8-Day Tanzania Safari and Kilimanjaro Hike through the Northern Circuit

8 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro International Airport Easy pace

View all 6 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the lush landscapes and Momella Lakes of Arusha National Park
02 Hike the Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro to Mandara Hut through rainforest
03 See Tarangire's large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees
04 Search for the Big Five across the wildlife-rich plains of the Central Serengeti
05 Descend into the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater for exceptional wildlife viewing

Experience the perfect combination of adventure and wildlife on this 8-day Tanzania journey. Explore the lush landscapes of Arusha National Park, enjoy a memorable day hike on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, and continue through Tanzania's famous Northern Safari Circuit. Discover the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire National Park, the endless savannahs of the Central Serengeti, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. This itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking both light trekking and world-class safari experiences.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Arusha National Park

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha

Arrival: Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a Usari Safaris and Tour representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha National Park.
Activity: Spend the remainder of the day relaxing and preparing for your adventure.
Meals: Dinner (BLD)
Accommodation: Overnight stay at Hillside Retreat (BLD)

Day 02

Full-Day Game Drive in Arusha National Park

Meals: After breakfast
Game drive: Depart for a full-day game drive in Arusha National Park.
Activity: Explore its diverse landscapes, from lush forests and open grasslands to the Momella Lakes.
Wildlife: Look out for giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, colobus monkeys, flamingos (seasonal), and a variety of birdlife.
Optional: Optional guided walking safari with an armed ranger.
Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at Hillside Retreat (BLD)

Day 03

Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hike via Marangu Route

Meals: After breakfast
Transfer: Drive to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park for a guided day hike along the Marangu Route.
Hike: Hike through the rainforest to Mandara Hut, enjoying spectacular scenery, unique vegetation, and the chance to spot blue monkeys and colobus monkeys.
Meals: After lunch
Activity: Descend to the gate and return to Arusha.
Accommodation: Overnight stay at Arusha Planet Lodge (BB)

Day 04

Tarangire Game Drive and Transfer to Karatu

Meals: After breakfast
Transfer: Drive to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive.
Wildlife/Highlights: Enjoy excellent wildlife viewing among large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, with chances to see lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and numerous bird species.
Transfer: Later, after your game viewing, drive to Karatu.
Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge (DBL)

Day 05

Into the Central Serengeti

Transfer: Travel through the Ngorongoro Highlands into the iconic Serengeti National Park.
Game drive: Enjoy an afternoon game drive as you search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and vast plains game across Africa's most famous safari destination.
Accommodation: Later, drive to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay at Serengeti Kati Kati Camp (BLD)

Day 06

Full-Day Safari in the Central Serengeti

Game drive: Spend the day exploring the wildlife-rich plains of the Central Serengeti.
Guide: Your guide will track wildlife based on seasonal movements, offering excellent opportunities to encounter the Big Five and predators.
Accommodation: After the day's activities, return to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay at Serengeti Kati Kati Camp (BLD)

Day 07

Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Meals: After breakfast
Transfer: Depart the Serengeti and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular game drive.
Site: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to one of Africa's highest concentrations of wildlife, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and many other species.
Transfer: Later, drive back to Karatu.
Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge (DBL)

Day 08

Departure from Kilimanjaro

Meals: After breakfast
Activity: Enjoy some leisure time.
Transfer: Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kilimanjaro International Airport 6 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transfers: Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Accommodation: Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
Meals: Meals as indicated
Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
Guide: Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Fees: All national park and conservation area entrance fees
Game drives: Full-day game drives as per the itinerary
Activity: Guided Mount Kilimanjaro day hike (Marangu Route)
Fees: Ngorongoro Crater service fee
Water: Bottled drinking water during safari
Taxes: Government taxes and levies

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Alcoholic and soft drinks unless specified
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, souvenirs, etc.)
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, rangers, and lodge staff
Items of a personal nature
Any services not specifically mentioned under 'Inclusions'

What to bring

Valid passport and any required travel documents.
Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, beige, or green) for game drives.
A light jacket or fleece for early morning and evening game drives.
Comfortable walking shoes or closed-toe trainers.
A wide-brimmed hat or cap.
Sunglasses and sunscreen.
Insect repellent.
Camera or smartphone with spare batteries and memory cards.
Binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing.
Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.
Reusable water bottle (optional).
Cash in small denominations (USD or Tanzanian Shillings) for tips, souvenirs, and personal expenses.

Know before you go

All rates are quoted in US Dollars (USD).
Rates are per person and based on the number of travellers indicated.
Rates are based on shared accommodation (double or twin rooms).
Safari rates are subject to the availability of accommodation, flights, and park fees at the time of booking.
Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit.
Domestic flight schedules are subject to operational changes by the airline.
Peak season supplements may apply during holiday periods and festive seasons.
Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice.
Children are welcome; child rates are available upon request.
We recommend comprehensive travel and medical insurance for all travellers.

Logistics