Classic Northern Tanzania Safari
8–Days Itinerary
Big Five, Great Migration & Iconic Landscapes
Northern Tanzania Safari: Iconic Wildlife and Timeless Landscapes
A Northern Tanzania safari is the classic African adventure — home to the world-famous Serengeti, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and the dramatic Great Migration. This circuit delivers unforgettable big game viewing, luxurious lodges, and sweeping savannahs teeming with wildlife. Perfect for first-time travellers and seasoned safari-goers alike, it offers an ideal blend of comfort, accessibility, and spectacular scenery.
Tanzanian Highlights
From Iconic Safaris to Indian Ocean Shores – A Journey Like No Other
Tanzania is where Africa’s most legendary landscapes and wildlife experiences come together. It’s a country of staggering diversity — home to the continent’s most famous national parks, the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro, and the idyllic spice islands of the Indian Ocean.
Whether you’re chasing the Great Migration across the Serengeti, standing on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, or snorkelling in the coral gardens of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers a rare blend of raw wilderness, cultural richness, and refined travel.
Northern Safari Circuit
– Explore world-famous parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara
– Witness the Great Migration and spot the Big Five
– Enjoy diverse landscapes — from volcanic highlands to endless plains
– Luxury tented camps, photographic safaris, and cultural encounters with the Maasai
Southern Safari Circuit
– Discover Tanzania’s hidden gems: Ruaha and Nyerere (formerly Selous)
– Fewer crowds, incredible wildlife density, and remote, exclusive camps
– Activities beyond game drives: walking safaris, boating, fly camping
– Ideal for seasoned safari-goers or those craving authentic wilderness
Western Tanzania
– Track wild chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream
– Experience untouched terrain in Katavi, one of Africa’s last true frontiers
– Fly-in only: wild, remote, and soul-stirringly beautiful
Zanzibar & The Indian Ocean Coast
– Relax on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, Mafia, and Pemba
– Snorkel, dive, or sail in turquoise waters teeming with marine life
– Discover Swahili culture, spice farms, and UNESCO-listed Stone Town
– Ideal for post-safari relaxation or a beach-focused escape
Mount Kilimanjaro
– Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain
– Trek to the summit (Uhuru Peak, 5,895m) via a range of routes
– Combine with safari or beach for the ultimate Tanzanian adventure
Why Choose Tanzania?
– Home to more protected land than almost any other country in Africa
– A destination where every journey can be handcrafted
– Luxury meets authenticity — from high-end lodges to remote bush camps
– Political stability, conservation-led tourism, and warm, welcoming people
Classic Northern Tanzania Safari – Overview
The Ultimate Journey Through Africa’s Most Iconic Safari Landscape
A classic Northern Tanzania safari takes you deep into the heart of East Africa’s most celebrated wilderness. This is the land of vast golden plains, volcanic craters teeming with life, ancient baobabs, and one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth — the Great Migration.
From the legendary Serengeti to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, and the elephant-rich savannahs of Tarangire to the Rift Valley lakes of Manyara, this route combines world-class wildlife, diverse ecosystems, and deep cultural heritage — all within a seamless, well-connected itinerary.
Expect to see the Big Five, witness unforgettable sunrises over acacia-dotted plains, and stay in stylish camps and lodges that reflect both comfort and authenticity. Whether it’s your first safari or a return to Africa, the Northern Circuit delivers the quintessential safari experience — timeless, dramatic, and completely unforgettable.
Why Choose a Northern Tanzania Safari
Iconic Landscapes. Legendary Wildlife. Unforgettable Safaris.
Northern Tanzania is the beating heart of Africa’s safari world — home to some of the most famous parks on the planet and the setting for countless wildlife documentaries. If you’re seeking the classic safari experience — the Big Five, the Great Migration, and cinematic savannahs — this is where your journey begins.
From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the prehistoric caldera of the Ngorongoro Crater, every day in the Northern Circuit offers another world-class moment in the wild.
What Makes Northern Tanzania Special?
- The Great Migration
Witness millions of wildebeest and zebra on their annual journey — with thrilling river crossings, calving seasons, and predator action.• Ngorongoro Crater – Nature’s Noah’s Ark
Descend into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, home to dense wildlife populations including endangered black rhino.• Dramatic Landscapes
From crater highlands and Rift Valley escarpments to golden plains and flamingo-filled lakes — the scenery is constantly changing.• Diverse Accommodation Options
Stay in everything from ultra-luxury lodges to mobile migration camps, all with exceptional guiding and personalised service.• Cultural Encounters
Meet Maasai communities, visit traditional markets, or explore the Olduvai Gorge — known as the cradle of mankind.
Who It’s Perfect For
- First-time safari travellers
• Couples and honeymooners
• Families with children
• Wildlife photographers and filmmakers
• Anyone wanting the ultimate East African safari experience
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by a personal guide and transferred to Arusha — a leafy, peaceful town at the base of Mount Meru. Enjoy a relaxing evening with views of the gardens or surrounding hills.
Activities: Optional visit to local coffee estate, cultural walk, or spa treatment
After breakfast, drive (or fly) to Tarangire National Park, known for its majestic baobab trees and large elephant herds. Enjoy an afternoon game drive through golden savannahs and along the Tarangire River, a magnet for wildlife in the dry season.
Activities: Afternoon game drive, sundowners with a view
Depart for Lake Manyara, a scenic park nestled between the Great Rift escarpment and a shimmering soda lake. Explore its diverse habitats — acacia woodland, groundwater forest, and lakeshore — where you may spot flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and a variety of birdlife.
Activities: Game drive, cultural visit in Mto wa Mbu (optional)
Ascend to the Ngorongoro Highlands, then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best place in East Africa to see the Big Five in one day. This ancient caldera is home to lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and rhinos — all within a strikingly beautiful landscape.
Activities: Full-day crater safari with picnic lunch, optional Maasai cultural visit
Drive or fly into the legendary Serengeti National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive across the vast plains. This region is excellent for big cat sightings and wildlife density year-round.
Activities: Game drive en route, afternoon wildlife viewing, starlit dining
Spend two full days exploring the Serengeti. Depending on the time of year, you may witness the Great Migration — wildebeest herds crossing rivers or calving in the southern plains. Your guide will tailor drives to maximise sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and more.
Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, optional balloon safari, bush breakfasts
Enjoy a final morning in the bush before your flight back to Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule, relax in a day room or transfer directly to the airport for your international departure — or continue to Zanzibar for a beach extension.
Optional Add-On: 4–5 nights in Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia Island
Northern Tanzania Safari – Tour Highlights
An Iconic Journey Through Africa’s Most Celebrated Parks
- Track the Big Five across world-renowned parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara
- Witness the Great Migration (seasonal), including dramatic river crossings or the calving season in the southern plains
- Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife in a spectacular setting
- Explore Tarangire National Park, home to vast elephant herds, baobab trees, and seasonal wildlife concentrations
- Discover Lake Manyara’s unique mix of ecosystems, from Rift Valley forest to flamingo-filled lakes
- Enjoy optional hot air balloon safaris over the Serengeti for breathtaking aerial views
- Stay in luxury tented camps and lodges that offer immersive wildlife experiences and stunning landscapes
- Dine under the stars, unwind with sundowners, and experience exceptional guiding throughout your journey
- Choose drive or fly-in options for a seamless and personalised safari experience
Accommodation on a Northern Tanzania Safari
Comfort and Character in the Heart of the Wild
Northern Tanzania offers an exceptional range of safari accommodation — from classic tented camps that immerse you in nature, to refined lodges perched on crater rims or nestled beneath acacia trees. Each stay is carefully chosen to balance comfort, atmosphere, and proximity to wildlife.
Whether you’re waking up to the sounds of the Serengeti, dining under stars on the crater rim, or watching elephants at a Tarangire riverbed, your lodgings are part of the experience.
Tented Safari Camps
Light-footprint and immersive, these camps offer en-suite canvas suites with real beds, bush showers, and open-air dining. Many are mobile, following the Great Migration across the Serengeti.
– Best For: Migration chasers, photographers, romantic escapes
– Locations: Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Highlands
Safari Lodges
Blending luxury and location, these often feature pools, fireplaces, and sweeping views. Some sit high on crater rims or in prime game-viewing zones.
– Best For: Families, first-time travellers, year-round comfort
– Locations: Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Central Serengeti
Seasonal & Mobile Camps
Strategically placed to follow wildlife patterns, these offer exceptional game access during peak migration seasons.
– Best For: Serious safari-goers, seasonal visits
– Locations: Southern Serengeti (Dec–Mar), Northern Serengeti (Jul–Oct)
Private Villas & Exclusive Use
For travellers seeking total privacy, some lodges offer standalone villas with private chefs, guides, and vehicles.
– Best For: Families, groups, high-end travellers
– Locations: Serengeti, Tarangire
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Best Time for a Southern Tanzania Safari
June to October – Dry Season (Best Game Viewing)
– Ideal for game drives and walking safaris
– Wildlife is easier to spot
– Comfortable weather with little rainfall
Fly Camps & Mobile Setups
– Temporary, ultra-light setups in the wild
– For guests seeking a raw, adventurous connection with nature
– Often used as one-night add-ons during walking or boating safaris
November to March – Green Season
– Lush landscapes and fewer tourists
– Excellent birdwatching
– Some areas may be harder to access due to rain
April to May – Rainy Season
– Some lodges close due to heavy rains
– Limited access to certain parks
Travel created for your family
Each activity offers a unique experience depending on the season, so coordinating your visit with Ngasini Travel The company can ensure a well-timed adventure.
