Tanzania Northern Circuit
Tarangire, crater, and Serengeti
The classic sequence, paced so each park still feels distinct.
Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti remain one of the great safari sequences — and the risk is treating them like a race. We keep nights complementary: baobabs and elephant, a highlight day on the crater floor, then enough Serengeti that the first plains morning is not your only chance.
Where you stay in the Serengeti depends on the month. Calving in the south, the western corridor, or the north when the herds move. We place the camp for the season, not a permanent postcard kopje. A light-aircraft hop can spare you a road day when it earns the cost.
The humane shape
Eight days is the useful minimum for the three parks. Zanzibar can begin the same afternoon you leave the bush if we have already built the hop. Crater fees and vehicle rules change; we confirm the current picture in your proposal.
This is a from-price starting point. Photography, children, or a tighter window will change the nights — we would rather rewrite the outline than rush the crater.
Day by day
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Day 1
Arusha to Tarangire
Meet in Arusha and enter baobab country. Afternoon among elephant if the river is drawing herds.
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Day 2
Tarangire at length
A full day in the park — river, baobabs, and time to photograph rather than transit.
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Day 3
Toward Ngorongoro
Travel to the crater rim. Evening briefing so tomorrow’s descent is unhurried.
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Day 4
The crater floor
Descend after breakfast, spend the useful hours on the floor, picnic, and climb out before the light goes.
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Day 5
Into the Serengeti
Enter the plains. Camp is placed for the month you travel, not a single famous kopje.
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Day 6
Serengeti
Game drives shaped around the herds or the resident cats — we decide with the guide each evening.
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Day 7
Serengeti, again
A second full day so the first was not your only chance. Balloon optional.
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Day 8
Depart
Light aircraft or road back toward Arusha. Zanzibar can begin the same afternoon if we have already built it in.
Experiences
What’s included
- Private vehicle and guide
- Selected stays as outlined
- Park fees and permits as confirmed
- Meals as specified in your proposal
- Bottled water on game drives and treks
What’s not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and personal extras
- Tips (we will suggest a fair range)
Practical information
This journey can be shortened, extended, or combined with another country. Gorilla permits, conservancy fees, and crater rules change; we confirm the current picture in your proposal before you pay a deposit.
Tell us about fitness, children, photography, and whether you want more forest or more plains. We would rather adjust the outline than surprise you on the ground.
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