Oct. / Nov. 2025 / 2026: Tanzania Wildlife Safari: the Northern Circuit
This guided Tanzania safari tour through the celebrated Northern Circuit is one of our most exciting offerings. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the dramatic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater and the baobab-dotted Tarangire National Park, this adventure offers the quintessential East African safari experience.
Our carefully curated Tanzania safari packages combine superb wildlife viewing, diverse ecosystems, and unique village visits. With small groups, expert guides, and a passion for authentic travel, Lawson's delivers a safari in Tanzania like no other.
Your Journey Through the Northern Circuit:
Your itinerary covers four of Tanzania's most celebrated conservation areas:
- Tarangire National Park – A haven for elephants and ancient baobab trees.
- Lake Manyara National Park – A compact gem known for its birdlife and tree-climbing lions.
- Ngorongoro Crater – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and wildlife wonderland.
- Ndutu Lake – offers an exclusive safari experience with off-road driving permitted—perfect for photographers seeking intimate wildlife encounters during the calving season.
- Serengeti National Park – World-famous for its predator sightings and the Great Migration.
Accommodation and Comfort Throughout Your Safari:
Enjoy a range of hand-picked, comfortable accommodations that immerse you in nature without sacrificing the comforts you deserve. Our lodges and camps are selected for their location, hospitality, and connection to the surrounding environment.
All of our Tanzania safaris are designed to balance adventure and relaxation, with options available for private safari experiences and family-friendly Tanzania safari packages.
The mammals:
Our Tanzania wildlife safari is primarily a mammal experience. Large mammal biomass and wide-open spaces are hallmarks of Tanzania’s northern circuit. Mammals to see include the classic game species of Africa. These are species such as: Lion, Elephant, Leopard, African Buffalo, Masai Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Plains Zebra and even Black Rhino with some luck. In addition, there’s a massive array of different Antelope and Gazelle species to be seen. Then there are primates, such as Olive and Yellow Baboons, Black-and-White Colobus, Vervet and Syke’s Monkeys, and perhaps Galago’s / Bush Babies after dark. And let’s not forget other carnivores such as Striped and Spotted Hyenas, Golden and Black-backed Jackals, Honey Badger, Serval, African Civet and so forth. Then there’s the famous 'Pumba' – the much-loved Common Warthog. Indeed, there’s plenty to see on this safari! See the species check list on the digital itinerary for the full species list.
The birding:
Although this is primarily a mammal tour, there will be plenty of birds to be seen as well. Savanna species are well represented. These include species such as: Grey-breasted Spurfowl, Bare-faced Go-away Bird, Red-and-Yellow Barbet, Fischer’s Lovebird, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Secretarybird, Rüppell’s Griffon, Hildebrandt’s Starling, Golden-winged Sunbird, Grey Crowned Crane and many more. Birders will not be disappointed at all!
In conclusion, our Tanzania Wildlife Safari will probably be the safari experience of a lifetime. Mind you, there is a saying about Africa. Visit once and you are bound to return again… If you want to see some of the best wildlife in all of Africa, then this tour is definitely for you. For those who want to add on, we can arrange for a Masai Mara extension. Contact us for more info.
See the 2022 Tanzania's Northern Circuit trip report.
Gallery
Itinerary
Tanzania Wildlife Safari: the Northern Circuit Route Map
Tanzania Wildlife Safari: the Northern Circuit Route Map. Click to enlarge.
Tour in brief
Group size: limited to a maximum of 5 participants.
Areas visited: Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu and the Serengeti.
Expected weather conditions: warm to mild days to be expected, with a chance of some rain in the afternoons as November typically heralds the start of the ‘short rains’, though with climate change these are becoming far less predictable.
Tour tempo: medium to medium-plus; some long travelling days and some full days out on safari.
Accommodation standards: good to high: private guest houses, safari lodges and mobile camps.
Mammal viewing: Outstanding! Unbeatable for multitudes of plains game and predator action.
Top mammals: Maasai Giraffe, Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelles, Defassa Waterbuck, Topi, Coke’s Hartebeest, Plain’s Zebra, Bearded Gnu, Leopard, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant, Buffalo, Black Rhino, Kirk’s Dik-Dik, Olive Baboon, African Golden Wolf, Common Genet, Serval and Caracal.
Birding in brief: Excellent, many of the East African specials to be seen.
Top birds: Grey-breasted Spurfowl, Fischer’s Lovebird, Secretarybird, Rüppell’s Griffon, Hildebrandt’s Starling, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Ashy Starling, Rufous-tailed Weaver, Grey Crowned Crane, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Red-and-Yellow Barbet, Von der Decken's Hornbill, Pygmy Falcon, Red-bellied Parrot, Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird and many others.
Add ons: relax for a few days on the island of Zanzibar, and / or see Tanzania's Southern Circuit.
Full Itinerary
Rates
2025:
5 participants: US$ 7 175 per person sharing ($513 per day).
4 participants: US$ 7 775 per person sharing ($555 per day).
3 participants: US$ 8 750 per person sharing ($625 per day).
Single supplement: US$ 680
2026:
5 participants: US$ 7 235 per person sharing ($556 per day).
4 participants: US$ 7 825 per person sharing ($600 per day).
3 participants: US$ 8 830 per person sharing ($680 per day).
2 participants: US$ 10 740 per person sharing ($826 per day).
Single supplement: US$ 700
Price may be subject to change based on factors beyond our control.
Price excludes the last night in Arusha should this be necessary due to your flight plans.
Contact us for prices for 2 people or other group sizes.
Includes:
- Accommodation
- All meals (except lunches and dinners on first and last days)
- Entrance fees
- Ground transport in 4x4 photographic converted Land Cruiser
- Charter flight (Seronera - Kilimanjaro)
- Bottled water in vehicle whilst travelling
- Personalised checklists
- Specialist guide fees
Excludes:
- All airfares
- Travel and medical insurance
- Additional accommodation in Arusha if necessary
- Lunches and dinners on first and last day
- All drinks
- Optional excursions where applicable
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
Note:
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions at the time and other factors beyond our control.
The species mentioned in the itinerary represent only some of the possible ones we may see on the tour, however, none of these can be guaranteed even though every effort will be made where possible to locate them. A full list of possibles appears on your checklist.
Participants need to co-ordinate their arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for the transfer to Arusha. Please consult with us before booking any flights. On the last day participants may need to overnight in Arusha again, depending on the time of outbound flights. This accommodation is not included in the tour price, but we are happy to arrange it.
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