Arushalake Manyara Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti National Park
Explore the wonders of Tanzania’s northern circuit on this exceptional 10-day, privately guided, 4×4-driven safari. Accompanied by an exceptionally experienced Private Guide throughout, you can expect a fascinating insight into three of the region’s main attractions. Discover the wonders of Lake Manyara National Park and unwind in a luxurious treehouse at and beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. Peer over the rim of the iconic Ngorongoro Crater and immerse yourself in the award-winning surroundings. Lastly, venture to the endless plains of the Serengeti for thrilling wildlife encounters during your stay.
Itinerary Highlights
Witness the Great Migration
Daily Safaris
Local village visits
Learn about coffee production
Hot air balloon flight
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
9
Nights
Price Guide
$15,000 – $20,000+ pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Arusha
Day 1
Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your guide, who will transfer you by road to Arusha Coffee Lodge. This attractive little town is situated beneath the towering peaks of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro. Arusha, renowned as the safari capital of Tanzania, offers a range of attractions and adventures. Meander around a coffee plantation, learn how coffee is grown and sample some of Tanzania’s finest brew.
Day 2-4
Lake Manyara National Park
You will be met by your guide for your 2-3 hour drive in your 4 x 4 safari vehicle to Lake Manyara National Park. Once checked in at the gate, you will continue on a leisurely game drive to the lodge. On route, stop at some of the local villages, especially Mto Wa Mbu, to understand the agricultural practices and various tribes that have settled here. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon game drive, followed by sundowners on the picturesque lakeshore, where you can admire seasonal pink flocks of flamingos.
On your game drive, ask your guide to take you to the Maji Moto springs (Maji Moto means ‘hot water’ in Kiswahili), a unique geological feature found nowhere else in Tanzania. After dinner, head out on an adventurous night game drive and the opportunity to encounter sightings of nocturnal species. Take a morning to cycle through the local communities next to the Park, visit a clinic, schools and local small shops, and get a feel for the culture on the lake shore.
Day 4-6
Ngorongoro Crater
Take a game drive through Manyara Park and up the escarpment towards the misty Crater highlands. Enjoy the productive farming area you drive through and stop at a local vegetable farm if you want to go en route to the Ngorongoro Crater Crater Lodge. Discover breathtaking wildlife on the spectacular Crater floor game drive; the game viewing on the Crater floor is sensational, as this unique ecosystem supports an abundance of game – look out for the Big Five!
If you would like to stretch your legs or get in touch with the surroundings, there are several hikes and walks – Empakai walk is a full day, but startlingly beautiful and well worth it. An area of vast natural beauty, on clear days, the Crater offers views of Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania’s most recently active volcano. If you prefer a gentler stroll, wander along the crater rim to enjoy the spectacular views.
Book a Crater Floor Banquet to dine in style on the floor of this ancient place. This is the ultimate dining experience in the heart of the wild. Enjoy sundowners on the rim of this bucket list place. Choose to do a wine tasting or have a private dinner in the wine store.
Day 6-8
Serengeti
Your adventure now takes you to the Serengeti. If culture and history are of interest, detour Olduvai Gorge and Shifting Sands, where the Leakeys made fascinating paleoanthropological discoveries. After your fascinating discoveries, you will either go to the lesser-explored Western Serengeti to Grumeti or to the Northern Eastern tip to the Klein’s Camp concession.
Take full advantage of the private concession and enjoy the flexibility of doing night drives, eating in the bush, exchanging your vehicle for your walking shoes and doing a walking safari. Take time to visit a Maasai village where you will have the opportunity to meet with a Maasai family and visit a traditional boma.
Day 8-10
Serengeti Under Canvas
Your adventure continues into the Serengeti, where you will go to Serengeti Under Canvas to follow the thundering wildebeest migration. Go on a game drive to look for the herds and the predatory cats that often follow them.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Serengeti National Park on a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon flight. At dawn, rise as the sun greets the day and float in whichever direction the morning winds take you. Enjoy dinner under the stars and stories around the campfire.
Day 18
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $15,000 – $20,000+ per person
When to travel
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Tanzania has a tropical climate but has regional variations due to topography. In the highlands, temperatures range between 10 and 20 °C (50 and 68 °F) during cold and hot seasons respectively. The rest of the country has temperatures rarely falling lower than 20 °C. The hottest period extends between November and February (25–31 °C) while the coldest period occurs between May and August (15–20 °C). Seasonal rainfall is driven mainly by the migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. It migrates southwards through Tanzania in October to December, reaching the south of the country in January and February, and returning northwards in March, April, and May. This causes the north and east of Tanzania to experience two distinct wet periods – the short rains (or “Vuli”) in October to December and the long rains (or “Masika”) from March to May – while the southern, western, and central parts of the country experience one wet season that continues October through to April or May.
The country experiences its short dry season, making it an ideal period for outdoor activities and exploring diverse landscapes. Daytime temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, providing pleasant conditions for travellers to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go on safari adventures, or visit stunning national parks such as Serengeti and Ngorongoro. However, it is advisable to carry light clothing and sunscreen as the sun can be intense during the day. In the evenings, temperatures cool down slightly, creating a comfortable outdoor dining and relaxation atmosphere.
The weather in Tanzania during February is characterised by warm and sunny days, with temperatures ranging from around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. It is a great time to visit the country, as the weather is generally dry and perfect for outdoor activities. However, it is important to note that there might be occasional rain showers, especially towards the end of the month. It is advisable to pack some light rain gear just in case.
In March, the weather in Tanzania can be quite hot, with average temperatures ranging between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The days are generally sunny and dry, with very little rainfall. However, it is important to note that the northern regions of Tanzania, such as Arusha and Kilimanjaro, may experience slightly cooler temperatures due to their higher altitudes.
In April, Tanzania experiences warm temperatures with an average high of 28°C and an average low of 20°C. The weather is generally dry during this month, with minimal rainfall. The coastal regions, such as Dar es Salaam, may have slightly higher temperatures, reaching up to 31°C. Inland areas like Arusha and the Serengeti enjoy pleasant temperatures during the day and cooler nights.
May is generally warm, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The days are typically sunny, with a few occasional showers. It is a great time to visit Tanzania, as the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities such as wildlife safaris and hiking. However, it is advisable to pack some light layers and rain gear, as the temperature can vary during the day and rain showers may occur.
The average daily temperature ranges between 25°C and 30°C, making it a pleasant time to visit. However, it is important to note that temperatures can vary depending on the region. In the coastal areas, such as Dar es Salaam, temperatures tend to be slightly higher, reaching up to 32°C. Inland regions, such as Arusha and Kilimanjaro, experience cooler temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C due to their higher altitudes.
The average daily temperature in Tanzania during this month ranges from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius, creating a pleasant and comfortable climate for outdoor activities. In the northern regions such as Arusha and Kilimanjaro, temperatures tend to be slightly cooler, averaging around 20 to 24 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the coastal areas of Tanzania, including Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, can reach temperatures of 25 to 28 degrees Celsius.
The weather in Tanzania during August is typically warm, with temperatures ranging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. It is considered a dry season, with minimal rainfall and low humidity. The days are often sunny, making it a great time to explore the beautiful landscapes and wildlife Tanzania offers. However, it is important to note that temperatures can vary depending on the region, with coastal areas experiencing slightly higher temperatures than inland regions.
In September, Tanzania experiences mild weather with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 26 degrees Celsius. The country's coastal regions, including Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, enjoy warmer temperatures, usually around 27 degrees Celsius. Inland areas like Arusha and Serengeti tend to be cooler, with temperatures averaging around 21 degrees Celsius. September marks the end of the dry season in Tanzania.
The average temperature during this month ranges from 22 to 27 degrees Celsius. However, it is important to note that temperatures can vary depending on the region. In the coastal areas, such as Dar es Salaam, the temperatures tend to be higher, reaching around 30 degrees Celsius, while in the inland regions, like Arusha and Serengeti, temperatures can be slightly cooler, averaging around 20 degrees Celsius. October in Tanzania also marks the end of the dry season, with occasional brief showers being a possibility.
In November, Tanzania experiences warm temperatures throughout the country, with an average high of around 30 degrees Celsius. The coastal regions, such as Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Pemba Island, have slightly higher temperatures, reaching up to 32 degrees Celsius. Inland areas, including Arusha and Mount Kilimanjaro, have cooler temperatures, ranging from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius.
In December, Tanzania experiences warm temperatures with an average high of around 29°C and a low of approximately 20°C. The weather is generally dry and sunny, making it an ideal time to explore the country's natural beauty. However, it is important to note that temperatures can vary depending on the region, with coastal areas slightly cooler due to sea breezes.
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add on holiday options to this Tanzania itinerary, for example you could head to Zanzibar and spend a few days relaxing on the beach after your safaris, explore Dar es Salaam the capital city of Tanzania and experience its amazing cultural heritage.
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