In front of our office
Northern Circuit Adventure
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- TATO & TTB
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Budget & mid-range)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $195 to $580 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Neil | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We went on a 4 day safari through the Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti national parks.
Overall we have a great time on our safari with Northern Circuit. The accommodations were great and the food was excellent. Our guide was knowledgeable of all the animals.
US
Email Jason P | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Overall, great value
We went on a safari with Northern Circuit Adventures in July 2015. Overall, we had a fantastic time. We had just climbed Mt Kilimanjaro so we were looking for a cheaper safari and Northern Circuit Adventure provided the value for which we were looking. The tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads were great, never having an issue with warmth. The safari car (Toyota Land Cruiser) was a beast; we had no issues whatsoever and gave us a surprisingly smooth ride (considering how rough the roads were). Our driver was impressive, giving us the most time in the parks that he could and he was always on his radio/phone finding where the rarer animals were (leopard, rhino, lions....). And our cook was fantastic too; can't believe how good the food was. Only reason I say 4 stars is that it is a cheaper option, so you are putting up your own tents, helping pack the car, etc. I had no problem with that (and expected it based on price) but if you do, might want to go with a more expensive, more inclusive option.
JP
Email Mark | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very helpful customer service, and safari went as promised
Booking our safari was very easy, and all of our customizations (including domestic flights unrelated to our safari) were easily covered - Michael is great to do business with.
The tour itself was as promised, and we saw a great variety of wildlife. Our guide (Solomon) was very experienced (he said he had been a guide for 8 years), and he was able to spot a lot of animals we would have missed otherwise. He picked up that I had an interest in birds as well as mammals and started to stop the car more frequently for birds as well -- and he knew every one.
There were 2 things that were different than our expectations: we wanted to visit the Masai people, which we did, but our tour package document stated that the visiting would be included, it did not mention that we had to tip the Masai people $20USD per person to visit -- unexpected.
Also, the tour package document stated that the tents would be prepared by the staff. Mostly, they did -- but with our help. I am not adverse to helping, but the guides didn't make us feel like we had a choice.
Overall, though, we saw lots of great animals, have a good time, and got value for money. There were some other safaris that were slightly cheaper for similar itineraries, but I went with Northern Circuit because of their attentiveness during the booking process -- I felt in good hands, and we most certainly were. I would contact Michael again next time I am going to Arusha.
CA
Email Jan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great trip in the Serengeti!
We took a four day trip which covered Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, and Arusha. It was the experience of a lifetime. The guide and the cook in the trip were really great. We were a little disappointed that the guide wasn't a little more strict about getting up early in order to see the actual hunting. We weren't aware until the last day that the hunting takes place very early in the morning and it was too late by then.
The food was excellent; we were very surprised at how good the food was considering we camped in the middle of the forest for three nights. I was very impressed with the trip overall.
NL
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Cheap but good
Northern Circuit Adventure is one of the few tour operators that offer "budget" safari's. Everything was well organized and I had a great time!
But don't expect any extras with a budget safari. So make sure you buy any drinks beforehand as it won't always be possible to purchase them at the campsites.
NO
Email Jon Bakken | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Well laid out 2,5 day Safari tour
We booked the tour based on recommendations and were not disappointed. We were picked up promptly at the small Arusha airport and taken to the Cloud View lodge, which is a small hotel on the outskirts of Arusha. The hotel was Ok and quiet.
We had a good briefing of the program The hotel is ok. We then went on a tour to a near by Masai settlement. This could have been better organized. Lots of waling on the main road and a somewhat cramped journey back in one of the local taxi buses. We went to the Tarangire National park, well worth the visit, but watch out for the Vervet monkeys when you have lunch. We stayed the Sunbright campsite in Mto Wa Mbu. Fairly basic. The tour operator brought a cook that provided ok breakfast and dinner. On the third day we visit the Ngorongoro crater. spectacular. The supplied 4x4 game drive vehicle was good and the driver/guide very good. The last day we visited the Lake Manyara NP, very close to village where we stayed, before we departed from the Arusha Airport.
FR
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The safari was exciting and quite unusual for me. An experience to live at least once in one's life.
Globally nice, with kind and skillful people. About lunch boxes, I suggest to add a paper towel, and to vary the sort of juice, could be once apple, and the second day mango, or something else, and so one.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great first safari experience
Great value for your money, great services. The camping area was great. The driver was really nice and he was very patient showing and telling us about the region. The cook did a great job for our meals. Just stay at another hotel than the one they offer for free.
IN
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good safari and great food
Mike was a great host and we had absolutely no problems contacting him. He met us (my husband and I) before we left for the safari and explained us everything about our 4N/5D safari. The safari was great. Solomon, our guide, made sure we spotted all major wildlife during the safari. He also had great knowledge about the terrain. Moosa, our cook, deserves an outstanding ovation for his spectacular cooking skills. In the middle of nowhere and after a long, tiring safari he managed to put up a delicious pizza (i have no idea how!). The only department which perhaps needs a little work is the planning; the safari could have been a little more adventurous if our preferences matched those of others in the safari. My husband and i wanted to follow lions to see them hunt but the others werent so keen, so we headed to see hippos and rhinos instead. Perhaps Mike can speak to everyone about their preferences beforehand and try to accomodate everyone's common goals in the safari?
All in all, it was a great experience, much beyond our expectations. If i were to visit Tanzania again, i would definitely go with Northern Circuit Adventure for the safari. Great job, Mike!
FR
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing
We did 8 days safari with my father and it was really great. Dennis our guide and sweetbert our cherf, were really nice with us and they were reqlly attentive with my father. We saw many animals and Dennis knows a lot and gave us many information.