Northern Circuit + Private Concessions Safari | Exclusive Safari Experience (2025–2026)

The Northern Circuit is the heart of Tanzania’s safari experience, renowned for its diverse landscapes, legendary wildlife, and iconic destinations. This region includes the vast Serengeti National Park, home to the Great Migration and some of the world’s most thrilling predator action; the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World”; the elephant-rich Tarangire National Park, dotted with ancient baobab trees; and the picturesque Lake Manyara, famous for its flamingos and tree-climbing lions. Together, these parks form the foundation of Tanzania’s most popular safari circuit, offering exceptional game viewing year-round.

The Northern Circuit + Private Concessions Safari takes this classic journey further by combining Tanzania’s most famous parks with the exclusivity of private concessions bordering the Serengeti. These private reserves such as Grumeti, Ndutu, Lamai, and Ikorongo, offer the same extraordinary wildlife experiences as the Serengeti but with a far more exclusive atmosphere. Unlike the national parks, private concessions allow for night game drives, guided walking safaris, off-road tracking, and fewer visitor numbers, giving you a more intimate and flexible safari experience.

By blending the classic Northern Circuit highlights with the seclusion of private concessions, this safari offers the best of both worlds, the chance to explore Tanzania’s most celebrated landscapes while also enjoying unique, off-the-grid experiences that are not possible inside the national parks. It’s the perfect choice for travelers who want a safari that is both iconic and exclusive.

Highlights of the Northern Circuit + Private Concessions Safari

• Game drives in Serengeti National Park, witnessing the Great Migration and Big Five.

• Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife-rich volcanic caldera.

• Spot elephants, lions, and baobabs in Tarangire National Park.

• Visit Lake Manyara, famous for flamingos and tree-climbing lions.

• Stay in exclusive private concessions like Ndutu, Lamai, or Grumeti with unique activities.

• Off-road drives, walking safaris, and night game drives, experiences unavailable in the main parks.

• Luxurious, intimate accommodations with top-tier service and panoramic wilderness views.

Why Travelers Love the Northern Circuit + Private Concessions Safari

• Privacy and exclusivity: Fewer vehicles and personalized guiding.

• Unique experiences: Bush walks, night drives, and off-road tracking.

• Seasonal flexibility: Stay in Ndutu for calving season (Dec–Mar), Lamai/Kogatende for river crossings (Jul–Sep), or Grumeti for migration movements (May–Jun).

• Uninterrupted wildlife moments in areas where animals roam freely with minimal tourist traffic.

• Luxury touches: Climate-controlled tents, gourmet cuisine, and private verandas.

Duration Options

• 8 Days: Compact journey covering the highlights of the Northern Circuit with one private concession stay.

• 12 Days: Extended safari with more time in Serengeti’s private reserves and varied activities.

Our Itineraries for Northern Circuit + Private Concessions Safari

8-Day Northern Circuit + Private Concessions Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet your guide, and transfer to a lodge in Arusha. Overnight with safari briefing.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Game drives in Tarangire, famous for elephants and baobabs. Overnight in a lodge/camp inside or near the park.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park
Explore Lake Manyara’s wildlife diversity; hippos, giraffes, and tree-climbing lions. Overnight near the park.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Full-day crater exploration, spotting rhinos, lions, elephants, and flamingos. Overnight on the crater rim or Karatu.

Day 5–6: Serengeti National Park (Central)
Game drives across the Serengeti plains, tracking predators and migration herds. Overnight at Serengeti lodge/tented camp.

Day 7: Serengeti Private Concession (Ndutu/Lamai/Grumeti)
Transfer into a private reserve for off-road drives, bush walks, or night safaris. Overnight at a luxury tented camp.

Day 8: Return to Arusha & Departure
Morning game drive before returning to Arusha or flying out. Connect to Zanzibar if desired.

12-Day Northern Circuit + Private Concessions Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Meet your guide on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport. Transfer to a luxury lodge in Arusha.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Begin with game drives in Tarangire. Overnight at Tarangire lodge/camp.

Day 3: Full-Day Tarangire Safari
Spend a full day exploring Tarangire’s woodlands and river valleys. Evening sundowners at camp.

Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park
Explore Lake Manyara’s birdlife and tree-climbing lions. Overnight near the Rift Valley.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a day of exceptional game viewing. Overnight on crater rim or Karatu.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Highlands to Serengeti
Journey to Serengeti via Naabi Hill. Afternoon game drive. Overnight in Serengeti lodge/camp.

Day 7–8: Serengeti National Park (Central Region)
Two full days of game drives in Serengeti. Optional hot air balloon safari. Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 9–10: Serengeti Private Concession (Ndutu/Lamai/Grumeti)
Transfer to an exclusive private concession, enjoying off-road tracking, night drives, and walking safaris. Two nights at luxury tented camp.

Day 11: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands
Morning game drive, return to Ngorongoro highlands. Optional cultural visit to Maasai village. Overnight in Karatu.

Day 12: Return to Arusha & Departure
Drive or fly back to Arusha. Transfer to airport or onward to Zanzibar.

Safari Inclusions

• Full-board accommodation in lodges & luxury tented camps

• Professional English-speaking safari guide

• 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof & unlimited mileage

• All park and concession fees, including Ngorongoro crater permits

• Airport transfers (arrival & departure)

• Bottled drinking water during safaris

• Exclusive activities in concessions (night drives, walking safaris, off-road game drives)

Safari Exclusions

• International flights & visas

• Travel & medical insurance

• Tips & gratuities for guides and camp staff

• Alcoholic/soft drinks not part of full board

• Optional activities (hot air balloon safari, cultural visits)

• Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)

Who Is This Safari For?

• Luxury travelers who value privacy and exclusivity.

• Honeymooners and couples seeking romantic, secluded safari moments.

• Wildlife enthusiasts wanting unique activities like walking safaris and night drives.

• Repeat safari-goers who have done the classic routes and want something extra.

Why Book the Northern Circuit + Private Concessions Safari with Macpace Tours & Safaris?

At Macpace Tours & Safaris, we don’t just sell safaris, we design journeys that are tailored to your dreams. Here’s why discerning travelers choose us:

• Local expertise: Our guides know every migration route, wildlife corridor, and hidden viewpoint.

• Handpicked accommodations: We partner with the best lodges and tented camps for both comfort and authenticity.

• Seamless logistics: From park permits to transfers, every detail is arranged for a stress-free safari.

• Personalized service: Flexible itineraries crafted around your interests, whether it’s photography, birding, or luxury relaxation.

• Trusted experience: With years of successfully guiding travelers across Tanzania, we know how to deliver unforgettable safari moments.

👉 Book your Northern Circuit + Private Concessions Safari 2025–2026 today with Macpace Tours & Safaris, and experience Tanzania’s wilderness like never before; exclusive, intimate, and perfectly crafted for you.