5-Day Group Northern Circuit
Overview
Dive into the heart of Tanzania's Northern Circuit on this 5-day group safari built around the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Travelling in a small, shared vehicle of no more than six, you will track the Big Five across the Serengeti plains, descend into the wildlife-rich caldera, and share sundowner stories with new friends at comfortable mid-range lodges. Fixed departure dates and shared costs make this perfect for solo adventurers and couples alike.
Highlights
Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha
Touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet the group transfer to Arusha Planet Lodge. Settle into your room before the evening welcome briefing where you will meet your driver-guide and fellow travellers. Over a group dinner, the itinerary is reviewed, questions answered, and the anticipation begins to build. Rest well ahead of an early start.
Accommodation
Gran Meliá Arusha
Four Points by Sheraton Arusha
Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa
Dinner
Day 2 — Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater
The group departs Arusha after an early breakfast, driving through the scenic highlands and into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend 600 metres into the crater together for a full-day game drive. This natural enclosure hosts black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, and enormous herds of plains game. A shared picnic lunch is taken at a hippo pool before the group ascends in the late afternoon to Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, perched dramatically on the crater rim.
Accommodation
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Rhino Lodge
Simba Public Campsite
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 — Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti
After a group breakfast with sweeping crater views, the safari continues toward the Serengeti, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The group may optionally stop at Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind, before entering the Serengeti through Naabi Hill Gate. An afternoon game drive carries the group across the Seronera Valley, prime predator territory where lion, cheetah, and leopard are regularly sighted. Arrive at Serengeti Sopa Lodge for sunset and a shared dinner under the stars.
Accommodation
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Into Wild Africa
Nyani Campsite
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 — Full Day Serengeti Game Drive
The group rises early for a full day exploring the Serengeti's vast ecosystems. Traverse the open grasslands, acacia woodlands, and rocky kopjes together, tracking the movements of the Great Migration herds depending on the season. A bush picnic lunch is shared in the shade of an acacia tree before the group resumes the afternoon drive. The camaraderie of the vehicle grows as everyone scans for the next big sighting — a leopard draped over a sausage tree or a lioness stalking her prey.
Accommodation
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Into Wild Africa
Nyani Campsite
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 — Serengeti to Arusha
Savour one final morning game drive in the Serengeti as a group, watching the sun rise over the plains one last time. After a shared brunch back at the lodge, the journey to Arusha begins, with game viewing en route through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive in Arusha by late afternoon for airport transfers or hotel drop-offs. The group bids farewell, often already planning reunions.
Included
- All accommodation as per itinerary
- Meals as indicated (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Shared 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof (max 6 travellers)
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entry fees for Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater service and descent fees
- Bottled drinking water during all game drives
- Return airport transfers in Arusha
Excluded
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guide and lodge staff
- Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges
- Olduvai Gorge museum entry (optional)
Ready to Experience This Safari?
Bring Your Dreams into Reality
Fill in the form below to create your custom itinerary. Our highly experienced team of professionals will go through your request and get back to you.
Plan My Trip
Stay Updated on Exclusive Adventures
Sign up to get the latest travel tips, exclusive destination highlights, and early access to new adventures.