Our 5-Day Northern Circuit itinerary is strategically curated to unlock Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife assets without feeling hurried. By centering the journey around two complete nights at Embalakai Serengeti Camp, this itinerary bypasses the exhausting driving blocks common to shorter packages, leaving you ample time to track big cats at dawn and dusk.
You will track dense elephant families winding between the colossal baobabs of Tarangire National Park, venture deep into the boundless golden savannas of the Central Serengeti, and complete the circuit with a panoramic descent onto the pristine floor of the Ngorongoro Crater caldera. This private safari represents our most highly recommended configuration for first-time safari travelers, photographers, and families.
Your safari kicks off with a morning pickup from Arusha. We drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its grand baobab trees and massive elephant populations. Enjoy a full game drive tracking wildlife along the Tarangire River basin. In the late afternoon, climb into the cooler Karatu highlands for an overnight stay at Marera Valley Lodge.
Depart the highlands and traverse the scenic rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, driving down the dusty outer slopes toward the Serengeti. Enter the endless plains and begin game tracking through the Central Seronera valley—famed for its predator densities. Conclude the day at Embalakai Serengeti Camp for an open-air dinner and an authentic tented overnight stay.
A dedicated, complete day to explore the Serengeti. We head out at first light to observe leopards draped over riverine branches, lions monitoring the kopjes, and cheetahs hunting on the grass flats. Break for a bush picnic lunch before continuing our wildlife tracking into unexplored valleys. Spend a second peaceful night under canvas at Embalakai Serengeti Camp.
Enjoy a final morning game drive out of the Serengeti plains, seeking any elusive species you have yet to tick off. After lunch, transit backward through Olduvai country, ascending the volcanic highlands to reach your lodge positioned cleanly on the crater's precipice. Check into Ngorongoro Rim Lodge for a crisp evening on the rim.
Descend early onto the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater—a pristine volcanic sanctuary. This self-enclosed biosphere offers high chances to check off the complete Big Five, notably the rare black rhino. Following a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, ascend the rim for a traditional Maasai village cultural tour, followed by a direct return drive to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO).
Prices are indicated per person in USD based on a private vehicle group configuration. The highlighted package includes all premium mid-luxury lodging fees, gate permits, and crater descent taxes.
Migration Notice: Want to adjust this specific program to follow the mobile Great Migration camps? Simply add an extra $150 per person to the rates listed below.
| Group Size | Vehicle Type | Price Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Traveler (Solo) | Private 4x4 Land Cruiser | USD 3,745 |
| 2 Travelers | Private 4x4 Land Cruiser | USD 2,720 |
| 3 Travelers | Private 4x4 Land Cruiser | USD 2,386 |
| 4 Travelers | Private 4x4 Land Cruiser | USD 2,326 |
| 5 Travelers | Private 4x4 Extended | USD 2,204 |
| 6 Travelers | Private 4x4 Extended | USD 2,189 |
