8-Day Northern Tanzania Safari
Tarangire • Lake Manyara • Ngorongoro Crater • Serengeti National Park
Discover the very best of Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit on this unforgettable 8-Day Northern Tanzania Safari. This carefully crafted Tanzania Safari Tour combines four of the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations—Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and the legendary Serengeti National Park.
From giant elephant herds beneath ancient baobab trees to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, every day offers exceptional wildlife encounters. Along the way, enjoy spectacular landscapes, authentic Maasai cultural experiences and opportunities to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, your professional safari guide will warmly welcome you and brief you about your Northern Tanzania Safari. After transferring to your hotel, relax and recover from your journey before enjoying dinner.
Overnight: Gran Meliá Arusha (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Tarangire National Park Safari
After breakfast, begin your Tanzania Wildlife Safari with a drive to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.
Spend the day exploring the park while searching for elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, elands, hartebeests and numerous bird species. If you’re fortunate, you may also spot African wild dogs and spotted hyenas.
Later, transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Tarangire Safari Lodge (Full Board)
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, continue your safari to beautiful Lake Manyara National Park, nestled beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
Explore dense groundwater forests, open grasslands and the famous soda lake, home to hundreds of bird species including flamingos, pelicans, storks and sacred ibises.
Lake Manyara is equally famous for its tree-climbing lions, together with elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, baboons, blue monkeys and many other wildlife species.
Following a picnic lunch and afternoon game drive, continue to Karatu.
Overnight: Acacia Farm Lodge (Full Board)
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
After an early breakfast, continue your Northern Tanzania Safari with a visit to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders.
Descend over 600 metres into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera for an unforgettable game drive. Thanks to its enclosed ecosystem, the crater supports one of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife. Search for the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos and leopards, together with hippos, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, flamingos, gazelles and numerous bird species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before continuing your wildlife adventure. In the evening, ascend the crater and relax at your lodge overlooking this breathtaking landscape.
Overnight: Sanctuary Retreat Camp, Ngorongoro (Full Board)
Day 5: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park
Following breakfast, travel towards the world-famous Serengeti National Park, one of the highlights of every Tanzania Safari Tour.
Along the way, visit a traditional Maasai village and gain insight into one of East Africa’s most fascinating cultures before entering the vast Serengeti plains.
Your afternoon game drive offers excellent opportunities to encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, antelopes, baboons and many other species that call this incredible ecosystem home.
Overnight: New Baobab Central Camp, Serengeti (Full Board)
Day 6: Full-Day Serengeti Safari
Wake before sunrise for one of the most rewarding experiences of your Serengeti Safari. Early morning is the best time to observe predators returning from their nightly hunts while herbivores begin grazing across the endless plains.
Enjoy a bush breakfast before continuing your search for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants and the spectacular Great Migration, depending on the season.
Visit the Seronera Visitor Centre to learn more about the Serengeti ecosystem before enjoying lunch. Later, continue your afternoon game drive when wildlife becomes active once again. Guests may also choose a guided nature walk led by experienced local guides.
Overnight: New Baobab Central Camp, Serengeti (Full Board)
Day 7: Serengeti Kopjes Circuit
Today, explore the famous Kopjes Circuit, one of the most rewarding wildlife areas in Serengeti National Park.
These ancient granite outcrops create natural shelters for lions, leopards and many smaller animals while also attracting herbivores searching for water during the dry season.
Spend the day discovering this unique landscape while searching for large cats, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas and numerous bird species. The Kopjes provide some of the best photographic opportunities on any Northern Tanzania Safari.
Overnight: New Baobab Central Camp, Serengeti (Full Board)
Day 8: Serengeti National Park – Arusha Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast while taking in the breathtaking views across the Serengeti plains. Afterwards, transfer to the Seronera Airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight to Arusha.
Upon arrival in Arusha, connect to your onward flight at Kilimanjaro International Airport or continue to your next destination. Guests wishing to extend their adventure can add extra nights in Serengeti or combine this itinerary with Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches.
End of Safari Services
What’s Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Arusha
- 8-day private Northern Tanzania Safari
- Transport in a customized 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Maasai cultural village visit
- Domestic flight from Serengeti to Arusha
- All national park and conservation area entrance fees
- All scheduled game drives
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
- Meals as specified
- 2 litres of bottled drinking water per person each safari day
What’s Excluded
- International flights
- Tanzania Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and soft drinks unless stated
- Laundry services
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff