The Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari
Duration: 9 Days | Route: Arusha -> Tarangire -> Lake Manyara -> Lake Natron -> Serengeti -> Ngorongoro -> Arusha
Itinerary Outline
- Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire and game drive
- Day 2: Transfer to Lake Manyara and safari
- Day 3: Drive to Lake Natron
- Day 4: Explore Lake Natron
- Day 5: Transfer to Serengeti via Klein’s Gate
- Day 6: Full day safari in Serengeti
- Day 7: Full day safari in Serengeti
- Day 8: Drive to Ngorongoro Crater rim
- Day 9: Crater safari and return to Arusha
Tour Overview
The route combines wildlife viewing with offbeat locations, making it suitable for travellers who want more than the standard safari. You experience river systems, volcanic landscapes, open plains and crater ecosystems in one trip.
Highlights
- Tarangire National Park with large elephant herds and baobab landscapes
- Lake Manyara with forest habitat, birdlife and tree climbing lions
- Lake Natron with flamingos and views of Oldoinyo Lengai
- Serengeti safaris with strong predator sightings and migration routes
- Entry to Serengeti via Klein’s Gate with less crowded routes
- Ngorongoro Crater safari with high wildlife density and Big Five chances
Serengeti and Arusha Safari – Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Start from Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park. Spend the day on game drives across landscapes with baobab trees and open plains.
Tarangire is known for large elephant herds along the river. You may also see lions, giraffes, zebras and antelope species. Check in at your lodge for overnight stay.
Day 2: Tarangire to Lake Manyara
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park. This park offers a mix of forest, lake and open areas.
During the game drive, look out for elephants, baboons, giraffes and blue monkeys. The park is also known for tree climbing lions and seasonal flamingos along the lake. Return to your lodge in the evening.
Day 3: Lake Manyara to Lake Natron
After breakfast, drive towards Lake Natron. The route is rugged and scenic, passing through remote landscapes and Maasai regions.
Arrive near the base of Oldoinyo Lengai, an active volcanic mountain. Check in at your lodge and rest.
Day 4: Explore Lake Natron
Spend the day exploring Lake Natron and surrounding areas. The lake is known as a breeding ground for lesser flamingos.
You can walk along the lake shore, visit nearby waterfalls or explore the surrounding terrain. Optional activities include a night trek up Oldoinyo Lengai for those interested.
Day 5: Lake Natron to Serengeti (via Klein’s Gate)
After breakfast, drive towards Serengeti National Park entering through Klein’s Gate. This route offers a quieter entry with scenic views.
On arrival, begin your first game drive in the Serengeti before checking in at your lodge or camp.
Day 6 and 7: Serengeti Safaris
Spend two full days exploring the Serengeti. You can go for full day safaris or split morning and afternoon drives.
The park is known for large predator populations including lions, leopards and cheetahs. You may also witness the Great Migration depending on the season. Explore different habitats like plains, kopjes and river areas.
Day 8: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
After a morning game drive, drive towards the Ngorongoro region. The journey passes through the conservation area with changing landscapes.
Arrive at the crater rim and check in at your lodge. Enjoy views of the crater during sunset.
Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha
Start early and descend into the crater for a game drive. The area has a high concentration of wildlife within a compact space.
You may see lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and good chances of spotting black rhino. After the safari, drive back to Arusha for your departure.
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Places You Will Visit
Where You’ll Stay
Travel Information
Inclusion
- Accommodation in lodges and camps throughout the safari
- All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Game drives in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- Park entry fees and conservation charges
- Private safari vehicle with experienced driver guide
- Picnic lunches during full day safaris
- All transfers between parks and Arusha
- Airport pick up and drop in Arusha
- All applicable taxes and on ground support
Exclusion
- Personal expenses like laundry, international phone calls, liquor, à la carte food, etc.
- International or domestic airfares and rail tickets.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips and Gratuities.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusion section.
Customization options
- Upgrade to luxury lodges or camps
- Add extra nights in Serengeti
- Replace long drives with flights where possible
- Skip Lake Natron and adjust route if needed
Cancellation Policy
- If cancellation requested before 120 days (or more) prior to departure, Full refund.
- If cancellation requested before 60 days (or more) prior to departure – 75% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 45 to 59 days prior to departure – 50% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 30 to 44 days prior to departure – 25% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 15 to 29 days prior to departure – 10% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested less than 15 days prior to departure, No Show – No Refund.
Further Information
- Best time to visit is June to October for wildlife viewing
- Some travel days involve long and rough drives
- Suitable for wildlife travellers looking for a mix of classic and offbeat locations
