6-Day Northern Safari

If you’re dreaming of spotting elephants amidst giant baobab trees, watching lions lounge in the Serengeti, or marveling at the Ngorongoro Crater’s volcanic landscape, a safari through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is hard to beat.

This 6-day tour offers a well-rounded experience, combining iconic parks with comfortable accommodations and expert guiding. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned safari enthusiast, this trip promises plenty of unforgettable moments.

Two things we love about this experience are the highly knowledgeable guides—who seem to combine local expertise with infectious passion—and the diversity of landscapes and wildlife you’ll encounter. The chance to see Africa’s famous animals in their natural habitat is thrilling, especially during the full day in Serengeti or the game-rich Ngorongoro Crater.

A possible drawback: the tour moves at quite a pace, with long game drives and relatively quick transitions between parks. If you prefer slow, leisurely explorations or a more relaxed schedule, this might feel a touch intensive.

This safari is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, value-packed experience and don’t mind spending a good part of your days in the vehicle. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers, first-time safarists, or those hoping to combine multiple parks in a short time without sacrificing quality.

Key Points

• Intimate, private tour experience with only your group participating, ensuring personalized attention.
• Expert guides who are praised repeatedly for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Iconic parks visited include Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, each offering unique wildlife and scenery.
• All-inclusive pricing covers most expenses, with meals, park fees, and accommodations included.
• Flexible travel timing allows visiting in any season, with different advantages for each period.
• Comfortable overnight stays range from tents to lodges, blending adventure with comfort.

What You Get: An Honest Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by a friendly representative who will whisk you to Pazuri Inn, located on the slopes of Mount Meru. This first night offers a chance to settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead. Staying just outside of town in a lodge cottage-style suite, you’ll get a feel for the local hospitality and the scenic surroundings.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

This park often flies under the radar, but it’s a true treasure. Traveling about two hours west from Arusha, Tarangire’s signature baobab trees and large herds of elephants make it a standout. During the green season (March to May), the foliage bursts with life, creating lush landscapes. In the dry months (June to October), the park becomes a magnet for herds of buffalo, wildebeest, and zebra, often numbering in the thousands.

We loved the way Tarangire’s resident elephants always deliver an impressive sight—massive creatures at close range, often crossing your path. The reviews echo this, with visitors describing Tarangire as a “nature lover’s dream,” especially during the lush season. A picnic lunch included in the full day game drive allows you to savor the moment amid the wild.

Overnight at Eileens Tree Inn at Karatu, a cozy base for your first night in the wild.

Day 3: Into the Serengeti

We travel early from Tarangire, heading north across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area—a landscape that’s as stunning as it is diverse. The journey to Serengeti is about three hours, offering spectacular views of rolling hills and open plains.

Once inside the Serengeti, you’ll realize just how vast and awe-inspiring this ecosystem truly is—1.5 million hectares of plains and riverine forests. Many visitors find the Serengeti’s size and wildlife density overwhelming—in a good way.

Your home for the night is Tanzania Bush Camp, where spacious tents with oversized beds and running water give you the feeling of camping in style. One review highlights the comfort of these tents, emphasizing how they blend adventure with a touch of luxury—“a view to die for,” as one traveler put it.

Day 4: The Serengeti’s Iconic Wildlife

The highlight of this safari is the full-day game drive in Serengeti. You’ll spend hours traversing the plains, seeking out lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and gazelles—all in their natural environment.

Many travelers are particularly excited about potentially witnessing the Serengeti’s Great Migration (which may be seasonal), where millions of wildebeest and zebras migrate across the landscape. Birdwatchers are also in for a treat, as the Serengeti boasts over 500 bird species.

Expect to see incredible scenes like lions lounging in acacia trees or cheetahs sprinting after prey. The long hours in the vehicle can be tiring but are offset by the thrill of close encounters with wildlife.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

Early morning, you’ll savor a hot cup of tea while watching the sunrise over Serengeti before heading out for one last game drive. Then, you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a volcanic caldera teeming with life and one of Africa’s most famous wildlife spots.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is particularly special because it’s a sort of natural zoo, with nearly every species you’d hope to see, including threatened ones like black rhinoceros and cheetah. The crater’s dense wildlife population makes it one of the best places to observe predators and prey in action.

After a full day exploring, you’ll stay just outside the crater at Eileens Tree Inn again, giving you a restful place after a busy day.

Day 6: Return to Arusha

A leisurely breakfast by the pool at Karatu, then a short two-hour drive back to Arusha. This is a good time to reflect on your safari, share stories, and soak in the scenery one last time.

Practical Insights: What Does This Tour Mean for You?

Transportation and Timing: The tour uses a private vehicle, which means more flexibility and comfort compared to larger group safaris. Long drives between parks are common, but they’re part of the adventure, offering scenic views and anticipation. The day-long game drives are packed with activity, so be prepared for early starts and full days.

Accommodations: Staying in a mix of tents and lodges balances the rustic charm of camping with some comfort. The tents are described as spacious and well-equipped, giving you a true safari feel without sacrificing hygiene or convenience.

Guides: Many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to spot wildlife—a crucial factor in making the experience memorable. They seem to be well-versed in wildlife behavior and park geography, which greatly enhances the chances of seeing key species.

Flexible Seasons: Whether you visit during the lush green season or the dry months, you’ll get a different but equally rewarding experience. The lush season is perfect for photography with vibrant scenery, while the dry season offers the spectacle of large herds congregating near water sources.

Cost and Value: At $2,600 per person, this tour packs in six days of intense wildlife viewing, premium guiding, most meals, and park fees. Many reviews describe this as “very good value,” especially considering the inclusiveness and quality of the experience.

Authentic Reviews: What Travelers Are Saying

Travelers consistently highlight the expertise and friendliness of guides. One reviewer called the guide “that guy,” emphasizing how he made their second visit to Tanzania even better than the first. Many mention how the guides’ local knowledge and spotting skills turn good game drives into unforgettable moments.

The accommodations and food also receive praise. Several reviews mention being “well taken care of,” with delicious meals prepared by attentive staff, making the long days more enjoyable.

The sense of authenticity and close contact with nature is also often emphasized. One reviewer noted, “Incredible experience close to Nature with our driver PrayGod and chef Boniface,” who excelled in their roles.

Who Will Love This Safari?

This tour is perfect for those who want to see multiple iconic parks in one trip without sacrificing comfort. It suits travelers who value guided expertise, wildlife diversity, and authentic safari lodgings. If you’re comfortable with long game drives and eager to experience Africa’s best-known wildlife hotspots, this safari will fulfill your dreams.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or luxury accommodations, you might want to consider tailored options or a smaller, more plush tour.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This 6-day Northern Safari offers a compelling mix of adventure, comfort, and expert guidance, making it a great choice for wildlife enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike. The combination of visiting Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro ensures you get a broad picture of Tanzania’s incredible biodiversity and landscapes.

The tour’s all-inclusive price helps you avoid unexpected expenses, and the high praise from past travelers speaks to its value and quality. Expect long days of wildlife spotting, insightful guides, and a genuine connection to Africa’s wilderness.

If your goal is an authentic, well-organized safari with knowledgeable guides and a variety of landscapes, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who want the “best of the best” in a manageable timeframe.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private tour, so only your group will participate, allowing for personalized attention and flexible scheduling.

What is included in the price?
All fees and taxes are included, along with five dinners, five lunches, and six breakfasts. Park fees are covered, and accommodation is arranged in lodges and tents.

Can I join this tour any time of year?
Yes, the tour can be enjoyed any time of year. The scenery and wildlife vary seasonally—lush and green from March to May, but packed with game during the dry months.

What about transportation?
You’ll travel in a private vehicle, which provides comfort and the ability to cover long distances efficiently.

What accommodations are used?
Overnight stays include a charming lodge (Pazuri Inn or Eileens Tree Inn) and a comfortable tented camp during the Serengeti segment.

How strenuous is the safari?
Expect to spend significant time in game drives, often 8-10 hours per day, with early starts. Be prepared for full days of wildlife viewing from the vehicle.

Are meals provided?
Most meals are included—breakfasts, lunches, and dinners—prepared with care, often praised for their quality.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, gazelles, and possibly the Great Migration if timing aligns. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by over 500 species.

What is the main benefit of this tour?
The combination of expert guides, a well-structured itinerary, and the opportunity to see iconic parks makes it a great value for wildlife lovers wanting a comprehensive Tanzanian safari experience.

This 6-day circuit through Tanzania’s most famous parks offers an authentic, exciting, and well-organized way to experience Africa’s wildlife. Whether you’re after the big cats, the elephants, or simply the vast, unspoiled landscapes, this tour provides a solid, immersive adventure at a reasonable price—making it a smart pick for your African safari dreams.