7 Day Glimpse of Northern Tanzania - Dry Season

In the dry season wildlife gathers near water, the grass is shorter and animals are easier to find. The migration herds are in the northern Serengeti near the Mara River, and Tarangire's elephant herds are a highlight too. There are no fixed departures listed, so ask us for dates and we'll match them to the herds' movements.

Day one is a full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park with a picnic lunch, among its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds. You may also see giraffes, wildebeest, zebras and predators. In the late afternoon you continue to Karatu for the night at Farm of Dreams Lodge.

You have a half-day game drive on the crater floor on day two, with a picnic lunch inside the crater. The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for black rhino and lion prides. In the afternoon you drive across the highlands into the Serengeti, reaching your camp in the central Serengeti by evening.

There's a chance, but nobody can promise one. Days four to six are near the Mara River, where the migration herds cross. Your guide watches the herds and positions the vehicle when a crossing looks likely. Even without a crossing, the river days bring crocodiles, hippos and predators, plus big cats and large herds of wildebeest and zebras.

The first night is at Farm of Dreams Lodge near Karatu. You then spend two nights at Enkirari Wilderness Camp in the central Serengeti and three nights at Savannah Mara River Tented Camp in the northern Serengeti, close to the river. Staying three nights in the north means less packing and more time with the herds.

It starts in Arusha with a morning departure for Tarangire. It ends on day seven with a short flight from Kogatende Airstrip back to Arusha, so you skip the long drive south. From Arusha you connect to your onward plans, so book your next flight or hotel with that in mind.

Yes. It covers the classic northern route, from Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater to the central Serengeti and the Mara River, in one week at an easy pace. It suits first-timers who want the well-known parks and the migration herds, without a long drive back at the end.

Pack layers. Mornings and evenings are cool, especially on the Ngorongoro rim, while days are warm and dusty. Bring neutral clothing, a warm fleece, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a scarf for the dust. A soft duffel bag is best for the flight from Kogatende, and binoculars make a big difference at the river.

Yes. Our Arusha team can extend any stop or add a night in the Serengeti. Tell us your dates and what matters most to you, such as more time with the herds or a slower pace overall, and we'll adjust the plan and send you a quote for the changes.

The 7 Day Glimpse of Northern Tanzania - Dry Season is 7 days and 6 nights. The day-by-day itinerary on this page shows where you go and stay each day.

This trip visits Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara National Reserve.

It is rated easy: no special fitness is needed.

It runs for groups of 2 to 12 travellers.

Included: Full board accommodation at handpicked lodges and camps, All game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs, Professional English-speaking safari guide, Park entry fees for all national parks and conservation areas, Ngorongoro Crater descent fee, Bottled water during game drives, All transfers and transportation and Emergency medical evacuation insurance.

Not included: International flights, Visa fees, Travel insurance (recommended), Alcoholic beverages, Tips and gratuities for guide and lodge staff, Personal items and souvenirs, Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary and Additional meals and drinks outside of full board.