshop in Arusha for souvenirs that actually support local women, rather than airport shopping.
Drop-off at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or in Arusha for your onward trip.
The route
The fine print
Pick-up and drop-off in Arusha
Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
English-speaking professional driver-guide
Local guide for the Empakaai hike
Park entrance fees (Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, Empakaai, Serengeti)
Crater service fee and vehicle fees
Accommodation for 6 nights
Bush breakfast on Day 5
Meals as listed
Drinking water during the safari
Government taxes and VAT
International flights
Tanzania visa
Travel and medical insurance
Drinks (soft and alcoholic)
Tips for driver, guides, and staff
Hot air balloon safari in the Serengeti
Personal items (laundry, phone, souvenirs)
Optional activities not listed
Bag
Clothes (neutral colours only: khaki, olive)
Passport copy + yellow fever card
Documents and money: Passport and Tanzania visa, insurance papers, flight tickets, and small US dollar notes for tips
Clothes: Light long-sleeve shirts and trousers in neutral colours, a warm jacket or fleece for the crater rim and cold mornings, a light rain jacket, closed walking shoes, a sun hat, and sunglasses
Hike gear: Hiking boots or strong trainers with grip, a water bottle, snacks, and a small day pack
Safari gear: Binoculars, a camera with extra batteries, a power bank, sunscreen, and insect repellent
Health: Personal medicine, anti-malaria tablets (ask your doctor), motion sickness tablets, hand sanitiser, and wet wipes
Tips: Use soft bags, not hard suitcases. Bring a universal plug adaptor. Plastic bags are not allowed in Tanzania.
Logistics
Your 7 days finish where they began, in Arusha.
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