Camping
Serviced campsites inside or beside the parks. Dome tents, camp beds, a cook travelling with the group. The most affordable way to sleep inside a national park.
9 days, 8 nights
Nine Day Northern Circuit and Zanzibar
Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Zanzibar
Duration9 days, 8 nights
ParksTarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Zanzibar
Starts and endsArusha to Zanzibar
Group size2 to 6 guests on safari, independent on the island
Safari typeSafari and beach
Best seasonJune to October, January and February
The safari
Six early mornings in a safari vehicle, then three days by the Indian Ocean.
Six early mornings in a safari vehicle, then three days where the only decision is when to get out of the sea.
This is the combination most people actually want and relatively few plan properly. The safari runs the northern circuit. Then you fly straight from the bush to the Indian Ocean, land on Zanzibar, and spend the rest of the trip on a beach with the dust still in your bag.
The island is not an afterthought here. Stone Town is a thousand year old trading port and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is worth a day of your attention before you go north to the sand.
Priced per person on enquiry, based on your dates, group size and choice of accommodation.
Day by day
Day by day itinerary
- Day 1
Arusha to Tarangire National Park. Afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River.
- Day 2
Morning game drive in Tarangire, then transfer through Karatu and up into the Ngorongoro highlands. Crater rim viewpoint in the late afternoon.
- Day 3
Descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full morning on the floor. Picnic lunch at the hippo pool, ascent in the early afternoon and transfer to the Serengeti, entering at Naabi Hill Gate with game viewing as we continue.
- Day 4
A full day in the Serengeti. Early departure, picnic lunch in the bush, afternoon drive to dusk.
- Day 5
A second full day in the Serengeti, with an optional dawn balloon safari quoted separately.
- Day 6
Morning game drive, then transfer to the Seronera airstrip for a light aircraft flight to Zanzibar. Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon and evening free.
- Day 7
A guided morning walk through Stone Town: the old fort, the former slave market and the Anglican cathedral built on it, the Darajani market, and the carved doors the town is known for. Afternoon free, or an optional spice farm visit. Transfer to the beach in the late afternoon.
- Day 8
A free day on the coast. Optional snorkelling at Mnemba atoll, a dhow sunset sail, kite surfing at Paje, or nothing at all.
- Day 9
Morning at leisure, then transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your onward flight.
Meal key: B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner.
Safari days are full board. Zanzibar is quoted on a bed and breakfast basis as standard, because most guests prefer to eat out. Half board and all inclusive can be arranged.
- 1Arusha
- 2Tarangire
- 3Karatu
- 4Crater floor
- 5Naabi Hill Gate
- 6Central Serengeti
- 7Stone Town
- 8Zanzibar beach
Accommodation
Where you stay
Every safari is quoted at one of three levels, and you can mix them across a single trip. We will name the exact camps in your quotation, chosen for your route and your dates.
Mid range
Permanent tented camps and lodges with ensuite bathrooms, hot water and full board. The option most guests choose.
Luxury
Premium lodges and small tented camps in prime locations, with a higher level of service, space and privacy.
Included
- All ground transport in a four wheel drive safari vehicle with a pop up roof hatch and a guaranteed window seat
- A professional English speaking driver guide throughout
- All national park and conservation area entry fees
- All government taxes and levies
- Accommodation at the level selected
- All meals as shown in the daily itinerary
- Drinking water throughout the safari
- Airport or hotel transfers at the start and end of the safari
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel and medical insurance, which is strongly recommended and may be required
- Tips for your guide, camp and lodge staff
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Laundry, telephone and items of a personal nature
- Optional activities including balloon safaris, cultural visits and spa treatments
- Anything not specifically listed as included
Best time to travel
June to October combines the best of both: dry season game viewing in the north and dry, hot weather on the island. January and February are also excellent. Avoid April and May, when the long rains affect both the parks and the coast.
From the road
Places on this route
Arusha based, Tanzanian owned
Member, Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
Every safari planned by the founder
Reply within 24 hours
Tell us what you want to see.
There is no fixed menu here. Tell us your dates, how long you have, and what matters most to you, and we will put together a safari built around that. You will have a reply within a day, written by the person who will plan your trip.
Keep exploring
Related safaris
6 days, 5 nights
Six Day Classic Northern Circuit
Four parks, each completely different from the last, at the pace they deserve.
View itinerary
4 days, 3 nights
Four Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro
The two places everyone comes to Tanzania for, in the shortest trip that does them justice.
View itinerary
4 days, 3 nights
Four Day Nyerere National Park, Boat and Walking Safari
Walk, and cross the Rufiji by boat, in the largest national park in Africa.
View itinerary