Northern Circuit Classic Safaris | Tanzania’s Best-Selling Safari Experience (2025–2026)

The Northern Circuit Classic Safari is the ultimate introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes, making it the most popular safari choice for travelers worldwide. This iconic route combines the country’s most celebrated destinations; Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara creating a journey that captures the very heart of Africa.

Often referred to as the “classic Tanzania safari,” the Northern Circuit is loved for its unbeatable game-viewing opportunities and the diversity of experiences it offers. From the elephant herds moving gracefully beneath ancient baobab trees in Tarangire, to the pink-hued flamingo flocks and tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara, every stop is uniquely rewarding. The journey continues into the legendary Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife, before reaching the vast plains of the Serengeti, where the drama of the Great Migration unfolds each year.

What makes this safari so popular is its balance of big-game encounters, dramatic scenery, and cultural interactions, all wrapped into one seamless adventure. With options to extend from 7 to 10 days, travelers enjoy sunrise game drives across open savannahs, evenings in handpicked lodges or tented camps, and expert guiding that brings Tanzania’s wilderness to life.

Why Travelers Love the Northern Circuit Classic Safari

• Big Five encounters: Spot lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos in their natural habitat.

• Great Migration opportunities: Depending on timing, experience the drama of river crossings or the beauty of the calving season.

• World-famous Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with diverse wildlife in a dramatic volcanic caldera.

• Scenic variety: From baobab-filled landscapes of Tarangire to the endless savannahs of the Serengeti.

Duration: 7–10 Days

The Northern Circuit Classic Safari is flexible and ideal for both first-time visitors and returning travelers. It can be tailored to 7, 8, 9, or 10 days, depending on your schedule and interests.

Our Sample Itineraries for Northern Circuit Classic Safari

The Northern Circuit Classic Safari is flexible and can be tailored to fit your time, budget, and travel preferences. Below are two of our most popular itineraries: a 7-day compact safari for travelers with limited time, and a 10-day extended safari for those who want a more immersive experience.

7-Day Northern Circuit Classic Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your Arusha hotel for safari briefing and overnight stay.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Begin with a scenic drive to Tarangire, home to vast elephant herds, baobab trees, and excellent predator sightings. Afternoon game drive before overnight at a lodge/camp.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park
Explore Lake Manyara, famous for flamingos, hippos, and tree-climbing lions. Optional cultural visit to Mto wa Mbu village. Overnight near Lake Manyara.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a full day of game viewing in one of Africa’s richest wildlife arenas. Overnight on the crater rim or in Karatu.

Day 5–6: Serengeti National Park
Drive to the legendary Serengeti. Spend two days exploring its endless plains, tracking the Great Migration (seasonal), and spotting lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise.

Day 7: Serengeti to Arusha & Departure
Morning game drive in Serengeti, then return to Arusha for onward travel or Zanzibar beach extension.

10-Day Northern Circuit Classic Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Meet your safari guide at Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to lodge/hotel in Arusha for briefing and overnight stay.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Drive to Tarangire for afternoon game drives among elephants, baobabs, and diverse wildlife. Overnight inside or near the park.

Day 3: Full-Day Tarangire Safari
Spend the day exploring Tarangire’s rolling savannahs and river valleys, rich with predators and birdlife. Sundowner at camp.

Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park
Morning drive to Lake Manyara to spot tree-climbing lions, giraffes, flamingos, and hippos. Afternoon cultural activity or bike ride. Overnight near Lake Manyara.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for one of the most exciting safari experiences in Africa. Picnic lunch inside the crater. Overnight on crater rim or nearby Karatu.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Highlands to Serengeti
Journey to Serengeti via the Ngorongoro highlands. Afternoon game drive on arrival. Overnight lodge or tented camp.

Day 7–8: Serengeti National Park
Two full days of game drives in Serengeti. Depending on the season, experience the Great Migration, river crossings, or predator action. Optional balloon safari available.

Day 9: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Morning game drive before returning through the conservation area. Visit a Maasai village or take a guided crater rim walk. Overnight in Karatu or Ngorongoro.

Day 10: Return to Arusha & Departure
Leisurely return drive to Arusha. Airport transfer for your international flight or connection to Zanzibar.

👉 Both itineraries deliver the Northern Circuit’s most iconic experiences, but the 7-day safari is ideal for travelers on tighter schedules, while the 10-day safari offers a slower pace with extra time in Tarangire and Serengeti for deeper immersion.

Safari Inclusions

• Full-board accommodation in lodges or tented camps

• Professional English-speaking driver/guide

• 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

• Game drives with unlimited mileage

• All park entry fees & Ngorongoro crater permits

• Airport transfers (arrival & departure)

• Bottled water during safaris

Safari Exclusions

• International flights & visas

• Travel insurance

• Tips & gratuities for guides/camp staff

• Alcoholic/soft drinks not in full board plan

• Optional excursions (balloon safari, cultural visits, etc.)

• Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)

Who Is This Safari For?

The Northern Circuit Classic Safari is perfect for:

• First-time visitors to Tanzania who want the ultimate safari highlights.

• Families and groups seeking variety and excitement.

• Wildlife enthusiasts who want guaranteed sightings of diverse species.

• Photographers looking for iconic African landscapes and dramatic wildlife action.

Book your Northern Circuit Classic Safari 2025–2026 today and experience the very best of Tanzania’s safari magic with Macpace Tours & Safaris.