Treasure of Tanzania Safari

The northern Tanzania safari circuit includes Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park, with Arusha National Park as an easy starting point. Tarangire is famous for elephants and baobab trees, Manyara for its forest and lake birdlife, Ngorongoro Crater for dense wildlife including black rhino, and the Serengeti for big cats and the Great Migration. Together they deliver remarkable variety within a few hours' drive of Arusha.

Plan six to eight days for a rewarding northern Tanzania safari. This gives one or two nights in Tarangire, a night near Ngorongoro Crater and at least three nights in the Serengeti, where distances are large. A four- or five-day trip can cover Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro, with a short Serengeti visit. Ten days lets you follow the migration to more remote regions or add a cultural day in Karatu. Your private itinerary is paced to suit you.

Yes, you can see the Big Five on a northern Tanzania safari: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. The Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the best chances in Africa to spot the endangered black rhino, while the Serengeti is excellent for lions and leopards. Tarangire hosts large elephant herds, and buffalo are common across the circuit. Sightings are never certain in the wild, but experienced private guides greatly improve your chances by knowing where animals move.

A private northern Tanzania safari usually costs about $550 to $990 per person per day at mid-range lodges and roughly $990 to $2,500 per person per day for luxury camps. Prices vary with the season, number of travellers, lodge choice and park fees, which form a large part of the budget. Travelling in the green season can reduce costs. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris sends a clear, itemised quote for your tailor-made itinerary, with no hidden extras.

The northern Tanzania circuit is rewarding year-round. The dry season from June to October offers easy game viewing as animals gather near water, and it is peak time in Tarangire. December to March brings calving in the southern Serengeti near Ndutu and lush landscapes, though migration timing varies with rainfall. March to May is the long rainy season, with fewer visitors and green scenery. Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent wildlife in every month, making it a reliable highlight.