8 Days Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a professional driver-guide from Gorilla Quest Africa and transferred to your luxury lodge in Arusha. This bustling town sits at the foot of Mount Meru and serves as the gateway to Tanzania’s safari circuit. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax in the lush gardens, enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, or unwind at the spa after your international flight. In the evening, indulge in fine dining at your lodge as you prepare for the adventure that lies ahead.

Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge, Gran Meliá Arusha, Mount Meru Hotel
Meals: (Dinner)

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most underrated gems. The park is known for its ancient baobab trees and large herds of elephants, often seen in their hundreds during the dry season. Your game drive takes you across savannahs, swamps, and woodlands where you may encounter lions, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your exploration. Later, check in to your luxury camp or lodge where elegant suites and panoramic views of the Tarangire River await.

Accommodation: Tarangire Treetops Lodge, Lemala Mpingo Ridge, Oliver’s Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

This morning, head to the scenic Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but diverse reserve set against the dramatic backdrop of the Great Rift Valley. The park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos, and elephants that thrive in its groundwater forests. A morning game drive offers opportunities to see hippos, giraffes, and a wealth of birdlife. In the afternoon, enjoy cultural encounters with local communities living around the park, gaining insight into their traditions and way of life. Retire to your luxury lodge with sweeping views of the lake and Rift Valley escarpment.

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, Escarpment Luxury Lodge, Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, journey to the iconic Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the largest intact caldera in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descend 600 meters into the crater for a full-day game drive across its grasslands and soda lakes. The crater floor is teeming with wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, flamingos, and the rare black rhino. Your picnic lunch will be enjoyed on the crater floor with stunning natural surroundings. Later, ascend to the rim where your luxury lodge offers panoramic views of this natural wonder.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park – Central Serengeti

Today you will drive to the legendary Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s most famous safari destination. Along the way, stop at Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of humankind, where you will learn about fascinating archaeological discoveries. Upon entering the Serengeti, enjoy an afternoon game drive across endless plains alive with wildlife. Predators such as lions and cheetahs are common in this area, along with vast herds of wildebeest and zebras. At sunset, arrive at your luxury lodge or tented camp, where the wilderness and comfort blend perfectly.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Serengeti National Park – Full Day Game Drives

Spend the day exploring the Central Serengeti, a wildlife haven famous for its year-round predator activity and, during certain months, the Great Migration. Morning and afternoon drives provide excellent opportunities to witness dramatic wildlife interactions and capture incredible photography. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed in the bush, keeping you immersed in the wilderness. In the evening, unwind at your lodge with sundowners by the campfire followed by a gourmet dinner under the African sky.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Serengeti to Arusha

After a final early morning game drive in the Serengeti, take a scenic flight back to Arusha, offering you a bird’s-eye view of Tanzania’s vast landscapes. Upon arrival, transfer to your luxury lodge for an afternoon at leisure. You may choose to relax in the gardens, enjoy a spa treatment, or take part in a cultural experience in Arusha town. This final evening offers a chance to reflect on the unforgettable memories made during your Northern Circuit Safari.

Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge, Gran Meliá Arusha, Mount Meru Hotel
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Departure from Arusha

After a leisurely breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or a short cultural visit in Arusha before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey. This marks the end of your 8 Days Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari with Gorilla Quest Africa, a journey that seamlessly blended wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and luxurious comfort.

Meals: (Breakfast)

End of the 8 Days Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari.