Our deepest northern circuit, taken slowly. Nine days through the four flagship parks, with extra time in the Serengeti and a quiet day at Lake Manyara. For travellers who want the wildlife to dictate the day.
Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
Nine days
The Brief
— The Ascend Tanzania
Parks visited
01
Lake Manyara
02
Serengeti
03
Ngorongoro Crater
04
Tarangire
— 02
Length & vehicle
We quote shorter or longer arcs from the same park sequence when flights allow — below are the tiers we publish for this itinerary family.
Private vehicle quotations assume your party only; shared departures quote per seat on confirmed dates.
| Safari length | Shared / group seat | Private vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 8 days | $5,580 | $6,920 |
| 9 days | $5,880 | $7,290 |
Compare
Which option fits you?
Both can deliver the same parks and lodges — compare price and schedule certainty with exclusivity on the vehicle and day-to-day pacing.
Shared / group seat
Pros
- Better per-seat value when departure dates suit you.
- Straightforward choice if you enjoy small-group vehicle dynamics.
Cons
- Wildlife rhythm follows the broader group unless everyone agrees to stop.
- Pickup times and sightings can be paced to the median guest.
- Seat-mate chemistry is not guaranteed.
Private vehicle
Pros
- Your vehicle — start times, sightings, and photo stops follow your crew.
- Ideal for mixed ages, honeymooners, or anyone who prefers not to share sightings.
- Cleaner extension into beach or bush flights — one itinerary spine.
Cons
- Higher cost for exclusive use of the vehicle and guiding team.
Families and photographers rarely regret the upgrade; budget-first travellers sharing fixed dates tend to thrive on seats.
Tell us preferred dates and party type — we will confirm availability within one business day.
— 03
Day by day
Typical pacing and overnight stops on this safari. Your final dates and camps shift slightly with rainfall, wildlife movements, and your own pace.
DAY 01
Arrival in Arusha
Airport pickup, briefing at our office, dinner at the lodge.
Arusha
Tonight · Arusha Coffee Lodge
DAY 02
Lake Manyara National Park
A full day at Lake Manyara — tree-climbing lions, vast flocks of flamingo, and the Rift Valley wall as backdrop.
Lake Manyara
Tonight · Lake Manyara Serena Lodge (rim view)
DAY 03
Transfer to the Serengeti via Olduvai
Drive through the Ngorongoro highlands, stop at Olduvai Gorge for the cradle of humankind, then descend to the central Serengeti.
Olduvai Gorge / Serengeti
Tonight · Serengeti Serena Lodge
DAY 04
Full day in the central Serengeti
Full day of game drives in Seronera. Big cats are most active in the morning and late afternoon.
Serengeti
Tonight · Serengeti Serena Lodge
DAY 05
Serengeti to the north (or south, depending on Migration)
We move with the wildlife. In July–October we head north to the Mara River. In January–March we go south to the calving grounds.
Serengeti
Tonight · Mobile camp (seasonal)
DAY 06
Full day in the Migration zone
A full day with the Migration herds.
Serengeti
Tonight · Mobile camp
DAY 07
Serengeti to Ngorongoro
A morning game drive, then the long drive back to the Crater rim.
Ngorongoro Crater
Tonight · Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
DAY 08
Crater floor and Tarangire
Morning game drive on the Crater floor, lunch on the rim, then transfer to Tarangire for the afternoon.
Ngorongoro Crater / Tarangire
Tonight · Tarangire Sopa Lodge
DAY 09
Tarangire and departure
A morning game drive in Tarangire — the elephants come to the river. Lunch, then transfer to JRO.
Tarangire
Tonight · Departure
Included
- →Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- →Named guide-driver
- →All park, conservation, and crater fees
- →Eight nights’ accommodation, full board (mobile camp in the Serengeti seasonal)
- →All transfers
- →Filtered drinking water
- →Binoculars per guest
Yours to bring
- ·International flights
- ·Tanzania visa
- ·Insurance
- ·Tips
- ·Optional Serengeti balloon flight
Gallery
The same theatre
Granite ridges, teak-coloured plains, crater light, and rainforest — corners of Tanzania our teams work in every season.
A few questions