The Northern Circuit is a classic Tanzania safari itinerary, and for very good reason. Weaving together the disparate but equally enthralling landscapes of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire all in one easy-to-access trip, this route is a popular choice for those seeking unforgettable wildlife, guided game drives, and cultural experiences in style and comfort.
Customise this trip!
We've selected a range of our favourite safari camps and lodges – hand-picked for quality and excellent value. We can adjust all accommodations, days and duration to suit your preferences. Contact us now to discuss your requirements!
Good to know
Tanzanian owned & operated
Supporting local conservation
Top rated on Trip Advisor
What's included
Accommodation
Guided excursions
Ground transfers
All meals
Internal flights
Support
Days
7
Starting from
$2,100
pp
Contact us now for more information about this trip
Use the following itinerary for inspiration. Remember: all days, hotels and activities can be altered to suit your requirements. A
Napenda Adventures
travel specialist will be happy to advise.
Arriving in Tanzania, your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your driver-guide will meet you and drive you to Arusha. The journey offers a glimpse of the Tanzanian countryside before you settle into the peaceful Arusha Serena Hotel, located just outside the city. Overlooking the tranquil Lake Duluti, the hotel is an ideal spot to relax and recover after your flight. With a day free to rest, you’ll have time to enjoy the serene surroundings before your safari kicks off the next morning.
On day two, your safari adventure reallly begins with a morning pickup from your lodge, followed by a scenic drive west toward Tarangire National Park. Known for its vast herds of elephants, this park offers one of Tanzania’s most striking safari experiences. You’ll spend the day exploring its diverse landscapes, including open woodlands and riverine areas, while keeping an eye out for the iconic wildlife that calls it home – elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and more. A picnic lunch in the park allows you to soak in the surrounding beauty before continuing your exploration.
Later in the afternoon, you’ll drive northwest, ascending the Mto wa Mbu escarpment, where your lodge awaits. Set on the edge of the escarpment, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge offers breathtaking views of Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley below. After a day of adventure, enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner and the stunning sunset view.
The adventure continues as we head from Lake Manyara and into the famed Serengeti, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the rolling plains of Ndutu.
As we approach the Central Serengeti, the landscape becomes even more captivating. Along the way, we’ll enjoy an en-route game drive, where you’ll encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, and perhaps even lions or cheetahs hunting in the open plains.
Your night will be spent at the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, located in the heart of the Serengeti, offering stunning views and a perfect setting for relaxation after an exhilarating day.
Rising early on your second day in the Serengeti you'll enjoy a dawn game drive through the “Endless Plains”. Our expert driver-guide will vary the location as we trek some of the most amazing game and traverse some of the best parts of the Serengeti. Towards the mid-to-late afternoon, we will head back to the lodge to watch the African sun melt away over the vast landscapes and usher in the beautiful night sky.
Most of our guests find this the most memorable moment of their trip. You're likely to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and wildebeest roaming the vast plains. Lions are a common sight here, along with cheetahs hunting in the open savanna. With luck, you might spot an elusive leopard resting in the acacia trees, and the rich grasslands provide a stunning backdrop for your safari.
On Day five, we begin with a final morning game drive through the Serengeti, taking in the sights of this iconic landscape one last time. Afterward, we journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where we’ll check into your lodge, perched on the crater’s rim. The afternoon is yours to unwind and soak in the stunning views that stretch across the vast crater floor.
Rise early the following morning to embark on a full day’s adventure in the Crater. Descending into this natural wonder, we’ll explore its rich ecosystems, spotting elephants, buffalo, and lions against the backdrop of the lush plains and glittering crater lake. As we continue our game drive, we’ll keep an eye out for the rare black rhino and, if lucky, leopards or cheetahs. After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, we’ll return to the rim, where the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge awaits for another relaxing night.
Your Tanzania adventure comes to a close as we check out of the lodge and head towards Kilimanjaro International Airport. As we make the scenic drive through the Tanzanian landscape, you’ll have time to reflect on the unforgettable wildlife and landscapes you’ve encountered. Your safari team will bid you farewell with a heartfelt "Safari Njema" and wish you a safe journey home.
Arusha
Tarangire National Park
Herds of elephants, lions and even wild dogs roam Tarangire National Park, with the dry season bringing in large concentrations of animals...
Serengeti National Park
The best place on earth to see the Big Five
The vast, untamed Serengeti might just be the best place on earth to see wildlife...
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
All off Africa in one 'bowl'
The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact – and inactive – caldera in the world...
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Speak to a
Tanzania
specialist about this trip
Contact us now for more information about this trip
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is a luxurious and eco-friendly retreat nestled in the heart of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. Perched on a hill overlooking the vast plains of the Serengeti, the lodge offers stunning panoramic views of the iconic savannah, where wildlife roams freely across the horizon. The lodge is designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment, drawing inspiration from traditional African architecture and Maasai cultural elements.
Each of the lodge's spacious rooms and suites offers a private veranda, providing guests with the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the incredible wildlife scenery. The interiors combine modern comfort with African-inspired décor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The lodge features a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, spa, and restaurant, where guests can savor delicious meals while enjoying the view.
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is an ideal base for exploring the Serengeti's extraordinary ecosystem. Guests can embark on daily game drives in the park, which is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), and the world-famous Great Migration. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling safari experience or a tranquil escape surrounded by nature, Serengeti Serena offers the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is a stunning, elevated lodge situated on the edge of the Rift Valley escarpment, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Manyara and the surrounding landscapes. Designed to blend seamlessly with its environment, the lodge’s architecture reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region, with traditional Maasai-inspired décor and spacious rooms that open onto private terraces, perfect for watching the sunset over the lake.
The lodge features a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar, all designed to make your stay comfortable and memorable. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, such as game drives into Lake Manyara National Park, known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, baboons, and the famous tree-climbing lions. The park is also home to an array of bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the lodge offers cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages.
With its stunning location, top-notch service, and proximity to Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge provides an ideal base for exploring the area while enjoying the perfect blend of luxury and nature.
The Arusha Serena Hotel, nestled on the peaceful shores of Lake Duluti just outside of Arusha, is a charming retreat that perfectly blends African style with modern comfort. Housed in a former colonial coffee farm, the hotel offers guests a tranquil and scenic escape with lush, landscaped grounds and spectacular views of the surrounding forests and lake. Each elegantly designed room features traditional décor and private balconies, ideal for relaxing after a day of travel or adventure.
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including an open-air restaurant that serves both local and international cuisine, a cozy bar, and a lakeside terrace perfect for unwinding with scenic views. Optional activities such as nature walks, canoeing on Lake Duluti, and cultural visits to nearby villages offer an enriching introduction to the region’s natural beauty and vibrant community. With its inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and serene setting, Arusha Serena Hotel is an ideal gateway for starting or ending a Tanzanian safari journey.
Perched on the jagged rim of the crater, wreathed in morning mist, camouflaged in river-stone and cloaked in indigenous creepers, the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a triumph of ecological and architectural fusion. Sensitively constructed so as to take nothing from its environment whilst affording endless vistas over the heat-shimmering reaches of the crater below, the clustered boulder-built buildings of the Lodge hug the crater rim, linked by rope-lashed timber walkways that skirt the buttressed roots of ancient, liana-hung trees.
The interior, radiating out from the primeval log fire glowing at the heart of the Lodge, blends the concentrated hush of a game-viewing hide with the ochre, rust and charcoal images of a prehistoric cavern. Lit by flaming wall-lanterns, clad in gigantic volcanic boulders and decorated by the iron spears, bright-beaded robes and intricately carven artefacts of the Maasai, the Lodge is a unique blend of world-class luxury, timeless volcanic splendour and ethnic style. As for the views, from lilac-streaked sunrise, to indigo star-studded night, the immeasurably ancient Ngorongoro Crater delivers a theatre of vistas, most unchanged since the dawn of time.
All accommodation in our carefully selected safari camps and lodges. All accommodations can be adjusted to suit your preferences and budget.
Guided excursions
Fully escorted game drives and other safari activities in each location, accompanied by expert guides.
Ground transfers
All airport collections, hotel transfers and other ground connections as required by the itinerary.
All meals
Full board meals, freshly prepared by your camp chefs.
Internal flights
Internal flights are included (where applicable).
Support
24/7 support while travelling.
Reviews
What people are saying about Napenda Adventures
Emma J
04/10/2024
We used Napenda for our Tanzania safari based on a recommendation and are very glad we did. Everything exceeded our expectations. We planned the whole trip with Fatema and she was always so polite and always so helpful with expert advice. Our final plan was something we really enjoyed.
Not enough can be said about our guide Kelvin. He really took care of us through the whole journey and he had amazing eyes to spot wildlife even when we could not see them from our binoculars.
Everything from the special safari car to the hotel suggested and guide given to us was amazing.
I booked last minute with very little time to plan but Fatema did an incredible job putting it all together. One quick online call and she instantly understood my requirements. The plan to cover Ngorongoro and Serengeti was perfectly made.
Everything was just spot on from the vehicle to my fantastic guide Kelvin and even the water bottle and safari cap with my name on it.
Hope I can explore more of Tanzania in the future!
My friends and I had a wonderful 9 day safari tour with Napenda Adventures! Out group was 9 people. Our hotel accommodations were above our expectations and just beautiful. The food was awesome! Our safari guides Kelvin and Godfried were extremely friendly and knowledgable about all the animals, wildlife, plants , and landscapes! Khuzeima and Fatema were great about letting us know what to expect and kept in close contact the whole time. I wish I could hit rewind and do it all over again!
Hi, I'm Khuzeima from Napenda Adventures. Let me know what kind of trip you're interested in, and I'll send you a personalized plan - with no pressure to book!
Napenda Adventures
Tanzanian owned & operated
Why choose Napenda Adventures?
Tanzanian owned & operated
Supporting local conservation
Top rated on Trip Advisor
Napenda Adventures customer reviews
Emma J
04/10/2024
We used Napenda for our Tanzania safari based on a recommendation and are very glad we did. Everything exceeded our expectations. We planned the whole trip with Fatema and she was always so polite and always so helpful with expert advice. Our final plan was something we really enjoyed.
Not enough can be said about our guide Kelvin. He really took care of us through the whole journey and he had amazing eyes to spot wildlife even when we could not see them from our binoculars.
Everything from the special safari car to the hotel suggested and guide given to us was amazing.
I booked last minute with very little time to plan but Fatema did an incredible job putting it all together. One quick online call and she instantly understood my requirements. The plan to cover Ngorongoro and Serengeti was perfectly made.
Everything was just spot on from the vehicle to my fantastic guide Kelvin and even the water bottle and safari cap with my name on it.
Hope I can explore more of Tanzania in the future!
My friends and I had a wonderful 9 day safari tour with Napenda Adventures! Out group was 9 people. Our hotel accommodations were above our expectations and just beautiful. The food was awesome! Our safari guides Kelvin and Godfried were extremely friendly and knowledgable about all the animals, wildlife, plants , and landscapes! Khuzeima and Fatema were great about letting us know what to expect and kept in close contact the whole time. I wish I could hit rewind and do it all over again!
Horizon Guides makes money by charging carefully-screened travel specialists to list their businesses on our website. Our advertisers have no influence over our editorial content.
By booking a trip via Horizon Guides you are supporting indepedent local businesses and helping to fund our free, high quality, professional travel journalism.
We plant 50 trees for every trip booked via Horizon Guides!
Your details are safe and wi ll not be used for any other purpose. By using this service you agree for us to share your details with your chosen tour operator according to our Privacy Policy.
Why Horizon Guides?
Impartial travel guides
Our guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for impartial travel advice.
Expert itineraries
Suggested itineraries and routes to help you scratch beneath the surface, avoid the tourist traps, and plan an authentic, responsible and enjoyable journey.
Specialist advice
Get friendly, expert travel advice and custom itineraries from some of the world's best tour operators, with no spam, pressure or commitment to book.
Accommodation
Season
