7-Day Northern Circuit Camping Safari
A classic safari through the best of Northern Tanzania
This 7-day itinerary covers Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti (2 nights), and Ngorongoro Crater, offering a well-paced adventure filled with game drives, local culture, and camping in the wild.
Destinations: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
Style: Budget Camping Safari
Accommodation: Public Campsites
Starts/Ends: Arusha
Photo Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1
Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Drive time: ~2 hours
Depart Arusha and head to Tarangire National Park, famous for large elephant herds, ancient baobabs, and diverse wildlife along the Tarangire River. Game drive with picnic lunch.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Tarangire Campsite / Mto wa Mbu
Day 2
Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park
Drive time: ~1 hour
After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park, a lush park with groundwater forests, hot springs, flamingos, and the rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive and cultural vibes from nearby Mto wa Mbu town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mto wa Mbu Campsite
Day 3
Manyara – Serengeti National Park
Drive time: ~6 hours (via Ngorongoro Highlands)
After an early breakfast, drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a scenic stop at the viewpoint. Enter Serengeti National Park, where you’ll enjoy your first afternoon game drive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Seronera Public Campsite (Central Serengeti)
Day 4
Full-Day in Serengeti National Park
Spend a full day in the heart of Serengeti, tracking big cats, herds of wildebeest, elephants, giraffes, and possibly witnessing the Great Migration (seasonal). Optional sunrise hot air balloon safari available (extra cost).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Seronera Campsite
Day 5
Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy an early morning game drive, then have breakfast and start heading to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Visit a Maasai boma or Olduvai Gorge en route (optional). Arrive at Simba Campsite on the crater rim for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Simba Public Campsite (Ngorongoro Crater Rim)
Day 6
Karatu – Return to ArushaNgorongoro Crater Tour – Karatu
After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. Spot the Big Five, including rhinos, lions, and buffaloes. After a picnic lunch, ascend and drive to nearby Karatu for a relaxed evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Karatu Public Campsite
Day 7
Karatu – Return to Arusha
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive back to Arusha. Optional stops at local curio shops, cultural market, or a short walk in Mto wa Mbu (on request). Arrive in Arusha by mid-afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
End of Safari
per person
Included
- Transport in 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Park & camping fees
- Camping equipment (tent, mattress, sleeping bag)
- Meals as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide & cook
- Bottled drinking water