Tanzania Itinerary 10 Days – Explore Northern Circuit
This Tanzania itinerary for 10 days follows the northern safari circuit, combining Lake Manyara, Lake Natron, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. Lake Natron adds a contrasting landscape to the national-park game drives, while the longer itinerary allows time for several days in the Serengeti.
Explore northern Tanzania with a private safari guide and choose from the accommodation options shown for each stage. The trip starts at Kilimanjaro Airport and finishes in the Arusha area, with the detailed programme setting out the daily transfers and activities.
To compare this longer northern-circuit trip with shorter routes, browse our Tanzania safari itineraries.
Tanzania Itinerary 10 Days
- Day 1 - Arrival to Kilimanjaro and Transfer to Karatu
- Day 2 - Lake Manyara National Park
- Day 3 - Lake Natron
- Day 4 - Lake Natron
- Day 5 - Serengeti National Park
- Day 6 - Serengeti National Park
- Day 7 - Serengeti National Park
- Day 8 - Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 9- Tarangire National Park
- Day 10- Departure from Arusha / Kilimanjaro
Day 1
Arrival to Tanzania
Pick up from Kilimanjaro Airport
First Night in Tanzania
Meet and greet upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Karatu for dinner and overnight stay at Full Board.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
Day 2
Lake Manyara National Park
Explore Lake Manyara National Park
First Safari in Tanzania
Visit Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and stunning lake views. This park offers a diverse range of habitats, from dense forests to open plains, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
Day 3 & 4
Lake Natron
A Day in Lake Natron, Stunning Landscapes and Village Cultural Excursion Experience
Drive to the remote and dramatic Lake Natron, located at the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania’s active volcano. Visit the lake’s edge, where flamingos gather, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Optional: sunset hike or visit a Maasai village.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
Days 5–7
Serengeti National Park
Lake Natron to Serengeti
Travel to the northern Serengeti, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Enter Serengeti National Park and begin your game drives, searching for wildlife along the way.
The months of June to October we will spend 2 nights in North Serengeti and 1 night in Central Serengeti.
For the months of December to March we will spend two nights in Central Serengeti and 1 night in Ndutu.
For the rest of the year, we will spend all 3 nights in central Serengeti.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
Migration area: Siringit Migration Camp — seasonal northern Serengeti or Ndutu location, subject to operating dates.
High-End
Ndutu: Lake Masek Tented Lodge
Central Serengeti: Lemala Nanyukie
Day 8
Ngorongoro Crater
Black Rhinos of Ngorongoro
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a day of wildlife viewing among its grasslands, wetlands and forests. Look for animals such as elephants, buffalo, lions and black rhinos, with sightings depending on conditions.
After the crater safari, continue to your selected lodge listed below for dinner and your overnight stay.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
Day 9
Tarangire National Park
The Elephants of Tarangire and Baobab Trees
A day spent in Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania unfolds as a thrilling encounter with nature and wildlife in one of the country’s most diverse and picturesque landscapes.
Morning: Game Drive and Elephant Sightings
– The day typically starts at dawn when the wildlife is most active. As you venture out on a morning game drive, the park’s landscape, dotted with ancient baobab trees and acacia woodlands, creates a stunning backdrop.
– Tarangire is renowned for its large elephant population. Early mornings often provide the best opportunities to see these majestic creatures as herds gather at the Tarangire River or meander through the grasslands.
– Besides elephants, you may spot giraffes, waterbucks, and various bird species, including the colorful lilac-breasted roller and the large ground hornbill.
Midday: Picnic and Relaxation
– As the day heats up, you might stop for a picnic lunch at one of the park’s designated areas, often with views overlooking the river or a landscape teeming with wildlife.
– This time is also perfect for rest, perhaps at a lodge or a shaded spot in the park, as animals retreat from the midday sun.
Afternoon: Further Exploration and Predator Sightings
– As the afternoon cools, another game drive takes you through different parts of the park. This is an excellent time to spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, which become more active as the day cools.
– The park’s diverse habitats, including swamps and savannah, support a rich variety of wildlife. You might see herds of buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, and smaller animals like mongooses, dik-diks, and warthogs.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
Day 10
Departure
Last Day with Us
As our Tanzania experience comes to an end, we will take you to Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport for your onward journey.
Check out of the lodge to Arusha.
After morning breakfast, you will drive to Arusha, where you will be dropped off at the place of your choice.