6 Days – Classic Northern Circuit Safari
Overview
The Umbwe Route is the steepest and shortest path to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, making it ideal for experienced climbers seeking a challenging, adventurous ascent. This 6-day trek offers dramatic scenery, including lush rainforest, moorlands, alpine desert, and breathtaking views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Due to its steepness, acclimatization is crucial, but the route rewards climbers with less crowded trails and a highly scenic, remote wilderness experience.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. You will be met by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha for overnight. Enjoy a briefing on the safari itinerary and an optional evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Lodge or Hotel in Arusha
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. Enjoy a full-day game drive, spotting lions, leopards, zebras, and various bird species. In the late afternoon, check into your lodge or camp for relaxation.
Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Camp near Tarangire
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and flamingo-studded lake. Enjoy a scenic game drive through diverse ecosystems, including forests, swamps, and open plains. Continue to your lodge near Ngorongoro or Serengeti for overnight.
Accommodation: Lodge near Ngorongoro or Serengeti
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Spend the day on a game drive in the crater floor, spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and a variety of antelopes. In the afternoon, drive to your lodge for overnight stay.
Accommodation: Lodge near Ngorongoro
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Serengeti National Park
Drive to the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s most famous wildlife reserve, known for its vast plains and abundant predators. Enjoy a full-day game drive, observing wildebeest, zebras, cheetahs, and elephants. The Serengeti offers excellent opportunities for photography and witnessing the African wilderness at its finest.
Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Camp in Serengeti
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Serengeti – Arusha / Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a short morning game drive before heading back to Arusha. Arrive in time for your departure flight or optional overnight stay in Arusha. This marks the end of your classic Northern Circuit safari.
Accommodation: Not included (depends on flight schedule)
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. You will be met by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha for overnight. Enjoy a briefing on the safari itinerary and an optional evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Lodge or Hotel in Arusha
Meal Plan: Dinner
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. Enjoy a full-day game drive, spotting lions, leopards, zebras, and various bird species. In the late afternoon, check into your lodge or camp for relaxation.
Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Camp near Tarangire
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and flamingo-studded lake. Enjoy a scenic game drive through diverse ecosystems, including forests, swamps, and open plains. Continue to your lodge near Ngorongoro or Serengeti for overnight.
Accommodation: Lodge near Ngorongoro or Serengeti
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Spend the day on a game drive in the crater floor, spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and a variety of antelopes. In the afternoon, drive to your lodge for overnight stay.
Accommodation: Lodge near Ngorongoro
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Drive to the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s most famous wildlife reserve, known for its vast plains and abundant predators. Enjoy a full-day game drive, observing wildebeest, zebras, cheetahs, and elephants. The Serengeti offers excellent opportunities for photography and witnessing the African wilderness at its finest.
Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Camp in Serengeti
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a short morning game drive before heading back to Arusha. Arrive in time for your departure flight or optional overnight stay in Arusha. This marks the end of your classic Northern Circuit safari.
Accommodation: Not included (depends on flight schedule)
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Price Included
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Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
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Accommodation as listed (lodge or tented camp)
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Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
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Professional English-speaking safari guide
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4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
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Park entrance fees and game drives
Price Excluded
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International flights and visa fees
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Travel insurance
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Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry)
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Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
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Optional activities outside the itinerary
Tour Highlights
- Game drives in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Crater exploration
- Maasai cultural visits
- Spectacular landscapes and photo opportunities
- Professional safari guides and 4×4 safari vehicles