Wildlife Safaris

8 Days Tanzania’s Northern Circuit Adventure

Safari in national parks: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, where diverse ecosystems, rich cultures, and iconic wildlife encounters await. This well-curated itinerary takes you deep into the heart of four of Tanzania’s most celebrated destinations: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park.

Begin your adventure in Tarangire, where majestic baobabs and vast elephant herds set the tone for the wild experiences ahead. Continue to the endless plains of the Serengeti, famed for the Great Migration and unrivaled predator sightings. After days of thrilling game drives, descend into the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with the Big Five in a stunning natural amphitheater. Your journey concludes in the bird-rich and lush landscapes of Lake Manyara, known for its flamingos and tree-climbing lions.

Throughout the journey, you’ll stay in handpicked luxury lodges and camps, enjoy expert guiding, and experience the warmth of Tanzanian hospitality. Whether it’s your first safari or your tenth, this Northern Circuit adventure promises a perfect blend of wilderness, wonder, and cultural immersion.

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

    Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Tanzania Offroad Trips representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a city tour, relax by the pool, or take in views of Mount Meru. Use this day to rest and prepare for your upcoming adventure.

  • Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

    After a hearty breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, a scenic gem filled with elephants, lions, zebras, and more. The Tarangire River acts as a magnet for wildlife, especially during dry months. Enjoy game drives through diverse habitats—grasslands, swamps, and iconic baobab forests. You’ll break for lunch inside the park and continue exploring until evening. Arrive at your luxury lodge in time to unwind with sunset views and a delicious dinner.

  • Day 3: Full-Day in Tarangire National Park

    Spend a full day exploring the beauty of Tarangire, known for its peace, fewer crowds, and incredible wildlife density. Spot large herds of elephants and enjoy birdwatching with over 500 species recorded. You may also see giraffes, wildebeest, and leopards resting in the trees. Your guide will help interpret animal behaviors and the park’s unique ecosystem. End your day back at camp with stories around the campfire.

  • Day 4: Tarangire – Serengeti National Park

    Today you journey to the world-famous Serengeti National Park, crossing the Ngorongoro Highlands along the way. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive across the vast savannahs. Keep an eye out for the Big Five, cheetahs sprinting through the grass, and massive herds moving in search of fresh grazing. By evening, check into your luxury lodge or tented camp for a night under the stars.

  • Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti Safari

    Wake up to the sounds of the wild and spend the day exploring the Serengeti’s diverse regions. Depending on the time of year, you may witness the Great Migration or catch thrilling predator-prey interactions. Visit seasonal watering holes, traverse open plains, and enjoy a bush picnic lunch in the heart of the park. Return to your camp in time for a warm meal and relaxation.

  • Day 6: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

    After breakfast and a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, begin your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, visit a Maasai village to learn about the culture of this semi-nomadic tribe. By late afternoon, arrive at your lodge perched on the crater rim with breathtaking views below. Prepare for tomorrow’s descent into the wildlife-rich crater floor.

  • Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

    Today you’ll descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder home to around 25,000 animals. Here, you can spot black rhinos, massive bull elephants, lions, and hippos in close proximity. The scenery is equally breathtaking, with lakes, forests, and open plains. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pool before ascending back to the crater rim or nearby Karatu for your overnight stay.

  • Day 8: Lake Manyara National Park – Return to Arusha

    Conclude your safari with a visit to Lake Manyara National Park, famed for its tree-climbing lions and vibrant birdlife. Enjoy a game drive through the forest, along the lake’s edge, and across grassy floodplains. After lunch, drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport for your onward journey.

Suggested Lodges & Camps

Safari Cost Include

Transfers

All transfers as outlined in the program.

Accommodation & Meals

  • Accommodation in hotels and lodges as described in the program.
  • Meals as specified in the program.
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, hot coffee, and tea provided while on safari in the jeep.

Guiding & Game-Driving

  • Services of a certified and experienced English-speaking safari guide.
  • Comfortable 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, equipped with fridges, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
  • All national park fees, including park entry and concession fees.
  • Free Wi-Fi availability in 60-75% of the traveled areas, depending on cell coverage in the wilderness.
  • 24/7 phone support service for any assistance during the safari.
  • Emergency air ambulance services provided by AMREF Flying Doctors.
  • Binoculars (1 per vehicle) for enhanced wildlife viewing.
  • Onboard medical kit for added safety and convenience.

Safari Cost Excludes

  • Air tickets;
  • Visa fee;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).

Please Note

  • By default, our tours include shared accommodation in twin/double rooms unless requested and agreed otherwise. Single supplements are available upon request. Please refer to the program for specific accommodation arrangements.
  • Accommodations in Moshi and Arusha typically include breakfast only, unless otherwise requested and agreed upon. Refer to the program for detailed meal plans for each night.
  • Most safari lodges do not include tea, coffee, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages in their standard packages, allowing you to order and pay for only what you need directly at the hotel restaurants.
  • Tented lodges, the most common type of accommodation in the savannah, often operate on solar energy. This may result in features such as bucket showers, limited Wi-Fi, and the absence of hair dryers, as part of their efforts to minimize environmental impact. We encourage you to research the accommodations in your program to ensure the safari aligns with your travel preferences.

Tour Price

Budget Class
Pax
2 Pax
4 Pax
6 Pax
Tour Price
Price N/A
$ 2,150
$ 2,100
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets.
Mid-range Class
Pax
2 Pax
4 Pax
6 Pax
Tour Price
Price N/A
Price N/A
Price N/A
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets.
Luxury Class
Pax
2 Pax
4 Pax
6 Pax
Tour Price
Price N/A
Price N/A
Price N/A
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets.
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