9-Day Grand Northern Safari

Extended Safari

9-Day Grand Northern Safari

A deep and slow exploration of northern Tanzania ecosystems.

Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
Route
Tarangire · Lake Manyara · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Best time
June to October and January to March
Pace
Relaxed

Overview

About this safari

A slow, thorough safari for travellers who like to linger: two nights in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, three nights in the Serengeti and a full day in the Ngorongoro Crater.

Trip highlights

  • Two nights in Tarangire
  • Lake Manyara’s forest and lake
  • Three nights in the Serengeti
  • A full day on the Ngorongoro Crater floor

Your route

  1. Tarangire
  2. Lake Manyara
  3. Serengeti
  4. Ngorongoro

Trip at a glance

Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
Start / end
Arusha → Arusha
Style
Extended Safari
Pace
Relaxed
Stay
Lodges and tented camps
Ideal for
Photographers, wildlife lovers and unhurried travellers
Best time
June to October and January to March.
Price
Quoted per trip; depends on season, group size and lodges

Day by day

Your itinerary

Timings and camps can shift with the season and wildlife; your guide adapts each day to give you the best sightings.

  1. Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire

    Drive to Tarangire and settle in for an afternoon among its elephant herds and baobabs.

    OvernightTented camp, TarangireMealsLunch, Dinner
  2. Day 2: Tarangire deep drive

    A full day in the southern reaches around Silale Swamp, where wild dogs and leopards are sometimes seen away from other vehicles.

    OvernightTented camp, TarangireMealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day 3: Lake Manyara forest

    Explore Manyara’s groundwater forest, birdlife and lake shore, then climb to the highlands for the night.

    OvernightLodge in KaratuMealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day 4: To the Serengeti

    Cross the highlands and descend onto the plains for a first afternoon game drive in the Seronera area.

    OvernightTented camp, central SerengetiMealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day 5: Serengeti immersion

    A full day tracking big cats along the Seronera River and around the kopjes.

    OvernightTented camp, central SerengetiMealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  6. Day 6: Following the herds

    A day following the migration herds wherever they are, or exploring the quieter eastern or western areas.

    OvernightTented camp, central SerengetiMealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day 7: Return to the highlands

    Morning game drive, then a leisurely drive back to the Ngorongoro highlands with spectacular views.

    OvernightLodge on the crater rimMealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day 8: Full day in the crater

    A whole day in the volcanic caldera, looking for black rhino and the crater’s lion prides.

    OvernightLodge on the crater rimMealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  9. Day 9: Departure

    A relaxed final morning, then the drive back to Arusha.

    OvernightEnd of safariMealsBreakfast, Lunch

What’s included

Included and not included

This is what a standard private safari with us includes. Your written proposal confirms the details for your trip.

Included

  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • All park and conservation fees for the itinerary
  • Accommodation as listed, with the meals shown for each day
  • Drinking water in the vehicle throughout the safari
  • Airport transfers in Tanzania

Not included

  • International flights and Tanzanian visa
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Optional activities such as balloon flights
  • Tips for guides and camp staff
  • Drinks and personal expenses unless stated

When to go

Best time for this trip

June to October and January to March.

  1. JanGood
  2. FebGood
  3. MarGood
  4. AprQuieter / wet
  5. MayQuieter / wet
  6. JunGood
  7. JulPeak
  8. AugPeak
  9. SepPeak
  10. OctPeak
  11. NovGood
  12. DecGood

Destinations

Places on this safari

Read our in-depth guide to each park on the route.

Make this trip your own

Change the length, the camps or the route. A safari designer replies within 24 hours with a tailored plan and price.