10-day Tanzania safari – Northern Safari Circuit itinerary
Updated: Oct 16
A safari in Tanzania is one of the most impressive travel experiences in the world. The Northern Safari Circuit is particularly popular, taking you through some of the country’s most famous national parks.
In just ten days, you can discover some of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes: huge elephant herds, endless savannahs, flamingo-filled lakes and the famous Ngorongoro Crater.
This 10-day safari route through northern Tanzania combines the region’s most important national parks while giving you enough time for unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Overview of the 10-day safari route
This itinerary takes you through some of northern Tanzania’s best-known parks:
Tarangire National Park
Lake Manyara National Park
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
The journey usually starts in the safari town of Arusha.
Day 1 – Arrival in Arusha
Most international flights arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, about an hour from Arusha.
Arusha is known as Tanzania’s safari capital and is the starting point for most safaris in the north.
A typical first day includes:
Transfer to your hotel
Safari briefing with your guide
Preparing for the days ahead
Many travellers use this day to relax and acclimatise after their flight.
Day 2 – Safari in Tarangire National Park
On day two, your actual safari begins.
Your first destination is the impressive Tarangire National Park, around two to three hours from Arusha.
The park is particularly famous for:
Large elephant herds
Impressive baobab trees
Large herds of buffalo
During the dry season, many animals gather along the Tarangire River, creating excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
In the afternoon, you continue with a game drive before heading to your lodge.
Day 3 – Tarangire and onward to Lake Manyara
You start early with another game drive in Tarangire National Park.
The early morning hours are ideal for spotting predators.
Afterwards, you continue to your next destination: Lake Manyara National Park.
The park is much smaller than the Serengeti but offers an amazing variety of landscapes.
Highlights include:
Dense rainforest
Flamingos around the lake
And, with a little luck, the famous tree-climbing lions
You spend the night at a lodge near the park.
Day 4 – Lake Manyara and onward to the Serengeti
After breakfast, you continue towards Africa’s most famous national park: Serengeti National Park.
The drive takes several hours, but the landscapes along the way are spectacular.
You may already spot your first wildlife on the way to your lodge.
Day 5 – Safari in the Serengeti
Today you explore the legendary Serengeti National Park.
The Serengeti is one of the world’s best-known national parks and is famous for its incredible abundance of wildlife.
One of the greatest natural spectacles here is the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the savannah.
After an exciting day on safari, you return to your lodge or camp in the late afternoon.
Day 6 – Full-day safari in the Serengeti
A full day in the Serengeti gives you the best possible chance of experiencing spectacular wildlife encounters.
A typical day might include:
Sunrise game drive
Breakfast at your lodge
More safari in the afternoon
Experienced guides know many of the best places to look for predators.
With a little luck, you might even witness a hunt.
Day 7 – Another day in the Serengeti
An extra day in the Serengeti is always worthwhile.
The landscapes are incredibly diverse:
Open savannah
River landscapes
Rocky outcrops known as kopjes
These kopjes are often favourite resting places for lions and leopards.
Many travellers say that spending several days in the Serengeti is the highlight of their entire trip.
Day 8 – Drive to the Ngorongoro Crater
Today you leave the Serengeti and continue to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater.
The crater was formed millions of years ago when a huge volcano collapsed.
Today, it is one of Africa’s most unique ecosystems.
The landscape includes:
Grasslands
Forests
Lakes
Swamps
Many lodges are located directly on the crater rim. We usually prefer selected lodges in Karatu, however, as they offer a more relaxed atmosphere while still providing a convenient base for visiting the Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 9 – Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
Today is one of the highlights of any Tanzania trip.
You descend into the Ngorongoro Crater early in the morning.
The crater floor is home to an exceptionally high concentration of wildlife.
In a single day, you can often see:
Lions
Elephants
Buffalo
Hippos
Flamingos
With a little luck, you may even spot the rare black rhino.
In the afternoon, you leave the crater and continue towards Arusha.
Day 10 – Departure or onward to Zanzibar
Your safari comes to an end today.
Many travellers fly home from Arusha or combine their safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Combining a safari with a tropical beach stay is one of the most popular ways to experience East Africa.
Best time to travel this safari route
This route is possible throughout the year.
The most popular months are:
June to October – dry season and excellent wildlife viewing
January to March – wildebeest calving season
During the rainy season, the landscapes are particularly green and the parks tend to be quieter.
Tips for your 10-day safari
A few simple tips can help you get the most out of your safari. Don't forget to check our safari packing list before you travel.
Important recommendations:
Wear neutral colours such as khaki, beige or olive
Bring a good pair of binoculars
Pack a camera with a zoom lens
Don't forget sunscreen and a hat
It is also worth booking your safari early, especially during the high season.
The perfect safari route through Tanzania
A 10-day safari on the Northern Safari Circuit is one of the best ways to experience Africa’s incredible wildlife.
The combination of:
offers an exceptional variety of landscapes, wildlife and safari experiences.
If you are visiting Tanzania for the first time, this route offers a fantastic introduction to the fascinating world of the African wilderness.
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