6 Days Northern Tanzania Classic Safari Adventure

Home 6 Days Northern Tanzania Classic Safari Adventure

6 Days Northern Tanzania Classic Safari Adventure

This is a seven-day lodge group safari (in a custom safari jeep with a pop-up roof) accompanied by a guide/driver and a chef. The tour covers the famous northern circuit parks: Serengeti (3 days), the largest park renowned for over a million wildebeest migrating alongside more than 250,000 zebras; Ngorongoro Crater, the highlight with its stunning landscapes and spectacular views, where wildlife is easier to spot on the crater floor; Tarangire, often called a smaller Serengeti, known for its high population of elephants; and Lake Manyara, famous for its flocks of flamingos and the rare tree-climbing lions.

This itinerary offers ample time to enjoy game viewing and relaxation, making it an excellent choice for those passionate about wildlife exploration.

Note: Accommodation during the safari will be in lodges.

When is the best time to visit Tanzania?

Many travelers often ask about the best time to visit Tanzania. The truth is that there is no single perfect answer, as it largely depends on what you want to experience, your preferred destinations, your budget, and your personal interests. For a detailed breakdown, you can explore a comprehensive guide on the best time to visit Tanzania here.

Dry Season (June to October & December to February):
This is widely considered the best period for safaris and beach holidays. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, and wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals gather around water sources. However, this is also the high season, meaning higher accommodation prices and more visitors in popular parks and attractions.

Mid Season (March & November):
These months offer a good balance between cost and experience. You’ll find more moderate hotel rates and fewer tourists compared to peak season. Weather conditions can be mixed, with occasional rains, and some activities or routes may be slightly affected. Nevertheless, wildlife sightings remain excellent, and the overall safari experience is more relaxed.

Wet Season (April & May):
This is the best time for budget travelers, as it is the low season with the lowest accommodation rates and fewer crowds in the parks. The landscapes are at their greenest and most beautiful due to heavy rains. However, some travel plans may be impacted by weather conditions, and certain areas can be harder to access.

What can I expect from a safari in Tanzania with Tanzania Specialist?

Our safaris in Tanzania provide an incredible opportunity to discover the country’s rich wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. We focus on private safari experiences, meaning you will have a dedicated 4×4 Land Cruiser or jeep exclusively for you and your travel companions.

This gives you full flexibility and comfort throughout your journey. You can choose when to start and end your game drives, and our professional safari guides are always available to advise you based on the best wildlife viewing conditions on the day.

Whether you prefer early morning and late afternoon game drives—when animals are most active and temperatures are cooler—or you would rather enjoy a relaxed pace and spend part of the day by the pool at your lodge, the choice is entirely yours.

Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems ensure excellent wildlife viewing throughout the day, giving you continuous opportunities to see animals in their natural habitat, from active predators at sunrise to grazing herbivores across the plains in the afternoon.

How can I personalize my Tanzania trip with your services?

At Clotilda Safaris, we focus on co-creating your ideal journey. When you plan your Tanzania adventure with us, you are not simply booking a trip—you are starting a fully personalized travel experience. We begin by carefully understanding your preferences and wishes, and we continue refining the details until every part of your journey perfectly matches your vision.

Our team works closely with you throughout the entire process to ensure your trip is completely tailor-made to your satisfaction. For your convenience, we also provide a selection of our most popular Tanzania trips and safaris, which can serve as inspiration or a starting point for planning your customized adventure.

Can I see the Big Five in Tanzania?

Absolutely, Tanzania is renowned as one of the prime destinations to encounter the Big Five. These magnificent creatures—lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo—can be seen thriving in their natural habitats, making Tanzania a top choice for wildlife enthusiasts and safari lovers from around the world.

Is it safe to travel to Tanzania?

Absolutely, Tanzania is considered a safe and welcoming destination for visitors. The country provides a friendly and hospitable atmosphere, particularly in popular tourist areas such as Arusha, allowing you to explore its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife with peace of mind.

The local communities are warm and welcoming, and as with any travel destination, it is always wise to take basic precautions like looking after your belongings. Tanzania’s incredible natural beauty combined with the genuine hospitality of its people makes it a truly remarkable place to visit.

Price Per Person

Included

All Park entrances & taxes
All Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner),
soft drinks & water (bottled water 3litres or more a day)
Transfer to & from the airport
Accommodation during safari
Transportation in a custom safari 4×4 with a viewing roof and guaranteed window seating
Safari vehicles have an inverter for charging batteries, communications radio, electric cooler, and filtered water
Flight From Zanzibar to Northern Serengeti (Kogatende Airstrip)
Arusha airport to Zanzibar.

Excluded

Tips for guides, driver
International and domestic flights
Tanzania Visa fee

Make your dream trip come true with Clotilda Safaris

At Clotilda Safaris, you can customize your trip to match your preferences, with fully flexible sample itineraries designed around your travel style.

Day by day Itinerary

Day

Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park

Start your safari with a scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a compact gem known for its dramatic scenery and ecological diversity. The park boasts over 400 bird species, including large flocks of flamingos, storks, and pelicans. It’s also one of the few places in Africa where lions can be spotted lounging in trees. During your game drive, look out for elephants, hippos, giraffes, and playful baboons. Enjoy lunch at a scenic picnic site before continuing your exploration of the park.

Day

Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, continue your adventure towards the legendary Serengeti. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Great Rift Valley and highland landscapes.

Once in the Serengeti, the wildlife spectacle begins—this is the heart of the African savannah. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of elephants, prides of lions, and possibly even the elusive leopard. The region is also home to countless antelope species and prolific birdlife.

Day

Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Rise early for a full day of safari in the world-famous Serengeti. This vast ecosystem is a wildlife haven, home to the “Big Five” and the epic Great Migration (seasonal). Watch in awe as herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles roam freely, pursued by hungry predators. Marvel at the diversity of the landscape—from open plains to rocky kopjes where lions and leopards may rest. Capture unforgettable moments as you experience the essence of untamed Africa.

Day

Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Spend your morning on a game drive through the outer reaches of Serengeti’s central region, where kopjes and river valleys provide ideal habitats for wildlife. Watch out for elephants, buffalo, and stalking predators. After lunch at your campsite or picnic site, begin the scenic transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, enjoy additional wildlife sightings along the way.

Day

Ngorongoro Crater – Lake Eyasi

Start early and descend into the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places on the continent to spot the Big Five. The crater floor is densely populated with wildlife, including rhinos, lions, elephants, zebras, and hippos. After a picnic lunch near the Hippo Pool, drive to the Lake Eyasi area, home to some of Tanzania’s most unique tribal communities.

Day

Lake Eyasi – Cultural Experience – Arusha

After breakfast, enjoy an eye-opening cultural experience with the Hadzabe people, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa. Join them on a short hunting expedition and learn about their traditional lifestyle. Later, visit the Datoga tribe, skilled blacksmiths and pastoralists who maintain centuries-old traditions. This unique cultural exchange offers deep insight into Tanzania’s indigenous heritage. After the visit, return to Arusha for drop-off at the airport or hotel.

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Related Safari Packages

“This was the most unforgettable experience of my life! I captured stunning and rare wildlife photos, with incredible sightings that left me in awe. The expert guidance from our guide helped me improve my photography skills, and my memory cards were completely full! Beyond the safari, I loved visiting a local Maasai village, where I had the chance to photograph the vibrant culture, daily life, and the hardworking women in the fields. Every moment felt authentic and deeply inspiring. I can’t wait to return to Tanzania and explore even more breathtaking locations!”

Jane P.

Plan your Tanzania adventure

Looking for a Custom Safari Adventure?

From the moment you begin planning your adventure with Clotilda Safaris, we’re here to guide you through every detail, creating a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences and level of exclusivity. While our remote team manages bookings, transfers, and activity arrangements, our dedicated ground team is available 24/7 to assist with any needs, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

About this tour

Experience an unforgettable 6-day journey through the iconic Northern Circuit of Tanzania—a world-renowned region teeming with diverse wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant local cultures. This classic African safari blends exciting game drives, immersive walking safaris, and authentic cultural encounters, creating a perfect balance of adventure and connection with nature.

Begin your expedition in Arusha National Park, where you’ll have a chance to track wildlife on foot. Continue to Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions and thousands of flamingos. Journey through the endless plains of the Serengeti for unmatched wildlife encounters, then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater—one of the best places in the world to spot the endangered black rhino. End your adventure with a deep dive into Tanzania’s cultural heritage by visiting the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and Datoga tribes near Lake Eyasi.

Best for

Adventure Lovers

Cultural interactions

Explorers

Honeymooners

Landscapes

Mountaineers

Highlight

PAX

Any group size

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge/ Tented Camp

Tour Type

Private group tour

Transport

4x4 Open sided pop up roof vehicl4x4 Open sided pop up roof vehicle

Start/End

Arusha

Minimum Age

What Makes this trip Special?

Diverse Safari Experience

Visit four of Tanzania’s most renowned wildlife destinations, each offering unique ecosystems and incredible game-viewing opportunities.

The Big Five & Beyond

Encounter lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo, plus cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and the stunning birdlife of East Africa.

The Great Migration

Witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles as thousands of wildebeest and zebras traverse the Serengeti plains.

Maasai Cultural Experience

Visit a Maasai village and gain insights into their rich traditions, warrior culture, and pastoral lifestyle.

Scenic Landscapes

From the iconic Ngorongoro Crater to the vast Serengeti and the lush greenery of Lake Manyara, this safari offers breathtaking vistas at every turn.

Expert-Guided Safari

Travel with experienced safari guides, who will share their deep knowledge of wildlife, ecosystems, and local culture.

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Destination:

Lake Manyara National Park

Accommodation

Lodge / Tented Camp

Activity

Game Exploration

Day 2: Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park

Meals:

Lunch & Dinner

Destination:

Serengeti National Park

Accommodation

Lodge / Tented Camp

Activity

Game Drive

After breakfast, continue your adventure towards the legendary Serengeti. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Great Rift Valley and highland landscapes.

Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Destination:

Serengeti National Park

Accommodation

Lodge / Tented Camp

Activity

Game Drive

Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Destination:

Ngorongoro

Accommodation

Lodge / Tented Camp

Activity

Game Drive

Spend your morning on a game drive through the outer reaches of Serengeti’s central region, where kopjes and river valleys provide ideal habitats for wildlife. Watch out for elephants, buffalo, and stalking predators. After brunch at your campsite or picnic site, begin the scenic transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, enjoy additional wildlife sightings along the way.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Lake Eyasi

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Destination:

Lake Eyasi

Accommodation

Lodge / Tented Camp

Activity

Cultural Exploration

Day 6: Lake Eyasi – Cultural Experience – Arusha

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Destination:

Serengeti National Park

Accommodation

Lodge / Tented Camp

Activity

Game Drive

Tour Price

1 Person

On Request

2 people

$ 2,560

3 people

$ 2,310

4 people

$ 2,310

5 people

$ 2,075

6 people

$ 2,075

7 people

On Request

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General tour information

Tanzania visa information

Most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania.

Visas can be obtained:

Online via the eVisa system.
On arrival at major airports (JRO, DAR, ZNZ).
In advance from a Tanzanian embassy or consulate.

Cost:

$50 for most nationalities.
$100 for U.S. citizens.

Passport requirements:

Valid for at least six months beyond travel dates.
At least one blank page for entry stamps.

Bookings & Confirmations

Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for peak seasons (June–October & December–February).
A deposit is typically required to confirm a reservation.
Full payment is usually due weeks before departure.
Upon confirmation, you will receive:
1. Detailed itinerary.
2. Accommodation information.
3. Essential travel details (permits, packing lists, etc.).

Cancellation Policy

We understand that travel plans may change. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
More than 60 days before departure: Full refund minus the deposit.
30–59 days before departure: 50% refund.
Less than 30 days before departure: No refund.
No-show or early departure: No refund.
We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and trekking activities.

Accommodation information

Tanzania offers various accommodation options:Budget:

Camping & basic lodges.
Mid-range: Standard lodges & tented camps.
Luxury: High-end lodges & private tented camps.

Popular safari destinations for accommodations:

Serengeti,
Ngorongoro Crater,
Tarangire, Selous, and Zanzibar.

Most lodges provide:

Full-board services (meals included).
Eco-friendly facilities & stunning natural settings.

Early booking is recommended, especially in high-demand areas.

Additional Travel Information

Currency & Payments:

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency.
USD is widely accepted, but carrying small cash is advised.
Credit cards are accepted in most hotels & lodges.

Health & Vaccinations:

Yellow fever vaccination required if
traveling from an endemic country.
Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, routine immunizations.
Malaria prevention is advised; carry appropriate medication.

Language & Communication:

Swahili is the national language, but English is widely spoken.
Mobile network coverage is available in most tourist areas.
Wi-Fi is accessible in most lodges and hotels.

Time Zone & Electricity:

East Africa Time (EAT) – UTC+3.
Standard voltage: 230V.
Power plugs: Type D & G – A universal adapter is recommended.

Flights to Tanzania

International Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the closest airport to Moshi, about 45 minutes away.

Alternative Airports:

Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar

From these airports, you can take a domestic flight to JRO with Air Tanzania, Precision Air, or Coastal Aviation.

Important Requirments

Luggate Restrictions

Weight Limit:

Domestic flights in Tanzania have strict baggage limits, typically 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, including carry-on.

Bag Type:

Soft-sided duffel bags are recommended for easy storage on small aircraft and safari vehicles.

Prohibited Items:

Avoid packing plastic bags as they are banned in Tanzania.
Additional Charges: Excess baggage fees may apply if you exceed the airline’s weight limit.

Health Information

Vaccinations:

Yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from or transiting through an endemic country.
Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies (for those spending extended time in remote areas).

Malaria Prevention:

Tanzania is a malaria-risk area; consult a doctor for antimalarial medication.
Use insect repellent with DEET and sleep under a mosquito net when available.

Water & Food Safety:

Drink only bottled or filtered water.
Avoid raw or unpeeled fruits and vegetables unless properly washed.

Travel Insurance:

Highly recommended to cover medical emergencies and evacuation.

Weather in Tanzania

Dry Season (June – October):

Best time for wildlife viewing with clear skies.
Cooler temperatures, especially in the early mornings and evenings.

Short Rainy Season (November – December):

Occasional short rains, but safaris are still possible.

Green Season (January – March):

Lush landscapes, great for photography and birdwatching.
Ideal time for calving season in the Serengeti.

Long Rainy Season (April – May):

Heavy rains, some lodges may close, and roads can be muddy.

What to Pack for a Tanzania Safari

Clothing:

Lightweight, breathable clothes in neutral colors (khaki, green, beige).
Long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection.
Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings.
Waterproof jacket during the rainy season.

Footwear:

Comfortable hiking or safari boots.
Sandals for lodge stays.

Accessories:

Hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen.
Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.

Personal Essentials:

Personal medications and a small first aid kit.
Reusable water bottle.
Small backpack for day trips.