Arusha to the Serengeti: The Great Northern Circuit

What it costs

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medium confidence · sampled fares Aug 23 to Oct 29, 2026

Showing Comfort picks below · 7 nights · confirmed when you adopt.

Comfort day plan

7 perfect days in Arusha

1

Day 1

Arrival and Meru Foothills

Touch down in Arusha and settle into the lush surroundings of the lower slopes of Mount Meru.

afternoon

Coffee Farm Arrival

Check into a lodge nestled within a working coffee plantation to acclimate to the altitude.

evening

Meru Sunset Views

Enjoy a sundowner on the terrace with unobstructed views of Mount Meru as the sky turns purple.

2

Day 2

Arusha National Park Exploration

Experience the unique thrill of a walking safari in one of Tanzania's most diverse parks.

morning

Arusha NP Walking Safari

Embark on a guided walking safari to get up close with giraffes and colobus monkeys in the forest.

afternoon

Momella Lakes Canoe

Paddle through the alkaline Momella Lakes to spot flamingos and waterbucks from the water.

3

Day 3

Journey to the Ngorongoro Highlands

Travel toward the Great Rift Valley, stopping to engage with local culture along the way.

morning

Maasai Boma Visit

Visit a traditional Maasai boma to learn about pastoralist life and local conservation efforts.

afternoon

Crater Rim Lodge Check-in

Arrive at a lodge perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater for spectacular evening vistas.

4

Day 4

The Ngorongoro Wildlife Bowl

Descend into the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera for an unparalleled wildlife experience.

morning

Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

Spend the full morning tracking the Big Five within the dense, wildlife-rich floor of the crater.

afternoon

Picnic on the Crater Floor

Enjoy a private picnic lunch near the hippo pool, surrounded by the crater's dramatic walls.

5

Day 5

Into the Serengeti Plains

Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area into the vast, golden plains of the Serengeti.

morning

Olduvai Gorge Stop

Visit the 'Cradle of Mankind' to see the archaeological site where early human fossils were discovered.

afternoon

Central Serengeti Game Drive

Enter the Seronera Valley for your first game drive in the Serengeti, famous for its high density of big cats.

6

Day 6

Serengeti Wilderness Immersion

A full day dedicated to exploring the heart of the Serengeti, following the movements of the great herds.

morning

Sunrise Game Drive

Head out at dawn to catch predators active before the heat of the day sets in.

afternoon

Kopje Exploration

Search for lions and leopards resting on the iconic granite rock formations known as kopjes.

7

Day 7

Return to Arusha

A scenic flight or drive back to Arusha, reflecting on the vastness of the northern circuit.

morning

Bush Breakfast

Enjoy a final breakfast in the Serengeti bush before departing for the airstrip.

evening

Farewell Coffee Farm Dinner

Return to your Arusha coffee lodge for a celebratory final dinner under the stars.

8

Day 8

Departure

A relaxed morning in Arusha before heading to the airport for your flight home.

morning

Cultural Heritage Centre

Browse the extensive collection of African art and Tanzanite jewelry before your departure.

Sources (4)

Experiences

Things you can do

Getting there

Flights from London

Example fares below are economy. Adopt the trip and we search premium economy for your exact dates.

Example fares for travel between Aug 23 to Oct 29, 2026. Adopt the trip to price your exact dates.

LX

Swiss

LX LX327

Airbus A220-300 · 22h flight time

PROVIDER DATA 1 DAY AGO

Indicative fare

$ 62

Skyscanner confirms the final total

DEPARTS18:40GMT · Mon, Sep 7LHRLondon Heathrow AirportLondon, United Kingdom

1 stop · ZRH(Zurich) - Switzerland7,094 kmvia ZRH

ARRIVES18:40+1EAT · Tue, Sep 8JROKilimanjaro International AirportArusha, Tanzania

22h · 1 stop

Indicative fare

$ 62

Skyscanner confirms the final total

23kg checked + 7kg cabinEconomyWi-Fi typicalUSB powerStreaming IFE

View flight details

LX

Swiss

LX LX349

Airbus A220-300 · 23h 25m flight time

PROVIDER DATA 1 DAY AGO

Indicative fare

$ 79

Skyscanner confirms the final total

DEPARTS17:15GMT · Mon, Sep 7LHRLondon Heathrow AirportLondon, United Kingdom

2 stops · GVA(Geneva) - Switzerland, ZRH(Zurich) - Switzerland7,289 kmvia GVA, ZRH

ARRIVES18:40+1EAT · Tue, Sep 8JROKilimanjaro International AirportArusha, Tanzania

23h 25m · 2 stops

Indicative fare

$ 79

Skyscanner confirms the final total

23kg checked + 7kg cabinEconomyWi-Fi typicalUSB powerStreaming IFE

View flight details

These are example fares, not a live booking. Ready to price your dates?

Stays

Where to stay

When to go

Best time to visit

Northern Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the dry months from June to October offer the most reliable wildlife viewing and comfortable walking conditions. For the ultimate adventure, visit in February to witness the Serengeti calving season amidst the lush, post-rain landscape.

Jan★★★★

Feb★★★★★

Mar★★★

Apr★★

May★★★

Jun★★★★

Jul★★★★★

Aug★★★★★

Sep★★★★★

Oct★★★★

Nov★★★

Dec★★★★

Great Fair Quieter

Good to know

Before you go

Do

Book a guided walking safari in Arusha National Park to experience the bush on foot.
Pack high-quality binoculars for spotting wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater bowl.
Carry small denominations of Tanzanian Shillings for local market purchases.
Stay hydrated and use high-SPF sunscreen, as the equatorial sun is intense even at high altitudes.

Don't

Do not feed or approach wild animals, even if they appear docile near your lodge.
Avoid wearing bright colors like neon or white while on game drives, as they can startle wildlife.
Do not engage in aggressive bargaining at local craft markets; keep it friendly and respectful.
Do not wander outside of lodge perimeters at night without a security escort.

Local laws

Plastic bags are strictly prohibited throughout Tanzania; ensure none are in your luggage.
It is illegal to photograph government buildings, military installations, or border posts.
Exporting wildlife products, including ivory or skins, carries severe criminal penalties.
Drones require special permits from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority and are restricted in national parks.

Etiquette

Always use your right hand for shaking hands, eating, or passing items to others.
Dress modestly when visiting Maasai villages or local markets, keeping shoulders and knees covered.
Ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, especially in rural bomas.
Tipping is customary; budget for safari guides, trackers, and lodge staff to show appreciation for their expertise.

Did you know

Arusha is known as the 'Geneva of Africa' and serves as the gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera.
Mount Meru, visible from many Arusha coffee farms, is the second-highest peak in Tanzania.
The Serengeti ecosystem hosts the Great Migration, one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth.

Sources (3)

On the ground

Getting around and eating well

Getting around

Navigating northern Tanzania is best achieved through a curated, lodge-based circuit using private 4x4 vehicles to ensure you reach the heart of the wilderness safely. This approach balances the thrill of remote game drives with the comfort required for an honestly paced, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

4x4 Safari Land Cruiser. This is the essential vehicle for navigating the rugged terrain of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with a professional guide.

Private Transfer. Pre-arranged lodge-to-lodge transfers provide the most reliable and comfortable way to traverse the long distances between northern Tanzania's iconic parks.

Walking. Guided walking safaris in Arusha National Park offer an intimate, immersive way to experience the flora and fauna of the foothills of Mount Meru.

What to eat

Nyama Choma at a Local Grill. Savor succulent, flame-grilled goat meat served with spicy kachumbari, the quintessential post-safari feast in Arusha.

Freshly Brewed Meru Coffee. Experience the rich, volcanic-soil profile of Tanzanian Arabica while overlooking the mist-covered slopes of Mount Meru.

Traditional Maasai Milk and Honey. Participate in a cultural exchange at a boma to taste the ceremonial blend of fresh milk and honey that sustains the nomadic lifestyle.

Ugali with Mchicha. Enjoy this hearty, comforting staple of maize porridge paired with sautéed local greens, a perfect fuel for long days in the Serengeti.

Bush Breakfast in the Crater. Indulge in a curated morning meal set against the dramatic backdrop of the Ngorongoro Crater floor as wildlife wanders nearby.

Country

Facts and safety

Capital: Dodoma
Languages: English, Swahili
Currency: TZS
Population: 68,153,004
Power plugs: AC power plugs and sockets: British and related types, BS 1363

Safety

Tanzania remains safe for most tourists, but visitors should exercise increased caution due to the threat of terrorism and crime, particularly in crowded public areas and border regions.

Avoid traveling by road outside of major cities after dark due to poor road conditions, lack of lighting, and increased risk of banditry.
Keep your passport and valuables in a hotel safe or secure location; carry only small amounts of cash and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics in public.
Avoid all political gatherings, protests, and demonstrations, as they can turn violent without warning and security forces may use force to disperse crowds.
Use only pre-arranged hotel transport or reputable taxi companies booked through your accommodation rather than hailing random street taxis.
Exercise extreme caution near the borders with Mozambique, Burundi, and the DRC due to the risk of armed conflict and criminal activity.
A stranger approaches you claiming to be a hotel employee or tour guide to offer 'help' or directions, eventually leading you to a shop where you are pressured to buy overpriced goods.

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