Ultimate 10-Day Northern Tanzania Safari: A Big Five Classic
10-Day Migration Great Trek & Lake Manyara Safari
Trip Overview
A 10-day expedition designed to track the Great Migration across the Serengeti while covering Northern Tanzania’s core parks. This route moves from Tarangire National Park up to the northern border of Serengeti National Park at Kogatende for Mara River crossing opportunities, before returning south via the Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Lake Manyara National Park.
Note: Migration movement is natural and seasonal. Nights across Central and Northern Serengeti remain fully flexible and will be adjusted during booking to align with current herd locations. Safari execution days only arrival and departure transfers are separate add-ons billed upon request, if not part of safari days.
At a Glance
- Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Start / End Points: Arusha to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) (Arrival/Departure transfers billed separately)
- Travel Style: Private Overland 4×4 Safari
- Best Time to Go: July – October (Mara River Crossings) / Flexible year-round
- Starting Price: From $4,250 USD per person (Based on double occupancy, mid-range tier)
Tour Highlights
- 3 Nights in Kogatende (Mara River): Multiple days along the northern banks targeting wildebeest river crossings.
- Flexible Serengeti Stays: Room allocations between Central and Northern Serengeti adapt dynamically to seasonal herd shifts.
- Ngorongoro Crater Floor: Full morning game drive in an enclosed volcanic caldera home to the Big Five.
- Lake Manyara Forest & Lake: Explore groundwater forests, baboon troops, and flamingos beneath the Rift Valley escarpment.
- Full Northern Circuit Coverage: Complete exploration of Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Manyara in a single journey.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire to Karatu
- Day 2: Karatu to Central Serengeti
- Days 3–5: Kogatende / Northern Serengeti (Mara River)
- Day 6: Kogatende to Central Serengeti
- Day 7: Central Serengeti to NCAA Rim (Overnight)
- Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Descent to Karatu / Manyara
- Day 9: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha (Overnight)
- Day 10: Departure / Transfer
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park-Overnight Karatu
Morning departure from Arusha to Tarangire for game viewing along the riverbanks, famous for large elephant herds and baobab trees. Mid-day picnic lunch, followed by late afternoon game drive. Exit Park and transfer to Karatu for dinner and rest.
- Transit: ~2 hrs to Tarangire / ~1.5 hrs to Karatu
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging: Farm of Dreams Lodge / Kitela Lodge
Day 2: Karatu to Central Serengeti National Park
Drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands onto the Serengeti plains. Enter Seronera Valley for afternoon game viewing focused on resident big cats, leopards, and cheetahs around granite kopjes.
- Transit: ~4–5 hrs including en-route viewing
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging: Kati Kati Tented Camp / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Days 3–5: Central Serengeti to Kogatende (3 Nights Northern Serengeti)
Travel north to the Kogatende sector near the Mara River. Spend three dedicated days tracking wildebeest herds as they gather along crossing points. Flexible daily schedules allow full-day river monitoring with bush lunches.
- Transit: ~4 hrs northbound drive on Day 3
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (All Days)
- Lodging: Heritage Mara Camp / Sayari Camp / Mara Under Canvas
Day 6: Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti
Morning game drive along the Mara River before journeying south back to Central Serengeti. Track resident wildlife and territorial predators through Seronera Valley.
- Transit: ~4–5 hrs southbound drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging: Kati Kati Tented Camp / Ole Serai Luxury Camp
Day 7: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCAA)
Final morning game drive across the central savannas. After lunch, exit the park and ascend into the high-altitude forests of the Ngorongoro crater rim for sunset views and overnight rest.
- Transit: ~3–4 hrs transit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging: Ngorongoro Angata / Laba-Laba Ngorogoro
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Descent to Overnight Karatu or Manyara
Early morning 600-meter descent to the crater floor for game viewing. Search for black rhino, lions, and hyenas. Picnic lunch at Ngoitokitok hippo pool before ascending crater walls to sleep in Karatu or near Manyara.
- Transit: ~1 hr crater to lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging: Farm of Dreams Lodge / Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
Day 9: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha (Overnight)
Explore Lake Manyara’s groundwater forest, home to baboon troops, giraffes, and flamingo-lined shores. Afternoon drive back to Arusha for overnight stay.
- Transit: ~2.5 hrs to Arusha
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Lodging: Mount Meru Hotel / Gran Meliá Arusha
Day 10: Final Departure
Breakfast at hotel. Private transfer to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for onward flights. (Transfers billed separately based on flight times).
Meals: Breakfast
Please Note on Lodging:
Accommodations listed are subject to availability upon booking. Should a specific property be unavailable, an equivalent property within the same standard and location category will be substituted.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included:
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser,
- Professional driver-guide,
- All park and crater fees,
- 9 nights lodging,
- Meals as specified,
- Bottled water in vehicle.
Excluded:
- Arrival/departure airport transfers,
- Pre/post safari hotel add-ons,
- International/domestic flights,
- Visa fees,
- Insurance,
- Tips,
- Optional balloon safari ($550–$600 pp).
Pricing & Customisation
- Rates: Quoted per person based on double occupancy.
- Flexibility Note: Migration patterns vary yearly; Serengeti night allocations between Central, North, or South (Ndutu) are customised to match seasonal herd locations at booking.
- Terms: 30% non-refundable deposit; balance due 45 days before arrival.
