Safari
13-Day Northern Circuit Migration Safari
- Length
- 13 days
- Where
- Tanzania
- Price
- Price on request
Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
This comprehensive 13-day safari offers an in-depth exploration of Northern Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations. From the lush landscapes of Arusha National Park to the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire, the scenic beauty of Lake Manyara, the legendary Serengeti, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, this journey is designed for travelers seeking extended game viewing and diverse ecosystems.
With multiple full days in key parks, including the Serengeti’s northern migration corridor, this itinerary maximizes wildlife encounters while offering comfortable lodge and tented camp accommodations throughout.
Where this tour goes
Day by day
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Day 1: Arrival – Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and greeted by our representative before being transferred to your hotel in Arusha.
Overnight at Tulia Boutique Hotel (Bed & Breakfast).
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Day 2: Arusha National Park
After breakfast, depart for Arusha National Park for game viewing and a guided walking safari.
Located approximately 32 km from Arusha town, this scenic park is often referred to as “Little Serengeti.” Surrounded by Mount Meru and with views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days, the park is home to colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and a variety of antelope species. It also boasts over 400 bird species.
Dinner and overnight at Tulia Boutique Hotel (Full Board).
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Day 3: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park for a rewarding game drive.
Tarangire is famous for its impressive elephant population and iconic baobab trees. During the dry season, large herds of zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and gazelle migrate to the Tarangire River, making wildlife viewing exceptional.
Dinner and overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge or similar (Full Board).
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Day 4: Tarangire National Park – Full Day
Enjoy a full day of game drives in Tarangire National Park.
Explore different sections of the park, tracking elephants, lions, leopards, and diverse birdlife. The varied landscapes of river valleys, swamps, and open plains offer outstanding photographic opportunities.
Dinner and overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge or similar (Full Board).
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Day 5: Tarangire National Park – Full Day
Another full day dedicated to exploring Tarangire’s rich ecosystem.
With more time in the park, you increase your chances of observing predators and large herds interacting around water sources.
Dinner and overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge or Tarangire Safari Lodge (Full Board).
Day 6: Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, proceed to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive.
Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is known for its scenic beauty, tree-climbing lions, hippos, and large flocks of flamingos and other birdlife.
Dinner and overnight at Heart & Souls Lodge (Full Board).
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Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park – Full Day
Enjoy a full day exploring Lake Manyara National Park.
The park’s groundwater forest, open plains, and alkaline lake create a diverse habitat supporting elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and an impressive variety of birds.
Dinner and overnight at Heart & Souls Lodge (Full Board).
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Day 8: Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, drive toward Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro highlands.
The Serengeti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is world-renowned for its endless plains and extraordinary wildlife concentrations. Depending on the season, the southern plains may host the Great Migration.
Dinner and overnight at Moyoni Luxury Tented Camp or Serengeti Safari Lodge (Full Board).
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Day 9: Serengeti National Park – Full Day
Spend the day exploring the central Serengeti, searching for lion prides, leopards resting in acacia trees, cheetahs scanning the plains, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebra.
Dinner and overnight at Moyoni Luxury Tented Camp or Serengeti Safari Lodge (Full Board).
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Day 10: Serengeti – Northern Corridor
Proceed toward the northern Serengeti in search of the Great Migration (seasonal).
This region offers dramatic river crossings and excellent predator sightings. Explore the vast plains and woodlands while tracking lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Dinner and overnight at Savannah Luxury Tented Camp or Moyoni Kogatende Camp (Full Board).
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Day 11: Serengeti Northern Corridor – Full Day
Continue exploring the northern Serengeti.
The woodland areas and river systems attract large herds and predators alike, offering spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities.
Dinner and overnight at Savannah Luxury Tented Camp or Moyoni Kogatende Camp (Full Board).
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Day 12: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After an early morning game drive, depart Serengeti for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
En route, visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about their customs, traditional bomas, and cultural heritage.
Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Wild Tented Camp or Ngorongoro Safari Lodge (Full Board).
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Day 13: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive.
Covering approximately 260 square kilometers with walls rising 600 meters high, the crater is home to over 30,000 animals including buffalo, eland, gazelle, hartebeest, warthog, and a high density of predators. It is also one of the best places in Tanzania to spot the endangered black rhino.
In the afternoon, ascend the crater and return to Arusha for dinner and overnight at Tulia Boutique Hotel (Bed & Breakfast).
What the price includes
Every tour is priced for your dates and group. Ask us about anything not listed.
Included
- Transport in a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees for all parks mentioned
- Full board accommodation during the safari
- Unlimited mineral drinking water during the safari
Not included
- International flights
- Entry visas
- Drinks at hotels and lodges
- Tips and personal expenses
- Hot air balloon safari
- Travel and medical insurance
- Any service not mentioned under Price Includes
Questions travellers ask
When is the best time to visit Tanzania for a safari?
Tanzania's wildlife is abundant year-round, but the timing of your visit can influence your safari experience. The dry season from June to October offers better game viewing, as animals gather around water sources. However, the wet season from November to May brings lush green landscapes and newborn wildlife. Both seasons have their unique charm, so choose based on your preferences and interests.
Which national parks should I include in my Tanzania safari itinerary?
Tanzania boasts an array of spectacular national parks, each with its own distinct offerings. The Serengeti National Park, renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration, is a must-visit. Other favorites include the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and the Selous Game Reserve. Each park presents a different landscape and wildlife population, ensuring a diverse and unforgettable safari experience.
How long should my Tanzania safari be?
The duration of your safari depends on various factors, such as your budget, availability, and personal preferences. To fully immerse yourself in Tanzania's natural wonders, we recommend a minimum of 5-7 days. This allows you to explore multiple parks, observe different wildlife behaviors, and soak in the beauty of the African wilderness.
What types of accommodations are available during a Tanzania safari?
Tanzania offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxurious lodges and tented camps to budget-friendly campsites, there's something for everyone. These accommodations are strategically located within or near national parks, allowing you to maximize your safari experience.
Reviews on Tripadvisor
4.8 / 5 · 24 reviews
What travellers say
6 days private Serengeti Safari
Sunset african safari is an absolutely recommendable tour operator. We had booked 6 unforgettable days in the Serengeti as a private tour. our guide Patrick is an excellent driver and knows a lot about the Serengeti and its animals. We felt absolutely safe in every situation. Our accommodation was in a mobile camp. The service of the staff, the food and the friendliness is unforgettable. These camps are equipped with everything you need. In our eyes, this is already luxury in the great outdoors. During our game drives we were so overwhelmed by all the animal sightings that this can hardly be put into words. All our respect to all the staff of Sunset African Safari. If possible we will come again
Helene and Stefan
Superb experience!
Sunset Africa Safaris is definitely a reliable and experienced tour operator! Thanks to our guide Omaru, our 4 days 3 nights small group tour(3 pax) in the Safari was surely above our expectations, and he knows where to to find the animals. While we were in the Safari, the only thing we need to do was to enjoy the breath taking views and the closeness to the wild aninimals; everything else (Transportation, lodging, food...) was taken care by our experienced and knowledgeable guide.
My advice for doing a Safari tour:
1. Small group is better as you can move freely in the car to see the animals on both sides.
2.Plan your trip in advance and prepare the fund in advance in cash or bank transfer, generally credit card doesn't work well in Tanzania as there is 5% charge on the consumer side.
3.Bring warm clothes, SLR camera, binoculars with you.
4.Serengeti and Ngorongoro are must visit attractions.
At last, a very special thanks to Godfrey (Owner of the firm) for solving my duplicate fund transfers problem in 2 business days in parallel!
Family holiday
Myself and my family (daughter 14 & Son 9) had a fabulous time in Tanzania visiting family, but one the best experiences we had was going on Safari with Godfrey and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, they were very professional but also friendly and good with the kids. 10/10
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