8 Days Wildlife Safari in Tanzania
Safari Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day wildlife safari through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, exploring its most iconic national parks and breathtaking landscapes. This well-crafted itinerary takes you on a journey through Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, and Arusha National Park, offering exceptional game-viewing opportunities, diverse ecosystems, and cultural experiences. Witness the Big Five, observe the Great Migration (seasonal), and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Tanzania’s wilderness. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and thrilling game drives, this safari promises an adventure of a lifetime.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome & Cultural Experience
Your adventure begins with your arrival in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari hub. Upon landing, you’ll be greeted by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in and a short briefing about the upcoming safari. If time allows, you can explore Arusha National Park, where you can enjoy a short walking safari or a game drive. Alternatively, you may choose to visit a local Maasai village or a cultural heritage center to learn about Tanzania’s rich traditions. Relax and enjoy a welcome dinner at your lodge before resting for the night.
Day 2: Arusha → Tarangire National Park (Elephants & Game Drive)
After an early breakfast, set off for Tarangire National Park, a two-hour scenic drive from Arusha. This park is renowned for its large elephant herds, towering baobab trees, and diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species. Enjoy a game drive along the Tarangire River, where wildlife gathers for water. After a picnic lunch in the park, continue exploring before heading to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Tarangire → Serengeti National Park (Scenic Drive & Afternoon Game Drive)
After breakfast, journey towards Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop at the Ngorongoro Crater rim viewpoint for panoramic views before continuing into the endless plains of the Serengeti. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive, where you may encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and massive herds of wildebeest and zebras. As the sun sets over the savannah, check into your luxury lodge or tented camp for a relaxing evening under the stars.
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti (Big Cats & Great Migration Experience)
Rise early for a sunrise game drive, the best time to witness predators in action. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeests and zebras traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing. Throughout the day, explore different regions of the park, spotting elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and various bird species. After a picnic lunch, continue your safari adventure before returning to your accommodation for dinner and rest.
Day 5: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater (Big Five & Unique Ecosystem)
After an early breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before departing for Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich areas. This ancient volcanic caldera is home to rhinos, large lion prides, elephants, hippos, and numerous other species. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pool, then continue your exploration before heading to your lodge on the crater rim for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 6: Ngorongoro → Lake Manyara National Park (Tree-Climbing Lions & Birdlife)
Depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a lush wildlife sanctuary located along the Great Rift Valley escarpment. This park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which can often be seen resting on acacia branches. The lake itself is home to thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and other migratory birds. During your game drive, spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, and large troops of baboons. After an eventful day, check into your lodge or tented camp for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Lake Manyara → Arusha National Park (Walking Safari & Wildlife Viewing)
After breakfast, return to Arusha National Park, a diverse park known for its lush rainforests, Momella Lakes, and Mount Meru’s scenic landscapes. Here, you will enjoy a guided walking safari, allowing you to get closer to wildlife, including giraffes, buffalo, warthogs, and various primates. This is a unique experience that complements traditional game drives. Enjoy lunch at a scenic location before transferring to your hotel in Arusha for a farewell dinner.
Day 8: Departure from Arusha – End of Safari
After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time in Arusha, where you can visit local markets or relax at your hotel before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. This marks the end of your incredible 8-day Northern Circuit Safari.
Why Choose This Safari?
✅ Covers Four Iconic Parks – Experience Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara in just four days
✅ High Wildlife Density – Ngorongoro and Serengeti offer some of the best game-viewing opportunities in Africa.
✅ Diverse Landscapes – From savannas and volcanic craters to forests and soda lakes, witness Tanzania’s natural beauty.
✅ Perfect for First-Time Safari Travelers – A well-balanced itinerary that includes game drives, cultural experiences, and relaxation.
This itinerary offers an authentic and immersive Tanzanian safari, perfect for wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Safari Highlights
Safari Inclusions
Safari Exclusions
Who is This Safari For?
Best Time for Safari
Dry Season (June–October): Best for game viewing, animals gather around water sources.
Wet Season or Green Season (November – March) : Lush landscapes, best for birdwatching, and fewer crowds.
