+255 798 564 253
Call For Expert Travel Advice
12 Days Luxury Northern Circuit Serengeti Safari
Luxury Safari Experience - Starting from $12,500 USD
12 Days Luxury Northern Circuit Serengeti Safari
Enjoy a 12 Days Luxury Northern Circuit Serengeti Safari designed for travelers who want premium comfort, private guiding, and smooth logistics from arrival to departure.
This itinerary follows Tanzania's most celebrated northern circuit highlights—Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro—before finishing with Zanzibar beach time and Stone Town culture.
Start with a calm Arusha welcome so you can reset after travel and begin safari rested and organized.
In Tarangire, focus on elephant herds, baobab landscapes, and classic riverbed wildlife viewing.
Lake Manyara adds variety: groundwater forest, lakeshore birdlife, and the chance of tree-climbing lions.
The Serengeti portion is paced for quality sightings—big cats, open plains, seasonal herds, and unhurried photography stops with your private guide.
Transition into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for crater access and a spectacular concentration of wildlife on the crater floor.
After safari, fly to Zanzibar for a softer rhythm: ocean air, curated excursions, and generous time to relax.
Explore Stone Town's heritage streets and a spice tour for the flavors and history that define Zanzibar.
Enjoy options like Prison Island and Jozani Forest balanced with beach and pool time at your chosen luxury hotel.
Throughout the journey, accommodation is curated for comfort and location, and daily timing is shaped around your pace.
This is a high-touch, luxury experience built to feel effortless—clear timing, private transfers, and attentive service at every step.
Price from: $12,500 USD per person. Final pricing depends on season, lodge category, and your preferred travel dates.
Your 12-Day Safari Journey
-
Day 1 – Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania
Meet-and-greet on arrival and enjoy a private transfer to your Arusha accommodation. Refresh, settle in, and receive a relaxed briefing so your safari begins smoothly the next morning.
Night: Gran Melia Arusha / Arusha Coffee Lodge / Mount Meru Hotel / Kibo Palace Arusha / Sanaa Boutique Hotel
-
Day 2 – Tarangire National Park – Elephant Paradise
Drive into Tarangire for elephant herds, baobab scenery, and excellent wildlife along the river system. Enjoy a privately paced game drive, then unwind with sundowners and a refined safari dinner.
Night: Nimali Tarangire / Nyikani Tarangire / Acacia Tarangire / Kuro Treetop Lodge / Seriani Tarangire Camp
-
Day 3 – Lake Manyara National Park – Tree-Climbing Lions
Explore Lake Manyara’s varied habitats—groundwater forest, open plains, and lakeshore—with excellent birdlife and the chance of tree-climbing lions. Return to your luxury lodge for a calm evening in the highlands.
Night: Kilimamoja Lodge / Escapment Luxury Lodge / Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge / The Jungle Pearl Resort / Suricata Boma Lodge
-
Day 4 – Serengeti National Park – Endless Plains
Travel onward to the Serengeti, arriving for game viewing across the famous plains. With your private guide, focus on predator areas, seasonal herds, and the best light for photography.
Night: Melia Serengeti / Four Seasons Serengeti / Nimali Serengeti / Serena Serengeti / The Ark Serengeti
-
Day 5 – Full Day Serengeti Exploration
Enjoy a full day in the Serengeti with flexible routing—from riverine corridors and open plains to kopjes that attract big cats. Choose longer drives for sightings or a balanced day with more rest at camp.
Night: Sound of Nature / Sound of Silence / Nimali Serengeti / Melia Serengeti / Four Seasons Serengeti
-
Day 6 – Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy a final Serengeti drive if timing allows, then travel to the Ngorongoro Highlands for a restful evening near the crater. The pace stays smooth so you arrive comfortable and ready for tomorrow’s crater descent.
Night: Serena Ngorongoro / Melia Ngorongoro / Elewana The Manor at Ngorongoro
-
Day 7 – Ngorongoro Crater – Wildlife Spectacle
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a concentrated game-viewing day with remarkable variety. After your crater experience, return to the highlands for a comfortable overnight and a relaxed safari dinner.
Night: Serena Ngorongoro / Melia Ngorongoro / Elewana The Manor at Ngorongoro
-
Day 8 – Fly to Zanzibar – Beach Paradise
Fly to Zanzibar and transfer privately to your beach resort or Stone Town hotel. Settle in, unwind by the ocean, and enjoy the easy tropical rhythm of the island.
Night: Nungwi Dreams by Mantis / Park Hyatt Zanzibar / The Neela Boutique Hotel / Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport Hotel & Spa
-
Day 9 – Stone Town & Spice Tour
Explore Stone Town’s heritage streets with a guide, then enjoy a spice tour for the flavors and stories that define Zanzibar. Finish with a relaxed evening and time to enjoy the waterfront.
Night: Park Hyatt Zanzibar / The Neela Boutique Hotel / Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport Hotel & Spa / Nungwi Dreams by Mantis
-
Day 10 – Prison Island & Snorkeling Adventure
Enjoy a boat excursion for Prison Island and time on the water for snorkeling, depending on conditions. Return to comfort for an easy afternoon and a relaxed island dinner.
Night: Nungwi Dreams by Mantis / Park Hyatt Zanzibar / The Neela Boutique Hotel / Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport Hotel & Spa
-
Day 11 – Jozani Forest & Beach Relaxation
Visit Jozani Forest for a guided walk to see endemic wildlife such as the red colobus monkey, then return to your resort for relaxed beach time. Keep the day flexible—active in the morning, restorative in the afternoon.
Night: Nungwi Dreams by Mantis / Park Hyatt Zanzibar / The Neela Boutique Hotel / Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport Hotel & Spa
-
Day 12 – Departure – Farewell Tanzania
Private transfer to the airport for your onward flight, with assistance at check-in as needed. End the journey with smooth logistics and clear timing—no rushing and no overnight stay required.
Night: None (Departure day)
Why Choose This Luxury Safari?
This itinerary is built around luxury comfort, private guiding, and high-impact experiences — delivered by Tanzania Safari Source Tours with local expertise and responsive support.
Private guide and vehicle during safari days for flexible pacing and better wildlife positioning.
Curated lodge and camp options across each region, chosen for comfort and location.
Smooth transitions between parks and into Zanzibar, with private transfers and clear timing.
Balanced days that maximize sightings while still leaving time to enjoy the lodges and beach.
High-touch service from planning to departure, with quick adjustments when needed.
Your Complete Safari Itinerary
A detailed day-by-day breakdown of your luxury safari journey
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha - Welcome to Tanzania
Luxury Day 1
Day Highlights
Meet & greet on arrival (JRO / ARK as per routing)
Private transfer to your Arusha luxury hotel
Settle into your room and refresh after travel
Short itinerary briefing and timing check with your guide
Optional gentle Arusha orientation (time permitting)
Assistance with SIM card / ATM / last-minute essentials
Luggage organization and safari packing tips for the next morning
Leisure time at the lodge gardens, pool, or lounge
Early dinner or relaxed in-house dining
Rest and reset for the safari start
Overnight in Arusha with premium comfort
Meals & Service
Meals are arranged as per the itinerary and your lodge schedule, with special dietary needs accommodated on request.
Night: Gran Melia Arusha / Arusha Coffee Lodge / Mount Meru Hotel / Kibo Palace Arusha / Sanaa Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Tarangire National Park - Elephant Paradise
Luxury Day 2
Day Highlights
Breakfast in Arusha and depart with your private guide
Scenic drive to Tarangire National Park
Enter the park and begin your first classic game drive
Search for elephant herds and baobab silhouettes
Look for lions and leopards around riverine areas
Spot giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and diverse birdlife
Picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint (as arranged)
Continue game viewing on quieter tracks for better sightings
Golden-hour photography stops and relaxed pacing
Transfer to your lodge and enjoy a hot shower and sundowner
Dinner under the stars and overnight near Tarangire
Meals & Service
Meals are arranged as per the itinerary and your lodge schedule, with special dietary needs accommodated on request.
Night: Nimali Tarangire / Nyikani Tarangire / Acacia Tarangire / Kuro Treetop Lodge / Seriani Tarangire Camp
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park - Tree-Climbing Lions
Luxury Day 3
Day Highlights
Breakfast and depart for Lake Manyara National Park
Game drive through the lush groundwater forest
Look for tree-climbing lions (seasonal / luck dependent)
Explore the lakeshore for flamingos and waterbirds
Visit hippo pools and river crossings for close-up wildlife viewing
Spot elephant, baboon troops, and antelope in varied habitats
Picnic lunch with Rift Valley scenery (as arranged)
Optional cultural stop in Mto wa Mbu (by request)
Return to your lodge for a relaxed afternoon
Sunset views and a calm evening in the highlands
Chef-prepared dinner and overnight near Lake Manyara
Meals & Service
Meals are arranged as per the itinerary and your lodge schedule, with special dietary needs accommodated on request.
Night: Kilimamoja Lodge / Escapment Luxury Lodge / Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge / The Jungle Pearl Resort / Suricata Boma Lodge
Day 4: Serengeti National Park - Endless Plains
Luxury Day 4
Day Highlights
Breakfast and depart the highlands toward the Serengeti
Enjoy a scenic drive across the Great Rift Valley landscapes
Enter Serengeti National Park and begin an en-route game drive
Watch wildlife as you travel deeper into the open plains
Search for lions and cheetahs around classic wildlife areas
Spot giraffe, elephant, and large herds across the savannah
Picnic lunch or lodge lunch (as arranged)
Afternoon game drive with flexible pacing and photography stops
Learn animal behavior and tracking from your private guide
Arrive at camp for a warm welcome and sundowners
Dinner and overnight in the Serengeti
Meals & Service
Meals are arranged as per the itinerary and your lodge schedule, with special dietary needs accommodated on request.
Night: Melia Serengeti / Four Seasons Serengeti / Nimali Serengeti / Serena Serengeti / The Ark Serengeti
Day 5: Full Day Serengeti Exploration
Luxury Day 5
Day Highlights
Optional early start for a sunrise game drive
Track predators when temperatures are cool and activity is high
Explore the plains and kopjes for lions, leopard, and cheetah
Watch herds move across the open savannah
Breakfast at camp or a bush-style breakfast (as arranged)
Mid-morning game viewing with patience for special moments
Picnic lunch or return to camp for a relaxed break
Afternoon game drive based on sightings and your interests
Time for photography, birding, and learning Serengeti ecology
Return to camp for sundowners and storytelling
Dinner and overnight in the Serengeti
Meals & Service
Meals are arranged as per the itinerary and your lodge schedule, with special dietary needs accommodated on request.
Night: Sound of Nature / Sound of Silence / Nimali Serengeti / Melia Serengeti / Four Seasons Serengeti
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Luxury Day 6
Day Highlights
Breakfast and check out from your Serengeti camp
Morning game drive en-route for last Serengeti sightings
Look for lions, hyenas, and cheetahs along the way
Stop at viewpoints for big-sky Serengeti photography
Picnic lunch as you transition toward the crater highlands
Enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and ascend to cooler elevations
Enjoy changing landscapes from plains to lush highland forests
Arrive at your lodge and settle into your room
Relax with a warm shower and crater-highlands atmosphere
Sundowners and an early dinner for a fresh crater start
Overnight near Ngorongoro
Meals & Service
Meals are arranged as per the itinerary and your lodge schedule, with special dietary needs accommodated on request.
Night: Serena Ngorongoro / Melia Ngorongoro / Elewana The Manor at Ngorongoro
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater - Wildlife Spectacle
Luxury Day 7
Day Highlights
Early breakfast and depart for the Ngorongoro Crater descent
Descend into the crater for a full-day game drive
Search for the Big Five with expert private guiding
Watch lions and hyena clans across the crater floor
Look for black rhino (sightings depend on conditions)
Visit the hippo pools and lake areas for rich birdlife
Picnic lunch at a designated crater site
Continue wildlife viewing through forests and open grasslands
Slow, patient pacing for photography and unique behavior moments
Ascend back to the rim/highlands in the late afternoon
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight
Meals & Service
Meals are arranged as per the itinerary and your lodge schedule, with special dietary needs accommodated on request.
Night: Serena Ngorongoro / Melia Ngorongoro / Elewana The Manor at Ngorongoro
Day 8: Fly to Zanzibar - Beach Paradise
Luxury Day 8
Day Highlights
Breakfast and check out from your safari lodge
Transfer to the airstrip / airport for your Zanzibar flight
Scenic flight to Zanzibar with coastal views (weather permitting)
Meet on arrival and private transfer to your hotel
Check in and settle into your island accommodation
Free time to relax after the safari and travel day
Optional walk along the beach or Stone Town waterfront
Enjoy a swim, spa time, or a quiet afternoon in the lounge
Sunset moments and relaxed island pacing
Dinner at the hotel or a recommended local restaurant
Overnight in Zanzibar
Meals & Service
Meals are arranged as per the itinerary and your lodge schedule, with special dietary needs accommodated on request.
Night: Nungwi Dreams by Mantis / Park Hyatt Zanzibar / The Neela Boutique Hotel / Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport Hotel & Spa
Day 9: Stone Town & Spice Tour
Luxury Day 9
Day Highlights
Morning start with your local guide in Stone Town
Walking tour through alleys, markets, and historic architecture
Visit key cultural landmarks (as time allows)
Learn Zanzibar’s Swahili, Arab, and European influences
Drive to a spice farm for a guided spice tour
See, smell, and taste cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and tropical fruits
Enjoy interactive demonstrations and local insights
Lunch break (hotel / local restaurant as arranged)
Free time for shopping, galleries, or a relaxed café stop
Sunset time by the waterfront (Forodhani area by request)
Evening at leisure and overnight in Zanzibar
Meals & Service
Meals are arranged as per the itinerary and your lodge schedule, with special dietary needs accommodated on request.
Night: Park Hyatt Zanzibar / The Neela Boutique Hotel / Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport Hotel & Spa / Nungwi Dreams by Mantis
Day 10: Prison Island & Snorkeling Adventure
Luxury Day 10
Day Highlights
Private transfer to the boat departure point
Short boat ride to Prison Island (Changuu Island)
Visit the giant tortoise sanctuary and learn its history
Explore the island’s viewpoints and photo spots
Continue to a snorkeling area (conditions permitting)
Swim in clear waters and enjoy marine-life viewing
Optional sandbank stop (seasonal / tides dependent)
Leisure time on the beach or on the boat
Lunch break (as arranged)
Return to your hotel for a relaxed afternoon
Dinner and overnight in Zanzibar
Meals & Service
Meals are arranged as per the itinerary and your lodge schedule, with special dietary needs accommodated on request.
Night: Nungwi Dreams by Mantis / Park Hyatt Zanzibar / The Neela Boutique Hotel / Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport Hotel & Spa
Day 11: Jozani Forest & Beach Relaxation
Luxury Day 11
Day Highlights
Morning excursion to Jozani Forest with your guide
Walk the nature trails and learn about island ecosystems
Spot the rare red colobus monkeys (often seen in the reserve)
Explore the mangrove boardwalk and coastal forest areas
Return to your hotel for a leisurely lunch
Afternoon at your own pace on the beach or by the pool
Optional water activities (kayak / paddle / snorkel by request)
Spa time and relaxation in a luxury setting
Sunset strolls and calm ocean views
Final evening dinner on the island
Overnight in Zanzibar
Meals & Service
Meals are arranged as per the itinerary and your lodge schedule, with special dietary needs accommodated on request.
Night: Nungwi Dreams by Mantis / Park Hyatt Zanzibar / The Neela Boutique Hotel / Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport Hotel & Spa
Day 12: Departure - Farewell Tanzania
Luxury Day 12
Day Highlights
Breakfast at the hotel and a relaxed final morning
Check-out assistance and luggage handling
Private transfer to Zanzibar airport (timed to your flight)
Optional last-minute shopping stop if time permits
Arrival at the airport with check-in guidance
Support with flight timing confirmations and logistics
Farewell from your driver/representative
Connect to your onward flight home
End of safari and beach journey
No overnight stay (departure day)
Safe travels
Meals & Service
Meals are arranged as per the itinerary and your lodge schedule, with special dietary needs accommodated on request.
Night: None (Departure day)
Package Pricing & Extras
12-Day Luxury Safari
Price from
$12,500 ++ per person
Price Options (Base)
| Group | Total | Offer |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Adults | $12,500 | Contact us |
| 4+ Adults | On request | Contact us |
| Custom (Tailor-made) | On request | Plan together |
Rates vary with travel season, room category, and special experiences. All prices are quoted in USD and inclusive of local taxes.
What's Included
- Luxury accommodation throughout the itinerary
- All meals as per the day-by-day plan
- Private transfers and game drives in a luxury safari vehicle
- Professional private safari guide
- Bottled drinking water and onboard safari essentials
- Domestic flights / connections as per itinerary
What's Excluded
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Park entry fees and conservation levies unless confirmed included in your quote
- Optional extras and personal activities not listed in the itinerary
- Comprehensive travel insurance, visa fees, and personal expenses
- Items of a personal nature and staff gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
Luxury accommodation, private transfers, guided game drives, meals as per itinerary, and bottled water are included. Park fees, international flights, visas, and personal items are typically excluded unless confirmed in your final quote.
June–October is ideal for classic dry-season game viewing. January–March is excellent for calving season in the Serengeti. We can adjust camp locations seasonally to match wildlife movement.
Yes. Routes, lodge categories, and experiences can be adapted to your travel dates, interests, and comfort preferences.
Yes—this itinerary is planned as a private luxury experience with your own guide and vehicle, unless you request a shared option.
A deposit secures your booking. Cancellation terms depend on lodge policies and season; we share the full policy in writing before confirmation and recommend travel insurance.