The northern Tanzanian safari circuit encompasses the epitome of an African adventure. Expansive savanna, vibrant wildlife, intriguing cultures and quintessential landscapes are incorporated into each moment on this adventure. Travel from the remote Tarangire National Park, through the Ngorongoro Crater and out towards the famed and incomparable plains of the Serengeti, as vibrant wildlife escorts you the entire way. Marvel at the Great...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Tarangire – Into the Heart of the Tranquil Tarangire National Park
Having arrived in the city of Arusha yesterday, today you will be able to get an early start on the day as you hop in a private vehicle and drive into the bush. Moving out of the shadows of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, you will drive towards your first destination: Tarangire National Park. As baobab trees become more prevalent along the roadside, you will know you are nearing this remarkable, yet rarely visited national park. Upon passing the park gates, you will drive alongside the Tarangire River, which sustains much of the resident wildlife. Stop for a picnic under the shade of a prehistoric-looking baobab tree, soaking in the beauty of this wild landscape. Stretch your legs as you scramble up the behemoth branches of the baobab, before returning to the truck to continue with the adventure.
Herds of ungulates dot the roadside as you gradually drive up a slight rise leading you towards your safari lodge. Tucked between kopjes (rocky outcroppings) with expansive views of the surrounding plains, this will be your first of many unbelievable African safari lodges. Having spent much of the day in the car, you might enjoy spending the remainder of the afternoon unwinding on the various levels of the lodge. The pool is a perfect spot to close your eyes with a cocktail in hand, while spending time on the lodge’s upper deck may just give you your first elephant sighting! Walk through the elaborate marble-floored main lodge, looking at the local art and artifacts that decorate the lodge. Join the lodge guests on the expansive outdoor patio for a dinner under the starry night sky, before gathering round the fire for a few celebratory arrival drinks. When you can no longer keep your eyes open, wander back to your private suite with a guarded escort, keeping your ears open for the sounds of grazing buffalo or cackling hyenas. Located on an unfenced property, wildlife is free to roam throughout the grounds as guards ensure your safety.
What's Included:
Day 2
Tarangire – Set Out on Your First Day of Safaris
Day 3
Ngorongoro Crater – Visit Mto-Wa-Mbu Village en Route to Ngorongoro Crater
Day 4
Ngorongoro Crater – Explore the Crater Floor and Surrounding Plateaus
Day 5
Serengeti – Drive Through the Olduvai Gorge to the Famed Serengeti National Park
Day 6
Serengeti – Searching for Africa’s Big Five
Day 7
Serengeti – Explore the Northern Serengeti
Day 8
Serengeti – Searching for the Great Wildebeest Migration
Day 9
Lake Manyara – Drive Towards Lake Manyara National Park
Day 10
Arusha – Squeeze in a Final Morning Game Drive in Lake Manyara
Trip Highlights
- Weave and wander through the Great Wildebeest Migration, watching as they cross the magnificent Mara River (month dependent)
- Traverse the Serengeti in search of Africa’s spectacular Big Five: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros
- Picnic beneath a baobab tree as large herds of elephants gracefully roam the horizon of Tarangire National Park
- Sip a cocktail on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, as the sun dips below the horizon and the sky comes alive with color
- Visit authentic Maasai villages, learning of their unique traditions and cultures through song, dance and community interactions
- Unwind in the serene and tranquil Lake Manyara National Park, as lions climb in the trees around you
Detailed Description
Tanzania’s northern safari circuit combines quintessential African landscapes with the lesser-known corners of the country. Those who embark on this 10-day adventure through the national parks are exposed to the full variety of big game, vibrant birdlife, impossibly beautiful landscapes, curious cultures and thrilling wildlife encounters, all from the comfort of luxurious African safari lodges. Fresh cuisine inspired by local flavors, along with interesting décor created by the surrounding communities, ensures that all senses are touched on this Tanzanian adventure.
This tour begins in the shade of an ancient baobab trees in Tarangire National Park. Quiet, remote and rugged, this park is famed for its large herds of elephants and its unique landscape. The arid climate supports a number of species not seen elsewhere in the north, including the beisa oryx and the gerenuk. This dry landscape is perfectly complimented by time in the lush Ngorongoro Crater. Traverse the crater floor as leopards look onwards at the plentiful game grazing quietly beside the lake. Climb to the highlands for sweeping views of this volcanic landscape, allowing yourself to drift back millions of years, imagining what this landscape once was.
Of course, the crux of the tour exists on the sprawling, expansive and utterly perfect plains of the Serengeti. Days of safaris traveling alongside the Great Wildebeest Migration as hungry lionesses look onwards is, quite simply, the archetypal image of an African adventure. Spend days ambling across this surreal landscape with the aid of a private guide. Close encounters with classic species make days here an unforgettable part of the journey. However, the grandness of this thrilling environment is again wonderfully complimented by a few final moments on the tranquil shores of Lake Manyara National Park. Reflect on the broader journey from the shores of this alkaline lake as flamingos fly in the skies above, and lions counterintuitively climb trees in the forested woodland.
Ideal Travel Months
This safari spends considerable time in the Serengeti, in lodges perfectly positioned to observe the Great Wildebeest Migration. As such, we would recommend planning this trip between the months of November and June, when the herds are plentiful in the southern plains. Within this period, May and June offer the absolute best wildebeest viewing from Lobo Lodge. This period does, however, coincide with the busiest time in the Serengeti, and guests should be prepared for larger crowds.
If the Great Wildebeest Migration is not a focal point of your trip, it would be worth visiting between the months of July and October, when wildlife in Tarangire is most plentiful. Tarangire is a migratory park that is filled with migratory mammals and birds during this period.
Starting Price
$7,400 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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