The Ultimate 6 Days Private Northern Circuit Safari is a wonderful choice for travellers who want to see Tanzania’s famous wildlife destinations while enjoying the freedom of travelling with their own private safari guide and vehicle. This six-day journey takes you through Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park, bringing together four different wildlife environments in one well-planned holiday. From watching elephants beneath the giant baobab trees of Tarangire to searching for lions across the Serengeti plains, each destination offers a different side of Tanzania’s natural beauty.
For travellers planning a Tanzania safari in 2027, 2028 or 2029, this private Northern Circuit itinerary provides a good balance between wildlife viewing, comfortable accommodation and time spent exploring the national parks. Unlike a shared group safari, a private tour allows you to travel with your family, partner or friends without sharing the vehicle with other travellers. Your guide can adjust suitable stops and game-drive arrangements around your interests while following national park regulations and the day’s travel schedule. At Eddy Tours & Safaris, we arrange private wildlife holidays for travellers who want personal attention, reliable transport and a practical itinerary that makes good use of their time in Tanzania.
Overview of the Ultimate 6 Days Private Northern Circuit Safari
| Safari details | Information |
|---|---|
| Safari duration | 6 days / 5 nights |
| Travel years | 2027, 2028 and 2029 |
| Starting point | Arusha, Tanzania |
| Ending point | Arusha or an agreed transfer location |
| Main destinations | Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara |
| Safari type | Private guided wildlife safari |
| Transport | Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser |
| Accommodation | Mid-range lodges or tented camps, with luxury upgrades available |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the safari |
| Guide | Professional English-speaking driver-guide |
| Suitable for | Couples, families, honeymooners and private groups |
| Departure dates | Flexible, subject to availability |
This six-day safari is arranged around Tanzania’s northern tourism circuit, where several of the country’s best-known wildlife destinations can be reached from Arusha. The route includes time in the Serengeti, a descent into Ngorongoro Crater and visits to two national parks with very different landscapes. Accommodation can be selected according to your budget, with options ranging from comfortable mid-range lodges to higher-end safari camps. Travellers who would like to compare this journey with other itineraries can explore our Tanzania safari packages before deciding which holiday suits them.
Detailed 6 Days Private Northern Circuit Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephants, Baobab Trees and Your First Game Drive
Your private safari begins in Arusha, where your driver-guide will collect you from your hotel after breakfast. Following a short introduction and confirmation of the day’s arrangements, you will travel towards Tarangire National Park, passing through villages, farmland and open countryside along the way. The journey normally takes around two to three hours, depending on your departure location and road conditions. Once you arrive at the park entrance and complete the necessary formalities, your first game drive begins among the beautiful landscapes of Tarangire.
Tarangire is particularly well known for its large elephant population, old baobab trees and seasonal concentrations of wildlife around the Tarangire River. During the game drive, you may see elephants moving in family groups, giraffes feeding on acacia trees, zebras grazing on the plains and buffaloes resting near water sources. Lions, leopards and several antelope species also live in the park, although sightings depend on animal movements and conditions on the day. Your guide will help identify different animals and explain their behaviour while allowing time for photography and observation.
A packed lunch will be served at a designated picnic area before continuing your afternoon game drive. Depending on the season, the river may attract large numbers of animals, particularly during the drier months when water becomes less available in surrounding areas. Later in the afternoon, you will leave the park and travel to your selected lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge or tented camp near Tarangire or Karatu.
Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Day 2: Tarangire Area to Serengeti National Park – Journey Across the Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, your journey continues towards Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous wildlife destinations in Africa. The drive takes you through the Ngorongoro Highlands, where the landscape changes from cultivated hillsides and green forests to open grasslands. Along the way, you may enjoy views of the surrounding highlands before continuing towards the Serengeti. This is a longer travelling day, so an early departure is recommended to allow enough time for the journey and wildlife viewing.
As you approach Serengeti National Park, the scenery gradually opens into the broad savannah landscapes for which the park is known. Serengeti supports a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and several antelope species. The park is also part of the wider ecosystem associated with the Great Wildebeest Migration, during which large numbers of wildebeest and zebras move between different grazing areas in response to seasonal rainfall and fresh grass.
Your guide will arrange game viewing along the permitted routes as you travel towards your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you may have opportunities to observe wildlife in the central Serengeti before reaching your lodge or tented camp. After checking in, you can enjoy dinner and rest while surrounded by the natural environment of the Serengeti.
Accommodation: Selected lodge or tented camp in Central Serengeti.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park – Exploring Tanzania’s Famous Wildlife Plains
The third day is dedicated to exploring Serengeti National Park, giving you more time to enjoy wildlife viewing without the need to travel between different national parks. After an early breakfast, you will depart with your guide for a game drive through selected areas of the Serengeti. Early morning is often a rewarding time for wildlife observation because temperatures are cooler and many animals are active. Lions may be returning from night hunting, while giraffes, zebras and antelopes begin moving across the grasslands.
Central Serengeti, particularly the Seronera area, is known for its resident wildlife and predator populations. Your guide will explore suitable wildlife areas, including open plains, river valleys and rocky outcrops known as kopjes. These rocky formations are sometimes used by lions as resting and observation points, while nearby trees and riverine vegetation provide habitat for leopards and other animals. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but having a full day available increases the opportunities to explore different habitats.
During the day, you will stop for a picnic lunch at an approved location before continuing your game drive. Travellers interested in photography can discuss their preferences with the guide, including spending more time observing animal behaviour rather than moving quickly between sightings. If you are visiting during a period when migrating herds are present in accessible areas, your guide may adjust the route accordingly. The annual migration changes location with rainfall and grazing conditions, so the itinerary cannot promise a particular migration sighting.
For travellers particularly interested in seasonal wildebeest movements, our 6 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari collection offers further options to consider. In the late afternoon, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and another night in Serengeti National Park.
Accommodation: Selected lodge or tented camp in Central Serengeti.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Morning Wildlife Viewing and Highland Scenery
Your fourth day begins with breakfast and a final opportunity to enjoy the Serengeti before travelling towards Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Depending on the location of your accommodation and the day’s schedule, you may have a morning game drive while making your way towards the park exit. This provides another chance to observe animals in the Serengeti and appreciate the landscape before continuing to the Ngorongoro Highlands.
The journey from Serengeti towards Ngorongoro passes through changing landscapes, from open grasslands to higher areas with cooler temperatures and greener vegetation. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is an important part of northern Tanzania’s natural and cultural heritage, supporting wildlife as well as Maasai communities in permitted areas. Your guide will explain the conservation area and the relationship between the local environment, wildlife and traditional pastoral activities.
You will continue towards your selected accommodation near the crater or in the Karatu area, depending on the confirmed package. If conditions and timing allow, a stop at a designated viewpoint may provide an opportunity to appreciate the size and shape of Ngorongoro Crater before the following day’s descent. Dinner will be served at your lodge, where you can relax after the journey and prepare for an early start.
Accommodation: Lodge near Ngorongoro Crater or Karatu.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive – Searching for the Big Five
After an early breakfast, you will travel to Ngorongoro Crater for one of the most anticipated wildlife experiences of the safari. The crater is a large volcanic caldera surrounded by high walls and contains grasslands, wetlands, woodland and a seasonal salt lake. Its varied habitats support a remarkable concentration of wildlife, making it one of the most popular places for game viewing in Tanzania.
Your driver-guide will descend along the designated road to the crater floor, where you will begin exploring the wildlife areas. Animals commonly encountered include buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, warthogs, hippos and lions. Elephants can also be seen, particularly large bulls, while the endangered black rhinoceros is among the most sought-after animals in the crater. Rhinoceros sightings are possible but never guaranteed, and leopards can be difficult to find because of their secretive behaviour.
Ngorongoro Crater is often associated with the Big Five, which includes the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. However, the value of a crater safari goes beyond checking animals off a list. Watching herds move across the grasslands, seeing hippos resting in water and observing interactions between predators and grazing animals can be just as interesting. Your guide will use local knowledge to choose suitable game-drive routes while respecting park rules and the time permitted on the crater floor.
You will stop for a picnic lunch at an approved area before completing your crater visit and ascending to the highlands. In the afternoon, you will travel towards Karatu for dinner and overnight accommodation. Travellers interested in spending additional time around Ngorongoro can also consider our 7 Days Northern Circuit Safari options, which allow more flexibility for extending the journey.
Accommodation: Selected lodge in Karatu or the Lake Manyara area.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha – Final Wildlife Experience and Safari Departure
The final day of your private Northern Circuit safari begins with breakfast before travelling to Lake Manyara National Park. Although smaller than Serengeti and Tarangire, Lake Manyara has a very different environment, with groundwater forest, open grasslands, wetlands and views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park provides a pleasant final wildlife experience before returning to Arusha.
During your game drive, you may encounter elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, monkeys, zebras and different bird species. Lake Manyara is also known for its tree-climbing lions, although they are not frequently seen and sightings cannot be promised. Birdwatchers may enjoy observing pelicans, storks, herons and other waterbirds around suitable wetland areas. Flamingos may also be present when water and feeding conditions are favourable.
After exploring the park, you will enjoy lunch and begin the return journey to Arusha. Your guide will drop you at your hotel or another agreed location, bringing your six-day safari to an end. If you have an international flight on the same day, departure arrangements should be discussed in advance because travel time, park activities and traffic can affect the schedule. Travellers who would like to continue their holiday can also explore Kilimanjaro climbing or Zanzibar beach holiday options through Eddy Tours & Safaris.
Accommodation: Not included after the safari unless arranged separately.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
What Is Included in the 6 Days Private Northern Circuit Safari?
The following services are included in the proposed private safari package, subject to confirmation in your final quotation:
- Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout the safari.
- Five nights of accommodation in the selected lodges or tented camps.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the safari as specified in the itinerary.
- National park entrance fees for Tarangire, Serengeti and Lake Manyara.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area entrance fees and the scheduled crater descent fee.
- Game drives in all four destinations mentioned in the itinerary.
- Fuel and vehicle expenses throughout the safari.
- Drinking water in the safari vehicle.
- Pick-up and drop-off in Arusha as specified in the confirmed itinerary.
- Applicable government taxes and VAT included in the quoted package price.
What Is Excluded from the 6 Days Private Northern Circuit Safari?
The following expenses are not included unless specifically added to your booking:
- International and domestic flights.
- Tanzania visa fees and passport expenses.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and additional drinks at lodges.
- Tips for the safari guide and accommodation staff.
- Personal shopping, souvenirs, laundry and telephone expenses.
- Optional Serengeti hot-air balloon safari.
- Optional cultural visits or other activities not included in the itinerary.
- Additional hotel nights before or after the safari.
- Airport transfers unless specifically included in the confirmed quotation.
- Any other service not listed under the package inclusions.
Why Choose a Private Northern Circuit Safari in Tanzania?
One of the main advantages of a private safari is having your own vehicle and guide throughout the journey. This arrangement is particularly useful for families travelling with children, couples celebrating special occasions and photographers who prefer to spend longer at interesting wildlife sightings. Instead of following a shared group’s preferences, you can discuss your interests directly with your guide and make reasonable adjustments within the planned route and park regulations.
A private safari also allows travellers to choose accommodation that matches their expectations. Some guests prefer comfortable mid-range lodges with private bathrooms, while others want luxury tented camps with additional services and more spacious facilities. Both options can provide enjoyable experiences, but accommodation location is important because it affects travel distances and the time available for wildlife viewing. At Eddy Tours & Safaris, we help travellers select suitable lodges and organize a practical route based on their budget and travel preferences.
The Northern Circuit is especially suitable for first-time visitors because it brings together several important wildlife environments within one region. Tarangire offers elephants and baobab landscapes, Serengeti provides extensive plains and predator habitats, Ngorongoro Crater supports concentrated wildlife populations, and Lake Manyara introduces forest and wetland environments. Visiting these destinations during one holiday gives travellers a broader understanding of Tanzania’s wildlife than spending the entire trip in a single park.
Best Time to Book the Ultimate 6 Days Private Northern Circuit Safari in 2027, 2028 and 2029
The Northern Circuit can be visited throughout the year, although weather conditions and wildlife movements vary by season. From June to October, northern Tanzania generally experiences its drier period, with cooler mornings, less vegetation in many areas and good opportunities for wildlife viewing around permanent water sources. This is also a popular travel season, so accommodation in Serengeti and Ngorongoro should be booked well in advance, especially for July, August and September.
January and February can also be excellent months for a Northern Circuit safari, particularly for travellers interested in green landscapes and the southern Serengeti ecosystem. During suitable seasonal conditions, large wildebeest herds gather around the southern plains and Ndutu area for calving. However, a standard Central Serengeti itinerary does not automatically include Ndutu, so travellers specifically interested in calving-season wildlife should request an adjusted route before booking.
March, April and May often bring more rainfall, with April and May generally among the wetter months. The landscape becomes greener, and some accommodation providers may offer seasonal rates, although heavy rain can affect road conditions and game-drive arrangements. November and December usually bring shorter rains, but wildlife viewing remains possible. Travellers planning a safari in 2027, 2028 or 2029 should select dates according to their main interests rather than assuming that one month guarantees particular animal sightings.
Accommodation Options for Your 6 Days Tanzania Private Safari
Accommodation is an important part of planning a six-day safari because travellers spend several nights away from Arusha, often in or near wildlife areas. A mid-range safari usually includes comfortable lodges or tented camps with private bathrooms, prepared meals and suitable sleeping facilities. These properties are a good choice for travellers who want reasonable comfort while keeping the overall cost manageable.
Luxury safari accommodation generally offers larger rooms or tents, more personalized service, higher-end facilities and sometimes particularly attractive locations. However, luxury does not necessarily mean better wildlife sightings, because animal movements depend on natural conditions. The most important consideration is selecting accommodation that works well with the planned game-drive route and reduces unnecessary driving wherever possible.
For travellers looking for a wider range of accommodation and itinerary combinations, our all-inclusive Tanzania safari packages provide additional information about different safari durations and travel styles.
How Much Does a 6 Days Private Northern Circuit Safari Cost in 2027, 2028 and 2029?
The cost of a private Northern Circuit safari depends on the number of travellers, accommodation standard, travel dates and services included. A couple travelling privately will generally pay more per person than a group of four or six because the cost of the safari vehicle and guide is shared among fewer people. Luxury accommodation also increases the overall price, particularly during popular travel months when availability is limited.
For general planning, travellers can use the following indicative price ranges from existing Eddy Tours & Safaris package information. These are not confirmed rates for 2027, 2028 or 2029 and must be checked before booking.
| Number of travellers | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 travellers | USD 2,800–4,200 |
| 4 travellers | USD 2,200–3,500 |
| 6 travellers | USD 1,900–3,000 |
| Luxury upgrades | Quotation on request |
The final quotation will specify the accommodation properties, room arrangements, park fees, meals, transport, taxes and any additional activities requested. Travellers should avoid comparing safari prices based only on the number of days because two six-day packages can differ considerably in accommodation quality, travel distances and included services. For an accurate quotation, contact Eddy Tours & Safaris with your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and accommodation expectations.
Can You Combine the Northern Circuit Safari with Kilimanjaro Climbing?
Yes. Many visitors to Tanzania choose to combine a wildlife safari with a Mount Kilimanjaro climbing trip, especially when travelling from overseas. Arusha and Moshi are convenient starting points for northern Tanzania adventures, making it possible to arrange both activities during one holiday. However, climbing Kilimanjaro requires suitable physical preparation and enough time for acclimatization, so travellers should plan their schedule carefully rather than adding a mountain climb without allowing adequate days.
Those interested in trekking can explore information about climbing routes, preparation and mountain travel through Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist. Eddy Tours & Safaris can also help organize a combined Tanzania safari and Kilimanjaro holiday with suitable transfers and accommodation arrangements between the different activities.
For travellers who prefer a relaxing extension after several days of wildlife viewing, Zanzibar is another option. A few days on the island can provide time to enjoy beaches, Stone Town and coastal activities before returning home.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 6 Days Private Northern Circuit Safari
Is six days enough for a Northern Circuit safari in Tanzania?
Six days is enough to visit Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, provided the itinerary is carefully arranged. However, the route involves several long drives, particularly when travelling between Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Highlands. Travellers who prefer a slower pace or want additional full days in Serengeti may find a seven- or eight-day itinerary more suitable.
Is the safari completely private?
Yes. This package is designed as a private safari, meaning the vehicle and driver-guide are reserved for your booking group. You will not share the vehicle with unrelated travellers, although national park facilities, accommodation areas and designated picnic sites are shared with other visitors.
Can families with children book this safari?
Yes. Families can book a private Northern Circuit safari, and the itinerary can be adjusted according to children’s ages and interests. Parents should consider the long driving distances, early morning departures and time spent inside the safari vehicle. Suitable accommodation and child-related park policies should also be checked before confirming the booking.
Will we see the Big Five during the safari?
The Northern Circuit provides opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinoceroses, but no safari company can guarantee sightings of all five animals. Ngorongoro Crater offers a chance of seeing black rhinoceroses, while Serengeti and Tarangire support several other Big Five species. Sightings depend on wildlife movement, weather, vegetation and time spent searching.
Can we change the accommodation or travel dates?
Yes. Because this is a private safari, accommodation preferences and travel dates can be discussed before booking. Changes depend on lodge availability, park regulations and the practicality of the route. Travellers should request adjustments before the final itinerary and quotation are confirmed.
How early should we book for 2027, 2028 or 2029?
Booking several months ahead is advisable, especially for July, August, September and the Christmas holiday period. Popular lodges and tented camps may have limited availability during busy months. Early planning also provides more time to compare accommodation options and arrange international flights.
Book Your Ultimate 6 Days Private Northern Circuit Safari with Eddy Tours & Safaris
Planning a private Tanzania safari should be straightforward, with clear information about where you will travel, what you will see, where you will stay and what is included in the price. At Eddy Tours & Safaris, we organize Northern Circuit wildlife safaris for couples, families, friends and private groups who want to explore Tanzania with an experienced local team.
Whether you are travelling in 2027, 2028 or 2029, we can help you prepare a six-day itinerary based on your preferred dates, group size, accommodation standard and budget. Share your travel plans with us, and we will provide a detailed quotation explaining the services included before you make your booking.
Eddy Tours & Safaris – Arusha, Tanzania
Website: https://eddytours-safaris.com/
Email: sales@eddytours-safaris.com
WhatsApp: +255 711 906 664