7-Day Northern Circuit with Cultural Tourism Luxury
Overview
Embark on a luxury safari through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, exploring Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. Stay in exquisite lodges with full-board accommodations and enjoy excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five. Spend two nights in the Serengeti, Africa’s top-rated park for four consecutive years, fully immersing yourself in its breathtaking wildlife. Enhance your journey with a unique cultural experience at Lake Eyasi, meeting one of the world’s last remaining hunter-gatherer people.
Day 1 Pick-up From the Airport
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. If time permits, enjoy an optional city tour, featuring visits to the Cultural Heritage Art Gallery, local market, and Maasai Market, where you can immerse yourself in Arusha’s vibrant cultural scene before settling in for the evening at your accommodation.
Day 2 Arusha to Tarangire
Your safari adventure begins today! After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation at 7:45 a.m. for a scenic 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Renowned for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, the park offers diverse landscapes, including seasonal swamps, open savannah, and the wildlife-rich Tarangire River.
Explore the park in an open-roof vehicle, spotting giraffes, zebras, impalas, lions, leopards, elands, warthogs, elephants, and a variety of bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a picturesque spot with stunning views, followed by more wildlife encounters. As evening falls, retreat to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3 Visiting the Hadza and Datoga Communities at Lake Eyasi
Today, your journey takes you to Lake Eyasi, departing after breakfast. This immersive cultural experience begins with a visit to the Hadzabe people, known for their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Learn about their practices, such as hunting small game like dik-diks and hares, gathering honey, and living in simple, temporary dwellings. Communicating in a unique click language, the Hadzabe provide a fascinating insight into their way of life.
Next, visit the Datoga community, renowned for their skilled craftsmanship and blacksmithing traditions. After engaging with these vibrant communities, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4 Drive to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, your journey to the Serengeti begins. Though the drive may be long and occasionally bumpy, it offers 4 to 5 hours of incredible wildlife viewing as you traverse the crater highlands toward the vast Serengeti plains. Weather permitting, you’ll pause for a brief stop at the Ngorongoro Viewpoint to admire the stunning caldera before continuing your adventure.
Enjoy a picnic lunch en route, taking in the picturesque surroundings. Upon entering the park, an afternoon game drive will immerse you in the Serengeti’s rich wildlife. As the day ends, head to your accommodation for a delicious dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in the heart of the Serengeti.
Day 5 Full-day Game Drive in Serengeti
Enjoy a full day of adventure in Serengeti National Park, with an exciting game drive from sunrise to sunset. Seek out the iconic Big Five and marvel at the diversity of over 500 bird species. As the sun sets, return to your accommodation for a delightful dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
For an additional cost, you can enhance your experience with a hot-air balloon safari or a walking safari, adding a unique perspective to your journey.
Day 6 Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, you’ll set off on a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, with about 3 hours of wildlife viewing along the way. This extraordinary destination is home to a rich variety of East African wildlife, including the rare black rhino, which you might be lucky enough to spot. Covering 260 square kilometers with a diameter of roughly 20 kilometers, the crater requires 5 to 6 hours to fully explore its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. Afterward, you’ll proceed to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7 Airport Drop-Off
Start your day with a delicious breakfast, reflecting on the incredible adventures of the past few days. Afterward, check out from your lodge around 10:00 a.m. You can choose to be dropped off at a hotel in Arusha or Kilimanjaro, or directly at Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport, marking the end of your safari journey.
REQUEST FREE QUOTE
Our Whatsapp chat available 24/7
Important Tips Before Your Safari Adventure
Pack Light but Smart
Use soft duffel bags instead of hard suitcases (especially for small charter flights). Bring neutral-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a lightweight jacket for cool mornings and evenings.Bring Binoculars and a Camera
Wildlife sightings can be far away, so binoculars will enhance your experience. Also, carry extra camera batteries or power banks—you’ll want to capture every moment!Follow Your Guide’s Instructions
Always listen to your safari guide—they know animal behavior and how to keep you safe. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises during game drives, and never exit the vehicle unless permitted.Stay Hydrated and Protect Yourself from the Sun
Safari days can be long and hot. Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen with a high SPF, especially during midday game drives.Be Patient with Wildlife
Nature doesn’t work on a schedule. Great sightings often come to those who wait—stay alert and enjoy the experience, even in quieter moments.Respect Wildlife and the Environment
Do not feed animals or throw trash in the parks. Take only photos, leave only footprints. Help preserve the wild for future generations.Carry Some Cash
While many lodges accept cards, tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff are usually given in cash (USD or local currency). It’s also useful for souvenirs or local purchases.Dress in Layers
Morning game drives can be chilly, but the temperature rises quickly. Wear light layers that you can remove as the day warms up.Travel Insurance is Recommended
Always have travel insurance that covers safari activities, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations or delays.Bring a Good Attitude
Safaris are about adventure and unpredictability. Come with an open mind, and you’ll have a richer, more rewarding experience.
Freqeuntly asked questions
What is the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania?
The best time is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife is easier to spot around water sources. However, January to March is also great, especially for the calving season in the Serengeti.What animals will I see?
You’ll have a chance to see the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—plus giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and many bird species. Sightings are never guaranteed but are very likely in top parks.What kind of vehicles are used for game drives?
We use custom 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for great wildlife viewing and photography. All vehicles are well-maintained and driven by professional, English-speaking guides.Is the safari suitable for children?
Yes, family-friendly safaris are available. However, some lodges have minimum age restrictions and long drives can be tiring for very young children.Are park entry fees included in the package?
Yes, all national park and conservation area fees are included in our safari packages—no hidden costs.Do I need any vaccinations or medications?
We recommend vaccinations for Yellow Fever (if coming from a risk area) and anti-malaria medication. Please consult your doctor before travel.What should I wear on safari?
Wear neutral-colored clothes (green, brown, beige) to blend with the environment. Avoid bright colors and camouflage prints. Comfortable shoes, hats, and sunglasses are essential.Is tipping required?
Tipping is not mandatory but is highly appreciated. We suggest $10–$20 per day for guides and $5–$10 per day for lodge staff, depending on service quality.What’s the accommodation like?
We offer options from budget camps to luxury lodges, all selected for comfort, safety, and proximity to wildlife areas. All accommodations are clean and managed by friendly staff.Will I have access to electricity and internet?
Most lodges and camps provide electricity and limited Wi-Fi in common areas. Some remote areas may have solar-powered electricity only available at specific times.
Includeds
Park entry fees and government taxes
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Full-board accommodation during the safari
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Excludeds
International and domestic flights
Travel insurance and visa fees
Tips for the guide and lodge staff
Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges
Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, laundry)
Optional activities (e.g. balloon safari, Maasai village visit)