11 days through northern Tanzania's most iconic wildlife country, where untamed beauty meets refined comfort. The journey runs from the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and deep into the Serengeti, taking in both the Central and Northern reaches to place you in prime position for the Great Wildebeest Migration.
With expert guiding, cultural encounters, luxury camps and seamless air transfers, it is the definitive northern circuit. Read more in the Tanzania destination guide, or browse all our Tanzania safaris.
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you are warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide and transferred to your luxury lodge in Arusha. The rest of the day is yours to relax and unwind in a tranquil setting, enjoying fine cuisine and personalised hospitality ahead of the safari.
Day 2Tarangire
Tarangire National Park & Maasai Cultural Experience
After breakfast you depart for Tarangire National Park, famed for its vast elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. En route you visit a traditional Maasai village for an authentic cultural experience and insight into one of East Africa's most iconic communities, before continuing into the park for an afternoon game drive and arriving at your luxury lodge or tented camp.
Day 3Tarangire
Full-Day Safari in Tarangire
A full day explores Tarangire's diverse ecosystems on morning and afternoon game drives. With your private guide you track wildlife across the savannah, from elephant and lion to giraffe and abundant birdlife, all at a personalised and unhurried pace, with a picnic in the bush or lunch at camp between drives.
Day 4Ngorongoro
Journey to Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast you travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a cultural stop at the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, enjoying a guided walk, interactions with local communities and a traditional lunch. You then continue to the lush highlands of Ngorongoro and your lodge set along or near the crater rim, with spectacular views and cool, serene surroundings.
Day 5Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Crater, a Natural Wonder
You descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries, for a thrilling game drive across the crater floor, home to the Big Five and an extraordinary concentration of wildlife. At midday you indulge in a hot gourmet BBQ lunch in a scenic setting within the crater before returning to your lodge for a relaxed evening.
Day 6Serengeti
Transfer to Central Serengeti
After an early breakfast you journey into the world-famous Serengeti, enjoying an en route game drive as the landscape opens into endless plains teeming with wildlife. Arriving at your luxury camp in the Central Serengeti, you check in and relax before heading out for an evening game drive.
Day 7Serengeti
Full-Day Central Serengeti Safari
A full day discovers the Central Serengeti, known for its year-round predator activity, with extensive game drives and a picnic lunch in the bush. As the day winds down you pause for a classic safari sundowner, taking in the golden hues of the African sunset.
Day 8Serengeti
Journey to Northern Serengeti
After a relaxed breakfast you depart for the Northern Serengeti, one of the most exclusive and wildlife-rich regions of the park, with game viewing along the way before arriving at your luxury camp. Later you head out for an evening game drive in this remote and pristine wilderness.
Day 9Serengeti
The Great Migration Experience
A full day in the Northern Serengeti follows the dramatic Great Wildebeest Migration, with your expert guide positioning you for the best wildlife encounters, from vast herds to the predators that shadow them. Game drives are timed to the light and the action, with a bush picnic and a sundowner to close the day.
Day 10Serengeti
Northern Serengeti & the Mara River
Another day in this superb region brings the chance of the iconic Mara River crossings (seasonal), among nature's most dramatic spectacles. For a truly unforgettable perspective, you may opt for a sunrise hot air balloon safari followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Day 11Kilimanjaro
Departure, Scenic Flight to Kilimanjaro
After breakfast you transfer to Kogatende Airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Kilimanjaro, enjoying breathtaking aerial views as your journey comes to a close, leaving you with lasting memories of northern Tanzania's unparalleled beauty.
What is included
Every Detail, Handled
All meals as specified, including gourmet dining experiences
All game drives and activities as outlined
Park entrance and conservation fees
Private luxury 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver guide
Roundtrip airport transfers
Scheduled flight from Kogatende to Kilimanjaro
Drinking water and a reusable bottle
Selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Not included
International airfares
Travel insurance, visa fees and personal expenses
Optional activities such as the hot air balloon unless specified
Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
Any government-imposed increases in taxes or park fees
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
The Northern Serengeti river crossings typically peak from July to October, the prime window for this itinerary. The migration moves through the Serengeti year-round, so we time your dates to where the herds are.
All park and conservation fees are included. The sunrise hot air balloon over the Serengeti is optional and can be added to your itinerary on request.
This is a comfortable circuit with a private guide, and a scenic flight from Kogatende back to Kilimanjaro at the end keeps the longer northern legs to a minimum.
Yes. The fitness level is easy, game viewing is from a private vehicle, and we tailor the pace and lodges to your group, including families.
