Tanzania Northern Circuit Tour: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Big Five Safaris

7–10 days

$1,150 – $4,950 / person (Price depends on your chosen route, transport, accommodation, and group size.)

Arusha → Tarangire (Elephants & Baobabs) → Lake Manyara (Tree-Climbing Lions) → Serengeti (The Great Migration) → Ngorongoro Crater (Big Five)

Hit the road on Madagascar’s most iconic highway. Route Nationale 7 (RN7) is the ultimate overland adventure, taking you on a spectacular journey of contrasts. Watch the landscape transform day by day: start in the bustling colonial highlands, wind through misty tropical rainforests, marvel at massive desert canyons, and finally wash off the dust of the road in the turquoise waters of the Mozambique Channel.

Whether you want a fully guided private tour with a professional driver or a rugged self-drive 4×4 adventure, this classic route combines Madagascar’s absolute must-see highlights into one seamless, unforgettable holiday. Every step of this overland itinerary can be customized with our handpicked regional excursions to match your pace, budget, and travel style.

Classic RN7 Route Breakdown

Days 1–2: Antananarivo & Surrounding Historic Reserves
Days 3–5: Highland Culture & Rainforest Trekking in Ranomafana
Days 6–8: Sandstone Canyons & Natural Pools of Isalo National Park
Days 9–14: Coastal Wildlife & Tropical Beach Relaxation in Ifaty & Tuléar

Customize Your Tour

This itinerary is 100% flexible. When requesting a quote, you can choose exactly what to include:

Transport: Private driver, self-drive, local buses, domestic flights, or private charters.

Accommodation: From budget-friendly local guesthouses to luxury eco-lodges.

Inclusions: Include or exclude national park entrance fees, local community guides, fuel, and daily meals.

Group Type: Available as a fully private tour or a budget-friendly shared group experience.

Stop 1: The Gateway to the Safari Circuit (Arusha & Area)

Begin your Tanzanian adventure in Arusha, the vibrant cultural and logistical heart of the northern safari circuit. Resting under the imposing shadow of Mount Meru, this lush area is perfect for shaking off jet lag, adapting to the local pace, and exploring stunning volcanic landscapes or bustling markets before venturing deep into the bush. Browse our top regional excursions for this stop below:

Arusha City Excursion

Discover the highlights of Arusha on a private or shared city tour. Explore local markets, cultural landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods in one day.

Mount Meru Day Hike

Hike Mount Meru near Arusha on a guided day tour with stunning views, wildlife encounters, and a rewarding trek in Arusha National Park.

Maasai Village Visit in Arusha

Experience an authentic Maasai cultural visit near Arusha. Meet local Maasai families, explore traditions, crafts, and daily life in a private or shared tour.

Arusha National Park Excursion

Discover Arusha National Park’s wildlife, scenic landscapes, and Mount Meru views on a private or shared day or multi-day tour from Arusha.

Stop 2: Baobabs, Birding & Tree-Climbing Lions (Tarangire & Lake Manyara)

Head south from the city to witness the striking ecosystems of Tarangire and Lake Manyara national parks. This region delivers dramatic geographical shifts, taking you from golden savannahs dotted with prehistoric baobab trees—where massive elephant families congregate—to a shimmering alkaline rift valley lake flanked by dense groundwater forests. Browse our top regional excursions for this stop below:

Tarangire National Park Excursion

Experience Tarangire National Park’s elephants, baobab landscapes, and wildlife on a private or shared multi-day safari from Arusha.

Lake Manyara National Park Excursion

Explore Lake Manyara National Park’s wildlife, flamingos, and scenic landscapes on a private or shared safari from Arusha.

Lake Eyasi Excursion

Discover Lake Eyasi near Arusha and experience authentic Hadzabe and Datoga culture on a private or budget-friendly day tour.

Stop 3: The Endless Plains of the Wild (Serengeti National Park)

Journey into the crown jewel of Africa's wildlife reserves. The Serengeti's iconic, sweeping grasslands host the most spectacular wildlife spectacles on earth, including the historic Great Migration. Whether exploring the central valleys or following the massive herds across the western corridors, this vast wilderness offers dramatic predator encounters and quintessential safari horizons. Browse our top regional excursions for this stop below:

Serengeti National Park Excursion

Explore Serengeti National Park’s iconic wildlife, endless plains, and the Big Five on a private or shared safari from Arusha.

Western Serengeti Excursion

Explore the Western Serengeti’s vast savannahs, wildlife, and scenic landscapes on a private or shared multi-day safari from Mwanza.

Stop 4: The Unbroken Caldera & Cultural Foothills (Ngorongoro & Moshi)

Conclude your northern exploration at the jaw-dropping Ngorongoro Crater, a self-contained Eden sheltering over 30,000 animals, including endangered black rhinos. After your dramatic crater descent, complete your circuit loop by winding down through the fertile volcanic foothills near Mount Kilimanjaro to sample local coffee culture and traditional waterfalls. Browse our top regional excursions for this stop below:

Ngorongoro Crater Excursion

Explore the Ngorongoro Crater’s rich wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and unique ecosystems on a private or shared safari from Arusha.

Materuni Waterfall & Coffee Excursion

Hike to Materuni Waterfall, enjoy stunning views, and savor authentic local coffee on a private or shared tour from Moshi.

Moshi Town & Market Excursion

Experience Moshi’s vibrant town market, local culture, and fresh produce on a private or shared half-day tour from Moshi.

Read TanzaniaAssist Reviews

We’re known for top service in Tanzania – our clients love how we go the extra mile daily.

GlobalAssist4.7

Based on 399 reviews

Patrick C.

5 days ago

Perfect and reliable service to book a taxi pickup from the airport in Dar es Salaam. Payment online upfront. Great communication via WhatsApp.

Geraldine G.

1 week ago

Thank you! We were met at the airport timeously by our driver, very friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, he had to wait about 2 hours for us as our luggage was stuck in the plane. This took a long while to sort out but he waited patiently, letting my husband sit in the car as it was very hot. Thank you for your assistance!😊

Alessio B.

1 week ago

Very good experience and Rojo has been an out standing driver! I suggest it

Richard R.

2 weeks ago

Excellent. Our driver/guide worked hard for us and gave us a great day. Thanks

Barijaona R.

2 weeks ago

Well organized service, prestations fully compliant to the description, and reasonable pricing which frees your mind.

Chat With Tanzania Tour Experts

Chat with our local tour operators in Tanzania – Request an offer to get a free consultation and the best offers for your tour or local service.

Philipina

Winifrida

Salome

Agness

Ready to Build Your Dream Itinerary?

Share your preferred dates, group size, and travel style to connect instantly with our local Madagascar experts. We’ll tailor this route, and create your custom day-by-day itinerary and quote.