Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire Safari.
Overview
This comprehensive 9-day safari is the ultimate Northern Tanzania wildlife experience, covering all four major parks in the northern circuit. From the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara to the vast Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the elephant paradise of Tarangire.
With more time in each destination, this extended itinerary allows for deeper exploration and increases your chances of witnessing rare wildlife behaviours, predator-prey interactions, and the sheer scale of East Africa's great ecosystems.
Day by day
Day 1Arrival in Arusha▾
Airport pickup and transfer to Arusha hotel. Welcome dinner and safari briefing with your guide.
Day 2Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park▾
Drive to Lake Manyara, a gem at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Famous for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and diverse birdlife along the alkaline lake.
Day 3Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park▾
Journey to the Serengeti through the Ngorongoro highlands. Game drives begin as you enter the park through the southeast gate.
Day 4Serengeti — Central Seronera▾
Full day exploring the Seronera valley, the heart of the Serengeti. River crossings teem with hippos and crocodiles; the surrounding kopjes hide leopards and lions.
Day 5Serengeti — Northern or Southern Plains▾
Depending on migration patterns, explore the northern reaches towards Mara River or the southern plains towards Ndutu. Track large predators and herds.
Day 6Serengeti Morning Drive to Ngorongoro▾
Early morning game drive for golden-hour wildlife photography, then drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Sunset views from the crater rim.
Day 7Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive▾
Full descent into the Ngorongoro Crater — a 260 sq km natural enclosure with the densest concentration of wildlife in Africa. Excellent chances to see black rhino.
Day 8Ngorongoro to Tarangire National Park▾
Drive to Tarangire National Park. Afternoon game drive among baobab trees and large elephant herds along the Tarangire River.
Day 9Tarangire and Departure▾
Morning game drive in Tarangire for final wildlife encounters. Drive to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for departure.
Highlights
- —Tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara
- —Three full days exploring the Serengeti
- —Ngorongoro Crater — the "Garden of Eden"
- —Tarangire's legendary elephant herds and baobab forests
- —Track the Great Migration (seasonal)
- —Chance to see all of the Big Five
Included
- Park entrance fees for all national parks
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Safari vehicle (4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof)
- All accommodation as per itinerary
- All meals during the safari
- Bottled drinking water
- Airport transfers
- All game drives as per itinerary
- Ngorongoro Crater service fee
- Flying Doctor emergency evacuation insurance
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional hot air balloon safari
- Laundry services