Safari Overview
Tanzania's northern circuit at its very best — nine days that journey from elephant-rich Tarangire and the forest-and-lake landscapes of Manyara, into the volcanic amphitheatre of Ngorongoro, and finally deep into the Central and Northern Serengeti for the legendary Mara River crossings of the Great Migration.
This is a full-comfort safari built around time, not transit: multiple full-day game drives, a walking safari in Tarangire, a crater day, and two nights at a tented camp in the Mara region of the Northern Serengeti — exactly where the herds run between August and October. A short flight on Day 9 from the Kogatende airstrip back to Arusha replaces the long drive out and keeps you in wildlife mode until the final hours.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival Day
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where our office team will meet you with visa and luggage assistance, then your driver-guide transfers you into Arusha — the gateway city at the foot of Mount Meru. The afternoon is yours to settle in and rest before the journey ahead.
Arusha — Tarangire National Park
Depart Arusha after breakfast for a full day in Tarangire National Park. Famous for huge elephant herds, ancient baobabs, and a quiet authentic safari atmosphere away from the main tourist routes. Your guide sets up a full hot-meal lunch in the bush, then continues with an evening game drive before you arrive at camp for sunset dinner.
Tarangire — Walking Safari & Game Drives
After breakfast, a guided walking safari with an armed ranger — an intimate way to read tracks, identify plants, and connect with the bush. Later, a full-day game drive with a hot bush lunch. Tarangire holds the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem, including the long-necked gerenuk and the fringe-eared oryx rarely seen elsewhere in Tanzania.
Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara for a game drive and (where conditions allow) the famous canopy walkway. Manyara is celebrated for its birdlife — more than 400 species recorded — and its acacia-woodland tree-climbing lions and impressively tusked elephants. Hot bush lunch en route, then drive to your lodge for dinner.
Ngorongoro Crater
Early breakfast then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater — the largest unflooded, unbroken caldera on Earth, roughly 20 km across, 600 m deep, and 300 sq km in area. A full-day game drive with bush lunch in a shaded picnic spot. Visit Lake Magadi in the south-west corner for flamingos, hippos, and water birds. Ascend the crater wall in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight on the rim.
Central Serengeti National Park
Drive to the Central Serengeti via Naabi Hill Gate, where your guide serves a hot-meal lunch. Afternoon game drive across the Seronera plains — the protected core of the largest intact migratory system on Earth. Arrive at camp for dinner and overnight under one of the clearest night skies in Tanzania.
Northern Serengeti — Kogatende & Mara River
After breakfast, head north to Kogatende in the Mara region of the Northern Serengeti — where, in August, September and October, river crossings happen almost daily as the mega-herd settles into the area. Game viewing en route, hot bush lunch, then check in to your tented camp by the river for hot shower, dinner, and overnight.
Northern Serengeti — Full Day Mara Crossings
Full day at Kogatende dedicated to the spectacle of thousands of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River, often pursued by crocodiles and lions. Each year, more than a million wildebeest follow this rhythm, producing more than 8,000 calves daily in the brief calving explosion that follows. Hot bush lunch, evening return to camp.
Northern Serengeti — Fly to Arusha
Early breakfast and a final morning game drive before transferring to Kogatende Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Arusha. On arrival, transfer to your lodge for a relaxed afternoon. Your guide plans a smooth day with breaks, time for photos, and flexibility based on weather and your preferences. Overnight at Gran Meliá Arusha or Planet Lodge. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Maasai Land
Full-day visit to Maasai Land near Karatu / the Ngorongoro highlands — traditional welcome, village activities, beadwork, and cultural insight before your journey home. Your guide plans a smooth day with breaks, time for photos, and flexibility based on weather and your preferences. Overnight at Marera Valley Lodge or Arusha lodge. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Farewell
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport for your departure flight. Your guide plans a smooth day with breaks, time for photos, and flexibility based on weather and your preferences. Tip: move slowly, drink water regularly, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All listed activities (unless labelled optional)
- All listed accommodation
- Professional driver-guide
- All ground transportation (unless labelled optional)
- Internal flight Kogatende → Arusha on Day 9
- All taxes / VAT
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Meals as specified in the day-by-day section
- Non-alcoholic drinks as specified per day
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and after the tour
- Tips (guideline US$10 per guest per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees)
- Government-imposed increases of taxes / park fees
- Meals not listed for that day
Requirements
Yellow fever certificate may be required depending on routing
Light layers for cool crater-rim mornings
Closed walking shoes for the Tarangire walking safari
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Camera with extra batteries / memory cards
Soft duffel bag recommended for the internal flight (baggage limits apply)
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and a Tanzania visa
