Safari Overview
This is our most complete northern circuit safari. Eight days, five destinations, and every highlight covered. You will see elephants, tree-climbing lions, the endless Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and the ancient cultures of Lake Eyasi. Nothing important is left out.
How the Trip Flows
Eight days let this route breathe. The first three days move through Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Lake Eyasi, mixing wildlife with village walks and a Hadzabe dawn hunt. The middle of the trip settles into the Serengeti for three nights at one camp — no daily packing — with a pool waiting between game drives. The crater closes the journey on the final morning. One camp for the Serengeti stretch is a small choice that makes a big difference. Full details sit in the day-by-day itinerary tab.
Where You Will Stay
The trip combines Burunge Tented Lodge, Fig Tree Lodge in Mto wa Mbu, Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge, two nights at Tamba Tented Camp with its Serengeti swimming pool, and Marera Valley Lodge near the crater.
Safari Highlights
Cover all four great parks of the north in one journey. Hunt at dawn with the Hadzabe. Swim in a pool overlooking the Serengeti plains. Finish with the Big Five in the crater.
Best Time to Go
This route shines all year. Dry season brings packed rivers. Green season brings the calving herds and lower prices.
Who This Safari Suits
Perfect for travelers who want to see everything once, done properly, without rushing.
Good to Know
This trip covers a lot of ground, but no single day is rushed. All park fees, cultural fees, meals and game drives are included. The Serengeti pool at Tamba is a favorite midpoint rest. Ask about swapping a driving leg for a bush flight if you prefer more time in camp. The route runs in both directions, and we can start with the crater if your flights land late. Children are welcome throughout.
Safari Highlights
- All four northern parks
- Hadzabe cultural morning
- Two full Serengeti days
- Swimming pool over the plains
- Big Five crater finale
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Drive two hours to Tarangire for a full afternoon among the elephants and baobabs. Overnight at a tented lodge overlooking Lake Burunge, just outside the park.
Day 2: Lake Manyara and Mto wa Mbu
Explore Lake Manyara National Park in the morning, looking for tree-climbing lions and flamingos. After lunch, join a village walk through the banana farms and markets of Mto wa Mbu.
Day 3: Lake Eyasi
Drive to Lake Eyasi in the southern Rift Valley. In the afternoon, visit Datoga homesteads and watch their famous blacksmiths at work. Rest by the pool before an early night.
Day 4: Hadzabe Dawn Walk, then the Serengeti
Join Hadzabe hunters at first light for an unforgettable walk in the bush. Afterward, drive up through the Ngorongoro highlands and onto the Serengeti plains, reaching camp by evening.
Day 5: Central Serengeti
A full day of game drives through the Seronera Valley's big-cat country, with a bush picnic at midday and pool time back at camp.
Day 6: Central Serengeti
A second full day on the plains. Follow the herds, visit the hippo pool and let your guide chase the day's best sightings.
Day 7: Serengeti to Karatu
Morning game drive, then travel back through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the Karatu highlands. Relax at your valley lodge before dinner.
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
A sunrise descent into the crater completes the circuit. Tour the floor for a final morning of dense wildlife, picnic by the hippo pool, then drive back to Arusha.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- All park, crater and cultural fees
- Private 4x4
- Professional driver-guide
- Full board
- 7 nights at partner lodges
- Drinking water
- Airport transfers
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Drinks at lodges