8 Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari Package – Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara 2025

8 Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari Package

Tour Highlights

• Experience diverse ecosystems across four major parks
• Explore Serengeti’s vast plains and spot the Big Five
• Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• See ancient baobab trees and elephants in Tarangire
• Birdwatching and tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara
• Expert local guides and custom 4x4 safari vehicles
• Comfortable mid-range or luxury accommodations

Destinations Covered

• Arusha (Arrival & Departure)
• Tarangire National Park
• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Lake Manyara National Park

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. You’ll be met by your safari driver/guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Relax after your flight and prepare for your exciting journey.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha (Bed & Breakfast)
• Meals: Dinner included if arriving early

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant population and majestic baobab trees. Enjoy a full-day game drive, spotting giraffes, lions, zebras, wildebeests, and possibly leopards. Tarangire is especially vibrant during the dry season when animals gather around the Tarangire River.

• Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp near Tarangire
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tarangire to Central Serengeti

Depart early for the famous Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Highlands. Stop for a picnic lunch en route and enjoy a game drive upon entering Serengeti. The central area (Seronera) offers prime wildlife viewing year-round with resident predators and prey species.

• Accommodation: Serengeti lodge or tented camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Spend a full day on game drives exploring the vast Serengeti plains. Depending on the season, you may witness the wildebeest migration, including river crossings or calving. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are often seen hunting. Your guide will choose the best route based on recent sightings.

• Optional: Hot Air Balloon Safari (additional cost)
• Accommodation: Serengeti lodge or camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy a morning game drive in Serengeti before heading to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, visit a Maasai village (optional) to learn about their culture and traditions. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim in time for dinner and stunning sunset views.

• Accommodation: Lodge at Ngorongoro Crater rim
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater

Early morning descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 6-hour game drive. This natural wonder is home to over 25,000 animals including black rhinos, lions, elephants, hippos, and flamingos. The crater floor offers one of the best chances to spot the Big Five in one place.

• Accommodation: Lodge near Lake Manyara or Karatu
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Famous for its tree-climbing lions, hot springs, and varied birdlife including flamingos and pelicans, the park is a lush haven with groundwater forest and acacia woodland.

• Accommodation: Return to Arusha for overnight stay
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Departure from Arusha

Depending on your flight time, you may explore Arusha city or relax at the lodge. You’ll then be transferred to the airport for your flight home or onward destination. Safari ends with unforgettable memories of Northern Tanzania.

• Meals: Breakfast

Why Choose This Safari

• Private guided tour with expert driver/guide
• Year-round departures and customizable itinerary
• Perfect balance of wildlife, culture, and nature
• Comfortable accommodations in great locations
• All park fees and logistics handled for you

Inclusions

• All airport transfers
• 7 nights accommodation
• All park entrance fees and government taxes
• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Professional English-speaking guide/driver
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water during safari
• Crater service fees

Exclusions

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities (e.g. balloon safari)
• Personal expenses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This safari is available year-round, but June to October is the dry season with excellent wildlife viewing. The migration is usually seen in the Serengeti between June and August or around December to March (calving season).

Yes, the tour is private and can be customized to your needs. You’ll have your own vehicle and guide.

Absolutely! You can combine this tour with a beach extension in Zanzibar after the safari.

Lightweight clothes in neutral colors, a good camera, binoculars, sun protection, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes.

Yes, lodges and camps are family-friendly, and the itinerary can be adapted for children.