9 Days Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari

Overview

The 9 Days Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari is a classic and well-paced journey through Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations, offering a complete introduction to the country’s legendary safari circuit. This itinerary connects Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, the world-famous Serengeti National Park, and the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater, delivering diverse ecosystems, rich wildlife density, and exceptional game viewing throughout.

Designed for travellers who want a balanced safari experience, this journey combines elephant-rich savannahs, flamingo-lined lakes, predator-filled plains, and volcanic landscapes into one seamless adventure. It is one of the most reliable routes for seeing the Big Five while also experiencing the Great Migration (seasonal in the Serengeti).

Tour Highlights

Full exploration of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.
Big Five game drives across four major national parks.
Serengeti National Park wildlife and migration viewing (seasonal).
Ngorongoro Crater UNESCO World Heritage safari experience.
Elephant herds in Tarangire National Park.
Scenic Lake Manyara game drives and Rift Valley views.
Optional Maasai cultural village visit.
Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with expert guide.
Excellent predator sightings including lions and cheetahs.
Diverse landscapes from lakes and forests to endless plains.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest after your journey.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Gran Meliá Arusha / Arusha Coffee Lodge

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Enjoy a full-day game drive with picnic lunch before continuing to your lodge in the evening.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Lemala Mpingo Ridge / Tarangire Treetops
Midrange: Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Day 3: Full Day Tarangire National Park

Spend a full day exploring Tarangire’s seasonal river ecosystem, which attracts large concentrations of wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and diverse birdlife.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Lemala Mpingo Ridge / Tarangire Treetops
Midrange: Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Day 4: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, proceed to Lake Manyara National Park for a scenic game drive. The park is known for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, hippos, and lush groundwater forests. Later, continue to the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge / Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge
Midrange: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Day 5: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park

Travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to Serengeti National Park. Enjoy game viewing along the way before arriving in central Serengeti for an afternoon safari across the endless plains.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti / Melia Serengeti Lodge
Midrange: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 6: Full Day Serengeti Safari

Spend a full day exploring Serengeti National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration or enjoy resident wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and hyenas.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti / Singita Sabora Camp
Midrange: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 7: Serengeti Wildlife Exploration

Continue exploring different regions of Serengeti based on wildlife movement. Your guide will focus on predator hotspots and migration herds where applicable, offering outstanding photography opportunities.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Singita Sabora Camp / Melia Serengeti Lodge
Midrange: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 8: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands

After a final morning game drive in Serengeti, depart for Ngorongoro Highlands with en-route wildlife viewing. Arrive at your lodge positioned on or near the crater rim with panoramic views over the caldera.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge / Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp
Midrange: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Return to Arusha

Early morning descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. This wildlife-rich ecosystem offers excellent chances of spotting rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and flamingos.

After a picnic lunch, ascend the crater and return to Arusha for your departure transfer or overnight stay.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: N/A (Departure Day)
Midrange: N/A (Departure Day)

Inclusions

Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers in Arusha
Accommodation in luxury or midrange lodges and camps
Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
All park entrance fees and conservation charges
Ngorongoro Crater descent fees
Full-board meals during safari
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Scheduled game drives as per itinerary
Government taxes and service charges

Exclusions

International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance
Optional hot air balloon safari in Serengeti
Premium alcoholic beverages
Laundry services
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Optional cultural visits not listed in itinerary
Any services not explicitly mentioned in inclusions