11-Day Northern Circuit Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti & Crater
A private 11-day mid-range safari from Arusha that takes the whole northern circuit slowly: two nights in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, four nights in the Serengeti, including the area of the Great Migration, and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Time to Really See the North
Most northern safaris rush. This one gives every park the time it deserves: two nights in Tarangire for its elephants, a day at Lake Manyara, two nights in the central Serengeti for the big cats, then two nights in the part of the Serengeti where the migration herds are in your month, and a final night on the Ngorongoro highlands before the crater floor.
With fewer long drives and more full days in the parks, it suits travellers who want depth rather than a checklist, and photographers who want time with each sighting. Lodges are mid-range throughout; we can upgrade any night.
A little shorter? See the 9-Day Tanzania Safari →
Why Travellers Choose It
- Two nights in Tarangire and a day at Lake Manyara
- Four nights in the Serengeti: the centre and the migration area
- A game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater floor
- Mid-range lodges and tented camps, full board
- Private vehicle and driver-guide throughout
Read our park guides: Serengeti National Park, The Great Migration month by month
We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive you to your hotel in Arusha.
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha (or similar)
Meals: Dinner is not included on arrival day
Two days in Tarangire: elephant herds along the river, baobab trees and quiet corners of the park that day visitors rarely reach.
Overnight: Lodge near Tarangire National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A game drive through Lake Manyara's forest and along the lake shore, then up to the Ngorongoro highlands.
Overnight: Lodge in Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Over the highlands and down onto the Serengeti plains. Two nights in the centre of the park, known for lions, leopards and cheetahs.
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in the central Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You move to the part of the Serengeti where the wildebeest and zebra herds are in your month: the southern plains from about December to March, the west from about May to July, the north from about July to October.
Overnight: Tented camp in the area of the herds
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A last morning in the Serengeti, then the drive back to the Ngorongoro highlands.
Overnight: Lodge on or near the Ngorongoro Crater rim
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early descent to the crater floor for a game drive, then the drive back to Arusha.
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We drive you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Price Per Person — Private Safari
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $6,600 |
| 2 People | $4,950 |
| 3 People | $4,400 |
| 4 People | $4,125 |
| 5 People | $3,960 |
| 6 People | $3,850 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people travelling together, sharing rooms. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: Kilimanjaro Airport
- Private safari: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Lodges named when we confirm availability
- Prices may change if park fees change
Includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and a professional driver-guide
- All park entry and concession fees, and the Ngorongoro Crater vehicle fee
- 2 nights in Arusha (bed and breakfast) and 8 nights in mid-range lodges and tented camps, full board
- Drinking water
- Airport transfers
Excludes
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Hot-air balloon flight (optional)
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Drinks not included in the meal plans
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
Questions Travellers Ask
Why 11 days?
Two nights in each main area means full days in the parks instead of long drives every day. You see more and feel less rushed.
Will we see the Great Migration?
Days 7 and 8 are spent where the herds are in your month. Their exact position depends on the rain and cannot be guaranteed.
Can we add a beach stay?
Yes. From the Serengeti or Arusha you can fly to Zanzibar; see our 12-day safari and Zanzibar.
Can we upgrade the lodges?
Yes. Any night can be upgraded to a luxury lodge or camp; ask us for a price.
