This 9-day northern circuit extended safari adventure is designed to give you the feeling of being inside Tanzania’s wild rhythm, from sunrise game drives to quiet evenings under African skies. Our focus on Lake Manyara gives you strong wildlife viewing, beautiful landscapes and enough time to enjoy each location without rushing.
You travel in a custom 4×4 safari jeep with pop-up roof and guaranteed window seat, guided by local professionals who have worked Tanzania routes for over 15 years. The safari is run in an all-inclusive style so your park fees, guiding, transport and daily logistics are handled smoothly from pickup to drop-off.
Each departure is carefully timed for wildlife movement and road conditions, and we keep flexibility inside the game drives so we can follow active sightings. If you want a special focus like photography, migration tracking or romantic add-ons, we adjust the pace and stops to fit your travel goals.
Note: On this tour, you will stay in carefully selected lodges and tented camps
Accommodation can be upgraded to lodge for extra cost
Life on Safari
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Serengeti African Tours and transferred to your comfortable lodge in Arusha.
The remainder of the day is yours to relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore Arusha on an optional city tour, visit local markets, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of your lodge.
This overnight stay allows you to refresh and prepare for the unforgettable safari adventure that awaits across Tanzania’s world-famous national parks.
Main Destination: Arusha City
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Arusha Farm House |
| Meals | Meals at own expense |
| Drinks | Drinks not included |
After an early breakfast, depart Arusha in your private 4×4 safari vehicle and journey to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most spectacular wildlife destinations.
Known for its giant baobab trees and impressive elephant population, Tarangire offers outstanding game viewing throughout the year. The Tarangire River serves as the park’s only permanent water source, attracting thousands of animals during the dry season.
Enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch while searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, impalas, and more than 500 bird species.
In the late afternoon, leave the park and continue to Mto wa Mbu for dinner and your overnight stay.
Destination Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Destination | Tarangire National Park |
| Best Time to Visit | July – November (Excellent wildlife viewing around the Tarangire River) |
| High Season | June – October |
| Best Weather | June – October (Sunny with little rainfall) |
Accommodation: Suricata Boma Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: All drinks included (excluding spirits and liquor)
After breakfast, travel through the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands before entering the legendary Serengeti National Park.
Upon arrival, begin your afternoon game drive across the endless plains that have made the Serengeti famous worldwide. Search for lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and large herds of zebras and wildebeests.
The Serengeti is home to the Great Migration, one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles, where over two million animals move across the ecosystem in search of fresh grazing.
Arrive at your camp before sunset for dinner and a relaxing evening surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Destination Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Destination | Serengeti National Park |
| Best Time to Visit | January – February and June – October |
| High Season | July – March |
| Best Weather | June – October (Cool, dry and sunny) |
Accommodation: Land of Nature Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: All drinks included (excluding spirits and liquor)
Spend an unforgettable day exploring the endless plains of the Serengeti.
Your experienced guide will lead you through different habitats in search of the Big Five and many other remarkable species. Watch predators stalking their prey, elephants roaming freely, giraffes feeding among acacia trees, and hippos relaxing in river pools.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the park before continuing your afternoon game drive.
Return to camp in the evening for dinner and another peaceful night beneath Africa’s star-filled skies.
Accommodation: Land of Nature Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: All drinks included (excluding spirits and liquor)
Today offers another incredible opportunity to explore different regions of the Serengeti.
Your guide will follow recent wildlife movements to maximise your chances of unforgettable sightings, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and, depending on the season, the spectacular Great Migration.
Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by breathtaking scenery before continuing your afternoon safari.
Return to your camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Land of Nature Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: All drinks included (excluding spirits and liquor)
Enjoy one final morning game drive in the Serengeti before leaving the park.
After a picnic lunch, travel through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area towards the beautiful farming town of Karatu.
The drive offers magnificent views of rolling hills, Maasai villages, and lush coffee plantations before arriving at your lodge.
Relax and enjoy dinner while preparing for tomorrow’s adventure inside the Ngorongoro Crater.
Main Destination: Karatu
Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: All drinks included (excluding spirits and liquor)
After an early breakfast, descend approximately 600 metres into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive.
Often referred to as Africa’s “Garden of Eden,” the crater supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife anywhere on the continent and provides one of the best opportunities to see the endangered black rhino.
Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the famous hippo pool before continuing your safari in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, zebras, wildebeests, and countless bird species.
Later, drive to Mto wa Mbu for dinner and overnight.
Destination Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Destination | Ngorongoro Crater |
| Best Time to Visit | June – October (Excellent wildlife viewing) |
| High Season | July – March |
| Best Weather | June – October (Cool and dry) |
Accommodation: Suricata Boma Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: All drinks included (excluding spirits and liquor)
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a small but incredibly diverse park nestled beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
Lake Manyara is famous for its lush groundwater forests, tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, elephants, hippos, and more than 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and cormorants.
Following a rewarding morning game drive and picnic lunch, return to Arusha for your final overnight stay.
Destination Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Destination | Lake Manyara National Park |
| Best Time to Visit | June – October (Excellent wildlife viewing) |
| High Season | July – March |
| Best Weather | June – October (Dry season with pleasant temperatures) |
Accommodation: Arusha Farm House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: All drinks included (excluding spirits and liquor)
After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time at your lodge before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your onward flight.
As your safari comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and authentic African hospitality.
From the giant elephant herds of Tarangire to the endless plains of the Serengeti, the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, and the lush forests of Lake Manyara, this journey offers an extraordinary safari experience that will remain with you for a lifetime.
Main Destination: Arusha City
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | End of tour (No accommodation) |
| Meals | Breakfast |
| Drinks | Drinks not included |
High demand: This safari books 4–8 weeks ahead during peak season (June–October).
Kids under 15 receive a special discount. Contact us when booking.
Hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti can be added for $600/person.
- All national park entrance fees and conservation levies
- Accommodation as specified
- All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Soft drinks and bottled water (minimum 3 litres per person per day)
- Transportation in a custom 4×4 safari jeep with pop-up viewing roof and guaranteed window seating
- Expert English-speaking guide/driver (15+ years Tanzania experience)
- Vehicle inverter for device charging, FM radio communications, electric cooler and filtered water
- Government taxes and VAT
- Tips for guide
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania e-visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Hot-air balloon safari in Serengeti ($600/person add-on)
- Personal purchases, laundry and phone calls
- Alcoholic beverages
Note: We have a discount for kids under 15 years old
"Our guide Emmanuel was incredible — he spotted a leopard and two lion cubs that three other vehicles completely missed. The most magical experience of our lives."
"The private setup meant we could spend 45 minutes with a cheetah and cubs without feeling rushed. The lodges were far beyond what we expected."
"As first-time safari travelers, we were nervous. From the moment we arrived, Serengeti African Tours took care of everything. The Ngorongoro Crater literally took our breath away."
"Booked through SafariBookings and couldn't be happier. Every detail was handled perfectly. Guide Abouh is extraordinary — his knowledge of wildlife is encyclopaedic."
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Everything You Need to Know
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What is the best time of year for the 9-Day Northern Circuit Extended Safari Adventure?
This itinerary runs year-round, but June to October is best for dry-season visibility and easier wildlife tracking. If your tour includes migration-focused zones, we guide you on the best travel window before confirmation.
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What animals am I most likely to see on this tour?
On this route through Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, guests usually see elephants, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffes, and often lions. Leopard and cheetah sightings depend on timing and luck, but your guide uses radio updates to improve chances.
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What are the accommodation options on this tour?
We use clean and trusted safari camps or lodges based on your selected comfort level and budget. Upgrades to higher-category lodges are available before departure, subject to room availability.
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How many people will be in my group?
Private departures are only for your booking party. Joining options are usually small groups, typically up to 6–7 travelers in a custom safari vehicle with guaranteed window seats.
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What should I pack for this itinerary?
Please pack neutral-color clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, sun protection, comfortable shoes, insect repellent, and personal medication. A small soft duffel and camera with spare batteries are strongly recommended.
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Can I upgrade from camping to a lodge, and are there hidden costs?
Yes, we can upgrade your accommodation category before final booking confirmation. We provide a transparent quote that lists all park fees, accommodation and transport, so you can see exactly what is included.
