9-Day Ultimate Northern Circuit Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, where your guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Relax and prepare for the thrilling safari ahead. If time permits, explore the vibrant town of Arusha or enjoy the serene surroundings of your accommodation.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, set out for Tarangire National Park, known for its majestic baobab trees and large elephant herds. Enjoy game drives through the park’s diverse habitats, spotting lions, giraffes, zebras, and a plethora of bird species. The Tarangire River, a lifeline for wildlife, attracts predators and herbivores alike. Overnight at a lodge or tented camp within or near the park.

Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

Depart Tarangire and head to Lake Manyara National Park, a gem nestled beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Explore the park’s lush forests, grassy plains, and soda lake teeming with flamingos. Look out for elephants, hippos, and the park’s famous tree-climbing lions. Spend the evening at a nearby lodge or camp.

Day 4: Lake Manyara to Central Serengeti

Journey to the world-famous Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge or camp in Central Serengeti. The Serengeti is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream, offering incredible sightings of predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, along with vast herds of wildebeest and zebras.

Day 5: Full-Day Game Drive in Central Serengeti

Dedicate the day to exploring Central Serengeti’s rich ecosystems. Depending on the season, you may witness dramatic predator-prey interactions or the awe-inspiring Great Migration. Highlights include the iconic Seronera Valley and rocky kopjes that are home to predators and other wildlife. Return to your camp for a relaxing evening under the star-studded sky.

Day 6: Serengeti (Northern or Southern Serengeti)

Venture deeper into the Serengeti to follow the seasonal highlights of the Great Migration. During migration months, head to the Northern Serengeti to witness thrilling Mara River crossings. In other months, explore the Southern Serengeti, where calving season attracts predators and new life. Capture unforgettable moments before retiring to your lodge.

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before traveling to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop at Olduvai Gorge, an archaeological site with evidence of early human evolution. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim for breathtaking views and a restful evening.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural caldera known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The crater floor is a wildlife haven, hosting the Big Five along with hippos, hyenas, zebras, and flamingos. After an unforgettable game drive and a picnic lunch, ascend the crater walls and return to your lodge for the night.

Day 9: Departure from Arusha

After breakfast, make your way back to Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule, you can visit local markets or enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel. Your guide will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of an incredible adventure.

End of Safari

This 9-day ultimate safari showcases the best of Tanzania’s northern circuit, combining thrilling wildlife encounters with breathtaking landscapes, creating memories to last a lifetime.