Tanzania’s best
8 Days Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari
BOOK TOURThis 8 Days Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari explores the Northern Circuit of Tanzania, covering Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, and Arusha. Travelers will enjoy Big Five sightings, wildebeest migration (seasonal), scenic landscapes, and diverse wildlife encounters, making this ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and first-time safari-goers.
8 Days Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari
Tour highlights
- Destinations: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Arusha
- Attractions: Big Five game drives, wildebeest migration, flamingos at Lake Manyara, baobab forests, scenic crater views
- Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, photography, wildlife observation, scenic drives
8 Days Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Transfer to Tarangire National Park
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet your guide for transfer to Tarangire National Park, known for its vast elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and embark on a short evening game drive to spot elephants, zebras, and antelopes. Dinner and an overnight stay follow.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Tarangire Safari Lodge
- Mid-range: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
- Luxury: Ol Tukai Lodge
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Tarangire National Park
Spend the day on morning and afternoon game drives, exploring Tarangire’s savannahs and riverine forests. Observe elephants, lions, giraffes, and other wildlife, capturing stunning photos with the park’s iconic baobabs. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Tarangire Safari Lodge
- Mid-range: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
- Luxury: Ol Tukai Lodge
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park
Travel to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions and flamingo populations. Embark on a game drive around the lake, spotting elephants, buffaloes, and diverse bird species. Check in at your lodge and relax in the evening with dinner.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
- Mid-range: Lake Manyara Sopa Lodge
- Luxury: Rift Valley Lodge
Day 4: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing through scenic villages and landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy a leisurely afternoon while preparing for the next day’s crater exploration. Dinner is served at the lodge.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Rhino Lodge
- Mid-range: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
- Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater—Full-Day Game Drive
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a full-day safari. Explore the crater floor, home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos, and flamingos. Picnic lunch in the crater allows time to enjoy the dramatic scenery before ascending to the rim for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Rhino Lodge
- Mid-range: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
- Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Day 6: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
Travel to Serengeti National Park, the heart of Tanzania’s wildlife region. Stop along the way for photographs of the scenic landscapes. Check in at your lodge and embark on an afternoon game drive, spotting lions, elephants, cheetahs, and migratory herds if in season. Dinner and overnight stay follow.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Serengeti Simba Lodge
- Mid-range: Serengeti Sopa Lodge
- Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Day 7: Full-Day Game Drives in Serengeti
Spend the day on morning and afternoon game drives in the Serengeti, exploring its vast plains and kopjes. Observe predator-prey interactions, wildebeest and zebra herds, and a wide variety of wildlife. Picnic lunch in the park provides a break for photos and relaxation. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Serengeti Simba Lodge
- Mid-range: Serengeti Sopa Lodge
- Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Day 8: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Arusha & Departure
Begin the day with an early morning game drive to catch the wildlife at dawn. Afterwards, drive back to Arusha, arriving in time for your flight at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. This marks the conclusion of your 8-day Northern Circuit safari, with memories of Tanzania’s iconic wildlife and landscapes.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Arusha Hotel (if overnight required)
- Mid-range: Mount Meru Hotel
- Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Best Time to Go on Safari
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June to October (Dry Season):
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Best overall wildlife viewing across East and Southern Africa.
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Animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making sightings easier.
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Ideal time for the Great Migration river crossings in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara (July–October).
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December to March:
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Great time for calving season in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains.
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Fewer crowds and lush green landscapes.
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Excellent for birdwatching with migratory species present.
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April to May (Long Rains):
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Some camps close due to heavy rains and muddy roads.
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Cheaper prices and fewer tourists.
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Beautiful, dramatic skies for photography, though game viewing can be harder.
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What to Pack for a Safari
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Clothing
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Neutral-colored, lightweight clothing (khaki, beige, green—avoid bright colors and dark blue/black which attract insects).
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Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun protection and cooler evenings.
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A warm fleece or jacket for chilly mornings and nights.
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Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
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A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
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Gear & Essentials
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Binoculars for close-up wildlife viewing.
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Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
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Reusable water bottle.
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Sunscreen and insect repellent.
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Small backpack or daypack for game drives.
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Travel Essentials
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Valid passport and required visas.
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Travel insurance documents.
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Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever often required).
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Personal medications and a small first aid kit.
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Local currency and/or cards for expenses and tips.
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For more info or to book this tour
Consult our specialist to design a personalized safari itinerary!
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8 Days Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari
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