Northern Circuit
Tarangire · Ngorongoro · North & Central Serengeti
5.0 Stars — 204 Reviews about Yera
Duration: 8 Days
Tier: Signature
Price From
$5,301 per person
Depends on number of people
Overview
Eight days. Three ecosystems. One unforgettable migration.
This signature journey takes you through Tanzania's most storied landscapes — from the golden plains of Tarangire, into the crater floor of Ngorongoro, and deep into the Serengeti's Mara River, where the great herds cross in one of nature's last true spectacles.
Each night is spent in a hand-picked lodge chosen for its location, comfort, and character — never a compromise on either wilderness or rest.
What to Expect
On safari with Yera
- Tarangire's Elephant Herds & Baobabs
- Big Five
- Wildebeest Mara River Crossing
- Other Wild Animals in Game Drive
- Flora and Fauna
- Intercontinental Meals
- Best and Luxury Accommodation
Day by Day
The Itinerary
◆ THE ROUTE
What You'll Do Today
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your guide meets you for the transfer into Arusha. Rest of the day at leisure to settle in ahead of tomorrow's departure into the bush.
What to Expect to See
Optional Activities
Tonight's Stay
Meals
Half Board
Route
Airport → Arusha · ~56 km, ~1 hr drive
Swimming pool · En-suite rooms · Restaurant & bar · Free WiFi · Airport transfer point
What You'll Do Today
Depart Arusha after breakfast toward Tarangire National Park, with a roughly 2–3 hour afternoon game drive through the park before continuing to the lodge in time for dinner.
What to Expect to See
Optional Activities
Tonight's Stay
Meals
Full Board
Route
Arusha → Tarangire · ~118 km, ~2.5–3 hr drive
Coffee plantation tours · Fireplace lounge · En-suite cottages · Full board dining · Hot water bottles for cold nights
What You'll Do Today
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at first light for a 5–6 hour game drive across the crater floor, returning to the lodge on the rim by evening (7–8 hours door to door).
What to Expect to See
Optional Activities
Tonight's Stay
Meals
Full Board
Route
Ngorongoro Crater · ~104 km round trip (lodge to crater floor and back)
Coffee plantation tours · Fireplace lounge · En-suite cottages · Full board dining · Hot water bottles for cold nights
What You'll Do Today
Cross the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Oldupai Gorge viewpoint en route into the Serengeti's central Seronera region, game viewing throughout the drive.
What to Expect to See
Optional Activities
Tonight's Stay
Meals
Full Board
Route
Central Serengeti via NCA · ~145 km, ~3.5–4 hr drive
Infinity pool · En-suite tented rooms · Sundowner deck · Full board dining · Laundry service
What You'll Do Today
Game drive north through the Serengeti toward the Mara River region, tracking the migration's position as the herds move toward the crossing points.
What to Expect to See
Optional Activities
Tonight's Stay
Meals
Full Board
Route
Serengeti → Northern Serengeti · ~160 km, ~4 hr drive with game viewing en route
En-suite safari tents · Private verandas · Bush dinners on request · Full board dining · Charging points in-room
What You'll Do Today
A full 7–8 hour day (dawn to dusk) positioned at the Mara River's known crossing points, watching for the herds to gather and cross — with a packed lunch to allow maximum time at the river.
What to Expect to See
Optional Activities
Tonight's Stay
Meals
Full Board
Route
Mara River — Full Day · ~40–60 km of local game driving (no fixed route)
En-suite safari tents · Private verandas · Bush dinners on request · Full board dining · Charging points in-room
What You'll Do Today
A final 2–3 hour game drive in the north before driving south back into Central Serengeti, arriving at the lodge in time for a relaxed evening.
What to Expect to See
Optional Activities
Tonight's Stay
Meals
Full Board
Route
N. Serengeti → Central Serengeti · ~160 km, ~4 hr drive
Swimming pool · En-suite rooms · Sundowner deck · Full board dining · Free WiFi in main area
What You'll Do Today
One last 1–2 hour early-morning game drive before transferring to the Seronera airstrip for your onward scheduled flight to Zanzibar or back to Arusha.
What to Expect to See
Optional Activities
Tonight's Stay
Meals
Breakfast
Route
Seronera → Zanzibar or Arusha
Flight to Arusha
~45 min
Flight to Zanzibar
~1h 45m
Your Investment
What determines the price
Pricing on this journey starts from $5,301 per person and varies based on three factors.
Group Size
Smaller private groups carry a higher per-person rate than joining a shared departure; larger groups reduce the per-person cost of vehicles and guiding.
Season
High season (July–September, Mara crossing) and peak holiday periods carry premium lodge rates; green season travel offers significant savings with equally rewarding game viewing.
Lodge Tier
This is our Signature tier. Bespoke (fully custom, higher-end properties) and Classic (comfortable, value-focused) tiers are also available on this same route.
Included
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, unlimited mileage within itinerary, fuel included for all game drives and transfers.
- Fridge / cooler box
- Phone charger (USB & plug)
- Onboard WiFi
- Two-way radio communication with base & other vehicles
Your driver-guide is a career safari professional, fluent in English and Swahili, with many also speaking French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese — let us know your preferred language when booking and we'll match you accordingly.
All national park and conservation area entry fees for the full 8-day route.
7 nights at hand-picked Signature-tier lodges as listed in the itinerary.
Half Board on Day 1, Full Board Days 2–7, breakfast on Day 8.
Arrival and departure transfers between airport and first/last lodge.
All applicable Tanzania VAT and government levies are included in your quoted price — no hidden fees on arrival.
Excluded
Dining on Safari
Every kitchen, professionally run
Every lodge on this journey employs professional kitchen teams experienced in preparing a full range of dietary needs — without compromising on quality or variety. Simply let us know your dietary preferences when booking, and we'll confirm with each property in advance.
Before You Travel
Documents & Preparation
Valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, with two blank visa pages.
Most nationalities can apply for a Tanzania e-Visa online prior to arrival, or on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport.
Required only if arriving from, or having transited through, a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
We recommend comprehensive cover including medical evacuation for all safari travel.
Packing List for the Northern Circuit
Everything to bring, by season and activity — PDF, 1 page
What Our Clients Say
Told by the travelers who were there
“We spent two full nights near the Mara River and saw a crossing on our second morning — the guide positioned the vehicle perfectly, ahead of the other operators' trucks. Every lodge on this route was a genuine step up from what we expected at this price.”
James & Claire H. · United Kingdom, June 2025
“Ngorongoro Crater on day three was the highlight for us, but honestly the Serengeti nights near the Mara were what we still talk about. Booking and communication from the Yera team was clear at every step, no surprises on arrival.”
Marco T. · Italy, August 2024
“Lodges were consistently comfortable, food was better than we expected for a safari itinerary this length.”
Sarah M. · Australia, July 2025
Why Travel With Yera
What sets this journey apart
Local Expertise, 20+ Years
Every route on this itinerary is shaped by two decades guiding across Tanzania's Northern Circuit.
Flexible Rebooking
Plans change — we work with you to adjust dates and lodges without unnecessary loss.
24/7 On-Ground Support
A direct line to our Arusha team throughout your journey, not a call center.
Common Questions
Mara River Crossing
The Mara River crossings typically occur between July and September, when the wildebeest migration moves north through the Serengeti into the Mara region in search of fresh grazing. This 8-day itinerary is timed to place you at the river for two full nights during peak crossing season.
No safari operator can guarantee an exact crossing on a given day — the herds move on their own timeline. However, spending two full nights near the Mara River, as this itinerary does, significantly increases your chances of witnessing a crossing compared to a single-night stop.
We recommend a minimum of two full days at the Mara River. This itinerary includes one full day dedicated entirely to the river, plus additional game drive time in Northern Serengeti either side of it.
The Grumeti crossing (May–June, Western Serengeti) is smaller and less predictable but has fewer crocodiles. The Mara River crossing (July–September) is the larger, more dramatic event most associated with the Great Migration, and is the one featured in this itinerary.
This itinerary places you at Kirurumu Lodge in Northern Serengeti for two nights, positioned for early access to the river crossing points.
Yes — this 8-day itinerary already combines Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Central and Northern Serengeti (including the Mara River), with an optional onward flight to Zanzibar on Day 8.
This 8-day Northern Circuit safari, including two nights at the Mara River, starts from $5,301 per person, varying by group size, season, and lodge tier.
Yes, crocodiles are present at known crossing points, which is part of what makes the event so dramatic. Viewing is done from a safe distance in the vehicle or from designated viewpoints with your guide.