Tanzania

Northern Tanzania Classic Safari — 10 Days

Price From TBA

Overview

Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Park — Northern Circuit

Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is a realm where wilderness speaks to the soul. From the ancient baobab-dotted landscapes of Tarangire National Park, home to mighty black-skinned tuskers, shy kudus, the rare long-necked gerenuk, and roaming packs of African painted dogs, to the breathtaking ecosystems of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, nature reveals its finest artistry. Granite walls drape the crater like timeless guardians, sheltering an astonishing concentration of wildlife, before the journey flows into the boundless plains of Serengeti National Park, where life moves in rhythmic harmony. Every moment weaves tranquility with drama, beauty with wonder. Step into vibrant local cultures, feel the pulse of traditional lifestyles, and end your days beneath a velvet sky with Africa’s magic lingering in the air.

Trip Highlights

Tour Logistics

Trip Features

Start Date

Can start any day

Duration

10 Days/ 9 Nights

Tour Plan

Customizable
Itinerary

Transport

Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch
& Dinner

Airport

Kilimanjaro Int.
Airport

Day to Day

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania (Kilimanjaro International Airport) & Transfer to Arusha Town

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed to Tanzania by your East Africa Sauvage representative, who will provide a friendly meet-and-greet service before transferring you comfortably and safely by road to your lodge in Arusha.

On arrival, check in and unwind after your journey. Take time to relax and rejuvenate from your flight as you enjoy the lodge’s tranquil atmosphere and amenities, surrounded by lush gardens and breathtaking views of Mount Meru’s jagged peaks.

In the evening, your lead guide will conduct a pre-safari briefing to ensure readiness for the safari. Enjoy a hearty dinner and a peaceful overnight retreat, preparing for the exciting adventure that lies ahead.

  • Accommodation: Comfort Safari, Signature Safari or Royal Safari Experience in Arusha
  • Meal Plan: Dinner

Merves Lodge, Mvuli Lodge, or Shoki Shoki Lodge

Comfort Safari accommodation in Arusha: a choice of Merves Lodge, Mvuli Lodge, or Shoki Shoki Lodge, offering simple, well-located comfort as your gateway base to the safari.

Palace Hotel, Golden Crest, or Planet Lodge (3-Star)

Signature Safari accommodation in Arusha: a choice of Palace Hotel, Golden Crest, or Planet Lodge, each rated 3-star for a more polished stay before and after your safari.

Grand Melia Hotel, Mt Meru Hotel, or Kibo Palace Arusha (5-Star)

Royal Safari Experience accommodation in Arusha: a choice of Grand Melia Hotel, Mt Meru Hotel, or Kibo Palace Arusha, all 5-star properties for a top-tier start or finish to your journey.

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast served at the lodge around 08:00 AM. Take a moment to absorb the lodge’s serene atmosphere, unwind beside the pool, enjoy a revitalizing swim, or simply relax in your room at leisure. A sumptuous lunch will be served at the lodge prior to your departure.

In the early afternoon, you will be collected by your safari driver guide and escorted to Tarangire National Park, one of northern Tanzania’s most distinguished wildlife sanctuaries, affectionately known as the Elephant Paradise.

Upon arrival, enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing as you make your way through the park, onward to your lodge, beautifully positioned to showcase the region’s sweeping landscapes and rich wildlife.

As evening settles over the savannah, indulge in a delectable dinner followed by a peaceful overnight stay in the pristine African bushveld, surrounded by the captivating ambience of the wilderness.

  • Accommodation: Comfort Safari, Signature Safari or Royal Safari Experience in Tarangire
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tarangire Simba Lodge (3-Star)

Comfort Safari accommodation in Tarangire: Tarangire Simba Lodge, a 3-star property offering solid comfort within reach of the park’s elephant-rich plains.

Tarangire Sopa Lodge or Tarangire Safari Lodge (4-Star)

Signature Safari accommodation in Tarangire: a choice of Tarangire Sopa Lodge or Tarangire Safari Lodge, both 4-star properties positioned to showcase the park’s sweeping landscapes.

Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge (5-Star)

Royal Safari Experience accommodation in Tarangire: Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge, a 5-star property offering an elevated, immersive stay in the heart of elephant country.

A delightful breakfast awaits you at the lodge at around 08:00 AM. Afterwards, you will be collected by your safari driver guide and set off for a full-day wildlife viewing experience within this magnificent sanctuary. Guided by our highly trained and experienced safari experts, often referred to as “search engines” of the bush, today promises exceptional sightings. With a touch of luck, you may encounter rare sightings such as small packs of African painted dogs, the elusive leopard, the secretive kudu, impressive parades of African savanna elephants, marauding prides of lion, and the formidable spotted hyena, often known as the bone-crusher queen, squabbling over a fresh carcass.

Marvel at the impressive termite mounds crafted by nature’s master engineers, many of which host bustling colonies of dwarf mongoose alongside numerous other fascinating organisms.

Enjoy an energizing lunch at a tranquil picnic site before continuing with an exceptional afternoon wildlife viewing drive. Later, proceed to your lodge, where a lavish dinner awaits.

As twilight settles, gather around a warm campfire beneath the star-studded African sky, sharing stories, unwinding, and reflecting on an extraordinary day in the wild. Retire for an enchanting overnight stay in the pristine African wilderness, immersed in comfort and serenity.

  • Accommodation: Comfort Safari, Signature Safari or Royal Safari Experience in Tarangire
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tarangire Simba Lodge (3-Star)

Comfort Safari accommodation in Tarangire: Tarangire Simba Lodge, a 3-star property offering solid comfort within reach of the park’s elephant-rich plains.

Tarangire Sopa Lodge or Tarangire Safari Lodge (4-Star)

Signature Safari accommodation in Tarangire: a choice of Tarangire Sopa Lodge or Tarangire Safari Lodge, both 4-star properties positioned to showcase the park’s sweeping landscapes.

Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge (5-Star)

Royal Safari Experience accommodation in Tarangire: Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge, a 5-star property offering an elevated, immersive stay in the heart of elephant country.

A sumptuous breakfast awaits you at the lodge around 07:00 AM. After checking out, you will be collected by your safari guide and driven to Lake Manyara National Park, approximately a 1-to-2-hour drive from Tarangire, with game drives en route.

The park is famously known for Lake Manyara itself, a soda lake covering up to 200 square kilometers (though its size varies greatly), once described by Ernest Hemingway as one of Africa’s loveliest. It’s a wonderful home to large flamboyances of pink-hued flamingos filter-feeding through the shallow waters, alongside waterfowl, passerines, and waders in profusion. Large pods of hippopotamus can be seen at the hippo pool viewpoint just a few kilometers from the main entrance gate, while zebras, warthogs, troops of baboons, and buffalo are also present. Catch a glimpse of the Rift Valley escarpment towering some 600 meters above, along with hot springs set at the foothills of the wall, reaching temperatures of over 60°C — hot enough to boil an egg in 30 minutes.

The park sits close to the diverse market town of Mto wa Mbu, where further activities can be arranged. Enjoy a hearty lunch at a picnic site, then embark on a short thrilling game drive before proceeding to your lodge for a memorable dinner and overnight stay.

  • Accommodation: Comfort Safari, Signature Safari or Royal Safari Experience in Karatu
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Bogani Villa, Farm House, or Farm Valley

Comfort Safari accommodation in Karatu: a choice of Bogani Villa, Farm House, or Farm Valley, relaxed highland-town options close to the Ngorongoro Crater gate.

Endoro Lodge, Marera Valley Lodge, Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge, Baghayo, or Country Lodge (3-4 Star)

Signature Safari accommodation in Karatu: a choice of Endoro Lodge, Marera Valley Lodge, Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge, Baghayo, or Country Lodge, rated 3 to 4-star for a comfortable highland base.

Oldeani Mountain Lodge (5-Star), Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge, Acacia Farm Lodge, The Manor, or Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge

Royal Safari Experience accommodation in Karatu: a choice of Oldeani Mountain Lodge (5-star), Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge, Acacia Farm Lodge, The Manor, or Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge, for the finest stays around the crater highlands.

After departing Karatu Town, your safari journey toward Serengeti National Park takes you through one of Tanzania’s most historically and geologically significant regions. En route, you will stop at Olduvai Gorge, famously known as the “Cradle of Mankind,” where fossil discoveries have provided invaluable insights into early human evolution. At the Olduvai Museum, you can explore exhibits of hominid fossils, stone tools, and other archaeological artifacts, learning about the prehistoric life of the region and the significance of the gorge in the study of human origins.

Continuing the journey, you traverse the Shifting Sands area, a dramatic, sandy stretch within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area known for its ever-changing dunes and sparse vegetation. This unique landscape offers a striking contrast to the lush highlands around Karatu and provides excellent opportunities for photography. Wildlife is sometimes spotted along the edges of the sands, including zebra, wildebeest, and grazing antelope.

After this cultural and scenic excursion, the road opens up to the vast plains leading into Serengeti National Park, where your adventure continues with afternoon wildlife viewing drives, spotting marauding lions, ambling giraffes, feeding elephants, and other iconic African wildlife, heading to your camp for a lavish dinner and a restful overnight stay.

  • Accommodation: Comfort Safari, Signature Safari or Royal Safari Experience in Serengeti
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Serengeti Simba Lodge or Tanzania Bush Camp (3-Star)

Comfort Safari accommodation in central Serengeti: a choice of Serengeti Simba Lodge or Tanzania Bush Camp, 3-star properties putting you close to the plains for early starts on game drives.

Serengeti Serena Lodge, Seronera Wildlife Lodge, Serengeti Katikati Tented Camp, or Safari View Luxury Camp (4-Star)

Signature Safari accommodation in central Serengeti: a choice of Serengeti Serena Lodge, Seronera Wildlife Lodge, Serengeti Katikati Tented Camp, or Safari View Luxury Camp, all rated 4-star.

Grand Melia Serengeti Lodge, Serengeti Magadi, Serengeti Explore by Elewana, or Four Seasons Serengeti (5-Star)

Royal Safari Experience accommodation in central Serengeti: a choice of Grand Melia Serengeti Lodge, Serengeti Magadi, Serengeti Explore by Elewana, or Four Seasons Serengeti, the region’s top 5-star properties.

Awaken to a magical sunrise over the endless Serengeti plains, where soft golden light bathes the savannah in warmth. Accompanied by your expert safari driver-guide, set out into this iconic wilderness, where acacia-dotted plains and ancient kopjes create a breathtaking setting for unforgettable moments.

Spend the day enjoying exclusive wildlife encounters as you search for the legendary Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros — alongside graceful giraffes, playful zebra, vast herds of wildebeest, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas. Birdlife adds color and melody to the experience, with sightings of ostriches, hornbills, and soaring vultures.

Midday, savor a private picnic lunch in a scenic spot, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the vast beauty of the Serengeti. Continue your afternoon exploration, following predators and herbivores across the sweeping plains.

As the sun sets, witness the Serengeti transform into a canvas of gold and amber, with wildlife silhouettes drifting across the horizon. Return to your camp, where dinner and a serene overnight stay await — repeated for both days in the heart of Africa’s most legendary landscape.

  • Accommodation: Comfort Safari, Signature Safari or Royal Safari Experience in Serengeti (2 nights)
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (both days)

Serengeti Simba Lodge or Tanzania Bush Camp (3-Star)

Comfort Safari accommodation in central Serengeti: a choice of Serengeti Simba Lodge or Tanzania Bush Camp, 3-star properties putting you close to the plains for early starts on game drives.

Serengeti Serena Lodge, Seronera Wildlife Lodge, Serengeti Katikati Tented Camp, or Safari View Luxury Camp (4-Star)

Signature Safari accommodation in central Serengeti: a choice of Serengeti Serena Lodge, Seronera Wildlife Lodge, Serengeti Katikati Tented Camp, or Safari View Luxury Camp, all rated 4-star.

Grand Melia Serengeti Lodge, Serengeti Magadi, Serengeti Explore by Elewana, or Four Seasons Serengeti (5-Star)

Royal Safari Experience accommodation in central Serengeti: a choice of Grand Melia Serengeti Lodge, Serengeti Magadi, Serengeti Explore by Elewana, or Four Seasons Serengeti, the region’s top 5-star properties.

Awaken to the soft dawn glow over the Serengeti plains and enjoy a lavish breakfast at your camp. After checking out, begin your scenic journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ascending through dramatic highlands and ancient volcanic terrain.

Upon arrival at the Ngorongoro Crater gate, descend 610 meters into the world-famous caldera, a breathtaking natural amphitheater of wildlife, landscapes, and untouched beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often regarded as the world’s greatest natural wildlife sanctuary, boasting an astonishing density of animals within its fertile basin.

Spend the day indulging in a superb wildlife viewing drive on the crater floor, where you may encounter majestic lions, formidable buffalo, graceful gazelles, immense herds of zebra and wildebeest, towering elephants, hyenas, and if fortune allows, the rare and iconic black rhinoceros.

Savor a delightful picnic lunch at a serene spot surrounded by views of lush plains and glittering soda lakes where flamingos often thrive. In the afternoon, ascend the crater walls and continue towards your lodge in Karatu. Arrive for a warm welcome, refreshing relaxation, a delectable dinner, and a restful overnight stay in the charming highland town.

  • Accommodation: Comfort Safari, Signature Safari or Royal Safari Experience in Karatu
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Bogani Villa, Farm House, or Farm Valley

Comfort Safari accommodation in Karatu: a choice of Bogani Villa, Farm House, or Farm Valley, relaxed highland-town options close to the Ngorongoro Crater gate.

Endoro Lodge, Marera Valley Lodge, Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge, Baghayo, or Country Lodge (3-4 Star)

Signature Safari accommodation in Karatu: a choice of Endoro Lodge, Marera Valley Lodge, Ngorongoro Marera Mountain View Lodge, Baghayo, or Country Lodge, rated 3 to 4-star for a comfortable highland base.

Oldeani Mountain Lodge (5-Star), Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge, Acacia Farm Lodge, The Manor, or Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge

Royal Safari Experience accommodation in Karatu: a choice of Oldeani Mountain Lodge (5-star), Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge, Acacia Farm Lodge, The Manor, or Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge, for the finest stays around the crater highlands.

After breakfast, make your way to the thriving and culturally rich village of Mto Wa Mbu, an extraordinary melting pot where more than 120 Tanzanian ethnic groups live side by side — one of the most dynamic cultural experiences in the region.

Begin your guided cultural tour with a leisurely walk or tuk-tuk ride through the village. Experience the rhythm of daily life as you visit banana and coffee plantations, discover the many banana varieties grown here (including the famed red bananas), and learn about local farming practices; rice fields and irrigation systems, observing centuries-old techniques that feed the community; Makonde woodcarving workshops, watching master artisans transform wild olive, ebony, and mahogany into intricate masks, sculptures, and traditional carvings; community markets, with stalls of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, woven baskets, and colorful fabrics; and local homes and traditional kitchens for an authentic look at everyday hospitality.

For those interested, you may also visit small-scale banana beer brewing groups, taste locally made beverages, or take part in cheerful cultural interactions through storytelling or dancing.

At midday, enjoy a delightful traditional Swahili lunch freshly prepared by a welcoming mamas’ group — expect flavorful dishes such as pilau, coconut vegetables, grilled plantains, and seasonal fruits, served in a warm, home-style setting.

After lunch, continue exploring the village or purchase handmade souvenirs to support local artisans. Later, return to your lodge in Arusha for a relaxed evening.

  • Accommodation: Comfort Safari, Signature Safari or Royal Safari Experience in Arusha
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Merves Lodge, Mvuli Lodge, or Shoki Shoki Lodge

Comfort Safari accommodation in Arusha: a choice of Merves Lodge, Mvuli Lodge, or Shoki Shoki Lodge, offering simple, well-located comfort as your gateway base to the safari.

Palace Hotel, Golden Crest, or Planet Lodge (3-Star)

Signature Safari accommodation in Arusha: a choice of Palace Hotel, Golden Crest, or Planet Lodge, each rated 3-star for a more polished stay before and after your safari.

Grand Melia Hotel, Mt Meru Hotel, or Kibo Palace Arusha (5-Star)

Royal Safari Experience accommodation in Arusha: a choice of Grand Melia Hotel, Mt Meru Hotel, or Kibo Palace Arusha, all 5-star properties for a top-tier start or finish to your journey.

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at your lodge, take some time to relax and soak in your final moments in Tanzania. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be met by your East Africa Sauvage representative and transferred comfortably to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey.

Your incredible adventure through Tanzania’s wilderness and culture comes to an end, leaving you with unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the warm hospitality of its people.

Thank you very much for traveling with us — from all of us at East Africa Sauvage, we wish you a safe journey home, and may your heart carry the beauty and memories of Africa wherever you go.

No accommodation required tonight — departure day.

Trip Pricing

What's Included and What's Not Included

Safari Cost Include

  • Meet and greet services
  • All transfers as specified
  • All accommodations as specified in the itinerary
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • All drinks (unlimited bottled water, juice, bites, and snacks)
  • All national park, gate fees, conservation fees, and concession fees (for non-residents)
  • Unlimited and comprehensive wildlife viewing drives
  • Wi-Fi on board
  • All government taxes and levies
  • Mto Wa Mbu cultural tour
  • A pop-up, spacious safari jeep with guaranteed window seats for wildlife viewing and photography
  • A professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Roundtrip airport transfers

Safari Cost Does Not Include

  • Tips and other gratuities (highly appreciated)
  • Optional activities not included in the inclusions
  • International flights
  • Hard & sports drinks
  • Personal items (visa, travel insurance, souvenirs, medical evacuation cover, and any other travel-related document)
  • Laundry (available upon request at extra cost)

Our day trip vehicles come equipped with standard safari amenities. If you’d like to enhance comfort during your game drives or picnic stops, optional gear add-ons—such as blankets, binoculars, and gourmet lunch packs—are available at an extra cost as listed above. Early booking is recommended to ensure availability.

Priceing Table

Your dream trip, your price

Low Season (January — March) Price Per Person / Per Trip
Safari Tier 1 Pax 2 Pax 3 Pax 4 Pax 5 Pax 6 Pax 7 Pax+
Essential Safari TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
Comfort Safari TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
Signature Safari TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
Royal Safari Experience TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
Mid Season (April — May / Nov — Dec) Price Per Person / Per Trip
Safari Tier 1 Pax 2 Pax 3 Pax 4 Pax 5 Pax 6 Pax 7 Pax+
Essential Safari TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
Comfort Safari TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
Signature Safari TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
Royal Safari Experience TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
High Season (June — October) Price Per Person / Per Trip
Safari Tier 1 Pax 2 Pax 3 Pax 4 Pax 5 Pax 6 Pax 7 Pax+
Essential Safari TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
Comfort Safari TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
Signature Safari TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
Royal Safari Experience TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Extra Cost

Transfers

We offer the following transfer options
  • Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Moshi – $50
  • Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) – $50
  • Arusha to Moshi – $100
  • Moshi to Arusha – $100
All transfers are private and operated by trusted drivers. Pre-booking is recommended.

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