6-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit: Four Seasons Serengeti
Journey Overview
This route follows the same parks as the standard northern circuit but is designed around what two nights at Four Seasons Safari Lodge inside the central Serengeti actually changes. Being inside the park means the first game drive begins on arrival rather than after a long transfer, and early morning access to the Seronera area before day-visit vehicles arrive from outside the park makes a measurable difference to wildlife encounters. The surrounding days in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro cover the wider circuit efficiently without becoming rushed. This suits travelers who want the full northern circuit without moving camp every night and who are prepared to spend more for fewer, better nights rather than more nights at a lower standard. The lodge experience is part of the product here. Accommodation can be adjusted at any stage if a different combination is preferred.
Key Highlights
- ◆Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park
- ◆Full-day game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, with optional boat excursion
- ◆Two nights at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge inside the central Serengeti
- ◆Early morning game drive inside the Ngorongoro Crater
- ◆Crater rim viewpoint stop with panoramic views into the caldera
Departures
Select a comfortable style or departure slot to proceed with your booking enquiry.
Itinerary
Day 1: Tarangire National Park
Departure from Arusha at 08:00 for Tarangire National Park. Among the northern circuit parks, Tarangire is typically the least crowded and consistently strong for elephant. The animals concentrate along the Tarangire River during the dry season from July to November. The terrain includes nine distinct vegetation zones and the baobabs that dominate much of the landscape are among the largest on the continent. A game drive runs through the afternoon before the transfer to camp.
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park
The drive to Lake Manyara National Park crosses part of the Great Rift Valley and takes under an hour from the Karatu area. At around 330km², the park is compact but varied: groundwater forest gives way to lakeshore, acacia woodland, and open floodplain. Hippo are present in the lake year-round. Optional activities including a boat excursion or cycling are available on request. Transfer to the lodge follows the afternoon game drive.
Day 3: Central Serengeti National Park
After an early breakfast, the drive heads north through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area highlands and into the Serengeti. A brief stop at the crater rim provides a view across the caldera. The Serengeti covers 14,763km² and the central Seronera region is consistently productive for large predators throughout the year. An afternoon game drive follows arrival at the lodge.
Day 4: Central Serengeti National Park
A full day in the central Serengeti, with the programme flexible to preference. Options include an early morning and afternoon session or a full day in the field with a picnic lunch. The Seronera area is known for reliable lion and leopard sightings; leopard are frequently spotted in the riverine woodland along the Seronera River. Your guide adjusts the route based on recent wildlife activity.
Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro
An early morning game drive in the Serengeti precedes the drive south toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arriving at the crater highlands by mid-afternoon allows time to settle before evening. The following morning requires an early start: animals are more active in the cooler hours and the crater game drive runs until early afternoon.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
After breakfast, the descent into the Ngorongoro Crater takes place in the early morning. The crater floor covers around 260km² and sits roughly 600m below the rim. A picnic lunch is served at a site near the hippo pool. The game drive continues until early afternoon before the ascent and the return drive to Arusha, arriving by approximately 17:00.
✓Inclusions & Offers
- Private 4WD safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- English-speaking driver-guide for the full duration
- All accommodation as listed in the itinerary
- All meals as specified per day
- National park entrance fees and conservation levies
- All game drives as detailed in the itinerary
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
- Drinking water in the vehicle throughout
✕Exclusions
- International flights
- Tanzania entry visa (apply online before travel; approximately USD 50 per person at time of writing)
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Alcoholic beverages, unless specified as included per day
- Optional or unscheduled activities
- Personal items, laundry, telephone calls, and communications
- Any meals not listed in the per-day breakdown
Departures
Select a comfortable style or departure slot to proceed with your booking enquiry.
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