Northern Tanzania Circuit
8 Days Starting and ending in Arusha, Tanzania
Visiting: Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TPW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 15
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Northern Tanzania Circuit, where you'll experience the breathtaking beauty and wildlife of Tanzania's most iconic national parks. Begin your adventure in Arusha, surrounded by lush coffee plantations, before heading to Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions and vibrant birdlife. Explore the legendary Serengeti National Park, home to the Big Five and the awe-inspiring annual migration. Discover the ancient secrets of Olduvai Gorge and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Masai people. Marvel at the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with diverse wildlife, including the endangered black rhino. Conclude your safari with a visit to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and over 500 bird species. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in permanent safari camps and lodges, ensuring a memorable and immersive African experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Arusha
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: Moivaro Lodge
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha you will be met and transferred to the group hotel, which is a lodge set in a wonderful location surrounded by coffee plantations and with beautiful views of Mt Meru. You can explore the gardens or choose to relax by the swimming pool - this is a perfect start to any African safari. Overnight Moivaro Lodge (or similar). (An airport transfer is included if arriving on Day 1 only. For arrival on any other day, we can arrange a transfer at additional cost, otherwise please make your own way to the lodge.)
Day 2 : Lake Manyara National Park
Location: Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation Name: Migunga Tented Camp or Marera Tented Camp
An early start this morning (approx 7:00 pickup). Today we will drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park, we enjoy a packed lunch and our wildlife encounters with a full day game drive. Lake Manyara National Park is situated between the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment and the lake and there is an abundance of animals within only 125 square miles (two thirds of which is Lake), as they attracted by the permanent water in the lake and small rivers. The surrounding forest is jungle-like with giant trees and snaking lianas. Often called Tanzania's water wonderland due to the large number of birds and animals the lake supports, Lake Manyara National Park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions. Tonight we stay at the Migunga Tented Camp or Marera Tented Camp (or similar).
Day 3 : To Serengeti National Park Via Olduvai Gorge
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: Osupuko Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will drive to Serengeti National Park via the world famous Olduvai Gorge where our earliest ancestors were discovered by Professor Richard Leakey. The Serengeti National Park is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage area for its wildlife and natural beauty. We stay this evening at Osupuko Tented Camp (or similar), which is set in the midst of an incredible vista of savannah and African skies. Today is a long day but passing through varied landscapes and with opportunities to see wildlife and Masai people along the way it holds plenty of interest. (We will visit a Masai village either today or on the return journey).
Day 4 : Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: Osupuko Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our full day in the Serengeti is spent game viewing in our 4WD safari vehicle. We will either stay out all day, with a picnic lunch, or return to camp for lunch and time to relax before going out again in the late afternoon, depending on what we see. We will explore the different habitats found within the park. Famed for its annual migration, it offers amazing game viewing: herds of buffalo, groups of elephant and giraffe, zebra, impala and other antelopes, wildebeest, lion, leopard, cheetah and much other wildlife. We hope to experience one of the blazing Serengeti sunsets, with silhouetted acacia trees and the call of the wild close at hand. We overnight again at Osupuko Tented Camp (or similar).
Day 5 : Serengeti, To Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Location: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Accommodation Name: Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp or Crater Forest Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast
Early this morning we will have a game drive in the Serengeti before returning to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Today is again a long day as we retrace part of our drive from Day 3. However, we often see things differently in the reverse direction and of course there is opportunity to see wildlife and observe the Masai as they roam with their cattle. Overnight Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp or Crater Forest Tented Camp (or similar).
Day 6 : Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Location: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Name: Crater Forest Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we drive down into the Ngorongoro Crater, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a special day of game viewing. At nearly 2300m, the mornings are brisk and low cloud sometimes covers the area. Please bring some warm clothing as it can be cold here. The Crater is one of the last refugees for the endangered black rhino in northern Tanzania; the rhino population here is carefully protected and they are quite commonly seen. With over 30,000 animals across all species, the Ngorongoro Crater can be regarded as a “Garden of Eden”. The 100 sq km caldera also has the highest density of lions anywhere in Africa. When leaving the Crater proper we will get out of our vehicles and enjoy the environment with a short walk (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours) which adds a unique dimension to our time here. We continue to our accommodation in the late afternoon. Tonight is spent at the Crater Forest Tented Camp (or similar).
Day 7 : Game Drive Tarangire National Park Then Return To Arusha
Location: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation Name: Moivaro Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
We depart from Ngorongoro for Tarangire National Park, which is approx. a 3.5 hour drive. Once we arrive in the National Park we will spend time game viewing within the park. This area has the largest population of elephants in northern Tanzania, with approximately 2000 sighted along the river at certain times of the year. In the dry season, (July–November) most of the wildlife in the Tarangire ecosystem migrates to the permanent water of the Tarangire River. The lush green shores of the river are a big attraction to many varieties of wildlife, so they offer fantastic game viewing. Dry baobab and acacia trees are scattered widely throughout Tarangire National Park and these provide an ideal home to over 500 species of birds. Most people who have visited East Africa give fabulous accounts of their safaris in this national park, which is famous for both its flora and fauna. We will overnight at Moivaro Lodge (or similar) again on return to Arusha this evening.
Day 8 : In Arusha, Trip Concludes
Location: Arusha
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a leisurely breakfast, your trip concludes with a transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport. If you would like additional nights in Arusha or an airport transfer on any other day, please ask for details (additional cost applies).
What's Included
-
Accommodation
5 nights permanent safari camp/lodge -
Airport transfers
Airport transfers are included on day 1 and day 8.
-
English speaking local driver-guide
An English speaking local driver-guide is included for the tour.
-
Game drives and excursions
Game drives and excursions as listed in the itinerary are included.
-
National Park fees
National Park fees valued at US$497 are included.
-
Private transport
Private transport in a 4WD safari vehicle is included.
What's Not Included
-
International flights and airport taxes
International flights and airport taxes are not included.
-
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks are not included.
-
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Meals not specified in the itinerary are not included.
-
Arrival and departure transfers on other days
Arrival and departure transfers are not included if not arriving or departing on Days 1 and 8.
-
Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls and laundry are not included.
-
Tips
Tips are not included.
-
Visa
Visa is not included.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.
Accommodation
Experience 5 nights in permanent safari camps or lodges, including Moivaro Permanent Tented Camps and Lodges, Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp, and Osupuko Permanent Camp. Enjoy twin share accommodations with ensuite bathrooms, offering comfort and character amidst the stunning landscapes of Tanzania.
Grading
These adventure tours visit remote areas of the world where facilities are often basic. These adventure tours will often involve long journeys, rough roads, early mornings and late evenings as part of this trip to make the most of the game spotting opportunities. To enjoy these adventures we suggest you are reasonably fit, healthy, have a moderately active lifestyle and have a positive attitude. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be.
* Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.
Wildlife
The wilderness areas of Africa are populated by large numbers of wild and potentially dangerous animals. The trip aims to view these animals in their natural habitat, uncontrolled by fences. Your experienced guides will make every effort to ensure the safety of the group at all times. Please be aware that all safari travel, including vehicle safaris in the proximity of wild animals is never entirely without risk. By travelling into wild areas in search of wild animals, all participants accept that they are choosing an adventure that includes an element of risk and this is an inherent aspect of the enjoyment of this style of travel.
Mode of Transport
Travel in private 4WD safari vehicles with airport transfers on days 1 and 8. Enjoy game drives and excursions as listed in the itinerary, ensuring a comfortable and immersive wildlife experience throughout the tour.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 3-star permanent safari camps or lodges on a twin-share basis for 5 nights, and 2 nights in a 3-star hotel. The permanent tented camps have fixed tents with beds and ensuite bathrooms, while the lodges are full of character and also have ensuite bathrooms.
-
Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, airport transfers are included on Day 1 and Day 8 of the tour. If you arrive or depart on any other day, transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.
-
What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners.
-
What kind of wildlife can be expected during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including the Big Five in Serengeti National Park, tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara National Park, and a large population of elephants in Tarangire National Park. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to over 30,000 animals, including the endangered black rhino.
-
Is there a cultural experience included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to a local Masai village where you can learn about the Masai culture.
-
What is the transportation mode used during the safari?
The tour uses private transport in a 4WD safari vehicle for game drives and excursions.
-
Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, an English-speaking local driver-guide is provided during the tour.
-
What should I carry in my daypack during the tour?
You should carry extra warm clothing, a rain jacket, a water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen and lip balm in your daypack.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
-
What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
-
What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
-
Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
-
Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
-
Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Sunday
Jan 05, 2025 - Jan 12, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jan 21, 2025 - Jan 28, 2025Monday - Monday
Feb 03, 2025 - Feb 10, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Monday - Monday
Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.