Today we’ll be showcasing the often-overlooked Tarangire National Park, which we’ll reach by travelling west from Arusha for about two hours. The park is a nature lover’s dream, especially in the green season when its tremendous baobab trees are resplendent with emerald leaves. And if you’re visiting during the dry season, you can expect to see truly enormous herds of buffalo, wildebeest, and zebra—often numbering in the thousands. But no matter when you visit, Tarangire is perhaps best distinguished by its resident elephant population. These massive animals can always be relied upon to deliver a first-rate encounter in Tarangire. After finishing our all-day game drive and picnic lunch, we’ll settle in at the Eileen’s Tree Inn at Karatu.

We’ll strike out early this morning to travel north for approximately three hours, crossing the beautiful Ngorongoro Conservation Area to approach the Serengeti from its southern reaches. Driving into the park really brings home the staggering size of this important ecosystem, which encompasses 1.5 million hectares of tree-studded plains and sun-dappled riverine forests. Many of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife species thrive here, and we’ll base our game drives in the Seronera area near the center of the park in order to find as many as we can. We’ll be spending the night at Tanzania Bush Camp, where your roomy tent will come fully outfitted with an oversized bed, running water, and views to die for.

The most exciting day of our itinerary has arrived: it’s time for a full-day game drive in the peerless Serengeti National Park. Spending all day in the bush allows us to roam far and wide in search of the animals you’ve always wanted to see: lion, leopard, giraffe, spotted hyena, cheetah, eland, and several different species of gazelle. Of course, you can also expect to see plenty of wildebeest and zebra—your visit may even coincide with the Serengeti’s Great Migration, which sees millions of these antelopes darkening the plains from horizon to horizon. Keen- eyed travellers will be especially delighted to learn that there are more than 500 kinds of birds to be found here, and we’ll try to identify as many as we can. After a thrilling day in the wild, we’ll return to camp for a second night at Tanzania Bush Camp.

This morning, we’ll wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Serengeti with a hot mug of tea in our hands before packing up our things and setting out to enjoy one more game drive as we travel out of the park. Then it’s back through the Ngorongoro highlands for just over two hours to arrive at the region’s most prominent geological feature: Ngorongoro Crater. This caldera was formed at least two million years ago as the result of a volcanic explosion. These days, it’s best known as an important protected reserve for threatened species like the black rhinoceros and cheetah. After spending the day on safari, we’ll depart the crater to spend the night in nearby Karatu at the Eileen’s Tree Inn.

Enjoy a light poolside breakfast this morning while listening to lovely birdsong and looking out across the rolling gardens of the lodge. We only have two hours on the road today to return to Arusha, when we’ll bring you back to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. We’re proud that you’ve chosen us to be your guide to the Northern Circuit, and we hope you’ll be in touch when you’re ready for another unforgettable African safari.