8-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari
Arusha, Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
From $1,700 USD / Per Person
Uncover the unparalleled beauty and abundant wildlife of Tanzania with this extensive 8-day, 7-night safari adventure. This meticulously crafted itinerary is designed to provide a deep and immersive experience across five of the renowned Northern Safari Circuit’s crown jewels: Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, the vast Serengeti National Park (with three dedicated nights for in-depth exploration), and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
Beginning and ending conveniently in Arusha, this grand tour is structured to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities and cultural insights. From the unique black and white colobus monkeys and stunning views of Mount Meru in Arusha National Park, to the colossal elephant herds of Tarangire, and the famed tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara. You’ll then dedicate ample time to exploring the legendary Serengeti, significantly increasing your chances of witnessing thrilling predator-prey interactions and the spectacular Great Migration (seasonal). The adventure culminates with an awe-inspiring descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with the “Big Five.” With flexible accommodation options ranging from authentic public campsites to comfortable lodges, this safari promises an unforgettable and enriching African wildlife odyssey tailored to your preferences.
When is the best time to go on a Tanzania safari?
The best time depends on what you want to experience.
- June to October (dry season) is ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources and vegetation is thinner.
- January to March is perfect for the Great Migration calving season in the southern Serengeti National Park.
- April and May are the rainy months, offering fewer crowds and lower prices, but more challenging travel conditions.
Overall, Tanzania offers excellent safari experiences year-round.
What animals can I expect to see?
Tanzania is one of the best wildlife destinations in the world.
You can expect to see:
- Lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos (the Big Five)
- Giraffes, zebras, wildebeest
- Hippos and crocodiles
Top parks include:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
Each park offers a different landscape and wildlife experience.
How many days do I need for a safari?
A typical safari lasts:
- 5–7 days → ideal for first-time visitors
- 7–10 days → more relaxed and covers multiple parks
- 10+ days → includes remote areas or beach extensions (e.g., Zanzibar)
Shorter safaris are possible, but longer trips provide a richer experience.
Is a Tanzania safari safe?
Yes — Tanzania is considered a safe and well-established safari destination.
- Lodges and camps follow strict safety standards
- Professional guides are trained and experienced
- Wildlife encounters are managed carefully
As with any travel, it’s important to follow your guide’s instructions and basic travel precautions.
How much does a Tanzania safari cost?
Safari costs vary widely depending on:
- Level of accommodation (budget, mid-range, luxury)
- Number of days
- Season
- Included services (flights, private guide, etc.)
Typical ranges:
- Budget: $200–400 per person/day
- Mid-range: $400–800 per person/day
- Luxury: $800–1500+ per person/day
The Safari Calculator you’re building helps generate accurate pricing based on all these factors.
Public Campsite
| Group Size | Per Person |
| 2 Pax | $3.100,00 |
| 4 Pax | $1.900,00 |
| 6 Pax | $1.800,00 |
| 8 Pax | $1.900,00 |
| 10–12 Pax | $1.700,00 |
Lodge Safari
| Group Size | Per Person |
| 2 Pax | $3.400,00 |
| 4 Pax | $2.800,00 |
| 6 Pax | $2.550,00 |
| 8 Pax | $2.800,00 |
| 10–12 Pax | $2.550,00 |
Highlights
- Arusha NP: Unique primates, Mount Meru views, easily accessible.
- Tarangire: Massive elephant herds & ancient baobab trees.
- Lake Manyara: Unique tree-climbing lions & vibrant birdlife.
- Serengeti (3 Full Days): Extended exploration, maximizing chances for Big Cats & Great Migration.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Unmatched “Big Five” encounters in a spectacular natural caldera.
- Comprehensive: Covers 5 premier Northern Circuit parks in 8 days.
- Flexible Stays: Choose between Authentic Public Campsites or Comfortable Lodges.
- Convenient: Seamlessly starts and ends in Arusha.
Turn your dream safari into reality with Wanyama African Safaris.
Customize every detail of your journey to match your preferences, using flexible sample itineraries as your starting point. Our experienced safari specialists work closely with you to design a personalized adventure that reflects your vision and delivers an unforgettable travel experience.
Day 1: Arusha Hotel to Arusha National Park – Foothills of Mount Meru
Your epic Tanzania safari begins with a convenient pick-up from your Arusha hotel around 08:00 AM. Today, you’ll head straight to Arusha National Park, a captivating gem located at the foothills of Mount Meru, offering a unique and refreshing introduction to Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems.
- Morning Game Viewing: Explore the park’s varied habitats, including the Momella Lakes (often dotted with flamingos) and the lush montane forests. Arusha National Park is renowned for its graceful giraffes, herds of buffalo, zebras, and especially for its playful black and white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys. Enjoy a classic game drive from your comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Picnic Lunch: A delicious picnic lunch will be served within the park, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serene natural surroundings.
- Afternoon Return to Arusha: In the afternoon, after a fulfilling day of wildlife viewing, you will drive back to Arusha town.
- Dinner & Overnight in Arusha: Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Bright Star Hotel (or similar), preparing for the extensive adventures ahead.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Realm of Giants & Ancient Baobabs
After a hearty breakfast at your Arusha accommodation around 08:00 AM, your journey continues south to Tarangire National Park. This magnificent park is celebrated for its iconic baobab trees and boasts one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Africa, especially during the dry season.
- Full-Day Game Drive: Upon arrival, immediately embark on an exhilarating full-day game drive through Tarangire’s diverse landscapes. Witness enormous herds of African elephants, along with lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and various antelope species. The permanent Tarangire River serves as a vital water source, attracting a remarkable array of wildlife.
- Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch amidst the stunning savannah landscapes, listening to the sounds of the bush.
- Dinner & Overnight: As dusk settles, you will proceed to your chosen accommodation for a relaxing evening, shower, dinner, and overnight stay.
Kizumba Public Campsite: For an authentic, immersive camping experience under the vast African sky.
Motto Cottages Lodge: For comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and a relaxing lodge atmosphere.
Day 3: Tarangire Area to Lake Manyara National Park – Unique Wildlife & Birdlife
After breakfast, your safari journey continues to the picturesque Lake Manyara National Park. This relatively compact park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, offers incredible biodiversity within a small area.
- Full-Day Game Viewing: Spend your day on a captivating game drive in Lake Manyara. This park is famous for its elusive tree-climbing lions, a rare behavioral trait often observed here. You’ll also encounter large troops of inquisitive baboons, graceful giraffes, sturdy buffalo, and hippos in the lake. The alkaline lake itself is a spectacle, often painted pink by thousands of flamingos (seasonal) and other vibrant water birds.
- Picnic Lunch: A delightful picnic lunch will be served at a scenic spot within the park.
- Dinner & Overnight: In the late afternoon, you will drive back to the same general area for another night, allowing for a relaxed evening.
Kizumba Public Campsite: For an authentic, immersive camping experience under the vast African sky.
Motto Cottages Lodge: For comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and a relaxing lodge atmosphere.
Day 4: Lake Manyara Area to Serengeti National Park – Journey to the Endless Plains
After your breakfast, prepare for an epic journey as you drive towards the legendary Serengeti National Park, arguably the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world. The drive itself is part of the adventure, offering changing landscapes as you head deeper into the heart of Tanzania’s wild.
- Scenic Drive & En Route Wildlife: Enjoy the panoramic views as you traverse through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, potentially spotting Maasai villages and wildlife en route, towards the Serengeti’s expansive plains.
- Afternoon Serengeti Game Drive: Upon entering the Serengeti National Park, immediately begin your thrilling afternoon game drive. Explore the vast, endless plains, renowned for their incredible predator population including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, and immense herds of wildebeest and zebras (especially during the Great Migration season).
- Picnic Lunch: A convenient picnic lunch will be served in a suitable location within the park.
- Dinner & Overnight: As evening approaches, proceed to your chosen accommodation within the Serengeti for dinner and overnight. This is your first of four immersive nights in the heart of the Serengeti.
Seronera Public Campsite: For a truly immersive camping experience, falling asleep to the sounds of the African wilderness.
EMBALAKAI LUXURY TENTED CAMP: For an upscale, intimate tented camp experience offering comfort and close proximity to nature.
Day 5: Full Day Serengeti National Park Exploration – Unrivaled Wildlife Spectacle
After your breakfast, prepare for an epic journey as you drive towards the legendary Serengeti National Park, arguably the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world. The drive itself is part of the adventure, offering changing landscapes as you head deeper into the heart of Tanzania’s wild.
- Scenic Drive & En Route Wildlife: Enjoy the panoramic views as you traverse through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, potentially spotting Maasai villages and wildlife en route, towards the Serengeti’s expansive plains.
- Afternoon Serengeti Game Drive: Upon entering the Serengeti National Park, immediately begin your thrilling afternoon game drive. Explore the vast, endless plains, renowned for their incredible predator population including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, and immense herds of wildebeest and zebras (especially during the Great Migration season).
- Picnic Lunch: A convenient picnic lunch will be served in a suitable location within the park.
- Dinner & Overnight: As evening approaches, proceed to your chosen accommodation within the Serengeti for dinner and overnight. This is your first of four immersive nights in the heart of the Serengeti.
Seronera Public Campsite: For a truly immersive camping experience, falling asleep to the sounds of the African wilderness.
EMBALAKAI LUXURY TENTED CAMP: For an upscale, intimate tented camp experience offering comfort and close proximity to nature.
Day 6: Full Day Serengeti National Park – Deep Dive into the Ecosystem
Today offers another full day of exhilarating game viewing in the Serengeti National Park. This additional day provides unparalleled opportunities for in-depth exploration, allowing you to venture into different areas of the park and observe more complex animal behaviors.
- Extended Game Drives: With a full day at your disposal, your guide can seek out specific animal sightings, follow a pride of lions, or spend more time observing the nuances of the ecosystem. This extra time significantly increases your chances of spotting rarer species or witnessing dramatic events.
- Seasonal Highlights: Depending on the time of year, your focus might be on the wildebeest calving season, spectacular river crossings during the Great Migration, or searching for the elusive leopard hidden in a kopje.
- All Meals Inclusive: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner are included, ensuring a seamless safari experience.
- Dinner & Overnight: Your third night in the Serengeti at your chosen accommodation, deepening your connection to the wild.
Seronera Public Campsite: For a truly immersive camping experience, falling asleep to the sounds of the African wilderness.
EMBALAKAI LUXURY TENTED CAMP: For an upscale, intimate tented camp experience offering comfort and close proximity to nature.
Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Last Plains & Crater Views
After your breakfast, you will enjoy your final morning game viewing in Serengeti National Park. This is your last chance to capture those iconic photos or spot any wildlife you may have missed during your extensive stay.
- Final Serengeti Game Drive: Focus on areas known for high predator activity or specific animal sightings before departing the plains.
- Lunch: A satisfying lunch will be served.
- Drive to Ngorongoro: In the afternoon, you will drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ascending to the rim of the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. The views from the rim are truly breathtaking and set the stage for tomorrow’s grand finale.
- Dinner & Overnight: Settle in for dinner and overnight at your chosen lodge or campsite, with potentially stunning views of the crater or surrounding highlands.
Simba Public Campsite: For an authentic camping experience on the cool crater rim.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge: For luxurious comfort and often direct, magnificent views into the Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive & Departure to Arusha
Your comprehensive Tanzania safari culminates with an unforgettable experience in the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. After an early breakfast around 06:00 AM, you will descend approximately 600 meters into the crater floor for your final day of game viewing.
- Crater Floor Exploration: Spend a significant part of the morning on an exhilarating game drive inside the Ngorongoro Crater. This natural wonder is a densely packed wildlife haven, offering the best chance to spot all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, the critically endangered black rhino, and buffalo) in a single day. You’ll also encounter vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, hippos, diverse birdlife, and potentially cheetahs and hyenas.
- Picnic Lunch: A convenient picnic lunch will be served on the crater floor, allowing you to maximize your time immersed in its extraordinary beauty.
- Return to Arusha: In the afternoon, after an awe-inspiring experience, you will ascend from the crater and begin your comfortable drive back to Arusha.
- End of Services: You will be arriving in Arusha town around 06:00 PM for drop-off at your hotel or onward transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your international flight. This marks the triumphant conclusion of your incredible 9-day Tanzania safari.
What is included:
- Safari Vehicle: Private 4×4 Land Cruiser safari jeep with a pop-up roof, ensuring optimal game viewing and comfort.
- Fuel/Gasoline: All fuel costs for the safari vehicle.
- Professional Guide: Services of a courteous, experienced, and professional English-speaking Driver/Guide(s) throughout your journey.
- Drinking Water: Bottled mineral water (1.5 liters per person per day) in the vehicle.
- Accommodation: 3 nights accommodation at specified luxury lodges/tented camps (Bougainvillea Safari Lodge, Embalakai Luxury Tented Camp, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge / Embalakai Ngorongoro Lounge or similar high-end properties).
- Meals: All gourmet meals as shown (B-Breakfast; L-Lunch; D-Dinner), starting with picnic lunch on Day 1 and ending with lunch on Day 4.
- Park Fees: All applicable National Park entrance fees for Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Game Viewing Activities: All scheduled game drives as per the itinerary.
- Medical Emergency Evacuation Cover: To Arusha (does not include hospitalization).
- Government Taxes & Levies: All applicable government taxes.
- Airport Transfers: Seamless airport transfers (from Kilimanjaro International Airport – JRO or Arusha Airport – ARK) to your Arusha hotel on arrival, and transfer back to Arusha town/JRO at the end of the safari.
What is excluded:
International flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees for Tanzania
Tips for guides and staff
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, drinks)
Optional activities (balloon safaris, village visits, night drives)
Vaccinations or medical preparations (e.g. malaria tablets, yellow fever shots)
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