9-Day Northern Tanzania Safari with 4 Nights at Papaa Camp

9 Days Round trip from kilimanjaro international airport Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Full game drive in Tarangire National Park, famous for elephants and dramatic baobab landscapes
02 Choice of a Lake Manyara National Park safari, known for birdlife and tree-climbing lions, or a cultural experience from Karatu
03 Four nights at Papaa Camp in the Central Serengeti with multiple full-day and sunrise game drives
04 Excellent chances to spot big cats - lion, cheetah, and leopard - across the Serengeti plains
05 Half-day safari in the Ngorongoro Crater with dense wildlife concentration and the possibility of rare black rhino sightings

Discover Northern Tanzania's classic safari circuit on a well-paced journey from Arusha to Tarangire, Lake Manyara or a cultural tour, the vast Serengeti plains, and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater. This itinerary balances unforgettable game drives with comfortable overnights in Karatu and an extended stay at Papaa Camp in the Central Serengeti for deeper exploration. From elephant herds and ancient baobabs to big-cat sightings and seasonal Great Migration moments, each day is designed to maximize time in the parks before a final half-day safari in Ngorongoro.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

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

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Safari Briefing

Arrival: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your guide will warmly welcome you.
Transfer: Transfer to your hotel in Arusha for relaxation and a safari briefing.
Overnight: Arusha

Day 02

Tarangire Game Drive and Transfer to Karatu

Drive: Drive to Tarangire National Park for a full game drive.
Famous for:
- Large elephant herds
- Ancient baobab trees
- Lions, giraffes, zebras
Drive: Afternoon drive to Karatu.
Overnight: Karatu (Night 1/2)

Day 03

Lake Manyara Safari or Cultural Tour from Karatu

After breakfast, choose between:
- Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park
- Tree-climbing lions
- Flamingos and birdlife
Return: Return to Karatu.
Overnight: Karatu (Night 2/2)

Day 04

Journey Through Ngorongoro Highlands to Central Serengeti

Drive: Drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands into the iconic Serengeti National Park.
Game drive: Enjoy a game drive en route as you enter the endless plains.
Overnight: Papaa Camp - Serengeti (Night 1/4)

Day 05

Full-Day Serengeti Safari Among the Plains

Safari: Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti.
Highlights:
- Big cats (lion, cheetah, leopard)
- Great Migration (seasonal)
- Vast plains wildlife
Overnight: Papaa Camp - Serengeti (Night 2/4)

Day 06

Sunrise Game Drive and Deeper Serengeti Exploration

Safari: Enjoy another full day exploring different regions of the park.
Game drive: Sunrise game drive.
Overnight: Papaa Camp - Serengeti (Night 3/4)

Day 07

Final Full Day for Serengeti Wildlife and Photography

Safari: Enjoy your final full day in the Serengeti for deeper exploration and photography.
Overnight: Papaa Camp - Serengeti (Night 4/4)

Day 08

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Karatu

Departure: Morning departure from the Serengeti with a game drive en route.
Safari: Descend into the famous Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari.
Highlights:
- Black rhino (rare)
- Lions, buffalo, flamingos
- Dense wildlife concentration
Drive: Drive to Karatu after the game drive.
Overnight: Karatu / Papaa (Final Night)

Day 09

Departure Transfer from Karatu

After breakfast, transfer back to:
- Kilimanjaro International Airport

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from kilimanjaro international airport 6 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport in a modified 4WD Land Cruiser or Land Rover with a photographic roof
Services of a professional guide and chef
All wildlife reserve entry fees
All camping gear (please come with your own sleeping bags)
3 meals a day during the trip
All game drives as mentioned
Airport transfer and drop-off
All taxes and VAT
Drinking water while on safari (2 litres per person per day)
Concession/camping fees

What's Not Included

International airfare and flights
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Gratuities for the safari guide and camp staff
Travel insurance
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and beverages at the camp
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Pack light in a soft-sided duffel bag (under 15-20 kg). Bring breathable neutral-colored layers, a warm fleece for chilly crater mornings, comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, high SPF sunscreen, insect repellent with DEET, binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and crisp US dollars (issued after 2013) for tips and parks.

Know before you go

Tarangire: Famous for giant baobab trees and large elephant families.
Lake Manyara: Known for thick underground water forests and diverse birds.
Serengeti: Endless open grasslands where you can track big cats and the Great Migration.
Ngorongoro Crater: A massive sunken volcanic bowl packed with rhinos, lions, and hippos.

Logistics