13 Days Northern Circuit Safari Tanzania

OVERVIEW

The 13 Days Northern Circuit Safari Tanzania with Unique Africa Tours is a premium safari experience designed to take travelers through Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations. This itinerary encompasses the Northern Circuit, including Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti, allowing you to witness the Big Five, abundant birdlife, and the stunning landscapes that define Tanzania. Each day combines expertly guided game drives, luxury accommodation, and personalized service to ensure an unforgettable safari experience. From elegant lodges to exclusive tented camps, this journey balances adventure with indulgence.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet your private safari guide, who will transfer you to your luxury lodge in Arusha. Spend the afternoon relaxing after your flight, enjoying the lodge’s serene surroundings and panoramic views of Mount Meru. If time permits, take a guided walk through the lodge’s gardens or a short city tour of Arusha to experience its local markets and cultural highlights. In the evening, savor a gourmet dinner, marking the start of your Northern Circuit adventure.

Accommodation Options: Gran Meliá Arusha, Arusha Coffee Lodge by Elewana, Lake Duluti Lodge
Meals: (Dinner)

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. On arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive, spotting wildlife such as lions, leopards, giraffes, and zebras. The Tarangire River attracts a dense concentration of animals, providing excellent photography opportunities. A luxury bush picnic will be served amidst the wilderness. In the evening, check into your lodge or camp, where sundowners and a fine dining experience await.

Accommodation Options: Tarangire Treetops by Elewana, Sanctuary Swala Camp, Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Full Day in Tarangire National Park

Spend the full day exploring Tarangire with morning and afternoon game drives. The park is home to more than 500 bird species, making it perfect for birdwatchers as well as wildlife enthusiasts. Spot cheetahs, leopards, and elephants across the diverse landscapes of woodlands, plains, and riverine areas. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch during your drive. Return to your lodge in the evening for cocktails, relaxation, and a luxury dinner under the African sky.

Accommodation Options: Tarangire Safari Lodge, Nimali Tarangire, Tarangire Treetops by Elewana
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a gem located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Enjoy a game drive through the park, spotting tree-climbing lions, flamingos, elephants, hippos, and a variety of bird species. The park’s combination of forest, plains, and alkaline lake offers a visually stunning safari experience. In the afternoon, check into your luxury lodge overlooking the Rift Valley. Relax and enjoy dinner while watching the sunset paint the landscape.

Accommodation Options: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Escarpment Luxury Lodge, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater

Depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area after breakfast. Descend into the crater for a full-day game drive in one of the world’s most famous wildlife habitats. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and the elusive black rhino. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch at a scenic spot in the crater. In the late afternoon, ascend to the crater rim and check into your luxury lodge, taking in breathtaking views over the crater floor.

Accommodation Options: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, The Highlands Ngorongoro, Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, drive to the Serengeti National Park, passing through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands. Stop at Olduvai Gorge to explore this historic archaeological site. Upon arrival in the Central Serengeti, enjoy lunch before embarking on your first game drive. The Seronera Valley is rich in predators and offers fantastic opportunities to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Return to your luxury lodge or tented camp for sundowners and a fine dining experience.

Accommodation Options: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Full Day in Central Serengeti

Enjoy a full day of game drives in the Central Serengeti. Witness the Serengeti’s incredible wildlife diversity, including large herds of wildebeest and zebra, elephants, and predators in action. Depending on the season, you may see parts of the Great Migration. Lunch will be a luxury picnic in the park. Spend the afternoon exploring further areas of the Serengeti, capturing breathtaking photography opportunities. Return to your lodge in the evening for a gourmet dinner.

Accommodation Options: Serengeti Bushtops, Lemala Ewanjan Camp, Dunia Camp by Asilia
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Central to Northern Serengeti

This morning, drive north toward the Mara River region, famous for migration river crossings between July and October. En route, enjoy game viewing of elephants, giraffes, and lions. Arrive at your luxury lodge or camp in time for lunch before setting out on an afternoon game drive. Witness the dramatic scenery and potential wildlife crossings along the Mara River. Return in the evening for sundowners and a gourmet dinner in the wild.

Accommodation Options: Sayari Camp by Asilia, Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge, Serengeti Bushtops
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Full Day in Northern Serengeti

Spend the day following the Great Migration in the Northern Serengeti. Begin with a sunrise game drive when predators are most active. Observe thousands of wildebeest and zebras grazing or crossing rivers, and spot lions and cheetahs hunting. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing with your afternoon safari. Return to your luxury camp for cocktails and dinner, reflecting on the dramatic wilderness of northern Tanzania.

Accommodation Options: Singita Mara River Tented Camp, One Nature Nyaruswiga Serengeti, &Beyond Klein’s Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Northern Serengeti to Western Serengeti

After breakfast, journey toward the western Serengeti plains, a region less visited by tourists but rich in wildlife and scenic landscapes. On arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive across open plains, spotting giraffes, elephants, buffalo, and lions. The west offers excellent photography opportunities and a tranquil safari experience. Return to your luxury lodge or tented camp in the evening for fine dining and relaxation.

Accommodation Options: Sasakwa Lodge by Singita, Mwiba Lodge, Serengeti Bushtops
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11: Full Day Game Drive in Western Serengeti

Enjoy a full day of exploration in the western Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. Your expert guide will take you to remote areas where wildlife is abundant and unspoiled. Look out for cheetahs, lions, leopards, and large herbivore herds. A luxury picnic lunch will be provided in the park. Return to your lodge for evening cocktails and a gourmet dinner, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the western Serengeti.

Accommodation Options: Sasakwa Lodge, Mwiba Lodge, Serengeti Bushtops
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12: Serengeti to Arusha

After breakfast, take a morning game drive before being transferred to the airstrip for a scenic flight back to Arusha. Upon arrival, check into your luxury lodge for lunch and a day room. Depending on your departure schedule, you may explore Arusha’s markets or relax at the lodge’s facilities. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating your unforgettable Northern Circuit safari experience.

Accommodation Options: Gran Meliá Arusha, Arusha Coffee Lodge, Lake Duluti Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 13: Departure from Arusha

Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before your private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Reflect on the incredible wildlife, landscapes, and luxury experiences you have encountered during your 13-day Northern Circuit Safari Tanzania.

Meals: (Breakfast)

End of the 13 Days Northern Circuit Safari Tanzania.