Discover the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife of Northern Tanzania on a private safari through Tarangire, the legendary Serengeti and the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater. Experience unforgettable game drives, breathtaking scenery and the freedom to explore at your own pace with a knowledgeable local guide.
The 4-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari is designed for travellers who want to experience three remarkable wildlife destinations within a limited schedule. The journey begins in Tarangire, known for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab landscapes, continues to the iconic Serengeti for two nights, and finishes with a game drive inside the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater.
Two nights in the Serengeti give you more time to explore its open plains, woodland and wildlife-rich areas instead of treating the park as a brief stop along the route. Your private safari vehicle and local naturalist guide allow your group to enjoy the journey at a comfortable pace, with opportunities to spend more time at wildlife sightings when conditions and park regulations allow.
The itinerary is a suitable option for travellers combining a wildlife safari with a Kilimanjaro climb, or for visitors with a shorter stay in Tanzania. Accommodation and meal arrangements depend on the package category selected.
Some short safaris allow only a brief stay in the Serengeti. This itinerary includes two nights, giving you a full additional day to explore the park. An early morning departure on Day 3 offers an opportunity to look for predators and other wildlife when animals are often active. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the extra time gives your guide more opportunity to explore different areas.
Your group travels in a dedicated 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and a professional local guide. You can discuss your interests with your guide, whether that means spending longer at a wildlife sighting, photographing birds or exploring different habitats, while respecting park rules and daily driving conditions.
This safari can be arranged as an extension to a Kilimanjaro expedition. You can schedule time to rest after your climb before heading out to explore Tanzania's wildlife destinations. Ask our team about combining your mountain climb and safari into one travel plan.
Each destination has its own character. This four-day journey moves from Tarangire's elephant country to the wide-open Serengeti plains, before ending among the remarkable landscapes and wildlife of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Famous for its baobab-dotted landscapes and large elephant herds, Tarangire offers rewarding wildlife viewing around the Tarangire River. The park is also home to giraffes, zebras, antelopes, predators and a rich variety of birdlife.
The Serengeti is celebrated for its vast grasslands, resident predators and the seasonal movement of wildebeest and zebra. Two nights allow time to explore the central Serengeti and its diverse habitats.
The Ngorongoro Crater is a spectacular volcanic caldera with a remarkable concentration of wildlife. Its grasslands, woodland, swamps and soda lake support elephants, buffalo, hippos, lions and endangered black rhinos. The crater is part of the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Explore the daily plan below. Each day includes the main route, planned activities, approximate timings and wildlife highlights. Timings may change depending on road conditions, park regulations and wildlife activity.
Your private safari vehicle and guide collect you from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha after breakfast. Travel towards Tarangire National Park, passing through changing landscapes and Maasai communities along the way. After entering the park, enjoy a game drive through areas around the Tarangire River and its surrounding woodland. Later, continue exploring before heading to your lodge or camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meet your guide and depart in your private 4×4 safari vehicle. The drive to Tarangire takes approximately 2–3 hours from Arusha, depending on your pickup point and road conditions.
Start exploring the park's riverine habitats and woodland. Look out for elephant herds, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and predators.
Enjoy a packed lunch at a designated picnic site before continuing your wildlife exploration.
Explore more of Tarangire's habitats and watch for wildlife around the river and open plains. Your guide will help identify animals and bird species along the way.
Leave the park and transfer to your selected accommodation. Enjoy dinner and prepare for the journey to the Serengeti the following day.
After breakfast, depart for the Serengeti through the Ngorongoro highlands and the wider conservation area. The journey is scenic and includes a change of landscape as you approach the open plains. Enter the Serengeti through the designated gate for your route and enjoy a game drive en route to your camp. The central Serengeti is known for its resident wildlife, including lions, leopards and cheetahs.
Enjoy breakfast, check out and begin the north-western journey towards the Serengeti. Wildlife and scenic stops depend on the route and travel conditions.
Complete park entry procedures and begin exploring the Serengeti. The actual arrival time depends on the starting accommodation and road conditions.
Stop at an authorised picnic site for lunch before continuing your game drive.
Explore the Seronera region and surrounding habitats. Look for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and plains game.
Check in at your selected camp or lodge, enjoy dinner and spend your first night in the Serengeti.
Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti. An early start gives you an opportunity to look for wildlife during the cooler morning hours, when some predators and other animals may be active. After breakfast, continue exploring different habitats with your guide. Depending on wildlife movement and your interests, the day may include visits to open plains, river areas and rocky kopjes. Return to camp in the evening for dinner and your second night in the Serengeti.
Set out at first light to look for wildlife as the Serengeti wakes up. Lions, hyenas and other predators may still be active after the night.
Enjoy breakfast according to the arrangements at your selected accommodation and the day's route. A bush breakfast can be arranged where the package and camp facilities allow.
Continue searching for wildlife across the central Serengeti. Your guide will choose suitable areas according to current sightings and conditions.
Take a lunch break at a designated picnic location before the afternoon drive.
Explore further areas of the park. Depending on the season, you may encounter wildebeest and zebra herds as part of the Great Migration's wider movement.
Return to camp after your game drive, enjoy dinner and relax after a full day in the Serengeti.
After an early breakfast, leave the Serengeti and travel towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the crater for a game drive across its varied habitats, including grasslands, woodland and wetland areas. Wildlife commonly found here includes buffalo, elephants, hippos, lions and, with luck, the endangered black rhino. After lunch and your afternoon exploration, ascend the crater rim and continue to Moshi or Arusha. Arrival time depends on your final destination, road conditions and the day's schedule.
Have breakfast and depart from camp. Travel east towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with timing dependent on your camp location and route.
Stop at an authorised viewpoint, where conditions allow, to appreciate the scale of the crater before continuing to the descent route.
Descend into the crater and explore its grasslands, woodland and wetland habitats. Your guide will help search for the wildlife that makes this destination famous.
Enjoy lunch at a designated picnic site, then continue your crater exploration.
Explore additional areas, which may include wetland and hippo pool habitats. Look for flamingoes when seasonal water and conditions are suitable.
Ascend from the crater and begin your onward transfer. Arrival is subject to driving distance, traffic and road conditions.
These five iconic African mammals live across the safari destinations. Sightings depend on wildlife movement, habitat and luck; no animal encounter can be guaranteed.
Our 5-day option adds Lake Manyara to the Northern Circuit experience. The four-day itinerary is a good fit for travellers with limited time who want to include Tarangire, two Serengeti nights and Ngorongoro Crater in one journey.
Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Best for travellers with limited time who want a focused Northern Circuit safari with two nights in the Serengeti.
+ Lake Manyara National Park
Adds time for Lake Manyara's forest, birdlife and scenic Rift Valley setting, subject to the confirmed route and package.
Explore 5-Day Safari →The route and main safari experience remain the same. Your package selection determines the accommodation category and the additional services included in your trip.
Tanzania's Northern Circuit can be visited throughout the year. Dry-season months generally offer easier wildlife viewing around water sources, while the green season brings fresh landscapes, seasonal birdlife and quieter travel periods. The Great Migration moves throughout the Serengeti ecosystem, so its location changes with the season.
| Months | Season | Game viewing | Migration pattern | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | Warm, generally dry | Very good | Calving season in southern Serengeti | High |
| Mar – May | Long rains | Variable to good | Movement across western and central areas | Lower |
| Jun – Jul | Dry season begins | Very good | Herd movement towards western and northern areas | High |
| Aug – Oct | Dry season | Very good | Possible northern river crossings | Highest |
| Nov | Short rains | Good | Herds often move southwards | Moderate |
| Dec | Short rains / warmer | Good to very good | Herds return towards southern plains | High |
Two nights in the Serengeti give you more time to explore this remarkable wildlife destination without rushing through the experience. You have additional opportunities for morning and afternoon game drives, wildlife viewing and discovering different areas of the park, depending on the season and animal movements.
Yes. This itinerary is designed as a private safari for your group only. You travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with your own professional driver-guide, giving you flexibility to enjoy the journey at your preferred pace.
Absolutely. You can combine your Northern Circuit safari with a Kilimanjaro climbing expedition. We can help arrange the sequence, transfers and accommodation to create a smooth Tanzania adventure. The final itinerary will depend on your preferred climbing route and available travel days.
The 4-day safari focuses on a shorter Northern Circuit experience covering Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The 5-day option allows additional time and includes Lake Manyara, giving you a broader park experience with more opportunities to explore Tanzania's diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Yes. Zanzibar is a wonderful way to finish your Tanzania holiday. We can help arrange your onward flight, beach accommodation and island experiences after your safari, depending on your preferred dates and travel plans.
From $1,450 · 4 parks including Lake Manyara · Big Five
View safari →From $3,100 · Summit + Northern Circuit · The ultimate Tanzania
View combo →From $2,800 · Safari + Zanzibar beach · Perfect Tanzania holiday
View combo →