Explore the breathtaking beauty of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit in unmatched style. From the iconic Serengeti plains to the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater and the remote, untouched charm of Lake Natron, this luxury safari seamlessly blends awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, rich cultural experiences, and exquisite accommodations. Travel in comfort with a personal driver-guide and stay in top-tier lodges and tented camps, each selected for their elegance, views, and exclusivity.
Let Joyful Safaris and Tours take you deeper into Tanzania, where adventure meets luxury at every turn.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to Wilderness
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your personal guide will warmly welcome you and escort you to your luxurious starting point: the beautiful Gran Meliá Arusha. Nestled between Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, this urban oasis offers world-class comfort and a tranquil setting to unwind before your journey begins.
Overnight: Gran Meliá Arusha
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Tarangire National Park – The Kingdom of Elephants
After breakfast, set out on your first safari drive to Tarangire National Park, a haven for elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Covering 2,600 sq. km, Tarangire is a paradise of dry riverbeds and golden savannas. Spot giraffes, wildebeests, lions, and over 500 bird species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch under the baobabs and continue game viewing before heading to your serene lodge.
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park – Rift Valley Gem
Drive through the Great Rift Valley escarpment to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its stunning scenery and unique tree-climbing lions. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled with flamingos, storks, pelicans, and over 400 avian species. Spot elephants, hippos, zebras, and more as you explore the dense forests and grassy floodplains.
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater – The Eighth Wonder of the World
Descend into the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Africa’s densest population of wildlife. Marvel at the chance to see the “Big Five” in a single game drive: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.
Picnic in the crater floor beside a hippo pool, then journey onward to the central Serengeti.
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Serengeti National Park – The Great Migration Plains
Awaken in the legendary Serengeti National Park, the stage for Earth’s greatest wildlife drama: The Great Migration. Witness wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and topi as they cross predator-laden plains in search of fresh pasture. Spot lions, cheetahs, and perhaps elusive leopards as you explore one of the world’s richest ecosystems.
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Balloon Safari Over the Serengeti
Rise before dawn for an unforgettable hot air balloon safari with Miracle Experience. Drift above the plains as the sun rises over the savanna, offering panoramic views of wildlife below. After landing, enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush.
Spend the remainder of the day relaxing or enjoying an optional afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Olduvai Gorge & Cultural Insight
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, then head to the Olduvai Gorge, known as the “Cradle of Mankind.” Visit its fascinating museum and view ongoing archaeological digs. Continue to the Ngorongoro highlands for a scenic drive to Karatu.
Overnight: The Retreat at Ngorongoro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Lake Natron – Flamingo Haven & Maasai Lands
Travel off the beaten path to the mysterious Lake Natron, home to over 2.5 million lesser flamingos. Walk to the lake’s shore for stunning views, and hike to nearby waterfalls nestled in a lush gorge. Discover traditional Maasai communities along the way.
Overnight: Gran Meliá Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Departure Day
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy breakfast at your hotel and perhaps some souvenir shopping before your guide transfers you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
2025/2026 Pricing (Per Person in USD)
Date Range | 2-3 Pax | 4-5 Pax | 6 Pax |
---|---|---|---|
Jun 1 – Oct 31 | $8,999 | $8,800 | $8,623 |
Dec 22 – Mar 31 | $8,814 | $8,640 | $8,523 |
Nov 1 – Dec 21 | $8,404 | $8,289 | $8,110 |
Apr 1 – May 31 | $8,280 | $8,110 | $7,890 |
What’s Included | What’s Not Included |
---|---|
All accommodations and meals from arrival to departure | International flights and visa fees |
All national park and conservation fees | Travel insurance |
Private luxury 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and fridge | Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks at lodges (unless stated) |
Professional English-speaking safari guide | Personal expenses, tips, and souvenirs |
Airport transfers (arrival & departure) | |
Bottled drinking water, tea, and coffee during safari | |
Hot air balloon safari in Serengeti | |
Olduvai Gorge entrance and museum visit |
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit in unmatched style. From the iconic Serengeti plains to the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater and the remote, untouched charm of Lake Natron, this luxury safari seamlessly blends awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, rich cultural experiences, and exquisite accommodations. Travel in comfort with a personal driver-guide and stay in top-tier lodges and tented camps, each selected for their elegance, views, and exclusivity.
Let Joyful Safaris and Tours take you deeper into Tanzania, where adventure meets luxury at every turn.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to Wilderness
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your personal guide will warmly welcome you and escort you to your luxurious starting point: the beautiful Gran Meliá Arusha. Nestled between Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, this urban oasis offers world-class comfort and a tranquil setting to unwind before your journey begins.
Overnight: Gran Meliá Arusha
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Tarangire National Park – The Kingdom of Elephants
After breakfast, set out on your first safari drive to Tarangire National Park, a haven for elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Covering 2,600 sq. km, Tarangire is a paradise of dry riverbeds and golden savannas. Spot giraffes, wildebeests, lions, and over 500 bird species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch under the baobabs and continue game viewing before heading to your serene lodge.
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park – Rift Valley Gem
Drive through the Great Rift Valley escarpment to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its stunning scenery and unique tree-climbing lions. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled with flamingos, storks, pelicans, and over 400 avian species. Spot elephants, hippos, zebras, and more as you explore the dense forests and grassy floodplains.
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater – The Eighth Wonder of the World
Descend into the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Africa’s densest population of wildlife. Marvel at the chance to see the “Big Five” in a single game drive: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.
Picnic in the crater floor beside a hippo pool, then journey onward to the central Serengeti.
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Serengeti National Park – The Great Migration Plains
Awaken in the legendary Serengeti National Park, the stage for Earth’s greatest wildlife drama: The Great Migration. Witness wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and topi as they cross predator-laden plains in search of fresh pasture. Spot lions, cheetahs, and perhaps elusive leopards as you explore one of the world’s richest ecosystems.
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Balloon Safari Over the Serengeti
Rise before dawn for an unforgettable hot air balloon safari with Miracle Experience. Drift above the plains as the sun rises over the savanna, offering panoramic views of wildlife below. After landing, enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush.
Spend the remainder of the day relaxing or enjoying an optional afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Olduvai Gorge & Cultural Insight
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, then head to the Olduvai Gorge, known as the “Cradle of Mankind.” Visit its fascinating museum and view ongoing archaeological digs. Continue to the Ngorongoro highlands for a scenic drive to Karatu.
Overnight: The Retreat at Ngorongoro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Lake Natron – Flamingo Haven & Maasai Lands
Travel off the beaten path to the mysterious Lake Natron, home to over 2.5 million lesser flamingos. Walk to the lake’s shore for stunning views, and hike to nearby waterfalls nestled in a lush gorge. Discover traditional Maasai communities along the way.
Overnight: Gran Meliá Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Departure Day
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy breakfast at your hotel and perhaps some souvenir shopping before your guide transfers you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
2025/2026 Pricing (Per Person in USD)
Date Range | 2-3 Pax | 4-5 Pax | 6 Pax |
---|---|---|---|
Jun 1 – Oct 31 | $8,999 | $8,800 | $8,623 |
Dec 22 – Mar 31 | $8,814 | $8,640 | $8,523 |
Nov 1 – Dec 21 | $8,404 | $8,289 | $8,110 |
Apr 1 – May 31 | $8,280 | $8,110 | $7,890 |
What’s Included | What’s Not Included |
---|---|
All accommodations and meals from arrival to departure | International flights and visa fees |
All national park and conservation fees | Travel insurance |
Private luxury 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and fridge | Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks at lodges (unless stated) |
Professional English-speaking safari guide | Personal expenses, tips, and souvenirs |
Airport transfers (arrival & departure) | |
Bottled drinking water, tea, and coffee during safari | |
Hot air balloon safari in Serengeti | |
Olduvai Gorge entrance and museum visit |
Our best Tanzania safari experiences include game drives in the Serengeti, a hot air balloon ride over the Ngorongoro Crater, and a visit to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
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