The Best Northern Circuit Safari. Arusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire
Specific highlights of this Tanzania safari:
-Perfect introduction to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit
-Expertly guided game drives in Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti
-Phenomenal wildlife experiences and game-viewing
-Ideal for following the Great Migration in July, August, and September
-Small and intimate camps that put you in the prime game-view areas.
Overview of the suggested Tanzania safari lodges and activities:
This 9-night safari adventure begins in Arusha, where you’ll stay at an old favourite, Rivertrees Country Inn. Once you’ve rested from your initial journey into Tanzania, you’ll then be whisked away to the remote reaches of Tarangire National Park and stay in Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge. After a couple of nights there, you’ll head to the Ngorongoro region, for your stay at The Plantation Lodge. Situated within its own coffee plantation and working farm, this is a 5-star option in the Karatu area. Next up is Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp, an authentic camp in the northern region of the Serengeti.
While you’re at Tarangire’s Ndovu Tented Lodge, you’ll enjoy vehicle and walking safaris, community and cultural visits. The safari focus continues at both The Plantation Lodge and Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp, as both offer expertly guided game drives and walks. Cultural experiences are available at these properties too.
Who is this Tanzania trip for?
This trip has been designed and priced with couples and honeymooners in mind (two adults travelling together). However, every trip we create is tailor-made for you. If you’re a group or a family, we might even suggest different accommodation. We can move elements and change the number of days – it all depends entirely on what you would like.
Days 1–2 ARUSHA
On the first day of your trip, you’ll head to Rivertrees Country Inn in Arusha, for your first night. This property has a lovely location at the end of one of the town’s prettiest tree-lined drives. The main area of the inn has a homely lounge, a bar, and a veranda just outside, where you can enjoy the evening. There is also a massage banda and a swimming pool if you are keen to start your holiday immediately. You’ll stay in a Garden Room, named for its views – please note this is on a B&B accommodation basis.
Days 2–4 TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
The next day, you’ll leave Rivertrees and head to Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge. Owned and run by the excellent Nasikia, this is an adventurous property in the heart of Tarangire. You’ll stay in one of the tented suites for two nights. Activities consist of expertly guided game drives, walking safaris, community and cultural visits. This is also one of the few parks in Tanzania where night drives are possible (at extra cost). Tarangire’s sprawling plains are home to a real wealth of wildlife, numerous smaller predators and herbivores, and hundreds of types of bird!
Days 4–6 NGORONGORO CRATER
After two nights in Tarangire, you’ll continue your journey with two nights at Plantation Lodge. Plantation Lodge is a charming property set on the foothills of the Ngorongoro Crater. The Standard Rooms feature well-appointed en-suite rooms and gorgeous garden views. During your stay, you will have a day excursion to the Crater itself, where you can look out for all Big Five and ample wildlife. Plantation Lodge also offers extra activities including guided walks among its coffee plantations and visits to a local farm.
Days 6–10 SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
The last leg of this journey will be to travel to the Serengeti, where you’ll stay at Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp for four nights to witness the Great Migration and the resident predators. As it is a mobile camp, Nasikia Migration has a very authentic vibe, with a communal space, a handful of guest tents, and a nightly wood fire for evening gatherings. The focus here is vehicle and walking safaris, though hot air ballooning can be arranged (at an additional cost).
