16 DAYS LONG SAFARI IN THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT
From $4503 USD* / Ngorongoro Crater Wonder / 16 days
*price p.p. incl. guide, safari-jeep, hotel and park entrance fees, excl. international flight (Based on 6 persons)
16 Days safari in the Northern Circuit
Is making choices not your thing, and you have plenty of time anyway? Then this route is for you, as it beautifully combines everything you would want from a safari in Tanzania. This 16-day safari is probably the best you can find, if you want to explore the northern parks of Tanzania!
This private luxury safari offers you the opportunity to experience Tanzania at your own pace. And on this 16-day safari, you basically see it all. You visit all five national parks on the northern circuit, go on no less than two amazing nature hikes, see the most breathtaking landscapes in remote areas, and have cultural encounters that might just blow your mind. It doesn’t get much better than this!
What are you waiting for? Choose from Silver, Gold or five-star Platinum hotel choices below and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Tanzania!
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
Many travelers ask us when the best time is to visit Tanzania. The answer is … there is not one right answer. It depends on what you want to see, where you want to go, your budget and interests. Please find a comprehensive guide on when is the best time to visit Tanzania here.
High Season (June to October & December to February): These months are ideal for safaris and beach visits due to the pleasant weather and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. However, expect higher hotel rates and more crowded parks and attractions.
- Mid Season (March & November): This period offers a balance of moderate hotel rates and fewer tourists. The weather can be variable, and some attractions might have limited availability (due to rains), but you still get great wildlife sightings and a more relaxed safari experience.
- Low Season (April & May): Perfect for budget-conscious travelers, the low season features the lowest hotel rates and the least crowded parks. The heavy rains make the scenery vibrant and lush, but travel plans can be affected by the weather.
What can i expect from a safari in Tanzania with Tanzania Authentic ?
Our safaris in Tanzania offer an opportunity to explore the country’s incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. We specialize in private safaris, which means you have a 4×4 Landcruiser or jeep all to yourselves. You have the flexibility to decide when the safari starts and ends, and our experienced guides can help you make that decision on the day of your adventure. Whether you want to witness the animals at their most active during sunrise and sunset when temperatures are pleasant, or if you fancy ending the day by the pool, it’s entirely up to you. Tanzania’s diverse wildlife is active at various times of the day, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot the animals in action.
How can i personalize my Tanzania trip with your services ?
At Tanzania Specialist, we’re all about co-creating your perfect journey. When you plan your Tanzania adventure with us, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on a personalized experience. We start by understanding your wishes and preferences, and we won’t stop until every aspect of your journey aligns perfectly with your vision. Our team works closely with you to ensure that your entire trip is tailor-made to your satisfaction. And for added convenience, we offer a selection of our most popular Tanzania trips and safaris as a starting point for your consideration.
Can i see the Big Five in Tanzania ?
Absolutely, Tanzania is renowned as one of the prime destinations to encounter the Big Five. These magnificent creatures—lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo—can be observed in their natural habitats, making Tanzania a preferred choice for wildlife enthusiasts.
Is it safe to travel to Tanzania ?
Absolutely, Tanzania is a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. The country offers a hospitable environment, especially in tourist areas like Arusha, and you can explore its beautiful landscapes and wildlife with confidence. Local people are friendly, and safety measures, such as keeping an eye on your belongings, are always advisable, just as you would in any other part of the world. Tanzania’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people make it a fantastic place to visit.
Make your dream trip come true with Tanzania Authentic
At Tanzania Authentic, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Day 2: Walk from Materuni village to Kuringe waterfall
- Day 3: Arusha National Park
- Day 4: Tarangire National Park
- Day 5: Tarangire National Park
- Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park
- Day 7: A taste of culture – Mto wa Mbu: Mountain bike ride & Maasai village
- Day 8: Lake Natron
- Day 9: Lake Natron
- Day 10: Serengeti National Park (central west/east)
- Day 11: Serengeti National Park (central west/east)
- Day 12: Serengeti National Park (central west/east)
- Day 13: Ngorongoro Conservation Area (incl. Crater)
- Day 14: Empakaai Crater hike
- Day 15: Visit Lake Eyasi and the Hadzabe tribe
- Day 16: The last day and your flight home from Kilimanjaro Int. Airport
Day 1
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
As you walk out of Kilimanjaro International Airport, your personal Tanzania Authentic guide greets you with a big smile: ‘Karibu Tanzania – welcome to Tanzania!’ The guide takes you straight to your hotel, where you can relax and take in the African atmosphere. The next day your guide takes you on an exclusive, private safari that allows you to travel at your own pace. Enjoy the luxury of your own safari jeep and take the liberty to stop and watch the animals as long as you like!
Accommodations:
- Ahadi Lodge
- Arush a Villa
- Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Day 2
Walk from Materuni village to Kuringe waterfall
A walk from Materuni to the Kuringe waterfalls is perfect for those who want to experience Mount Kilimanjaro without actually climbing it! From Materuni a local guide takes you on a beautiful walk to the amazing 70-meter-high waterfall in a 40-minute walk. At 2,500 meters above sea level, the path leads through valleys and tropical rain forests, alternating between splendid wide views and plantations full of coffee, bananas, and avocados.
Accommodations:
- Manyara Best View Lodge & Spa
- Manyara’s Secret
- Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge by Wellworth
Day 3
Arusha National Park
Today you will go for your first actual game drive, in Arusha National Park! This park close to Arusha is known for its abundance of tropical birds, the presence of the black and white Colobus monkey and some rare albino baboons. You will probably spot the Colobus monkey and some rare bird species such as the gorgeous Silvery Cheeked Hornbill, and, if you are very lucky, even an albino. The park also has a lake, a few craters, waterfalls, mountains, and beautiful grassy planes.
Accommodations:
- Serengeti Sound of Silence Tented Camp
- Asanja Moru
- Serengeti Sametu Camp by Karibu Camps & Lodges
Day 4 – 5
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is well known for its big groups of elephants and the huge amount of giant baobab trees. These trees can live for hundreds of years and are actually a source of water for elephants in the dry season as they have a special technique to draw water from them. Besides, the Tarangire River is the only source of water in the dry season, which is why in this season in Tarangire you can see groups of up to 250 elephants next to many more animals!
Accommodations:
- Manyara Best View Lodge & Spa
- Manyara Best View Lodge & Spa
- Ngorongoro O’ldeani Mountain Lodge by Well worth
Day 6
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park lies between Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, right along the 400 meters deep Great Rift Valley. The park boasts a variety of landscapes that attract many different animals. You can for example visit the lake, pass through a dense rainforest with hundreds of monkeys and birds, see elephants up close in the woodlands and visit the renowned Manyara hippo pool with many hippos bathing from early morning to late evening.
Accommodations:
- Fun Beach Resort
- Next Paradise Boutique Resort
- Qambani Luxury Resort
Day 7
A taste of culture – Mto wa Mbu: Mountain bike ride & Maasai village
Mto wa Mbu is a village close to Lake Manyara National Park, where it stands out as a green oasis in the middle of the surrounding Maasai plains. Get a taste of culture and discover this lovely little village, the surrounding lush green nature, and the banana plantations by hopping on a mountainbike. Then get off your bike to visit a nearby Maasai village, where some Maasai tribesmen tell you all about their way of life.
Accommodations:
- Fun Beach Resort
- Next Paradise Boutique Resort
- Qambani Luxury Resort
Day 8 – 9
Lake Natron
Located in the north of Tanzania, just above the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Natron is a place like no other. Renowned for its striking red colouration, the alkaline lake is a photographer’s paradise. Even more so from August to October, when thousands of flamingos colour the lake even more pink. The simmering heat above the dry, dusty landscape, the mirror-like lake and the surrounding volcanic mountains create a raw and surreal beauty you unlikely forget!
Accommodations:
- Fun Beach Resort
- Next Paradise Boutique Resort
- Qambani Luxury Resort
Day 10 – 12
Serengeti National Park (central west/east)
Serengeti National Park is widely known as the place to go on safari, mainly because of the Great Migration that passes through here. The enormous, stampeding herds are impressive, as are the vast amount of predators that live here: over four thousand lions, 225 cheetahs, a thousand leopards, 3500 hyenas and hundreds of wild dogs! And of course, plenty of other beautiful animals, which your guide will be delighted to search for together with you. Are you ready for this?
Accommodations:
- Fun Beach Resort
- Next Paradise Boutique Resort
- Qambani Luxury Resort
Day 13
Ngorongoro Conservation Area (incl. Crater)
The famous Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s seven natural wonders. The crater was formed two million years ago when a vast volcano erupted. The fertile lava has created a unique ecosystem, now home to the highest concentration of animals found anywhere in Africa! Once in the crater, thousands of animals such as lions, zebras, buffalos and black rhinos surround you, and the views are astounding – you won’t know where to look! Watch the video of the park here.
Accommodations:
- Fun Beach Resort
- Next Paradise Boutique Resort
- Qambani Luxury Resort
Day 14
Empakaai Crater hike
The Empakaai Crater lies approximately 40 kilometers northeast of its famous big brother, the Ngorongoro Crater, at what almost feels like the end of the world. From the rim, you walk down towards the lake at the bottom of the crater, which takes about 45 minutes. A pinkish hue welcomes you, as the lake many times is covered in flocks of flamingos. The views from the crater rim are amazing, as on bright days you can even see the majestical Ol Donyo Lengai.
Accommodations:
- Fun Beach Resort
- Next Paradise Boutique Resort
- Qambani Luxury Resort
Day 15
Visit Lake Eyasi and the Hadzabe tribe
A visit to Lake Eyasi and the resident Hadzabe tribe makes for a fascinating daytrip. Lake Eyasi is a seasonal shallow salt lake south of the Ngorongoro Highlands, and a paradise for bird lovers. Spot hippos in the shallow waters, then take out your binoculars to spot for example the African spoonbill, flamingos, gray headed gulls, great white pelicans and pied avocets. Then visit the Hadzabe bushmen, masters in bow hunting.
Accommodations:
- Fun Beach Resort
- Next Paradise Boutique Resort
- Qambani Luxury Resort
Day 16
The last day and your flight home from Kilimanjaro Int. Airport
The last day! Depending on your flight time, you can relax in the lodge a bit longer before our driver takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home. Having second thoughts? It’s also possible to add a few days to your holiday by going to one of Tanzania’s paradise islands, such as Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia!
Make your dream trip come true with Tanzania Authentic
At Tanzania Authentic, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
