Tanzania • Itinerary
Tanzania Northern Circuit: The Perfect 7-Day Safari Itinerary
Tanzania's Northern Circuit is one of the greatest safari routes on Earth. In one week you travel from the giant baobabs and elephant herds of Tarangire to the wildlife-packed floor of the Ngorongoro Crater and the endless plains of the Serengeti. This day-by-day 7-day Tanzania safari itinerary is the route we recommend most to first-time visitors.
The route at a glance
- Start and finish: Arusha (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Parks: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti
- Style: drive in, with the option to fly out of the Serengeti
- Best time: all year, with the route adjusted to the migration
- Perfect for: first safaris, honeymoons and families
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Arusha
Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to a coffee-farm lodge near Arusha. Relax, enjoy dinner and meet your guide for a briefing.
Day 2
Tarangire National Park: elephants and baobabs
Drive about two to three hours to Tarangire, famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and the Tarangire River, which draws wildlife in the dry season. Look for lions, giraffes, buffalo and over 500 bird species.
Day 3
Lake Manyara
Explore Lake Manyara's groundwater forest, home to baboons and blue monkeys, then scan the open shoreline for hippos, buffalo, flamingos and pelicans. Manyara's lions are known for sometimes resting in trees. Continue up to the Ngorongoro highlands for the night.
Day 4
The Ngorongoro Crater
Descend at dawn into the world's largest unbroken volcanic caldera for a full day among lions, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and, with luck, rare black rhinos. Read our Ngorongoro Crater safari guide.
Days 5–6
The Serengeti
Drive into the Serengeti via Olduvai Gorge, one of the world's most important sites for human origins. Spend two full days on the plains with lions, cheetahs, leopards and, depending on the season, the Great Migration. Add a sunrise hot air balloon safari.
Day 7
Fly back to Arusha or on to Zanzibar
Enjoy a final morning game drive, then take a light aircraft back to Arusha, saving a long drive, or fly straight to the beaches of Zanzibar. See our Serengeti and Zanzibar Itinerary.
Where to be in the Serengeti, by season
The Serengeti is huge, so where you stay should follow the herds.
| Months | Where the herds usually are | Stay in |
|---|---|---|
| December–March | Southern plains, calving season | Ndutu / southern Serengeti |
| April–May | Moving north through the centre | Central Serengeti (Seronera) |
| June–July | Western Corridor, Grumeti River | Western Serengeti |
| July–October | Northern Serengeti, Mara River crossings | Northern Serengeti |
| November | Heading back south | Central Serengeti |
The migration follows the rain, so timings change from year to year. Read our Serengeti migration guide and our calving season guide.
How to extend your Northern Circuit safari
- 9–10 days: add a second Serengeti camp to follow the migration, or more time in Tarangire.
- 10–14 days: finish with 4 or 5 nights on a Zanzibar beach. See where to stay in Zanzibar.
- Add Kenya: combine the Serengeti with the Masai Mara. Compare them in Kenya vs Tanzania Safari.
Driving or flying?
The classic route is driven in a pop-up-roof 4x4 with your own guide, which means you see the countryside and villages between parks. Drives can be long and bumpy, so many guests fly the return leg from the Serengeti. A fully fly-in safari is also possible and gives more time on game drives.
On the last evening you sit by the fire, the Serengeti silent except for a distant lion. A week ago you were strangers to this land. Now it has a piece of your heart.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for a Tanzania safari?
Seven days is ideal for the Northern Circuit: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Allow 10 or more days to add a Zanzibar beach stay.
What is the Northern Circuit in Tanzania?
The Northern Circuit is Tanzania's classic safari route from Arusha through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
What is the best time to do the Northern Circuit?
The Northern Circuit is good all year. June to October is the main dry season, and January to March is calving season in the southern Serengeti. The route is adjusted to follow the migration.
Can I combine a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar?
Yes. Light aircraft fly from the Serengeti or Arusha to Zanzibar, making it easy to end your safari on the beach.
Should I drive or fly on a Tanzania safari?
Driving is more affordable and shows you more of the country, while flying saves time. Many guests drive in and fly out of the Serengeti.
Plan your Northern Circuit safari
Tell us your dates and we'll build your route around the migration, the best camps and your budget.
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