7-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Safaris — Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara

What is the 7-day Tanzania Northern Circuit safari?
A one-week route visiting Tarangire (2 nights), Serengeti (2 nights), Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, including guided game drives, lodge/camp stays, meals, and park fees—optimised for Big Five and migration viewing in Northern Tanzania.

Discover the classic 7-day Tanzania Northern Circuit safari combining Tarangire (2 nights), Serengeti (2 nights), Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara—a route designed for maximum wildlife time and minimal back-tracking. Expect elephant herds beneath baobabs in Tarangire, predator action on the Serengeti plains, the dense game of Ngorongoro’s caldera, and bird-rich forests and lakeshores in Manyara. This itinerary runs year-round, with peak predator encounters during the dry season and verdant scenery (plus newborns) in the green season.

You’ll travel in comfortable 4×4 vehicles with a pro guide, stay in well-located lodges or tented camps, and enjoy inclusive meals and park fees. Want to plan timing around the herds? See our Great Migration guide and Best Time to Visit Tanzania. For park rules/fees, refer to TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks).

Why this tour? Two nights each in Tarangire and Serengeti give you unhurried game drives and better chances for rare sightings, while Ngorongoro and Manyara round out the habitats in one seamless week. Prefer a beach finish? Pair this route with a Zanzibar extension from our Tanzania Safaris hub.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 — Arrive Arusha → Tarangire (afternoon game drive)
Meet your guide in Arusha/Kilimanjaro Airport and drive 2–3 hours to Tarangire National Park. After check-in, head out across riverine woodlands dotted with ancient baobabs where elephants congregate, especially in the dry months. Look for giraffe, zebra, buffalo, and lion near the Tarangire River. Sunset at your lodge/camp, dinner, and a briefing on next day’s plan. Optional: pre-book a nature walk near the boundary (lodge-dependent).

Day 2 — Full day Tarangire (elephants, baobabs & big cats)
Early start to catch predators while it’s cool. Your guide works the swamps and river terraces where huge breeding herds of elephants browse. Scan termite mounds for cheetah and acacia branches for lounging leopards. Midday break for lunch, then an afternoon circuit along the Silale Swamp for elephants, hippos, and prolific birdlife. Return at dusk; stargaze around the campfire and review tomorrow’s Serengeti transfer.

Day 3 — Tarangire → Serengeti (scenic transit + game drive)
After breakfast, drive via the Ngorongoro highlands into Serengeti National Park (picnic en route). Descend onto endless plains for your first Serengeti game drive, tracking resident lions and seasonal herds. Depending on month, your guide targets Central (Seronera) or Southern/Northern sectors to put you near the action. Arrive at your tented camp/lodge by late afternoon. Optional: book a dawn balloon safari for tomorrow (weather-dependent).

Day 4 — Full day Serengeti (two game drives)
Spend sunrise among grazing wildebeest and zebras as predators stir. Your morning follows river lines and kopjes for lion, leopard, and cheetah; mid-morning, pause at a hippo pool. After a picnic or lodge lunch, push deeper into quieter tracks for elephants, buffalo, ostrich, and raptors. Golden-hour photography as the savannah glows; return for dinner and fireside stories under brilliant southern skies.

Day 5 — Serengeti → Ngorongoro Highlands (rim views)
Final Serengeti drive at dawn, then exit east with an optional stop at Oldupai (Olduvai) Gorge museum to explore early human history. Climb into the cooler Ngorongoro highlands where mists wreath the forested rim. Check into a rim lodge or Karatu area property. Late-afternoon at leisure: coffee farm walk or crater-rim viewpoint (weather permitting). Early night ahead of tomorrow’s crater descent.

Day 6 — Ngorongoro Crater → Lake Manyara (late-pm game drive)
Descend 600m into the Ngorongoro Crater for a concentrated Big Five drive—black rhino (if lucky), lion prides, large buffalo, and bustling hippo pools. Midday ascend and continue to Lake Manyara National Park. Enter the groundwater forest for blue monkeys and hornbills; drive out to lakeshore flats for flamingos (seasonal) and plains game. Watch for Manyara’s famed tree-climbing lions. Overnight near Manyara/Karatu.

Day 7 — Lake Manyara (morning option) → Arusha / Departure
Take an optional short birding/game drive at dawn to catch forest light and fresh tracks. After breakfast, return to Arusha for lunch and curio stops, or transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for onward flights. If you’re continuing to the coast, we can arrange a seamless Zanzibar flight connection. Trip debrief with your guide and farewell!

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Price comparison table

Notes: final price varies by season, group size, rooming, and exchange rates.

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Key aspects

• 2 nights Tarangire + 2 nights Serengeti = unhurried viewing & better predator chances

• Diverse habitats in one week: savannah, crater, lakeshore woodland

• Expert local guides (wildlife behavior & photo positioning)

• Choice of budget, mid-range, luxury or private formats

• Add-ons: balloon safari, Maasai village visit, Oldupai Gorge, Zanzibar extension

• Transparent pricing, no hidden park fees, 24/7 local support

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Frequently Asked Questions

1️⃣ What is included in the 7-day Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari?

All park fees, government taxes, 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, professional English-speaking guide, accommodation (full-board meals), game drives in Tarangire (2 nights), Serengeti (2 nights), Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara, bottled water, airport transfers, and emergency evacuation cover are included.

2️⃣ What is excluded from the tour price?

International flights, Tanzania visa, travel insurance, alcoholic drinks, personal expenses, optional activities (balloon ride, Maasai village visit, Oldupai Gorge), and guide tips (USD 10–15 pp/day).

3️⃣ What type of accommodation is offered?

Choice of budget, mid-range, or lodge camps—all with private facilities, mosquito nets, and dining areas. Upgrades to luxury lodges available on request.

4️⃣ How big are the groups?

Small and personal — 4 to 7 travellers per 4×4 vehicle, ensuring each guest has a window seat and ample photo space.

5️⃣ When is the best time to go?

June to October offers dry-season game viewing and the Serengeti Migration; November to May brings lush scenery and newborn animals. See our Best Time to Visit Tanzania.

6️⃣ Can I add Zanzibar or cultural extensions?

Yes—combine this route with a Zanzibar beach stay or Lake Eyasi cultural tour. Our team handles flight links and seamless transfers.

7️⃣ Are vaccinations or malaria precautions required?

Consult your doctor for Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Hepatitis A/B vaccines and malaria prophylaxis at least 3 weeks before travel. See TANAPA for official health advice.

8️⃣ What are the payment & cancellation terms?

A 30 % deposit confirms booking; balance on arrival (cash or card + 3.8 % fee). Cancellations 30 days before departure = full refund; within 30 days = deposit credit for future travel.

9️⃣ Is Wi-Fi available during the safari?

Most lodges offer free Wi-Fi in common areas, but connection may drop in remote Serengeti zones.

🔟 Are children welcome?

Yes! Families with kids aged 5 and above are welcome; younger children should book private departures for comfort and flexibility.

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What Our Travellers Say

1. Jessica & Robert – USA (August 2024)

“We joined the 7-day Northern Circuit safari and it completely exceeded our expectations. The two nights in Tarangire were unforgettable — elephants everywhere! Our guide Lawrence was so knowledgeable and kind. The Serengeti sunsets felt magical, and we even spotted a black rhino in Ngorongoro. Everything was perfectly organized, and for a budget tour, the lodges were surprisingly comfortable.”

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2. Sanjay & Priya – India (February 2024)

“Our honeymoon safari with Paradise Africa Safari was incredible. We loved that it included both Serengeti and Lake Manyara. The schedule had the right balance between travel and relaxation. The team went above and beyond — they even surprised us with a private bush dinner on our final night. Highly recommend this itinerary for couples who want both adventure and romance.”

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3. Elena – Spain (June 2025)

“I travelled solo and joined a small group of five people. It was such a friendly, inclusive atmosphere! Our driver Charles made sure we saw everything — lions, leopards, and the Great Migration herds. The route flowed perfectly from park to park without feeling rushed. I also felt very safe as a solo female traveller, which mattered a lot.”

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4. George Family – United Kingdom (December 2025)

“We took our kids (ages 10 and 13) on the Northern Circuit safari and it was the highlight of our year! Two nights in Serengeti meant we had time for longer game drives and relaxing at camp. The kids were fascinated by the Maasai village visit. The whole team, from booking to guiding, was professional and caring. Paradise Africa Safari truly delivers what it promises.”

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Inclusions & Exclusions

Tour Inclusions

Your 7 Days Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari includes everything you need for a comfortable, worry-free adventure across Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara:

•  All national park entry fees and government taxes

•  Transport in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof (shared / private option available)

• Professional English-speaking driver-guide with extensive experience

• Accommodation for 6 nights – 2 in Tarangire, 2 in Serengeti, 1 near Ngorongoro, 1 at Lake Manyara

• Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily)

• Unlimited game drives as per the detailed itinerary

• Bottled drinking water during all safaris

• Airport pick-up and drop-off (Arusha / Kilimanjaro International Airport)

• Emergency medical evacuation cover (AMREF Flying Doctors)

• 24/7 on-ground support from the Paradise Africa Safari operations team

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Tour Exclusions

The following are not included in your package price but can be arranged upon request before travel:

• International flights to/from Tanzania

• Tanzania visa fee (USD 50 per person on arrival)

• Travel and medical insurance (highly recommended)

• Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, laundry, etc.)

• Soft and alcoholic beverages at lodges and camps

• Optional activities:

  • Hot-air balloon safari in Serengeti

  • Maasai village visit near Ngorongoro

  • Oldupai Gorge museum entry

• Tips and gratuities for driver-guides (recommended USD 10–15 per person per day)

• Pre- or post-safari accommodation in Arusha (available on request)

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Why Choose This Northern Circuit Safari

• Two full nights in Tarangire and Serengeti — allows slower pace and more sightings.

• Covers Tanzania’s top four parks in a single week — perfect for first-timers.

• Expert local guides who know the wildlife behavior, routes, and photography angles.

• Transparent pricing — no hidden costs; all major inclusions covered.

• Small groups or private departures available for personalized experiences.

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Ready to Plan Your Tanzania Adventure?

Experience the magic of Northern Tanzania — from Tarangire’s elephant herds to the Serengeti’s endless plains, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, and the lush beauty of Lake Manyara — all in one unforgettable 7-day safari.

Available Dates: Year-round (daily departures for 2026 / 2027 / 2028)
Join a group or go private: Flexible options to match your budget & travel style
Instant Assistance: Message us directly on WhatsApp +254 728 567 308 for custom quotes or quick booking confirmation.

 Why Book With Paradise Africa Safari

• Licensed local operator with offices in Kenya & Tanzania

• Expert guides & 24/7 on-ground support

• Secure payments via bank transfer or card (3.8 % surcharge applies)

• Transparent pricing — no hidden fees

• Free date changes up to 30 days before travel

Special Offer: Book before 31 Dec 2025 and enjoy free Arusha airport transfers + a complimentary Maasai cultural visit on day 6.

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Trusted by Travellers

“Flawless from start to finish — saw the Big Five twice!” — Jessica & Robert (USA, 2026)
“Great value for a 7-day safari — highly recommend Paradise Africa Safari.” — George Family (UK, 2028)