Northern Classic Extended
Discover Northern Classic Extended with Zorani Expeditions.
Journey Overview
Ten days across the full northern circuit, including Lake Manyara as a dedicated stop. The extra days give the Serengeti four nights rather than three, and allow Tarangire proper time for its southern zones. Lake Manyara is a smaller, more contained park but rewards a full drive — soda lake, groundwater forest, floodplain, and the famous tree-climbing lions. This is the itinerary for travellers who want to cover the northern circuit without the feeling of having rushed any of it.
Departures
Select a comfortable style or departure slot to proceed with your booking enquiry.
Itinerary
Arrival — Arusha
Arrive Kilimanjaro International. Meet guide. Transfer to Arusha lodge. Overnight.
Arusha to Tarangire
Tarangire National Park
Drive to Tarangire — two hours from Arusha. Afternoon game drive along the river corridor. Elephant, lion, wild dog, giraffe, and buffalo reliably present in the dry season. Buffalo herds of several hundred use the river crossings in July and August.
Full Day — Tarangire
Tarangire National Park
Full day. Morning drive south toward Silale Swamp — the least-visited section and consistently strong for predator activity. Afternoon through the baobab groves. Two nights in Tarangire is the correct allocation.
Tarangire to Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara National Park
Morning drive north to Lake Manyara. Afternoon covers the forest, floodplain, and lakeshore. The tree-climbing lions are the park's most notable draw. The elephant in Manyara's acacia woodland are among the most relaxed in Tanzania.
Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Highlands
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Morning drive out of Manyara. Drive to the Ngorongoro rim via the highland road. Arrive early afternoon. Optional rim walk in the late afternoon.
Full Day — Ngorongoro Crater
Early descent. Full day — black rhino, lion, flamingo, hippo, and the permanent wildebeest and zebra herds. Picnic lunch. Return to the rim in the late afternoon.
Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti
Drive into the Serengeti via Naabi Hill. Optional Olduvai Gorge stop. Afternoon game drive in the central zone.
Full Day — Central Serengeti
Full day in the Seronera Valley. The river circuits, kopje loops, and open plains deliver the most consistent predator viewing in the northern circuit year-round. Cheetah with cubs are regularly seen in the Seronera grasslands.
Serengeti — Eastern Sector
Drive to the Namiri Plains area. Highest cheetah density in the park, significantly fewer vehicles, open sightlines. A different experience from the river-focused Seronera.
Serengeti — Departure
Final morning drive. Fly from Seronera to Kilimanjaro or drive back to Arusha. Onward international connection.
