Day 1: Arusha – Tanzania

Your Northern Tanzania Safari begins on your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha. One of Tanzania’s oldest settlements, Arusha serves as the gateway to the world-famous wildlife parks of the Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. Nestled at the base of Mount Meru, Arusha offers stunning views of the mountain and is close to Africa’s tallest mountain, the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. The city is strategically positioned near the major national parks and is a lively town with vibrant markets, diverse cultural heritage, and modern amenities.

You will be greeted on your arrival by our friendly representative who will give you a briefing for your adventure ahead and will arrange your transfer to the Zawadi House Hotel (or similar) for check-in and an overnight stay. The rest of the day is yours to relax at the hotel or explore bustling Arusha

About Zawadi House Hotel in Arusha

Zawadi House Hotel offers elegantly appointed rooms with spacious bathrooms with feature showers and private balconies or patios that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Each room comes with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, plush bedding, minibar & tea/coffee-making facilities, and a safe for your valuables.

Zawadi House offers a variety of dining options to suit every palate. The on-site restaurant serves a delectable selection of local and international dishes, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can start their day with a hearty breakfast buffet, enjoy a light lunch by the pool, and indulge in a gourmet dinner under the stars. The hotel also features a cosy bar where you can unwind with a cocktail or glass of wine. Other amenities include a refreshing outdoor pool, a well-equipped fitness centre, and a spa offering a range of treatments to rejuvenate the body and mind.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park & Karatu – Tanzania

Day 2 of your Tanzania wildlife safari begins at 8 am. After breakfast, your private driver-guide packs in picnic lunch boxes as you head off in the 4×4 safari vehicle for Tarangire National Park, where you will embark on a mid-morning game drive.

Tarangire National Park landscape features rolling savannah grassland dotted with acacia and giant baobab trees. This Tanzanian national park is best visited in the dry season when wildlife travels to this park, drawn by the waters of the Tarangire River. Lions, leopards, zebras, buffaloes, and wildebeest are all common sights in this 2,850-square-kilometre (1,100 square miles) park which is also home to the rare tree-climbing pythons. Tarangire also boasts an abundance of 550 or more bird species, making for a fantastic bird-viewing destination.

Continue crisscrossing the park in search of wildlife until late afternoon, and stop at lunchtime to tuck into your packed lunch. As the sun begins to dip in the sky, head out of Tarangire Park and head to the nearby town of Karatu to check into the Bougainvillea Safari Lodge (or similar), your base for your Northern Tanzania Safari.

• Included Activities: Full-Day Tarangire Safari
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

About Bougainvillea Safari Lodge in Karatu

Bougainvillea Safari Lodge in Karatu offers guests a blend of comfort and rustic charm with its well-appointed rooms. Each room features cosy beds with mosquito nets, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, and private verandas where guests can enjoy views of the lush gardens. Rooms are equipped with modern amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, and ample storage space. The lodge’s décor combines local art and natural materials, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects the beauty of the Tanzanian countryside.

Dining at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge is a delightful experience, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The lodge’s restaurant serves a variety of delicious meals, both local Tanzanian dishes and international cuisine, all prepared with care by the skilled kitchen staff. The lodge also features a charming bar where guests can relax with a drink after a day of safari adventures. Additional amenities include a refreshing outdoor pool, a cosy lounge area with a fireplace, and beautiful gardens perfect for leisurely strolls. Bougainvillea Safari Lodge provides a serene and comfortable retreat, ideal for exploring the nearby wildlife reserves.

Day 3 & 4: Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

After breakfast, your Northern Tanzania Safari heads for the renowned Serengeti National Park. Serengeti Park is known for its population of predators, from golden-maned lion prides to leopards who live alone among the acacia trees that line the Seronera River. Cheetahs roam the southeastern plains in large numbers. All three African jackal species live here, together with spotted hyenas and a slew of more secretive small predators, ranging from the insectivorous aardwolf to the gorgeous serval cat.

Arrive at your luxury tented camp, Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp (or similar), in time for lunch and a short siesta. Later, head out for your first Serengeti Safari drive. Your driver-guide will expertly guide you around the reserve on the lookout for the iconic Big 5 animals – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Additionally, the Serengeti is famous for its vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. During the Great Migration millions of ungulates, including wildebeests and zebras, pass through this area on their way to Kenya’s Masai Mara National area, just the other side of the border (see our notes about the Great Migration below).

Other frequently sighted animals include cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, and various antelope species. The Serengeti National Park is also home to numerous bird species, from majestic eagles and vultures to colourful lilac-breasted rollers and flamingos. As the sun dips below the horizon, head back to camp for a hearty safari dinner and an evening by the campfire under a vast carpet of stars.

Day 4 of your Tanzania Tour is a full day of safari in Serengeti National Park. Make an early start and travel the boundless plains in search of wildlife. The Serengeti Plains span an incredible 15,000 square kilometres (6,000 square miles), home to one of the world’s largest and most concentrated animal populations. Stop to enjoy a packed lunch amidst this beautiful landscape before continuing on your quest to spot the incredible variety of animals, large and small, that call the Serengeti home.

While in Serengeti Park, there is an option to take a hot air balloon safari (additional cost) for a spectacular perspective of the grasslands and the opportunity to watch the abundant animals from a unique airborne perspective.

Another alternative excursion is a visit to a Maasai community to learn about their interesting daily rituals. The Maasai are noted for their beautiful beading, rich traditions, and vibrant clothing. Experience their distinct heritage and observe their peaceful interaction with the natural world around them.

At the end of a thrilling day on safari, head back to the comfort of camp to enjoy a last evening under the stars enjoying the serenity of the African savannah.

• Included Activities: Serengeti Safari game drives
• Optional Activities: Hot Air Balloon Safari, Maasai Cultural Tour
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

About Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp in Serengeti National Park

Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp offers an immersive safari experience with its luxurious tented accommodations in the heart of Serengeti National Park. Each tent is designed to provide maximum comfort while maintaining a close connection to the surrounding wilderness. The tents are spacious and feature comfortable beds with quality linens, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, and private verandas that offer breathtaking views of the Serengeti plains. They are equipped with modern amenities such as solar-powered lighting, charging stations for electronic devices, and complimentary toiletries.

Dining at Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp is a highlight of the stay, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The camp’s dining area serves delicious meals, including hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches, and gourmet dinners under the stars. Savour a variety of dishes that blend traditional Tanzanian flavours with international cuisine, all prepared by experienced chefs. In addition to the dining area, the camp features a cosy lounge tent where you can relax with a drink, read a book, or share stories of your safari adventures.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater & Karatu – Tanzania

After breakfast, your Northern Tanzania Safari you will head to the Ngorongoro National Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the Ngorongoro Crater, a vast volcanic caldera teeming with diverse wildlife, and supports both conservation efforts and the traditional Maasai pastoralist lifestyle.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the area’s principal attraction. The collapsed crater forms a vast natural amphitheatre home to an impressive density of wildlife. Descend the crater’s steep walls, arriving in time for a picnic lunch on the Ngorongoro Crater floor.

Spend the afternoon on a game drive in search of the Big 5 of Africa – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo – and a host of other animals from zebras to hippos and wildebeest. Sometimes known as “Africa’s Garden of Eden,” Ngorongoro Crater is a contender for the next Seven Wonders of the Natural World. It is the world’s biggest intact crater and home to approximately 25,000 creatures which makes it one of the top game-viewing locations in the world. It is home to practically every single species of animal in East Africa, including the highly uncommon and critically endangered Black Rhino.

After a thrilling day on safari, your safari vehicle will ascend the crater walls and head back to Karatu to stay at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge once more.

• Included Activities: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Karatu to Arusha – Tanzania

Today your thrilling Northern Tanzania Safari comes to an end. After breakfast, you will be transported back to Arusha Airport through stunning Great Africa Rift Valley scenery. Arrive in time to catch your flight, be it to catch your international flight home or a local flight to Zanzibar to end your Tanzania safari adventure with a blissful beach break.

A Typical Day on Safari in Tanzania:

• Before dawn: Wake up to hot coffee or tea as the cool morning air surrounds you.
• Morning game drive (sunrise to around 9 am): Bundle up and hop into the open vehicle with your camera ready. Your expert guide will navigate the bush, seeking out lions, elephants, giraffes, and other animals as the sun rises and paints the landscape. Every turn promises a new discovery, perhaps a pride of lions with cubs, a majestic herd of elephants, or a cheetah on the hunt. The drive lasts about two hours but can vary depending on the sightings.
• Breakfast (around 9 am): Return to the lodge and enjoy a delicious breakfast to refuel after your exciting adventure.
• Relaxation time (mid-morning): Take some time to relax after the early start. You can unwind by the pool, catch up on sleep, or participate in optional activities offered by the lodge, such as nature walks, cultural visits to nearby villages, or bike rides.
• Lunch (around 1 pm): Lunch is usually served at the lodge or camp. However, if on a full-day game drive, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the wilderness.
• Afternoon game drive (late afternoon): As the day heats up, head out again on another game drive, searching for animals you might have missed earlier. Your guide’s expertise will help you spot a variety of wildlife.
• Sunset and return to camp (evening): As the sun dips below the horizon, creating a breathtaking spectacle, return to the camp for a refreshing shower and refreshment.
• Dinner and evening relaxation: Indulge in a delicious dinner, followed by drinks and conversation around a crackling campfire, sharing stories of your safari adventures. Retire early, well-rested and filled with anticipation for the next day’s exploration.

Throughout your Tanzania wildlife safari, your knowledgeable driver-guide will be your companion and resource. They’ll share their expertise on the local wildlife, traditions, and history, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable safari experience.

Flexibility: While the schedule offers a general structure, your guide will consider your preferences and adjust the timings whenever possible. The priority remains adhering to park regulations and ensuring safe travel within the time constraints. Your private guide will provide expert recommendations but is always open to hearing your interests.

Northern Tanzania Safari Tour Notes

All Northern Tanzania Safari tours are conducted on a private departure basis. A minimum of 2 clients is needed to guarantee a departure.

The accommodation listed in this itinerary is subject to availability. Should the listed establishment not be available, a similar lodge of the same standard will be booked. This will be conveyed to you at the time of booking.

The cost of any optional activities will be confirmed on request.

Customize your Tanzania Wildlife Safari

This Northern Tanzania Safari combines well with our 4-Day Zanzibar Beach Resort Package. Zanzibar Island, located off the coast of Tanzania, is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, rich cultural heritage, and historic Stone Town, making it a paradise for relaxation and exploration. On the Zanzibar Tour, you decide how much or how little you wish to do in this tropical paradise. The Zanzibar beach resort caters to all tastes with watersports, land-based activities, spa treatments, three beautiful restaurants, many bars, and varied facilities. The resort is set on a white-sand beach and features one of Zanzibar’s largest swimming pools, complete with a pool bar. To learn more about Zanzibar Island, arrange excursions at the beach resort, which include spice tours and a visit to Stone Town. Speak to your travel advisor to add this to your Tanzania safari package.

Tanzania Safari Flights

Note that flight costs are not included in the Northern Tanzania Safari package and must be booked separately. Talk to our friendly travel advisors for advice about flight options and help to book flights on your behalf through our flight partners.

Pre- and Post-Tanzania Safari Accommodation

Talk to one of our friendly travel experts if you would like us to arrange accommodation before and/or after your Northern Tanzania Safari.

For more details contact African Budget Safaris.

The Great Migration Explained

Please note that the Wildebeest Great Migration of Kenya’s Masai Mara & Tanzania’s Serengeti is seasonal. As a natural wildlife phenomenon, it is fluid and unpredictable. For this reason, it must be understood that seeing the Great Migration cannot be guaranteed.

The wildebeest and other wild herbivores migrate between Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds move in a massive circular route covering some 1200 miles (1931km). It is a continuous movement of wildlife that can be seen in different areas at different times of the year. During certain phases of this annual trek, the animals disperse or slow down, whilst at other times the migration picks up speed, with the herds becoming larger and denser. Not only does the Wildebeest Great Migration vary from place to place and season to season but the movement of these large wildlife herds varies from year to year.

Please talk to a travel expert from African Budget Safaris about seeing the Wildebeest Great Migration on your safari to find out more. Also, check out our detailed article about the Great Migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara.