The Ultimate Northern Circuit — 8-Day Big Five Safari
8 Days / 7 Nights

The Ultimate Northern Circuit — 8-Day Big Five Safari

Experience Overview

Experience Overview

Eight days of pure, unadulterated wilderness — the Northern Circuit is Tanzania's most iconic safari route, and this itinerary elevates it to an art form. Beginning in Arusha, you'll embark on a private overland journey through landscapes that have captivated explorers for centuries. Your adventure opens in Tarangire National Park, where ancient baobab trees frame herds of over 300 elephants. Continue to the emerald-fringed shores of Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions and vast flocks of flamingos. The Ngorongoro Crater — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest intact volcanic caldera — offers virtually guaranteed Big Five sightings in a single morning's game drive. The journey culminates with three full days in the Serengeti, staying in a private concession area far from the crowds. Expect intimate encounters with lion prides, leopard lounging in acacia branches, and the eternal ebb and flow of the Great Migration. Nights are spent in award-winning lodges and fly camps chosen for their unrivalled vantage points.

Journey Map

Route Overview

Follow the itinerary as it moves through each destination, with grouped day ranges for consecutive stays.

6 Stops

5 Destinations: Arusha Town, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater

Highlights

The standout moments built into this safari.

Explore all four Northern Circuit parks in one safari

Big Five sightings virtually guaranteed in Ngorongoro Crater

Tarangire's legendary elephant herds among ancient baobabs

Tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara

Three full days in the Serengeti on a private concession

Award-winning lodges and exclusive fly camps

Sunset cocktails on the Ngorongoro Crater rim

Itinerary

An editorial journey through each day of the safari, with destinations, imagery, and places you will stay.

Day 1
Arusha Town

Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Private transfer to your Arusha lodge with welcome dinner and detailed safari briefing.

Arusha Town
Arrival in Arusha
Day 2
Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Drive to the breathtaking Lake Manyara, shimmering at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Search for tree-climbing lions, hippo pods, flamingo flocks and over 400 bird species in this compact gem.

Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park
Day 3
Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park

A full day in Tarangire — famous for its ancient baobabs and massive elephant herds. Game drives along the river reveal lion, leopard, python and herds of wildebeest and zebra.

Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Day 4
Serengeti National Park

Karatu to Serengeti — Olduvai Gorge

Cross the Ngorongoro Highlands, stopping at Olduvai Gorge — the "Cradle of Mankind". Descend into the Serengeti for afternoon game drives across the endless plains.

Serengeti National Park
Karatu to Serengeti — Olduvai Gorge
Day 5
Serengeti National Park

Full Day in the Serengeti

Explore the Serengeti from dawn to dusk. Morning and afternoon game drives revealing lion prides, leopard in sausage trees, cheetah hunts, and vast herds of herbivores. Optional balloon safari at sunrise.

Serengeti National Park
Full Day in the Serengeti
Day 6
Serengeti National Park

Serengeti — Northern Sector

Drive north toward the Mara River region. This area is famous for dramatic wildebeest river crossings. Big cats and crocodile sightings are frequent. Picnic lunch on the savanna.

Serengeti National Park
Serengeti — Northern Sector
Day 7
Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater Descent

Early departure for the Ngorongoro Crater. Descend 600 metres into the caldera for a half-day game drive — spot black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo and hippo in this extraordinary natural arena.

Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater Descent
Day 8
Arusha Town

Ngorongoro to Arusha — Departure

Morning drive through the green Karatu highlands back to Arusha. Farewell lunch, souvenir shopping, and transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport.

Arusha Town
Ngorongoro to Arusha — Departure

Where You Will Stay

A curated look at the camps and lodges stitched into this itinerary.

Inclusions & Exclusions

A clear view of what is covered and what to plan for separately.

Included

All park and conservation fees
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Professional safari guide
All meals, water, and select beverages
Premium lodge and tented camp accommodation
Ngorongoro Crater service fee
Airport transfers
AMREF Flying Doctors insurance

Excluded

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Optional balloon safari ($599)
Gratuities
Personal expenditure

Ready to Plan Your Journey?

Download the full itinerary to share with your travel companions, or start customising this safari to match your dates, group size, and preferences.

Guest Reviews

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5.0

Excellent

(6)

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E

elisa s

Super Safari, inoubliable avec un super guide nommé Bonaventura qui a su nous faire découvrir la faune et la flore de son pays avec générosité et passion. Nous avons pu voir les big Five. Nous le recommandons fortement! Ce fut une expérience riche en couleurs, aussi, bien d'un point de vue humain, que d'un point de vue découverte des animaux et des paysages. Elisa, Regis, Livio et Vasco dit Monsieur oiseau

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written November 1, 2025

L

Luc D

Nous avons vécu un moment inoubliable en famille lors de notre safari ! Nos guides ont rendu ce voyage exceptionnel du début à la fin grâce a leur générosité de partage et nous faire découvrir leur terre et nature ! D'u e grande connaissance de la faune et de la nature, toujours gentils et attentifs, Euge se missionnait pour trouver tous les animaux que nous désirions voir et Erick nous commentait toutes les lois de la nature ! Ce sont eux qui ont donné un véritable sens à ces jeux avec les animaux ! Avec grand respect ! Chaque moment était remplis d'émotions et les big five tous cochés ! Un immense merci pour cette expérience magique que nous n'oublierons jamais. Nous recommandons à 100 % cette agence et surtout nos guides Euge et Erick

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 27, 2025

K

Katty S

Flemalle, Belgium

Nous avons été ma fille et moi prisent en charge par Hussein et Francis. Ce guide était juste parfait, il nous a donné des explications très intéressantes et surtout les deux ont fait découvrir la vraie nature. Le parc TARANGIRE et tous ces éléphants. Le parc du lac MANYARA et ses singes, et la visite du village MTO WA MBU. Et le dernier parc, le NGORONGORO où il y avait des animaux à voir de tous les côtés. Nous avons grâce à valider 4 animaux du big five : lions, éléphants, rhinocéros et les buffles. Nous avons vu des troupeaux d'éléphants, de gnous, de zèbres, de lionnes, de buffles, de gazelles et bien d'autres animaux. C'était magnifique, magique, incroyable, époustouflant. Merci à vous deux

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 27, 2025

E

Enri000

We were fortunate to be accompanied for 7 days by Jones, our French-speaking guide, on safari through Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Tarangire. Traveling as a family spanning three generations, we were all amazed by his exceptional knowledge of wildlife, perseverance, and infectious enthusiasm. Thanks to him, we were able to observe all the iconic animals in perfect conditions, often feeling as if we were alone in spectacular landscapes. A special thank you also to Georges, who accompanied us in another vehicle for the luggage and brought good humor and positivity every day. Thanks to Jones and Georges, this safari will remain a magical, authentic, and emotional experience. We highly recommend them to anyone dreaming of an unforgettable safari in Tanzania. Hakuna Matata!

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 24, 2025

M

Mylene P

Super. David est à l écoute de nos demandes. Il connaît son métier par coeur. Il est dévoué. Et surtout il est au top. Il prépare les pic nique et non des box et il est même équipé de une nappe. Il est attachant, on a pas envie de le quitter.

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 20, 2025

Traveled Couples

C

Camille M

Incroyable safari en compagnie de notre super guide Boni qui parle français ! Merci pour ses explications détaillées. Au-delà d'avoir été notre guide, Boni est une très bonne personne ! Au programme du safari : Parc de Manyara, Ngorongoro et Tarangire et rencontre avec les tribus Datoga et Hadzabes avec de très bons plats à chaque pique-nique du midi. Merci à Boni, Lomo Tanzania Safari et Terra Africa pour l'organisation. Asante sana

Review of: Lomo Tanzania Safaris

Written October 17, 2025

Traveled Couples

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