Embark on an unforgettable journey through the famed Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit with this exceptional-value Tanzania Wildlife Safari.

From Arusha, set off on remarkable journeys to witness the incredible wildlife in the distinctive Big 5 Ngorongoro Crater, the legendary Serengeti National Park, the stunning Lake Manyara Park, and the more secluded Tarangire National Park. Experience the thrill of staying in perfectly situated safari lodges, where your devoted driver-guide will share their expert insights about this remarkable African safari destination.

Day 1: Arusha – Tanzania

Your guided Tanzania Wildlife Safari kicks off upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, the entry point to the captivating Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania. Arusha sits at the foot of Mount Meru, providing stunning vistas of the majestic peak and the towering Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The city boasts a prime location near Tanzania’s renowned national parks, thriving with lively marketplaces, rich cultural heritage, and contemporary amenities.

Upon your arrival, a representative will greet you and take you on a journey to the African Tulip Hotel (or a comparable option) for check-in and your initial night’s stay. The remainder of the day unfolds at your own pace, either unwinding at the hotel or diving into the vibrant atmosphere of Arusha.

Stay at the African Tulip in Arusha (or a comparable option)
Discover the African Tulip Hotel in Arusha
The African Tulip Hotel invites you to experience a harmonious mix of comfort and elegance, featuring beautifully adorned rooms that promise a serene and lavish retreat. The rooms come equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee-making facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay filled with excitement. Indulge in the sumptuous bedding, expansive bathrooms featuring rain showers, and secluded balconies or terraces that gaze out over the vibrant gardens or pool area.

Dining at The African Tulip is an exhilarating experience, offering a variety of options to satisfy diverse palates. The Baobab Restaurant presents a delightful selection of mouthwatering dishes, harmoniously combining the vibrant tastes of Tanzania with global culinary influences, all crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Unwind at the Serengeti Bar with a cocktail, a glass of wine, or a revitalizing drink by the pool, where every moment invites exploration and excitement. Extra features consist of an outdoor pool, a business center, and a gift shop showcasing local crafts and souvenirs.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Tanzania

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you’ll meet your driver-guide and embark on a journey to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves wildlife and the rich traditions of the Maasai people.

As you journey westward, you’ll find yourself in the Great Africa Rift Valley, a stunning geological wonder filled with expansive plains, volcanic hills, and striking escarpments. The vistas are breathtaking, extending endlessly into the horizon. At the core of the Conservation Area is the Ngorongoro Crater, a sprawling caldera from a long-ago volcanic eruption, creating a 260km² (100 mi²) arena teeming with a rich variety of wildlife.

Venture down the crater’s rugged slopes and traverse the crater floor on an exhilarating 4×4 game drive, seeking out the majestic Big 5 – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes – along with a host of other fascinating wildlife. Revered as “Africa’s Garden of Eden,” Ngorongoro Crater boasts a vibrant population of over 25,000 large animal species. It is home to herbivores such as eland, zebras, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelles, alongside a thriving population of predators including lions, hyenas, leopards, and jackals. The region teems with buffalo, while elephants and reedbuck can be spotted higher up along the crater’s rim. Pelicans and flamingos frequently grace the shores of Lake Magadi, nestled within the vibrant heart of the crater.

Ngorongoro Crater stands as the largest intact caldera on the planet, and its floor is teeming with an astonishing variety of wildlife, establishing it as one of the premier destinations for game viewing globally. It boasts an incredible array of animal species found in East Africa, featuring the critically endangered black rhino among its remarkable inhabitants. Your driver-guide will unveil their deep understanding of the captivating wildlife that you encounter along your journey.

Following our exhilarating wildlife escapade, we make our way out of the Ngorongoro Crater and set off to a nearby restaurant for a warm lunch. This afternoon, we will embark on an exciting journey to a Maasai village in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Maasai people settled in this region more than 200 years ago, and approximately 42,000 individuals inhabit the area alongside their cattle, donkeys, goats, and sheep. This village visit promises an exhilarating glimpse into the Maasai culture and their age-old way of life in the heart of rural Africa.

As the sun sets, our Tanzania Wildlife Safari journeys to Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (or similar) for a relaxing evening, soaking in the stunning vistas of this remarkable terrain.

Stay: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Exciting Experiences: Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Maasai Village Exploration
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Discover the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge nestled within the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater.
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, situated on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, provides a perfect mix of luxury and stunning vistas. Every room is crafted to harmonize with the environment, featuring private balconies that offer breathtaking views of the crater floor. The rooms are thoughtfully designed with contemporary comforts such as inviting beds, private bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi.

Dining at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is an exhilarating experience. The lodge’s restaurant offers an array of mouthwatering dishes, ranging from satisfying breakfasts to exquisite dinners, all accompanied by breathtaking views of the crater. Guests can unwind in the lounge and bar area, enjoying a cocktail or a glass of wine by the cozy fireplace. Additional amenities include a well-stocked gift shop, a beautiful outdoor terrace, and an information centre providing insights into the local wildlife and culture, ensuring an exciting and engaging experience in one of the world’s most remarkable natural settings.

Days 3 and 4: Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

On day 3, we set off on an exhilarating drive northwest to Serengeti National Park, right after breakfast. Departing from the Ngorongoro Highlands, we journey to the Serengeti plains, savoring a packed lunch as we go.

Our upcoming two days in Tanzania will be an exhilarating experience as we explore the iconic Serengeti National Park. The name comes from Siringet, which translates to “endless plain” in the Maasai language. The Park spans an impressive 14,800 square kilometres (5,700 square miles), nestled alongside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the east and the Masai Mara, just across the border in Kenya to the north. This is a stunning wilderness area brimming with varied landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Embark on an exhilarating afternoon 4×4 game drive through Serengeti National Park as you make your way to your safari lodge, nestled in the vibrant heart of Tanzania’s premier wildlife destination. We journey through the vibrant central Seronera region to our lodge by the Grumeti River and the renowned Western Corridor. Relax and take in the expansive Serengeti Plains, alive with an abundance of wildlife. The Serengeti is home to the iconic Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, with its lion sightings being particularly renowned. Other animals frequently encountered include cheetah, zebra, giraffe, hippo, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, eland, impala, klipspringer, and warthog. Over 500 bird species have been discovered, featuring fascinating creatures like ostriches, bustards, and secretary birds.

On Day 4 of your northern Tanzania Safari, prepare for an exhilarating full-day adventure in Serengeti National Park. We head back to the lodge for a warm lunch or enjoy picnic lunches during our full-day safari, based on the wildlife’s movements. Your driver-guide will skillfully navigate the Seronera region of the reserve, always on the lookout for the legendary Big 5 of Africa. Moreover, the Serengeti Park is renowned for its expansive groups of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. As millions of ungulates, including wildebeests and zebras, traverse this area on their journey to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, the landscape comes alive with the thrill of their passage (see our notes about the Great Migration below).

On the morning of day 4, you have the exciting opportunity to embark on an optional Hot Air Balloon Safari (at additional cost) for breathtaking views of the Serengeti Plains and its rich wildlife. On day 4, you can explore a Maasai community near Serengeti and immerse yourself in their unique way of life. The Maasai are renowned for their stunning beading, deep-rooted traditions, and lively clothing. As our exhilarating day on safari in Serengeti comes to a close, we head back to the cozy lodge to savor one final evening beneath the stars in this remarkable African park.

Stay: Serengeti Serena Lodge
Activities on Offer: Exciting Serengeti Game Drive & Full-Day Safari Experience in the Serengeti
Optional Activities: Soaring in a Hot Air Balloon, Immersing in Maasai Culture
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner twice
Discover the wonders of Serengeti Serena Lodge nestled within the breathtaking Serengeti National Park.
Set in the vibrant landscape of the Serengeti National Park, Serengeti Serena Lodge provides an exhilarating safari experience surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery. The lodge and infinity pool harmoniously merge with an acacia-lined ridge, presenting breathtaking vistas over the Serengeti’s expansive, boundless plains. 65 guest rooms are nestled in charming clusters of classic stone-built and domed, thatched “rondavels” that encircle the lodge’s stunning infinity pool and gaze out over the expansive plains. The rooms are expansive and inviting, featuring en-suite natural stone bathrooms and a private balcony perfect for soaking in the stunning views. Each room comes equipped with a fan, wireless internet, coffee and tea-making facilities, and an in-room safe.

The safari lodge offers an array of dining experiences, featuring a main dining room that delights guests with exquisite international dishes infused with local flavors. Guests can immerse themselves in outdoor dining beneath the vast African sky, where traditional barbecues and vibrant cultural performances enhance the extraordinary culinary journey. At the poolside bar, you can sip on refreshing drinks while soaking in breathtaking views and basking in the warm sunshine. The Maisha Spa presents a selection of treatments designed to indulge and rejuvenate your entire being.

Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park – Tanzania

On day 5 of our Tanzania Wildlife Safari, we depart from the vast Serengeti plains and journey towards Lake Manyara National Park. Our scenic drive leads us southeast through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arriving at Lake Manyara nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. This stunning lake is a glistening stretch of alkaline water that lies at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, drawing in a diverse array of bird species, including the vibrant pink flamingos.

Encircling the lake is Lake Manyara National Park, a vibrant expanse of acacia woodlands and verdant floodplains, teeming with diverse wildlife including elephants, giraffes, and hippos. This Tanzanian park is famous for its extraordinary tree-climbing lions, frequently seen relaxing in the branches of acacia trees. It is said that the lions acquired this behaviour to avoid troublesome biting flies, but whatever the cause, it is a remarkable sight to witness and one that you will likely encounter on your afternoon 4×4 game drive when they take to the trees for an afternoon sleep.

As the sun sinks below the horizon, we make our way to our lodge situated on the renowned Rift Valley Escarpment. Settle in and immerse yourself in the breathtaking vistas of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara below.

Stay: Lake Manyara Best View Lodge
Included Activities: Exciting Game Drive in Lake Manyara
Dining: Morning Feast, Midday Meal & Evening Banquet
Discover the wonders of Lake Manyara Best View Lodge, nestled close to the breathtaking Lake Manyara.
Lake Manyara Best View Lodge is an extraordinary getaway perched on the rim of the Great Rift Valley, close to the western edge of Lake Manyara. The lodge presents breathtaking vistas of the lake and the majestic escarpment that encircles it. Guests can immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes from their beautifully designed rooms, each equipped with private balconies to take in the spectacular views. The lodge is celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere and offers an array of amenities, featuring a restaurant that delights guests with both local and international cuisine. The Lake Manyara Best View Lodge is perfectly situated close to Lake Manyara National Park, serving as an excellent starting point for a blend of leisure and thrilling wildlife experiences.

Days 6 and 7: Tarangire National Park – Tanzania

Following a delightful breakfast with a view of the Great Rift Valley, your guide takes you on an exciting journey southeast to Tarangire National Park, traversing the stunning Great Rift Valley floor. The rest of our Tanzania Wildlife Safari will be dedicated to discovering Tarangire National Park, an often-overlooked treasure on the Northern Safari Circuit.

Upon reaching Tarangire Park, we set off on an exhilarating 4×4 game drive to our lodge nestled in the northern region of the park. Tarangire National Park presents an exhilarating experience with remarkable opportunities to observe one of the highest populations of elephants and impressive prides of lions. The national park covers an expansive 2,600 square kilometres (1,000 square miles) of vibrant grasslands and serene swamps, linking the Maasai Steppe plains in the southeast to the breathtaking Great Rift Valley lakes in the north and west. The northern part of the park buzzes with activity, as the ever-flowing Tarangire River winds its way through the landscape, while the southern region boasts vast marshes that transform into lush, vibrant grassy plains during the dry season. Amidst the thick elephant grass, expansive areas of diverse acacia woodlands, and beautiful stretches of riverine forest, you might come across wildebeest, zebra, impala, giraffe, and buffalo. Lion, leopard, and spotted hyena can often be seen in Tarangire National Park, while cheetah, black rhino, the endangered gerenuk, and fringe-eared oryx present a more elusive challenge for wildlife enthusiasts.

Your guide navigates the stunning terrains of Tarangire National Park on day 7, eagerly seeking out a multitude of wildlife. Prepare for a delightful picnic lunch at a picturesque rest stop, followed by an exciting journey through this hidden gem of a wildlife park. Relish the view of towering baobab trees outlined by the glowing sunset as you return to our lodge for more delectable cuisine and another tranquil night beneath the stars.

Stay: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Included Activities: Tarangire Expedition
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner twice

Day 8: Journey from Tarangire to Arusha – Tanzania

Embark on an exciting early morning journey for your last 4×4 game drive in Tarangire National Park as we set off.

Then your guide takes you on a thrilling ride back to Arusha, nestled on the slopes of Mount Meru, through breathtaking vistas of the Great Rift Valley. Your journey concludes in Arusha, where you will be taken to the airport as your Tanzania Wildlife Safari comes to an end. From Arusha, you can embark on your next journey, whether it’s an international flight back home or a local flight to Zanzibar Island for a delightful beach escape.

Breakfast
A Day on Safari in Tanzania
Before dawn: Rise to the aroma of hot coffee or tea while the crisp morning air envelops you.
Morning 4×4 game drive (sunrise to around 9 am): Get cozy and jump into the open vehicle with your camera at the ready. Your personal guide will traverse the wilderness, searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife as the sun ascends and transforms the scenery. Each twist and turn unveils a fresh encounter, whether it’s a pride of lions with their playful cubs, a grand herd of elephants, or a swift cheetah on the prowl. The journey takes around two hours, though it can change based on what you encounter along the way.
Breakfast (around 9 am): Head back to the lodge and savor a delightful breakfast to recharge after your thrilling escapade.
Leisure time (mid-morning): Embrace the opportunity to unwind after the exciting start to your day. Relax by the pool, indulge in some much-needed rest, or dive into exciting optional activities provided by the lodge, including nature walks, cultural excursions to nearby villages, or thrilling bike rides.
Lunch (around 1 pm): The lodge or camp typically serves lunch at this time. However, if you’re on a full-day game drive, you’ll savor a picnic lunch surrounded by the wild.
Afternoon game drive (late afternoon): As the sun begins to set, embark on another thrilling game drive, seeking out the wildlife that may have eluded you earlier in the day. Your guide’s expertise will lead you to discover an array of wildlife in Tanzania.
As the sun sinks beneath the horizon, painting the sky with stunning colors, make your way back to camp for a revitalizing shower and some well-deserved refreshments.
Enjoy a delightful dinner, then unwind with drinks and engaging conversation around a crackling campfire, exchanging tales of your thrilling safari experiences. Retire early, well-rested and brimming with excitement for the adventures that await the next day.
During your Tanzania Wildlife Safari, your expert driver-guide will accompany you and serve as your invaluable resource. They’ll share their knowledge of the local wildlife, traditions, and history, guaranteeing a safe, comfortable, and remarkable African experience.

Flexibility: The safari schedule provides a framework, but your Tanzania safari guide will take your preferences into account and modify the timings whenever feasible. The focus is on following park rules and making sure that every journey is safe, all while keeping within the set time limits. Your personal guide will share valuable insights while remaining eager to explore your unique interests.

Exploring the Wonders of Tanzania
Every one of these Tanzania Safari tours is organized for private departures. A minimum of 2 clients is required to ensure an exciting departure.

The lodging included in this itinerary may vary based on availability. If the specified lodge is unavailable, an equivalent accommodation of the same quality will be arranged. This information will be shared with you when you make your reservation.

Travel is in a 4×4 Land Cruiser featuring a pop-up roof, perfect for experiencing the wild and capturing stunning photographs. The safari vehicles come equipped with high-frequency radios, allowing for seamless two-way communication over long distances. Every guest will enjoy a window seat in the vehicle.

The price for any additional activities will be provided upon request.

Tailor your Tanzania Wildlife Safari
Zanzibar Beach Getaway
This Tanzania Wildlife Safari pairs perfectly with our 4-Day Zanzibar Beach Resort Package. Zanzibar Island, situated off the coast of Tanzania, is famous for its breathtaking white-sand beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, vibrant cultural heritage, and historic Stone Town, creating an ideal destination for those seeking both tranquility and discovery. For this tour, you have the freedom to choose the level of excitement and exploration you desire in this tropical paradise. The Zanzibar beach resort offers an exciting array of options for everyone, featuring thrilling watersports, engaging land-based activities, rejuvenating spa treatments, three delightful restaurants, numerous bars, and a wide range of facilities. The resort is nestled along a pristine white-sand beach and boasts one of Zanzibar’s most expansive swimming pools, complete with a lively pool bar. To discover the wonders of Zanzibar Island, plan exciting excursions at the beach resort, featuring spice tours and an exploration of Stone Town. Connect with a travel expert to enhance your Tanzania safari package with an unforgettable Zanzibar trip, or explore our exciting Zanzibar Tours.