Private East Africa travel
From Arusha through Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, this 5-day private journey is shaped around the experiences, pace and accommodation level that suit you.
The journey
This is the northern Tanzania circuit at its most considered. For 5 Days Classic Northern Circuit, the route is deliberately paced through Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The route links the places people travel to Tanzania to see, while giving the journey a more deliberate shape: good driving days, meaningful time in the parks and accommodation placed where it makes operational sense.
Your private guide keeps the plan responsive to the moment, whether that means staying with a leopard sighting, changing a game-drive loop or returning early for a quiet afternoon at camp. 5 Days Classic Northern Circuit can be refined around your dates, room requirements and the experiences you want to prioritise.
Day by day
Each day is intentionally balanced between meaningful time in the field and the space to enjoy your stay.
Your safari kicks off with a morning pickup from Arusha. We drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its grand baobab trees and massive elephant populations. Enjoy a full game drive tracking wildlife along the Tarangire River basin. In the late afternoon, climb into the cooler Karatu highlands for an overnight stay at Marera Valley Lodge.
Depart the highlands and traverse the scenic rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, driving down the dusty outer slopes toward the Serengeti. Enter the endless plains and begin game tracking through the Central Seronera valley—famed for its predator densities. Conclude the day at Embalakai Serengeti Camp for an open-air dinner and an authentic tented overnight stay.
A dedicated, complete day to explore the Serengeti. We head out at first light to observe leopards draped over riverine branches, lions monitoring the kopjes, and cheetahs hunting on the grass flats. Break for a bush picnic lunch before continuing our wildlife tracking into unexplored valleys. Spend a second peaceful night under canvas at Embalakai Serengeti Camp.
Enjoy a final morning game drive out of the Serengeti plains, seeking any elusive species you have yet to tick off. After lunch, transit backward through Olduvai country, ascending the volcanic highlands to reach your lodge positioned cleanly on the crater's precipice. Check into Ngorongoro Rim Lodge for a crisp evening on the rim.
Descend early onto the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater—a pristine volcanic sanctuary. This self-enclosed biosphere offers high chances to check off the complete Big Five, notably the rare black rhino. Following a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, ascend the rim for a traditional Maasai village cultural tour, followed by a direct return drive to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO).
Good to know
Before you decide
No. The figures above are planning ranges per person, per day—not a fixed trip total. Your proposal will reflect the exact season, route, accommodation choice and number of travellers.
Yes. Many excellent journeys combine levels of accommodation intentionally: for example, an accessible lodge on arrival, a more immersive camp in the Serengeti, then a standout final stay.
Availability changes with season and lead time. We show three appropriate starting points for each destination, then recommend live options that match your dates and room requirements.
Absolutely. The structure is a considered starting point. We can adjust the pace, add nights, change regions, add a beach extension or refine the balance between wildlife, culture and rest.
Make it yours
Send a few details and our East Africa planning team will advise on route, timing and the accommodation choices that best fit the way you want to travel.
