8-Days Tanzania Northern Safari
This 8-day Tanzania safari and nature adventure is a perfectly balanced journey combining classic wildlife safaris, dramatic landscapes, cultural encounters, and relaxing natural attractions. The itinerary takes you through Tanzania’s most diverse destinations, including Lake Manyara, the remote beauty of Lake Natron, the endless plains of Serengeti National Park, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and the iconic Tarangire National Park. The journey is beautifully concluded with a visit to Materuni Waterfalls and the crystal-clear Kikuletwa (Chemka) Hot Springs near Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to Arusha town. This first day is designed for relaxation and recovery after your flight.
Overnight: Arusha Farm House
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, you depart Arusha and drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a full day of game viewing. This compact yet diverse park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant families, hippos, giraffes, and an impressive variety of birdlife around the alkaline lake. You will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing with afternoon game drives. Later, you exit the park and drive to your lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Overnight: Ngare Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Lake Manyara – Lake Natron
Following breakfast, the journey continues toward the remote and scenic Lake Natron area, passing through traditional Maasai villages and dramatic volcanic landscapes. This region is dominated by the striking Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, known as the “Mountain of God” to the Maasai people. Upon arrival, you will explore the area on foot with a local guide, visiting waterfalls and observing flamingos along the shores of the soda lake. The day ends with a relaxing evening at the lodge, enjoying sunset views over this untouched wilderness.
Overnight: Lengai Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Lake Natron – Central Serengeti National Park
After an early breakfast, you depart Lake Natron and begin your scenic journey toward Central Serengeti National Park, passing through remote landscapes and gradually entering the vast Serengeti plains. Upon arrival in the park, game viewing begins immediately, with opportunities to spot a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras. You will enjoy an en-route game drive as you make your way to the camp. In the evening, arrive at Tabi Serengeti Camp for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Overnight: Tabi Serengeti Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast at the camp, enjoy a full-day game drive in Serengeti National Park, exploring different areas of the park in search of wildlife. The Serengeti is renowned for its high concentration of predators and vast open plains, offering excellent chances to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, and many other species throughout the day. A picnic lunch will be served in the bush before continuing with afternoon game drives. Later in the day, drive toward the Naabi Hill area and arrive at Baobab Naabi Luxury Serengeti Camp for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Baobab Naabi Luxury Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater
You start the day early with a morning game drive in the Serengeti, when predators are most active and the light is perfect for photography. After breakfast, you proceed toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best wildlife-viewing locations in the world. The crater floor is home to the Big Five and a remarkable concentration of wildlife. After an unforgettable safari experience, you ascend from the crater and drive to Karatu town for your overnight stay.
Overnight: Lilac Hotel Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Karatu – Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour
After breakfast, depart Karatu for Mto wa Mbu village, one of Tanzania’s most culturally diverse communities. Here, you will take part in guided cultural activities such as visiting local homes, learning about traditional farming practices, tasting local banana beer, exploring craft markets, and interacting with villagers to gain insight into everyday life and traditions. After lunch, continue your journey toward the Tarangire area, arriving at Greenland Tarangire Camp in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Overnight: Greenland Tarangire Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Tarangire National Park
Following breakfast, you enter Tarangire National Park for a full day of game drives. The park is renowned for its vast elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal Tarangire River, which attracts a wide variety of animals, especially during the dry season. After an exciting day of wildlife viewing and a picnic lunch, you drive back to Arusha in the late afternoon for your final overnight stay.
Overnight: Arusha Farm House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Materuni Waterfalls & Kikuletwa Hot Springs – Departure
After breakfast, you travel to Materuni Village near Mount Kilimanjaro, where a guided hike takes you through lush vegetation to the beautiful Materuni Waterfalls. After enjoying the scenery and refreshing views, you continue to Kikuletwa (Chemka) Hot Springs, a natural oasis with clear, warm waters ideal for swimming and relaxation. Later in the afternoon, you are transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of an unforgettable Tanzanian adventure.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
SAFARI INCLUDES
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with professional driver-guide
All park entry fees and government taxes
Accommodation during the safari
All meals during the safari
Bottled drinking water during game drives
All game drives as per itinerary
SAFARI EXCLUDES
International and domestic flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips for driver-guide and lodge staff
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
Safari FAQs
What type of vehicle will be used?
You will travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, ideal for game viewing and photography.
What kind of accommodation should I expect?
Accommodation ranges from comfortable lodges to tented camps, all with private facilities and selected for their quality and location.
Are meals included during the safari?
Yes, all meals during the safari are included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Drinks are typically not included unless stated.
What should I pack for this safari?
We recommend light, neutral-colored clothing, a warm jacket for early mornings, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera.
Do you provide airport pickup and drop-off?
Yes, airport pickup and drop-off are included. Our driver-guide will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your accommodation.
How do I book this safari?
You can book by sending an inquiry through the website. Once your itinerary is confirmed, a deposit is required to secure your booking.
Which airport should I book my flights to?
Most safaris start from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), depending on your itinerary.
Can you help arrange pre- or post-safari accommodation?
Yes, we can arrange additional nights in Arusha or other locations before or after your safari upon request.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 2–6 months in advance, especially for peak travel seasons (June–October and December–February).
What language do your guides speak?
Our guides are fluent in English and can accommodate other languages upon request.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. All our safaris are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences, budget, and travel dates.