Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha & Welcome

Meet your guide • Transfer to hotel • Welcome briefing • Overnight Arusha

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport your guide will meet you and transfer you to a comfortable boutique hotel on the outskirts of Arusha. After check-in you'll have time to rest and freshen up. In the evening enjoy a welcome briefing with your guide who will outline the week's plan and answer any questions. Dinner at the lodge with an introduction to Tanzanian cuisine.

• Accommodation: Luxury boutique lodge (dinner included)
• Duration of transfers: ~30–60 minutes from JRO depending on arrival

Day 2 — Tarangire National Park

Full-day safari • Famous for elephants & baobabs

After breakfast depart for Tarangire National Park, famed for its huge elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. The day is spent on game drives through varied habitats — open plains, riverine forest and seasonal swamps. Keep an eye out for large tuskers, herds of buffalo, giraffe and predators that follow the migratory prey. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park, and return to a comfortable lodge for dinner and relaxation.

• Best for: Elephants, birdlife, baobab photography
• Game drive length: 4–6 hours (with stops)

Day 3 — Lake Manyara National Park

Morning safari • Tree-climbing lions & abundant birds

A scenic drive brings you to Lake Manyara National Park — small in size but high in diversity. Morning game drive focuses on the soda lake shore, home to flocks of flamingos (seasonal), thousands of water birds and chances to spot troops of baboons. The park's acacia woodlands are famous for the occasional tree-climbing lion. After a packed or lodge lunch you can enjoy a short cultural visit to a nearby village if time allows or relax at the lodge.

• Highlights: Birding, tree lions, hippo pools
• Useful tip: Bring binoculars and a wide-angle lens for landscapes

Day 4 — Serengeti National Park (arrival & afternoon game drive)

Drive to Serengeti • Afternoon safari

Today you'll travel to the legendary Serengeti. Depending on the season and your chosen route, you may cross the scenic open plains where wildebeest and zebra roam in large numbers. Upon arrival check into your camp or lodge and enjoy lunch. In the late afternoon set out for your first Serengeti game drive — the light at dusk is perfect for big cats returning from hunting. Evening sundowners and dinner under the stars complete the day.

• Accommodation: Tented camp or luxury lodge inside Serengeti
• Travel time: 3–6 hours depending on route and stops

Day 5 — Full-day Serengeti Safari

Witness the Great Migration (seasonal) • Full-day game drives

Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti's vast ecosystem with morning and afternoon game drives. If your trip coincides with the Great Wildebeest Migration you'll witness spectacular river crossings and huge herds traversing the plains. The Serengeti hosts large populations of cheetah, lion, leopard and hyena, as well as many plains species. A picnic lunch in the bush and a slow afternoon drive maximize wildlife encounters and photography opportunities.

• Pro tip: Early morning drives give the best chance to see predators.
• Optional: Hot-air balloon at dawn (book in advance)

Day 6 — Ngorongoro Crater

Crater safari • Home to the Big Five

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half to full-day safari. The crater floor supports a remarkable density of wildlife in a relatively small area — look for black rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion and hippo. The crater's varied habitats also host flamingos and diverse birdlife. After an enriched day of wildlife viewing, ascend the crater rim for panoramic vistas and transfer to your lodge for a final dinner of celebration.

• Note: Crater access fees apply and are included in the package
• Bring a light jacket — crater mornings can be cool

Day 7 — Return to Arusha & Departure

Transfer to Arusha • Airport drop-off

After a relaxed breakfast take a scenic drive back to Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule you may have time to visit a local curio shop or enjoy a final lunch in town. Your guide will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for onward travel. We recommend booking international flights in the evening of Day 7 or Day 8 to allow for flexibility.

• Transfer time to JRO: typically 3–4 hours
• Airport drop-offs are timed to match your outbound flights

Optional Add-ons & Activities

Enhance your Northern Circuit experience with these carefully selected extras. We can arrange any of these in advance — prices vary by season.

• Hot air balloon over the Serengeti (dawn flight with champagne breakfast)
• Guided walking safari with Maasai guide
• Private picnic or sundowner experience on the plains
• Mountain biking or cultural visits near Lake Manyara