10 DAYS
Classic drive safari Tanzania northern circuit
- Manyara's tree-climbing lions
- Tarangire's elephants and baobab trees
- Walking safari and night game-drive
- Serengeti with her endless plains
- Ngorongoro, the ultimate wildlife experience
Any question?
Classic drive safari
Explore all the wondrous terrain and animals on offer throughout the parks of the northern Circuit from the open rooftop of a 4×4 safari vehicle.
Experience the best of the open road on this once in a lifetime adventure into the Tanzanian wilderness. The journey in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof can be tailored to your liking as the options are endless. Starting and ending in Arusha, you can design your dream adventure or let one of our safari consultants create the perfect 4×4 safari itinerary according to your specification.
Trip summary:
- Day 1: Pick up in Arusha area – transfer to Tarangire National Park for safari game drive – overnight AfricaSafari Rift Valley.
- Day 2: Full-day safari game drive Lake Manyara National Park – Overnight Africa Safari Karatu.
- Day 3: Safari transfer through Ngorongoro Conservation Area – half-day safari game drive Serengeti National Park – overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
- Day 4: Full-day game drive Ikona Wildlife Management Area – overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
- Day 5: Safari game drive northern Serengeti – overnight Africa Safari Maasai Boma.
- Day 6: Safari game drive via northern area to Central Serengeti – overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
- Day 7: Afternoon walking safari and sundowner – Night game drive – overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
- Day 8: Full-day safari game drive Serengeti National Park – Overnight Africa Safari South Serengeti.
- Day 9: Safari game drive Ngorongoro Crater – overnight Africa Safari Lake Manyara.
- Day 10: Transfer to Arusha area (JRO, ARK, Town hotel
Package: 450c
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Day 1
Pick up in Arusha area – transfer to Tarangire National Park for safari game drive – Overnight Africa Safari Rift Valley.
Let’s go on safari!
Arusha is the safari capital of the country and a bustling ‘tourism driven’ city. You will be met by your driver-guide guide in Arusha and together you will begin the transfer to Tarangire National Park to start your private safari game drive. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River, which crosses the park and is the main source of freshwater for the wildlife. This quiet park is famous for its elephant migration, bird life and authentic safari atmosphere. You will enjoy a packed lunch at midday and at the end of the afternoon’s game drive you will make your way to Africa Safari Rift Valley. On arrival you will have time to refresh before finishing the day with dinner under the stars and a good night’s sleep in one of our comfy canvas accommodations.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Rift Valley
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 2
Full-day safari game drive Lake Manyara National Park – overnight Africa Safari Karatu.
Lakes and lookouts, hippos and happy adventuring
You only need to open your eyes and walk to the restaurant to enjoy the expansive views of Lake Manyara; the National park you will be exploring for the day. After breakfast your driver-guide will take you to the entry gates of Lake Manyara, an underestimated gem as far as game parks are concerned. The park offers a big ecological variety in a more condense area. From the entrance of the park, the road winds through a groundwater forest area where baboons can be seen lounging in the trees and hanging out roadside. The mahogany and acacia trees are inhabited by the famous tree-climbing lions, if you’re lucky you might spot them lazing on a tree branch. As you make your way out of the dense bushland into the open the grassy banks of the lake you will be able to see wildebeest, giraffe, zebra and large buffalo in abundance, grazing away. The lake itself is home to a large number of birds thriving by the waters edge. More than 400 species have been identified and one of the highlights are the thousands of strolling flamingos. Between all this beauty you have a lunch break at midday and at the end of the afternoon you drive to Africa Safari Karatu for dinner and a peaceful sleep with sweet dreams.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Karatu
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 3
Safari transfer through Ngorongoro Conservation Area – half-day safari game drive Serengeti National Park – overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
Countryside landscapes and roadtripping en route to Serengeti
Today you have a long and rewarding drive ahead of you, as you make your way from Lake Manyara region, through Ngorongoro Conservation area and into Serengeti National Park. The road will take you through the Maasai homeland, the only tribespeople permitted to live in the Conservation area. Traditionally nomadic, the Maasai people are rich in culture and can often be seen herding their cattle in brightly coloured traditional Maasai robes. They live in complete harmony with the earth, using their long ingrained family knowledge of plant life as a means for survival. Along the drive you will be able to spot giraffes, zebras and other animals. Prepare to be amazed when you catch your first glimpse of the endless plains of the Serengeti. When you arrive in our Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma lodge, you will have already had your first taste of game driving and the 14,000+ square kilometres that make up the wonder that is Serengeti National Park.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 4
Full-day game drive Ikona Wildlife Management Area – overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
Path of the Wildebeest
Today you’ll only need to cross the road from Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma to start discovering this well-kept secret. Ikona Wildlife Management Area was established in 2003 to spread economic benefit derived from tourism to the 5 villages that form part of this community, and to create a buffer zone for the protection of the national park. This area supports a variety of wildlife across 242 square kilometres of pristine wilderness including herds of elephant, waterbuck, Black and White colobus monkeys, shy leopard and both the Greater and the Lesser Kudu. A little-known, but very impressive fact is that this is the assembly point of the wildebeest during their annual migration when the vast herds move in the direction of the northern Serengeti for the famous river crossings.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 5
Safari game drive northern Serengeti – overnight Africa Safari Maasai Boma.
Stunning Serengeti and the miracle of the great migration
Today is a good day for an early rise, because you will head north from Ikoma before crossing into the Serengeti National Park. It’s going to be an action packed day, with the sighting of the great migration as the ultimate reward. Today you head to the Mara river, approximately 3 hours drive from the camp. The Mara river is well known for the Wildebeest crossing. With a bit of luck you will be witness to this spectacle! Around 2 million animals gather in search of fresh grazing pastures, and the sights and sounds are sure to leave a lasting impression. Moving slightly south-east you come to the Bologonja Springs, where it is easy to spot elephants that are always present thanks to the water sources available. You will spend the night at Africa Safari Maasai Boma in a comfortable canvas lodging with your own en suite bathroom and king size bed
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Maasai Boma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 6
Safari game drive via northern area to Central Serengeti – overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
Following the movement of resident wildlife
After a good breakfast at Africa Safari Maasai Boma, you will depart on your adventure back towards Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma. Your driver-guide will take you exploring, following the movement of resident wildlife, while heading towards your accommodation in Ikoma. There will be a stop for a nice picnic lunch along the way. In the afternoon you will reach the border of the park and just 2 km further you will find the staff of Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma welcoming you. This is your place to relax, and a beautiful ‘canvas home’ for a good night of sleep is awaiting you.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 7
Afternoon walking safari and sundowner – Night game drive – overnight Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma.
These boots were made for walking….
Enjoy a bit of a sleep-in and an easy morning around the campgrounds, read a book on the patio or simply make the most of having some downtime. This afternoon you will be making a walking safari. A truly unique experience, where you will have the opportunity to explore new territory and follow the animals on foot, accompanied by your very own armed ranger. The walking safari takes approximately 2 hours and ends with a sundowner while overlooking the Serengeti. Then back to the accommodation for a quick dinner as you will join in on a thrilling adventure; a night game drive. A spotlight is fitted to the vehicle and before you know it you catch the first reflections of the animals’ eyes. The night is another world altogether out there; interesting action of the nocturnal animals, different shades and shadows and unknown sounds. Typical animals of the night are Bushbabies, civets and genet cats, a rare Aardvark or Porcupine and others. Upon return perhaps a nightcap to warm up before retiring to your room for a good rest.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 8
Full-day safari game drive Serengeti National Park – overnight Africa Safari South Serengeti
Leaving dust in your wake
Today you will traverse from Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma across the national park and towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Cruising dirt tracks while passing open plains, bushlands, an abundance of wildlife, Tanzania boasts stunning countryside and today you will experience it in its entirety while also having the opportunity to reflect on your experiences in the wilderness. As you look out over the ever-changing landscapes, wind in the air, leaving dust in your wake from the safari jeep, it’s impossible not to be present with nature and all the beauty that is on offer in this wonderful world we live in.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari South Serengeti
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 9
Safari game drive Ngorongoro Crater – overnight Africa Safari Lake Manyara.
Nothing but nature – Ngorongoro Crater Magic!
Be sure to wake up early today, so there is no delay on your descent into the famous Ngorongoro Crater. As soon as you arrive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area you will be amazed by the beauty around you. Even more so when you arrive at the edge of the crater and take in the amazing view over one of the natural wonders of this world. The crater of this inactive volcano is approximately 3 million years old, 20 square km in size and the largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world. Due to its natural borders, the wildlife in the crater is amazing. The crater is home to the Big Five and offers a good chance to spot the rare black rhino. Throw hyena, zebra, buffalo and elephants into the mix, and you have the perfect canvas for a pretty awesome safari experience. At the end of the afternoon, you head back to the lodge, Africa Safari Lake Manyara, for a well deserved nights’ sleep.
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Manyara
Safari Comfort Accommodation
Full board meal plan
Day 10
Transfer to Arusha area (JRO, ARK, Town hotel
Don’t do it! Departure day…
All good things end! Enjoy your last meal at Africa Safari Lake Manyara prior to checking out, ready for your journey to Arsuha. After meeting your driver-guide at the reception, you will head off on an easy two-hour drive back to where it all started; heart and camera filled with memories of your African safari adventure.
Africa Safari Rift Valley
South from Lake Manyara National Park and West from Tarangire National Park with the famous Great Rift Valley as its surroundings
Africa Safari Rift Valley is located in the village Mayoka, on the south of Lake Manyara with the famous Great Rift Valley as its surrounding. It’s the perfect location to relax before or after visiting Tanzania’s northern National Parks, conveniently located between Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Africa Safari Rift Valley is a remote location and very quiet. At this location, we offer different tent categories, from Safari Luxury Accommodations to basic Safari Tents. The Safari Luxury Accommodations are complete with raised wooden deck, living room with a comfortable sofa and beautiful rustic wooden interior. Safari Comfort Accommodations are spacious and comfortable, with exterior canvas walls, a tarpaulin floor and a permanent bathroom. The swimming pool and restaurant is embedded in the surrounding landscape and offers a beautiful view of the Rift Valley and Lake Manyara.
The southern entrance of Lake Manyara National Park, Iyambi Gate, is only a short distance away, this national park has a variety of wildlife including the famous tree climbing lions. Lake Manyara National Park is a sanctuary for the hippo, giraffe, impala and zebra, and the lake of Manyara a magnet for birdlife. The west of Tarangire National Park, Sangaiwe Gate, is less than an hour drive away. Tarangire National Park is known for its high number of scenic baobab trees, and is home to the largest population of elephants in Northern Tanzania.
Africa Safari Karatu
Overviewing the Ngorongoro Highlands and Lake Eyasi
Africa Safari Karatu is a luxury safari lodge located on the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The area became popular with early settlers and farmers because of its cool climate, green hills and beautiful views, with coffee being one of the most important crops. The rolling slopes of the extinct Ol Deani volcano are a striking feature of the landscape. The accommodation is located on top of a hill and offers a stunning view of the Northern Highlands, Lake Eyasi and its surroundings.
Due to the ideal location of Africa Safari Karatu, Lake Manyara National Park and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater are easily accessible. Africa Safari Karatu has two types of Bungalow Rooms, the Safari Comfort Bungalows and Safari Luxury Bungalows, whereas the Safari Luxury Bungalow is 10 square metres bigger than the Safari Comfort Bungalow and has a comfortable sofa in the seating area. Offering you all the luxury you wish for before or after your safari! All bungalows have their own balcony with a 180-degree view. The restaurant, bar and swimming pool will add to the feeling of being home away-from-home.
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma
In the Serengeti ecosystem for travellers seeking an exclusive safari experience
Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma is a comfortable safari accommodation situated within the Serengeti Ecosystem and just 300 meters from the National Park border but inside the Tanzanian Wildlife Authority (TAWA) . Located between Serengeti Seronera, Grumeti and Ikorongo Game Reserves the location is perfect for exploring the Serengeti and all that is on offer in one of the country’s largest national parks.
The annual migration is at your doorstep for several months of the year. Being in such close proximity to the Grumeti river, Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma has a backyard full of animals. With spacious, comfortable lodgings and welcoming service, Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma guarantees the finest combination of comfort and nature.
Africa Safari Maasai Boma
Serengeti Klein’s Gate – Ngorongoro district
Africa Safari Maasai Boma is a unique accommodation. Not only because of its ideal location, with Kenya’s Maasai Mara and situated between Lake Natron to the east, Serengeti National Park to the west and the Ngorongoro to its south, but also due to its design. As the accommodation’s name suggests, it is inspired by a traditional Maasai boma. Look around you and you’ll understand why; you’re in their midst. The circular earth houses with thatched roofs are simple, solid, basic yet comfortable. A spacious bedroom, decorated with traditional Maasai blankets and beadwork, furnished with a kingsize and a single bed, and a bathroom ensuite equipped with a European standard toilet and shower facilities. The village is called Ololosokwan and although not located in an official game reserve or national park, even here you will find game now and then. Wildlife does not know boundaries!
Africa Safari South Serengeti
Lake Ndutu – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Africa Safari South Serengeti is a comfortable accommodation, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and offers easy access to the crater, while at the same time being on the south side of Lake Ndutu, which is in the Serengeti National Park. The best of both worlds! The nearby airstrip offers connections to the other major airstrips and airports. The area is famous for the calving season of the Great Migration, an absolute highlight of the annual wildebeest migration. The short rains in November and December provide nutritious pastures for the wildebeest, which stay in the area until the end of the long rains. Most calves are born in January and February. The open grassy plains offer them some safety, but these young wildebeest attract hungry predators, such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. Between April and November, the south-eastern plains dry out, but there is still an abundance of game in the area. There are in fact two water sources, Lake Masek and Lake Ndutu, where many wild animals come to drink. The 12 accommodations (6 Safari Comfort and 6 Luxury Glamping) form two wings with a restaurant tent and a bar/lounge tent in the middle. The classic safari tents are fully furnished with locally made furniture and have an en suite bathroom. There are also 5 Safari Tents available, with a shared toilet and shower.
Africa Safari Lake Manyara
Located between the foothills of Ngorongoro crater and Lake Manyara
Africa Safari Lake Manyara is a luxury safari lodge, looking out over the lake and the Jangwani corridor and located between the foot of the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara.
You will enjoy a spacious complex with different accommodation types, like Premium Bungalows, Luxury Glamping Safari Accommodations, Safari Comfort Accommodations with en suite bathroom and 1 to 14 person Safari Tents.
We also offer a swimming pool with sun terrace, Lounge bar, Restaurant, Fitness & Massage Centre, Free WiFi, 24-hour reception and a Guest Relation Desk for all your questions, excursions or last-minute Safari trips.
Tarangire National Park
Home of the elephants
The highest concentration of wildlife outside Serengeti
Tarangire National Park is a fun and easy park to explore. Wildlife is abundant and exposed due to the park’s more compact and open terrain making it easier to see wildlife both up close and from a distance. The park is only a short 2 hour drive from Arusha and in close proximity to Lake Manyara. It is is 2850 square kilometres making it the sixth largest park in Tanzania and offering the highest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti. Tarangire is known for its large herds of elephants, which can be viewed at close range. Other animals likely to be seen throughout Tarangire are; wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, gazelle, rhino, warthog, impala, python, lion, leopard and over 50 species of birds.
Lake Manyara National Park
Tree-climbing lions and over 400 species of birds
Large ecological variety in a small area
Lake Manyara National Park, an underestimated gem of the safari parks, offers a large ecological variety in a small area. The alkaline soda of the lake appeals to impressive numbers of birds thriving on its water. More than 400 species have been identified and one of the highlights are the thousands of strolling flamingo’s. From the entrance of the park, the road winds through a groundwater forest area where baboon troops can be seen hanging about on the roadside and in the trees. On the grassy banks of the lake the wildebeest, giraffe, zebra and the large buffalo can be seen grazing the day away. The mahogany and acacia trees are inhabited by the famous tree-climbing lions, if you’re lucky you might spot them lazing on a tree branch.
Serengeti National Park
The best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world
Endless plains and stunning savannah
With vast open plains and an abundance of wildlife as far as the eye can see, the Serengeti is a safari maker’s dreamland. As the park is so expansive, it is ideally recommended to spend several days exploring. Serengeti National Park spans across 14,763 square kilometres and is easily the largest and arguably most popular of the northern circuit National Parks. The Serengeti is host to the annual Wildebeest 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. Buffalo, elephant, giraffe, lion, hippo and hyena are also frequently sighted throughout the Serengeti.
Serengeti North & Mara River
Serengeti National Park
Northern Serengeti is where the great migration crosses the Mara River
Witness the most amazing wildlife spectacle in Africa at the Mara River. The Mara River is most famous for the legendary wildebeest crossing, a dramatic event, which is featured in countless wildlife documentaries. One of Tanzania’s best- kept secrets is the fact that nearly half of the Mara River is situated in the northern Serengeti versus the Masai Mara’s segment in Kenya. While there are hordes of vehicles just a few miles upriver in the Masai Mara, the Serengeti side is virtually devoid of tourists. Not only the Mara River is an essential part of this area of the Serengeti, but it is also a lush and idyllic spot hidden away in the remote reaches of the north. Many varieties of colourful birds can be found here including kingfishers, hoopoes and rollers. The flourishing resources support some unusual antelope species including Mountain reedbuck and Steenbok. The nearby Larelemangi salt lick is a haven for wildlife and large herds of buffalo and elephant are regular visitors.
Serengeti Central / Seronera area
Serengeti National Park
Big cat capital
Serengeti’s Seronera area is located in the south-central region of the park and is well known for being the habitat of a large number of big cats; the lion, leopard and cheetah are often spotted here. However, the elephant, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, buffalo and impala are also well-known visitors. The area is very popular as it is one of the most likely spots to watch a kill. The landscape is dotted with ‘’kopjes’’, rocky granite or Gneiss outcrops, over 550 million years old and in high favour by some of the cats as look-out points while hunting.
Ngorongoro Crater
The world’s largest, inactive, intact and unfilled caldera
Is commonly referred to as the 8th wonder of the world
Nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking beauty that is the Ngorongoro Crater. As you stand at the viewpoint looking out over the crater, clouds hovering around the tip of the rim with the cool mountainous breeze in the air, there is no mistaking the divinity of mother nature. The Ngorongoro Crater is a world heritage site, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and is commonly referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. Due to its natural borders, there is an abundance of wildlife throughout the conservation area which is home to the Big Five including the African Black Rhino as well as hyena, zebra and elephants to name a few. The Ngorongoro Crater is an absolute must on any northern circuit itinerary.
Ikona Wildlife Management Area
Serengeti ecosystem
Path of the Wildebeest
Ikona Wildlife Management Area (WMA), nestled between the Serengeti National Park and the Grumeti and Ikorongo Game Reserves, is located directly across the road from our Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma accommodation. Ikona WMA was established in 2003 to spread economic benefit derived from tourism to the 5 villages that form part of this community, and to create a buffer zone for the protection of the national park. This area supports a variety of wildlife across 242 square kilometres of pristine wilderness including herds of elephant, waterbuck, Black and White colobus monkeys, shy leopard and both the Greater and the Lesser Kudu. A little-known, but very impressive fact is that this is the assembly point of the wildebeest during their annual migration when the vast herds move in the direction of the northern Serengeti for the famous river crossings. Spectacular night game drives are offered in this well-kept secret area.
Zanzibar
The jewel of the Indian Ocean
Enjoy the ultimate Beach & Safari Holiday
There is no better way to end your safari than by spending a few days/week relaxing on the pristine beaches of the exotic Zanzibar Island. Zanzibar is an island of culture, history and art. Stroll through the cobbled alleyways of the historic Stone town and as you pass by one of the many palace ruins and persian baths it is impossible not to be captivated by the strong arabian influence and romanticism of the Island. The coastal regions are the perfect places to relax and rejuvenate. Spend some lazy days along stretches of white sandy beaches, dive into the clear blue waters of the Indian ocean or explore the underwater world surrounding the island by taking a dive or snorkelling tour. Allow time to stand still as you sip a cool beverage, enjoy the finest of fresh seafood and watch one of the many spectacular sunsets on display.
Holiday experiences you can rely on with Paradise & Wilderness
Creating culture rich and authentic holiday’s allowing people to discover the wonders and diversity of Africa and her people.
Promoting responsible travel, TATO accredited with membership number FM/2016/000312.
TOUR FEATURES
- Classic drive safari
- Can start any day
- Accommodation level: Comfort
- Tour activity level: Moderate
- Game drives in 4×4 vehicle with pop-up roof
- Optional extension Zanzibar available
INCLUDED
- All transfers
- 9 Nights in Africa Safari Accommodation
- Full board meal plan
- 9 safari game drives
- All park fees included
- Other activities as described in the itinerary
EXCLUDED
- International flights
- Tourist Visa
- Tourist Development Levy + Village fee
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, drinks)
- Tips (not mandatory but greatly appreciated
