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Tanzania Northern Circuit: the Day-by-Day Itinerary
Tanzania's northern circuit is safari at its most concentrated. The Ngorongoro Crater packs lions, rhinos and ten thousand grazers into one collapsed volcano, and the Serengeti's plains roll to the horizon in every direction. In calving season the predator drama never pauses.
Tanzania Northern Circuit is a 420 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as a 4-day trip; the plan below is the 4-day version for February, built from 67 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.
Customize this plan → 4-day plan · best time to go
4
days
946 km
distance
21.0 h
driving
16
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- Calving season on the southern Serengeti plains — predators everywhere, and the crater is green.
- Heavy transit: day 4 (6h17) runs over 6 hours on the road. Around 4 days would keep daily driving comfortable on this route — or keep the dates and start each of those days by 08:00.
Day 1 Arusha → Lake Manyara
🌡 13.4–38.2°C · 🌧 ~10 rain days · ☀ 12.1h light
09:00
Arusha Declaration Museummuseums & heritage
Explore insights into African socialism and towering monuments.
50 min · Arusha
09:50
Arusha National Natural History Museummuseums & heritage
50 min · Arusha
10:40
Arusha Cultural Heritage Centremuseums & heritage
50 min · Arusha
18:30
The Lively Lady Bar & Grillcraft beer & pubsbudget eats
Enjoy European and Indian dishes, paired with rock music in a funky atmosphere.
75 min · Arusha
open: M-Sa 5PM-midnight
Overnight: Arusha
e.g. Arusha Backpackers · Seuri Guesti (Guesthouse)
Day 2 Arusha → Karatu
🌡 13.4–38.2°C · 🌧 ~10 rain days · ☀ 12.1h light
09:00
Mica Computer Services
Find friendly staff and a wide range of computer accessories.
50 min · Arusha
open: 8AM-6PM
09:50
Dar Express
Discover bustling departure points and nearby booking offices.
50 min · Arusha
13:32
Elephant Cavehiking
Witness elephants digging for salts in mineral-rich walls.
90 min · Karatu
15:02
Cafe Bamboo Restaurantcoffee & bakeslocal & traditional
Enjoy diverse snacks and dishes in a popular spot.
60 min · Arusha
Overnight: Arusha
e.g. Arusha Backpackers · Seuri Guesti (Guesthouse)
Day 3 Karatu
🌡 10.8–33.0°C · 🌧 ~11 rain days · ☀ 12.1h light
13:22
Walk about Karatuhiking
Explore Karatu with a friendly, English-speaking guide.
90 min · Karatu
14:52
Peugeot
Travel comfortably in a modern minivan from Arusha.
50 min · Karatu
open: takes 2½ hr
15:42
Bus
Board daily buses leaving Karatu at various times.
50 min · Karatu · TSh 6000
open: takes 2½ hr
16:32
Daladalas
Endure a crowded, tough 3-hour ride on a typical daladala.
50 min · Karatu · TSh 5000
18:30
Manyara Gardencraft beer & pubsbudget eatslocal & traditional
Enjoy local beer and basic food in a garden setting.
75 min · Karatu
Overnight: Karatu
e.g. The Octagon Safari Lodge · Giraffe Executive Inn
See the remaining 1 days of the 4-day plan →
Route map
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