Lion cub in a tree, Tanzania

Safaris through Northern Tanzania’s Best National Parks

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Tanzania

Places Visited

Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Suggested Duration

9 Days

Tanzania’s northern safari circuit stands among the most famous and most visited wildlife regions worldwide. Nine days exploring this series of phenomenal national parks exposes visitors to so much more than just Africa’s prized Big Five on the Serengeti. Coveted moments are spent beneath a baobab in tranquil Tarangire National Park, and on the lip of the prehistoric Ngorongoro Crater. Time spent with local communities further enhances the tour, making this experience far more than a simple safari....

Customizable Itinerary

Expand All

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy the solitude and serenity of Tarangire National Park as you sit in the shade of a baobab tree while elephants wander the horizon
  • Search the Serengeti for close encounters with Africa’s Big Five: lions, leopards, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros
  • Drift above the savanna on a magical hot air balloon ride, absorbing the vastness of this tranquil landscape at sunrise
  • Drive into the heart of the Great Wildebeest Migration (month dependent), surrounding yourself with nearly two million ungulates searching for greener pastures
  • Explore the lush floor of the collapsed volcano in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, seeking out leopards and flamingos as you go
  • Enjoy each safari from the comfort and consistency of a series of Sopa Lodges

Detailed Description

Begin your explorations of Tanzania’s northern parks in a remote corner of Tarangire National Park under the shade of a baobab tree. Drive alongside the life-sustaining Tarangire river, observing the multitude of species that flock to its shore in search of water. Watch as a large population of elephants feast on the leaves of an acacia tree, before you migrate back to a stunning Sopa Lodge for an evening of sundowners, fantastic food and fireside chats.

Move on from Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera. This lush and fertile landscape perfectly complements your time in the arid region of Tarangire, while still offering spectacular wildlife encounters. Drive through the jungled slopes of the crater before emerging onto the grassy plains of the floor, circling the lake in search of rhinoceros, flamingo and leopard amidst innumerable ungulates.

The crux of the tour occurs as you emerge from the crater floor out onto the endless grassy plains of the Serengeti. The final days of this tour are spent traversing these inspirational and epic plains in search of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Weave and wander along the dusty trails with an expert guide who will take time to highlight the smaller creatures and plants of this unbelievable ecosystem. As the adventure draws to a close, send yourself high above the savanna on a luxurious and romantic tour from a hot air balloon, descending just in time for a glass of champagne before returning home. 

Ideal Travel Months

This tour has been designed to run year round. The best timing depends largely on your particular preferences and values in a safari. However, given that the Great Wildebeest Migration is a central component of this particular tour, we would recommend trying to time your visit between the months of October and April, when then wildebeest are found throughout the Serengeti. Within this period, the months of November and April are the most ideal for safaris in Tarangire, given that this is when the migratory herds flock to the park in search of water.

The busiest time in the Serengeti occurs between July and March, while low season generally lasts from November to May. 

Starting Price

$6,600 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.91 stars based on 424 reviews.

Tanzania Vacation Review: Serengeti, Arusha, Tarangire,...
"Our agent worked very closely with me to plan an itinerary...

Reviewed By Marcia H.

Tanzania Luxury Trip Review: Safari, Big Five, Birding,...
"Thanks to our Zicasso travel agent for organizing our trip....

Reviewed By Jorge S.

Tanzania, Rwanda Luxury Vacation Review: Serengeti, Ngorongoro...
"Zicasso’s travel agency gave us a mind-blowing experience....

Reviewed By Darrel P.

Tanzania, Rwanda Luxury Tour Review: Safari, Ngorongoro...
"This was one of the best, if not the very best, travel...

Reviewed By Jeffrey F.

Tanzania Luxury Family Tour Review: Safari, Arusha, Ngorongoro...
"Melanie has a deep knowledge of Africa and is a super planner...

Reviewed By Ellen M.

Luxury Tanzania Vacation Review: Safari, Hot-Air Balloon...
"Our Zicasso travel agent did an outstanding job. She made...

Reviewed By Jeff C.

Your Dream Vacation

in 3 simple steps

  1. 1

    Describe your dream trip

  2. 2

    Get matched with top travel specialists

  3. 3

    Book the trip

Free service - no credit card required