Tanzania · Safari

8-Day Tanzania Safari through Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Eyasi

8 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover diverse wildlife, including the Big Five, wildebeest migration, and big cats in Tanzania's top national parks
02 Explore iconic landscapes from Tarangire's baobabs and the Serengeti's endless plains to the Ngorongoro Crater
03 Immerse yourself in local culture through authentic interactions with the Hadzabe and Datoga communities at Lake Eyasi
04 Track wildlife in the Seronera Valley, known for its high concentration of predators

Experience the soul of Tanzania on an 8-day safari through the legendary northern circuit. Explore Tarangire's baobabs and elephants, Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions, and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater. Immerse yourself in cultural encounters with the Hadzabe and Datoga communities at Lake Eyasi. Journey across the endless plains of the Serengeti, where the Big Five and the Great Wildebeest Migration await.

Experience the soul of Tanzania on an 8-day safari through the legendary northern circuit.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

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

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Safari Introduction

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Meet your guide and receive an introduction to Arusha and the northern circuit parks.

Transfer to your accommodation in Arusha for an overnight stay.

Day 02

Tarangire's Elephants and Giant Baobabs

Drive to Tarangire, known for its elephants and giant baobabs.
Spot predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Enjoy a picnic at Matete or a hot lunch at Tarangire Safari Lodge with river views.

In the evening, check in at the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Lake Manyara Wildlife Safari

Morning drive to Lake Manyara National Park.
Enjoy a game drive to spot tree-climbing lions, baboons, and flamingos.
See over 400 bird species, including large water birds.
Picnic lunch with game viewing en route.

Evening transfer to Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 04

Lake Eyasi Hadzabe and Datoga Cultural Experience

Morning drive to Lake Eyasi to meet the Hadzabe tribe.
Experience their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle and bow hunting.
In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural interaction with the Datoga people, known for their iron-smithing skills.
Gain guided insights into Datoga culture and traditions.

Dinner and overnight stay near Lake Eyasi.

Day 05

From Lake Eyasi to the Endless Plains of Serengeti

Make an early visit to the Hadzabe caves to witness daily life and hunting preparations.
Begin the journey to Serengeti National Park, "the endless plains".
Enjoy game viewing in the Seronera Valley, known for its high concentration of predators.
Spot cheetahs, lions, and leopards on thrilling hunts.

Enjoy the sunset and check in at your lodge or camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 06

Serengeti Game Drive and Optional Balloon Safari

Morning game drive in the Serengeti, spotting lions, zebras, and more.
Return to camp for lunch and relaxation.
Optional hot air balloon safari for panoramic views of the Serengeti.
Alternative predator-tracking adventure on foot with expert guides.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Serengeti.

Day 07

Ngorongoro Crater Big Five Safari

Depart the lodge after breakfast with a packed lunch.
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater, home to over 30,000 animals.
Spot the Big Five, including rhinos and black-maned lions.
Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater.

Evening drive to Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 08

Scenic Return to Arusha and Departure

Breakfast at the lodge before departure.
Enjoy a scenic drive via Mto wa Mbu with its plantations and local villages.
Return to Arusha town for lunch en route.
Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.

Where this trip takes you

Tarangire National Park baobabs, Lake Manyara tree-climbing lions, Ngorongoro Crater wildlife, Serengeti National Park plains

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 7 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport in a photographic roof hatch Land Cruiser driven by a professional guide
Accommodation or similar throughout, as indicated
All meals during the safari, including first-day lunch and dinner, and last-day breakfast and lunch
Unlimited drinks during the safari, such as water, soda, tea, coffee, beers, wines, and snacks
Hot meals provided during the safari (hamper)
All national park entry fees
Visit to Hadza village
All government taxes
All airport transfers
Program as stipulated

What's Not Included

International flights to Kilimanjaro and any other flights (local flights can be arranged)
Travel insurance
Personal shopping and memorabilia
Tourist visas
Drinks and refreshments
Tip for your driver-guide
Any costs not mentioned in the list

What to bring

Sun protection: pack sunscreen with high SPF and broad-spectrum protection to shield your skin throughout the day, as well as lip balm with SPF.
Insect repellent: apply insect repellent with DEET to ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Clothing for layering: pack lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants in neutral colors like khaki or beige to protect from the sun, mosquitoes, and temperature changes.
Comfortable shoes: bring closed-toe shoes with good ankle support for walking on uneven terrain, and sandals for relaxing at camp.
Hat and sunglasses: a wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses are essential for sun protection and for keeping dust out of your eyes during game drives.
Binoculars: bring a good pair of binoculars to magnify wildlife sightings.
Camera gear: pack your camera with extra batteries and a memory card with ample storage to capture safari memories.
First-aid kit: include basic supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and medications for headaches, upset stomachs, and allergies.
Power bank: bring a portable phone charger to keep your camera and phone powered throughout the trip.

Know before you go

Choose the perfect time to visit: the dry season (June to October) offers sunny skies and minimal rain, but larger crowds and higher prices; the green season (November to May) provides lush landscapes and fewer crowds, though some roads may be muddy and some parks may have limited access; for the Great Migration, plan between December and July to witness millions of wildebeest crossing the plains.
Be prepared for long safari drives: pack comfortable clothing, bring snacks and water, and be ready for potential dust.
Pack for sun and shade: bring lightweight, breathable clothing with long sleeves and pants, layers for cool mornings and evenings, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Respect the wildlife: follow your guide's instructions, maintain a safe distance, and avoid loud noises or sudden movements.
Tip your guide: $10-15 USD per person per day is a reasonable guideline to show appreciation for their service.
Be prepared for limited amenities: some camps are basic, with limited Wi-Fi, electricity, and hot showers.
Embrace the adventure: adapt to unexpected situations and potential itinerary changes due to weather or wildlife sightings.
Bring local currency: Tanzanian shillings are recommended for small purchases, tipping, and park fees.
Learn a few Swahili phrases: basic greetings like 'jambo' (hello) and 'asante' (thank you) will be appreciated by locals.

Logistics