CLASSIC NORTHERN CIRCUIT 2026

Tarangire • Central Serengeti • Ngorongoro Crater • 7 Days / 6 Nights

Classic Tier Serena & Sopa Lodges Full Board (FB)

Overview

A value-forward, comfortable safari through Tanzania’s most iconic parks. The Classic Northern Circuit uses Serena and Sopa lodges — well-established, dependable properties offering excellent locations, reliable service, and all the essentials for a rewarding safari.

This itinerary mirrors the rhythm of the more premium tiers, but keeps the experience accessible without compromising on the landscapes, wildlife and overall flow of the safari.

Primary Lodges:
Tarangire Sopa Lodge (2 nights) • Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (3 nights) • Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (1 night)

Itinerary

Day 1 – Tarangire Sopa Lodge (Tarangire National Park) FB

Stay: Tarangire Sopa Lodge — Standard Room

Your day: Travel from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most underrated wildlife areas. Enjoy a game drive en-route to the lodge, passing massive baobab trees and large elephant herds.

Arrive at Tarangire Sopa Lodge, set among rocky outcrops and quiet woodlands. The lodge offers spacious rooms, a unique swimming pool, and classic safari charm.

Included: Road transfer from Arusha • Park fees • Dinner

Day 3 – Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (Central Serengeti) FB

Stay: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge — Standard Room

Your day: After breakfast, continue into the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro highlands. Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge (additional cost). Enter the central Serengeti plains, well known for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and large herds of plains game.

Check into Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, perched on an acacia ridge with sweeping views over the plains. The lodge blends African architecture with natural materials and offers a classic safari ambience.

Included: Road transfer • All meals • Park fees

Day 6 – Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (Ngorongoro Crater) FB

Stay: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge — Standard Room

Your day: After lunch, travel from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Arrive at Ngorongoro Serena — a stone-built lodge hugging the cliff edge, with every room overlooking the volcanic caldera.

Enjoy the cool highland air, views into the crater, and the dramatic change of scenery from the savannah plains to lush montane forests.

Included: Road transfer • All meals • Park fees

Rates (USD) — Per Person

• Full Board • Using Tarangire Sopa, Serengeti Serena & Ngorongoro Serena Lodges

Travel Dates (2026)	1 pax	2 pax	3 pax	4 pax	5 pax	6 pax
01 Jan – 31 Jan	$6,100	$4,100	$3,600	$3,400	$3,300	$3,200
01 Feb – 28 Feb	$7,400	$5,000	$4,500	$4,300	$4,200	$4,100
01 Mar – 31 Mar	$6,000	$4,000	$3,600	$3,400	$3,300	$3,200
01 Apr – 25 May	$5,300	$3,600	$3,200	$2,900	$2,800	$2,700
26 May – 31 Oct	$7,500	$5,000	$4,600	$4,400	$4,200	$4,200
01 Nov – 15 Dec	$6,100	$4,100	$3,600	$3,400	$3,300	$3,200
16 – 31 Dec	$7,500	$5,000	$4,600	$4,400	$4,200	$4,200

Festive Supplements:
Christmas & New Year: +$35 per person per night (1 Jan, 24–26 Dec, 31 Dec).
Easter (4 nights): +$35 per person per night.

What’s Included

Accommodation at Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, and Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
All road transfers and game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-, French-, and German-speaking safari driver-guides
All park fees, concession fees, and government levies
Meals as indicated (Full Board on safari)
Guaranteed window seats (max 6 per vehicle)
Onboard fridge, wildlife books, first-aid kit, HF radio, fire extinguisher
VAT & tourism levies

What’s Excluded

Personal expenses (telephone, laundry, etc.)
Tips and gratuities
Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Optional excursions and activities (Olduvai Gorge, balloon safaris, etc.)
International and domestic flights
Visa fees (US$50 per person; US passport holders US$100)
Travel insurance
Flying Doctors cover (optional ~US $50pp for 14 days)
Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro Airport

Transfers

Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Day 3: Tarangire Sopa → Serengeti Serena

Day 6: Serengeti Serena → Ngorongoro Serena

Day 7: Ngorongoro Serena → Arusha

Good to Know

Packing: Neutral clothes, warm layers for Ngorongoro, comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, and soft bags.

Power & Wi-Fi: 230V, British 3-pin plugs. Wi-Fi available in common areas but may be intermittent.

Tipping: Around US $15–20 per guest per day for your guide. Staff gratuities at your discretion.

Wildlife: Wildlife is wild — sightings vary, but Lemala regions offer some of East Africa’s richest game viewing.

Your Vehicle

Signature safaris use premium 4×4 vehicles with enhanced comfort, visibility, and amenities.

Signature Safari Vehicle

Seating capacity: max 6 guests
Reclining seats with extra legroom
Onboard fridge with chilled drinks
Individual charging ports
Pop-up roof for photography

Optional Extras

Add-on experiences available on request (rates depend on season and availability):

Hot-air balloon safari (Serengeti)
Zanzibar beach extension
Private photographic guide
Cultural visits in Ngorongoro
Walking safaris (Tarangire/Ngorongoro)

Travel Information

About Tanzania

Tanzania offers some of the most dramatic wildlife, landscapes, and cultural diversity in Africa. From the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti to the beaches of Zanzibar, it is a land of contrasts, colour, and warm hospitality.