9-Day Complete Northern Safari Experience

Explore the very best of Northern Tanzania on this well paced 9-day safari covering the region’s most iconic national parks. This itinerary is designed for travelers who want a complete safari experience with enough time in each destination to enjoy wildlife, landscapes, and relaxed game drives.

Overview

The 9-Day Complete Northern Safari Experience takes you through Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. With multiple nights in Serengeti and comfortable lodge stays throughout, this safari offers excellent wildlife viewing, varied ecosystems, and a smooth travel pace from start to finish.

Highlights

  • Extensive game drives in Serengeti National Park

  • Ngorongoro Crater safari with Big Five sightings

  • Large elephant herds and baobab trees in Tarangire

  • Tree climbing lions and birdlife at Lake Manyara

  • Scenic Great Rift Valley views

  • Comfortable lodge accommodation throughout

  • Well balanced itinerary with minimal rushing

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrival in Arusha or Moshi

Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport or your hotel in Arusha or Moshi and transfer to your lodge.

  • Safari briefing and trip overview

  • Overnight: Lodge or hotel

  • Meals: Dinner

DAY 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park for a full day game drive.

  • Game drive among elephants, giraffes, lions, and zebras

  • Picnic lunch inside the park

  • Evening drive to lodge

  • Overnight: Lodge near Tarangire

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 3: Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park

Morning drive to Lake Manyara National Park.

  • Game drive through groundwater forest and lake shores

  • Search for tree climbing lions and large bird populations

  • Picnic lunch in the park

  • Afternoon drive to Karatu area

  • Overnight: Lodge

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 4: Karatu – Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, drive through Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward Serengeti.

  • Stop at viewpoints along the way

  • Enter Serengeti National Park

  • Afternoon game drive

  • Overnight: Safari lodge or tented camp in Serengeti

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 5: Full Day Serengeti Game Drive

Spend the entire day exploring Serengeti National Park.

  • Morning and afternoon game drives

  • Opportunity to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and large herds

  • Picnic lunch or lodge lunch

  • Overnight: Safari lodge or tented camp

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 6: Serengeti Game Drive

Another full day in Serengeti for deeper wildlife exploration.

  • Explore different areas of the park

  • Focus on predator sightings and open plains

  • Overnight: Safari lodge or tented camp

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 7: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Morning game drive in Serengeti before heading to Ngorongoro area.

  • Scenic drive with wildlife sightings along the way

  • Arrive at lodge near Ngorongoro

  • Relax and prepare for crater safari

  • Overnight: Lodge

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Karatu

Early breakfast followed by descent into Ngorongoro Crater.

  • 5 to 6 hours game drive inside the crater

  • Chance to see black rhino, lions, elephants, buffalo, and hippos

  • Picnic lunch at hippo pool

  • Afternoon drive to Karatu

  • Overnight: Lodge

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 9: Karatu – Arusha or Moshi

After breakfast, drive back to Arusha or Moshi. Transfer to airport if needed.

  • Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

  • Professional safari guide and driver

  • 4×4 safari vehicle with pop up roof

  • All park entrance and conservation fees

  • Lodge and tented camp accommodation

  • All meals during the safari

  • Bottled drinking water throughout

  • All government taxes and VAT

What’s Not Included

  • International flights

  • Tanzania visa fees

  • Travel insurance

  • Tips for safari guide and staff

  • Alcoholic and soft drinks

  • Personal expenses

  • Optional activities not mentioned

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