Tours
Tanzania Northern Circuit
9 days
Embark on an unforgettable Tanzanian safari with Adventures Africa, journeying from the vibrant city of Arusha to the stunning landscapes of Tarangire National Park, the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, and the legendary Serengeti National Park. Experience unparalleled wildlife encounters, including the awe-inspiring Great Migration, while enjoying luxurious accommodations, exhilarating game drives, and picturesque picnic lunches. Immerse yourself in the rich ecosystems and breathtaking vistas of East Africa, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Let our expertly crafted itinerary guide you through the heart of Tanzania’s natural wonders for a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Summary
- Rivertrees Country Inn, Arusha
- Lemala Mpingo Ridge, Tarangire National Park
- Lemala Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Crater
- Lemala Ewanjan, Seronera Valley
- Lemala Mara, Northern Serengeti
Land Package
From $8,699.00 per person sharing
INCLUDED
- Return airport / Airstrip transfers as per itinerary
- Ground transportation in 4×4 vehicle on safari with pop-up roof
- Game drives & private safari experience
- Accommodation in lodges specified subject to availability
- All meals during the safari
- Selected drinks throughout except at Arusha Coffee Lodge
- Laundry services throughout except at Arusha Coffee Lodge
- All park fees, government taxes and service charges
- 1.5 litres bottled water per person per day on safari
- 1 pair of binoculars and 2 photography bean bags in the vehicle
- Services of an experienced English-speaking driver-guide
- Custom safari map of Tanzania per group
NOT INCLUDED
- Any flights or transfers not mentioned
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas and Travel insurance
- Any items of a personal nature
- Any costs listed as optional services
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha
Overnight Rivertrees Country Inn – 1 Night
Day 2
Arusha – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, you will depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park. The name Tarangire is derived from the Tarangire River which provides permanent water for wildlife. In addition to a wide variety of mammals, over 300 species of birdlife have been recorded in this park.
Overnight Lemala Mpingo Ridge – 2 nights
Day 3
Tarangire National Park
Enjoy a full day safari, game viewing with a picnic lunch.
Overnight: Lemala Mpingo Ridge
Day 4
Tarangire National Park – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, depart for Ngorongoro Crater and descend into the crater with picnic lunch and game viewing. The crater is 2000ft. deep, and considered to be the 8th wonder of the world.
Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact caldera in the world with an abundance of wildlife permanently resident on the crater floor.
Overnight Lemala Ngorongoro -1 Night
Day 5
Ngorongoro Crater – Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, depart for the Serengeti National Park with picnic lunch. The Serengeti is famed for its annual migration, when some six million hooves pound the open plains, as more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelle join the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing. Yet even when the migration is quiet, the Serengeti offers arguably the most scintillating game-viewing in Africa: great herds of buffalo, elephant and giraffe, and thousands upon thousands of eland, topi, kongoni, impala and Grant’s gazelle. Golden-maned lion prides feast on the abundance of plain grazers. Solitary leopards haunt the acacia trees lining the Seronera River, while a high density of cheetahs prowl the southeastern plains.
There is more to Serengeti than large mammals. There are over 500 species of birds, and your guide will also introduce you to the small five’.
Enroute to Serengeti, you will drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Ndutu Plains.
Overnight Lemala Ewanjan – 2 Nights
Day 6
Serengeti National Park
Enjoy a full day safari with a picnic lunch in the Serengeti exploring the local ecosystem.
Overnight: Lemala Ewanjan
Day 7
Serengeti National Park
Drive from Central to Northern Serengeti with picnic lunch and enroute game drive.
Overnight Lemala Mara -2 nights
Day 8
Serengeti National Park
Enjoy a full day safari with a picnic lunch in the Serengeti exploring the local ecosystem.
Overnight: Lemala Mara
Day 9
Serengeti National Park – Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, depart for Arusha by light aircraft flying over the Ngorongoro Crater and great rift valley. The flight might make one or more intermediary stops to pick up or drop other passengers.
Arrive at the Arusha Coffee Lodge where you will enjoy a meal in the lush green gardens. After lunch you may have some time to visit Shanga, an uplifting local community social enterprise which employs people with disabilities to create unique handmade gifts.
Transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport.
Depart for your return home.
Arusha
Area Overview
Arusha is located at the foothills of Mount Meru on the eastern side of the Great Rift Valley. This is the gateway to the northern safari circuit, with easy access to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Meru. Its elevation of 1,400 m (4,600 ft) keeps temperatures relatively cool despite proximity to the equator; temperatures generally range between 10 and 30 C (50 and 86F), with little humidity due to the altitude.
Arusha is serviced by two airports, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on the eastern side, and Arusha Airport, which primarily services domestic travel. The two airports are connected by the main road, which is notorious for traffic. There is some good shopping available, including the impressive Cultural Heritage, with curio shops, a jewelry boutique, a Tanzanite and precious stone counter, a bargain center, and an art gallery.
Rivertrees Country Inn
Property Overview
Nestled in lush greenery by the Usa River, Rivertrees Country Inn blends rustic charm with modern comfort. Located near Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha, it’s a perfect gateway to Tanzania’s wonders. Enjoy cozy accommodations, fresh garden-to-table cuisine, a tranquil spa, and a refreshing pool—your ideal retreat after an adventurous day.
Property Overview
Surrounded by Northern Tanzania’s natural beauty, Rivertrees offers endless adventures. Explore Arusha National Park or Mt. Meru’s foothills just minutes away, canoe on the stunning Duluti Crater Lake, or cycle through vibrant villages and coffee farms for a glimpse of local life.
Accommodations: The Garden Rooms
Each Garden Room at Rivertrees is uniquely furnished, offering serene views of lush lawns and vibrant foliage. Some connect for families and friends, while others provide private, romantic retreats. Every stay is thoughtfully tailored to ensure a perfect match for your needs.
Highlights
- Charming estate that was once an old coffee farm
- Perfectly situated for exploring the abundant nature reserves that this region is home to
- Sanctuary for the birds and wildlife indigenous to the area
- The scope for exploration is endless
Tarangire National Park
Area Overview
Tarangire National Park, just a short drive from Arusha, is renowned for its iconic baobabs, vast savannahs, and thriving elephant herds. The Tarangire River and Silale Swamp draw abundant wildlife, including lions and other predators, offering unforgettable game-viewing experiences in this hidden gem.
Lemala Mpingo Ridge
Property Overview
Perched on an escarpment with stunning views of the Tarangire River, Lemala Mpingo Ridge offers exceptional comfort and service in a serene wilderness setting. Tarangire’s classic savannah, abundant elephants, vibrant birdlife, and iconic baobabs make it a must-visit, whether for a standalone retreat or the start of a Lemala safari adventure.
Experience & Activities
Sundowners, early morning walks, and game drives in new custom-designed vehicles accompanied by Lemala’s highly knowledgeable and experienced guides are some of the activities guests can look forward to during their stay.
Other activities offered on-site or nearby include hot air balloon rides, massages, child-friendly activities, bird watching, and more.
Tent
There are 13 standard suites plus one 2-bedroom tented suite. Each standard suite can accommodate as a triple with three adults, or two adults and two children under 12 years and under
These 15 total spacious tented suites feature en-suite bathrooms, private decks, sunken outside lounges that convert to afternoon siesta beds, as well as a private outside bathtub.
Highlights
- Famous for its large herds of elephants, superb birdlife, and giant Baobab trees
- Tented rooms feature sunken outside lounges that convert to afternoon siesta beds
- Locally sourced produce for creating delicious menus
- Interactive set of activities for children aged up to 11 years old
Ngorongoro Crater
Area Overview
The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a breathtaking natural wonder and the world’s largest intact caldera. Once a towering volcano, it now hosts one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including lions, spotted hyenas, black rhinos, and majestic tusked elephants. The crater’s diverse landscapes, from thick highland forests to golden plains and the flamingo-strewn Lake Magadi, create a stunning backdrop for game viewing. Accessible from Arusha, this “Garden of Eden” offers unforgettable safari experiences and a glimpse into the harmonious coexistence of Maasai pastoralists and abundant wildlife.
Lemala Ngorongoro
Property Overview
Lemala Ngorongoro is intimately set in a delightful ancient Acacia forest close to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. As it is located next to the quiet Lemala crater access road on the eastern side, a key advantage of staying at Lemala Ngorongoro is the quick and easy drive down on to the crater floor in the morning.
Experience & Activities
At Lemala Ngorongoro, you’re just minutes from the crater floor, perfect for early game drives in prime light for photography. Enjoy sundowners, guided walks, and thrilling game drives in custom vehicles led by expert guides. On-site, unwind with a massage, spot exotic birds, or explore family-friendly activities for a well-rounded safari experience.
Accommodations – Standard Tent
Nine spacious en-suite tents feature an outside deck offering beautiful views over the area and are fitted with two queen-size beds with warm duvets, a flush toilet, large safari-style shower, plentiful running water, wooden storage cabinets and wooden floors, 24-hour solar lighting and outside loungers. Triples available on request.
Highlights
- A short drive from the crater floor
- The camp is set in a beautiful and ancient Acacia forest
- Locally sourced produce for creating delicious menus
Seronera Valley
Area Overview
The Seronera region, a key wildlife transition zone, offers exceptional game viewing year-round, thanks to its abundant rivers and resident big cats. During the wildebeest migration, from April to June and November to January, the area comes alive with dramatic wildlife moments, making it a must-see safari destination.
Lemala Ewanjan
Property Overview
Lemala Ewanjan is an intimate, authentic tented camp nestled in the serene Seronera Valley of Central Serengeti. Known for its year-round game viewing, the area boasts abundant water sources and resident big cats. The annual wildebeest migration adds exciting wildlife drama. Positioned at the end of a blind valley, Lemala Ewanjan offers uninterrupted views of the plains and breathtaking sunsets, all in complete tranquility.
Experience & Activities
Game drives at Lemala are led by expert guides in a mix of open and closed 4×4 Land Cruisers, equipped with charging stations, fridges, and photography gear. For a unique perspective, take a balloon safari over the vast plains. Lemala Cubs offers special activities for children under 12, combining fun and education to teach conservation while allowing parents to unwind.
Accommodation – Standard Tent
Ten spacious en-suite tents feature an outside deck and are fitted with two queen-size beds with warm duvets, a flush toilet, large safari-style shower, plentiful running water, wooden storage cabinets and wooden floors, 24-hour solar lighting and outside loungers. (triples available on request)
Highlights
- In the secluded Seronera Valley region, where it’s abundance of water and population of big cats allows exclusive wildlife viewing
- The mess tent features a separate bar, and the sitting and dining areas are beautifully decorated with leather sofas, side cabinets, rugs and chests.
- Locally sourced produce for creating delicious menus
Northern Serengeti
Area Overview
The northern Serengeti is a photographer’s dream, offering spectacular views of Africa’s iconic savannah and exceptional wildlife sightings, including leopards and plains game. The stunning kopje hills, home to elusive leopards, provide a striking backdrop. With chances to spot black rhinos, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of East Africa’s best for big cats. The Serengeti, known worldwide as the ultimate safari destination, spans 14,750 km² of diverse landscapes, from Acacia woodlands to undulating savannahs, and is part of the vast Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
Lemala Mara
Property Overview
Lemala Mara Tented Camp, nestled under Euclea trees in the heart of the Northern Serengeti, offers prime game viewing between June and October. Just a short distance from the Mara River, the camp remains discreet, ensuring undisturbed wildlife behavior during the thrilling wildebeest crossings. Set in a remote wilderness, it offers stunning landscapes and exceptional game viewing, especially during migration when tens of thousands of animals gather for the dramatic river plunge.
Experience & Activities
Game drives at Lemala are led by expert guides in fully equipped 4×4 Land Cruisers, featuring charging stations, fridges, and photography gear. For younger guests, Lemala Cubs offers fun, educational activities that introduce kids to the magic of the African bush and the importance of wildlife conservation. Balloon safaris are also available, providing a unique view of the wildlife below.
Accommodations – Standard Tent
The 10 spacious en-suite tents at Lemala feature private decks with stunning views. Each tent is equipped with two queen-size beds, safari-style showers, flush toilets, running water, wooden storage, and solar lighting. It can accommodate a triple or two adults and two children under 12 (upon request).
Highlights
- The camp moves north and south with the seasons to ensure guests enjoy ringside seats to the wildebeest migration year-round
- Communal areas have separate lounge and dining areas and are beautifully decorated with leather sofas, chandeliers, side cabinets, rugs, chests, and a bar
- Locally sourced produce for creating delicious menus