Experience the ultimate family safari through Tanzania's spectacular Northern Safari Circuit. This carefully crafted seven-day adventure takes you from the welcoming city of Arusha to the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire, the world-famous Serengeti National Park, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. Designed for families seeking unforgettable wildlife encounters, comfortable accommodations, and personalized service, this private safari offers incredible opportunities to witness the Big Five, stunning landscapes, and authentic African hospitality.
Your journey
Route Map
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 1 · Arusha
Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), you will be warmly welcomed by your Williamson Adventures representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. After check-in, spend the remainder of the day relaxing after your journey or enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the lodge. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the lodge gardens, take a refreshing swim, or simply unwind before your exciting safari begins. In the evening, your safari guide will meet you for a comprehensive safari briefing, explaining the itinerary, wildlife expectations, and useful travel tips for the coming days. Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared with fresh local ingredients before retiring for the night.
Arusha Planet LodgeBed & Breakfast
ArushaTarangire·~2.5 hours · 120 km
Day 2 · Tarangire
Arusha – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park, approximately a two-and-a-half-hour scenic drive through Maasai villages and rural landscapes. Tarangire is renowned for its enormous elephant population, ancient baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which attracts a remarkable variety of wildlife throughout the year. Enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch inside the park while searching for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, impalas, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 550 recorded bird species. In the late afternoon, leave the park and drive to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Marera Valley LodgeBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
TarangireCentral Serengeti·~5 hours · 200 km
Day 3 · Central Serengeti
Karatu – Serengeti National Park
Following breakfast, depart Karatu and travel through the beautiful Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward the endless plains of Serengeti National Park. Along the journey, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Ngorongoro Highlands before descending into the Serengeti ecosystem. Upon entering the park, begin your first exciting game drive while heading toward your camp. Keep your camera ready as you search for lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, and vast herds of wildebeest grazing across the savannah. Arrive at camp in time for dinner and relaxation beneath Africa's spectacular night sky.
Moyo Tented CampBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 · Central Serengeti
Full Day Central Serengeti National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring Central Serengeti, one of Africa's finest wildlife viewing destinations. After an early breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive with packed picnic lunches. The Seronera Valley is famous for its year-round wildlife, making it one of the best places to spot predators in action. Search for the Big Five while also encountering cheetahs, jackals, hippos, crocodiles, gazelles, topis, elands, and countless bird species. Your expert guide will position you in the best locations for wildlife viewing while sharing fascinating knowledge about the Serengeti ecosystem. Return to camp before sunset for dinner and overnight.
Moyo Tented CampBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 · Central Serengeti
Full Day Central Serengeti National Park
Enjoy another unforgettable day exploring different regions of Central Serengeti. Every game drive offers unique wildlife encounters as animals constantly move across the vast plains. Early morning provides excellent opportunities to witness predators hunting while the afternoon offers spectacular photography in the golden African light. Take time to appreciate the breathtaking scenery while your guide explains animal behavior, migration patterns, and conservation efforts within Tanzania's oldest national park. Families will enjoy observing wildlife in its natural habitat while creating lifelong memories together before returning to camp for dinner and relaxation.
Moyo Tented CampBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Central SerengetiNgorongoro·~3.5 hours · 140 km
Day 6 · Ngorongoro
Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti as you gradually make your way toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Wildlife viewing continues throughout the journey, providing additional chances to spot species you may have missed during previous days. Following lunch, ascend the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands where lush forests and breathtaking viewpoints create an entirely different landscape from the Serengeti plains. Arrive at your camp overlooking the conservation area, relax in the cool mountain air, and enjoy dinner while preparing for tomorrow's crater adventure.
Ngorongoro Tortilis CampBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
NgorongoroArusha / JRO·~3.5 hours · 180 km
Day 7 · Arusha / JRO
Ngorongoro Crater – Departure
After an early breakfast, descend approximately 600 meters into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for one of Africa's greatest wildlife experiences. The crater floor is home to an extraordinary concentration of animals, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, flamingos, and numerous antelope species. After an exciting game drive and picnic lunch at the famous Hippo Pool, ascend the crater and drive back to Arusha before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your departure flight. Depart Tanzania with unforgettable memories of your family safari and incredible wildlife encounters.
Breakfast & Lunch
Where you sleep
Accommodation on This Journey
Arusha
Arusha Planet Lodge
1 Night
Tarangire
Marera Valley Lodge
1 Night
Central Serengeti
Moyo Tented Camp
3 Nights
Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp
1 Night
What is included
Your Journey Covers
Included
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Airport transfers
6 nights accommodation
All meals as specified
Park entrance fees
Ngorongoro Crater service fee
Unlimited bottled drinking water
Government taxes and VAT
Not Included
International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Optional activities
Tips and gratuities
Pricing & booking
Price Per Person
All prices are per person in USD, based on the mid-range lodges listed in this itinerary. Children and larger groups — please contact us for a personalised family quote.
Group pricing
2 people$2,902per personTotal $5,804
4 people$2,422per personTotal $9,688
6 people$2,263per personTotal $13,578
No booking fee — pay a 30% deposit to confirm
Park fees, guiding and transfers already included
Every price can be tailored to your dates
Enquire about this journey
Safari FAQ
Frequently asked safari questions
Everything you need to know before travelling — from the best time to visit and what to pack, to visas, vehicles and tipping.
Yes — we recommend this itinerary for children aged six years and above. The pace is relaxed, with flexible game drives and family-friendly accommodations.
Yes. This itinerary is designed as a private safari, giving your family exclusive use of the vehicle and guide throughout.
You can choose from mid-range, luxury, or high-end luxury lodges and tented camps with family rooms or interconnecting suites where available.
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but this itinerary offers an excellent chance to see lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and black rhinos — especially in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Absolutely. We can adjust the duration, accommodations, daily pace, and add experiences such as a hot-air balloon safari, cultural visits, or a Zanzibar beach extension to suit your family.
Very little. All game viewing is done from the safari vehicle. There are short walks around lodges and optional cultural visits, all easily manageable for children and grandparents.
Northern Tanzania is a low-to-moderate malaria area. Consult your doctor about prophylaxis and pack insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing and mosquito nets are provided at all lodges.
Request a personalised quote through the contact form or message us on WhatsApp — we'll respond within 1–2 hours with a tailored family itinerary and price.
