Tanzania’s Ultimate Safari Journey (8-9 Days) – Northern Circuit Explorer

Overview of the 8-9 Days

Step into the heart of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations, where the legendary Serengeti meets the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. This adventure is designed for safari enthusiasts eager to witness the Big Five, marvel at the annual Great Migration (seasonal), and immerse themselves in the untamed beauty of the African wilderness. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, this journey promises close encounters with nature at its finest.

DAY BY DAY ACTIVITIES

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha/Kilimanjaro – Gateway to Adventure

Your adventure begins as you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)/ Arusha Airport, where you’ll be greeted by our friendly safari guide. After a short briefing on the upcoming days, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi, a bustling town known as the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit safaris.

  • Check in at a comfortable lodge/hotel.
  • Optional city tour or visit to the Cultural Heritage Centre for souvenirs.
  • Relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.

📍 Overnight Stay: Arusha/Moshi

jessnoons_1739903826092
Screenshot

Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Land of Giants

  • After breakfast, drive two hours to Tarangire National Park, known for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.
  • Enjoy a full-day game drive, spotting lions, leopards, zebras, and giraffes near the Tarangire River.
  • Visit the Silale Swamp, where hippos and crocodiles thrive.
  • Sunset drive to your lodge/camp inside or near the park.

📍 Overnight Stay: Tarangire

Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

  • Depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a hidden gem with lush forests, flamingo-filled lakes, and tree-climbing lions.
  • Explore the famous groundwater forests, home to blue monkeys and baboons.
  • Spot thousands of flamingos, hippos, and other bird species at the alkaline lake.
  • Optional canoe safari (seasonal) or a Mto wa Mbu cultural tour.

📍 Overnight Stay: Lake Manyara

Screenshot

Day 4: Manyara to Serengeti – Enter the Endless Plains

  • After breakfast, drive towards Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro highlands.
  • Stop at Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind, for a brief tour of early human fossils.
  • Arrive in Serengeti and embark on an afternoon game drive, searching for lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

📍 Overnight Stay: Serengeti (Lodge/Tented Camp)

Day 5 & 6: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti – Big Cats & Great Migration

  • Spend two full days exploring different regions of Serengeti National Park, following the movements of the Great Migration (seasonal).
  • Early morning and late afternoon game drives maximize your chances of spotting leopards, elephants, buffalo, and elusive wild dogs.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch in the savannah, with herds of zebras and antelopes nearby.
  • Optional: Sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti.

📍 Overnight Stay: Serengeti

Screenshot
Screenshot

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – Scenic Transfer

  • Depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping for wildlife sightings along the way.
  • Check into a lodge near the crater rim, offering breathtaking sunset views.

📍 Overnight Stay: Ngorongoro

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration – Nature’s Wonderland

  • Descend 600m into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with 25,000 animals, including black rhinos, hippos, and prides of lions.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pool, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
  • Afternoon transfer back to Arusha.

📍 Overnight Stay: Arusha

Screenshot

Key Highlights

✔️ Witness massive elephant herds in Tarangire.
✔️ Spot tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara.
✔️ Explore the Serengeti and its migrating herds.
✔️ Experience the Ngorongoro Crater, home to rhinos and predators.
✔️ Optional hot air balloon safari over Serengeti.

💰 Price Range: $3,200 – $4,500 per person

Package Specifications

Safari Cost Includes

Transfers

  • All transfers described on the program

Accommodation & Meals

  • Hotels and lodges described on the program
  • Meals described on the program
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, hot coffee and tea while in the jeep on safari

Guiding & Game-Driving

  • Certified and experienced English-speaking safari guide
  • Comfortable Land Cruiser 4x4s with pop-up roof, fridge, Wi-Fi, and power outlets
  • National park fees for the entire tour (park entry fees and concession fees)
  • Free Wi-Fi. Signal will be available in only 60-75% of the travelled territories due to lack of cell coverage in the wilderness areas
  • 24/7 phone support service
  • Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors
  • Binoculars (1 pc per SUV)
  • Medical kit

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 supplement is available upon request. Please refer to the program to see your accommodation arrangements
  • Moshi and Arusha-based accommodations usually include breakfast only, unless requested and agreed otherwise. Please refer to the program to see your meal plans on each night
  • Most safari lodges usually do not include tea, coffee, soft and alcoholic drinks not to have you overpay for beverages you don’t need. You will be able to order and pay for drinks at the hotels’ restaurants
  • Tented lodges are the most common type of accommodation in savannah. Many of them work on solar energy. This sometimes means bucket showers, limited wi-fi and no hair dryers, all in an effort to reduce environmental impact. We encourage you to do some basic research on the accommodations in your program to ensure the safari matches your travel style

Related African Wildlife Safaris

The Great Wildlife Encounter (6-7 Days) – Serengeti & Ngorongoro

Starting From

1650 Per Person

Wild Frontiers of Tanzania (10 Days) – Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure

Starting From

1650 Per Person

Southern Tanzania Wilderness Expedition (10 Days) – Remote & Untouched

Starting From

1650 Per Person

Get In Touch With Us!

Phone

+255 764 601 151

Email

info@joanneadventures.com

Address

315 Shanty Town – Moshi – Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

Get Free Customized Quote