Classic Northern Tanzania Safari

Quick Facts

Days

10

Takes you to

Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Serengeti National Park.

SAFARI OVERVIEW OF

Classic Northern Tanzania Safari

This 10-Day Classic Northern Tanzania Safari takes you on an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations, including Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Olmoti Crater, and the Serengeti National Park. Experience diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural encounters, from the massive elephant herds and baobab-dotted plains of Tarangire to the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara.

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as Africa’s “Garden of Eden,” and hike through the scenic Olmoti Crater. Finally, explore the vast Serengeti, home to the Great Wildebeest Migration and the legendary Big Five.

This safari blends adventure, wildlife, and sustainability, with stays in mid-range lodges and camps that support conservation and local communities.

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

Tarangire National Park: Experience the park’s remarkable biodiversity, including large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.
Lake Manyara National Park: Enjoy game drives in this park renowned for its rich wildlife and vibrant birdlife, offering unique sightings and memorable moments.
Visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a World Heritage Site, Africa’s “Garden of Eden”.
Olmoti Crater for a hike to the floor of the Crater.
Serengeti Exploration for the Wildebeest Great Migration, where you’ll experience the exhilarating river crossings and the sheer scale of nature’s raw power.
Stay in mid-range lodges and camps that support conservation and community initiatives, ensuring a sustainable and enriching travel experience.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to Moivaro Lodge. Enjoy a relaxing evening at this scenic lodge, where you can unwind and settle in before an overnight stay, surrounded by the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Step into the lush, emerald-green coffee plantations and immerse yourself in the fascinating journey of coffee, from bean to cup. Stroll through the thriving rows of coffee plants, witness skilled farmers at work, and discover the intricate process of growing, harvesting, drying, and roasting. Breathe in the rich aroma as you experience firsthand how these humble beans are transformed into the flavorful brew we savor every day at the start of the Classic Northern Tanzania Safari.

Meal Plan: Dinner | Accommodation: Moivaro Lodge | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, set off for Tarangire National Park, a wildlife gem renowned for its towering baobab trees and impressive elephant herds. Embark on a scenic game drive, immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of the park. Pause at a picturesque picnic site, where you can savor your packed lunch surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.

Look out for rare and elusive wildlife, from the Bohor reedbuck and dry-land oryx to the graceful long-necked gerenuk. Spot predators on the prowl, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, alongside large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and primates like playful monkeys and watchful baboons.

For birdwatchers, Tarangire is a paradise, home to over 550 recorded species, making every moment a chance to tick off your birding checklist.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 3: Walking Safari and Night Game Drive

Start your day with an exhilarating walking safari led by an expert ranger, immersing yourself in the raw beauty of Tarangire. Feel the thrill of tracking wildlife on foot before returning to your lodge for a relaxing lunch. As the sun sets, enjoy an early dinner before venturing into the night for a rare night game drive. Under the starlit sky, spot majestic elephant herds—sometimes up to 300 strong—gathering at the riverbed, alongside the elusive fringe-eared oryx and the graceful, long-necked gerenuk.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 4: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through the breathtaking Tanzanian countryside, arriving at the picturesque Lake Manyara National Park just in time for a delicious lunch. Nestled at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, this park is a true natural gem, offering lush landscapes and panoramic lake views.

Check into the Camp, where comfort meets wilderness. After lunch, set off for an exciting game drive. Look out for the famous tree-climbing lions, massive herds of elephants, buffalo, and zebras. The park is also a birdwatcher’s haven, with over 400 species, including graceful flamingos, majestic pelicans, and elegant storks. It’s an unforgettable experience in one of Tanzania’s most diverse ecosystems.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Migunga Tented Camp | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 5: Lake Manyara – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

In the morning after breakfast, proceed on a scenic drive from Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater, passing through the lush landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. As you ascend into the highlands, enjoy stunning views of savannahs, hills, and Maasai villages. Upon reaching the crater’s rim, marvel at the panoramic vistas before descending into the crater floor, where extraordinary wildlife and landscapes await.

Home to around 25,000 large mammals, this natural wonder offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa. Look out for majestic bull elephants, as females typically stay outside the crater due to its dense predator population, one of the highest in Africa.

The crater's grassy plains are also a refuge for the critically endangered black rhino, with approximately 20 individuals making up nearly half of East Africa's remaining population.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 6: Ngorongoro Game Safari and Olmoti Crater Hike

Start your day with an early breakfast before descending into the largest unbroken volcanic crater for a full day of wildlife viewing on the crater floor. Have a picnic lunch at a scenic spot, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

In the afternoon, venture to Olmoti Crater for a guided hike down to the crater floor. Encounter wildlife up close and observe the Maasai herding their cattle in this serene environment. As the evening sets in, ascend the crater rim and return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 7: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park

Today, head out for an exciting adventure as you travel to the breathtaking Serengeti Plains. After a hearty breakfast, set off on a scenic drive, where you'll encounter diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes that unfold before your eyes.

Arrive in Serengeti just in time for a delicious lunch, then spend the afternoon immersing yourself in this iconic region. Renowned for its dramatic seasonal river crossings and rich wildlife, this area offers some of the most thrilling safari experiences. The sights and sounds of the Serengeti come alive as you explore its vast, untamed beauty.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Kati Kati Tented Camp | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 8: Serengeti Game Drives – Great Migration

Today, immerse yourself in the thrilling spectacle of the Wildebeest Migration and the wildlife-rich landscapes of the Serengeti. As you venture through the North Hills, be captivated by the sight of majestic acacia trees, which shelter elephants, giraffes, antelope, and buffalo — all teeming with life. Keep your camera ready for sightings of the carnivores that shadow these herds, always in search of their next meal.

Continue your journey toward the Bologonja and Kogatende areas, where the dramatic Mara River awaits. Here, the Wildebeest Migration faces its ultimate challenge: the river, home to hippos and lurking Nile crocodiles, stands as the last formidable obstacle between the wildebeest and the safety of the Masai Mara. Witness the heart-pounding moment as wildebeest and zebras brave the treacherous waters, risking the strong currents and waiting predators to reach the safety of the opposite bank.

Optional Activity: Balloon Safari.

Rise before dawn to head out for the Sunrise Balloon Safari -- a truly memorable experience! Take off in a hot air balloon as the sun rises. Float softly over the tranquil landscape, viewing wild game roaming the vast plains. A sumptuous champagne breakfast awaits you at the end of the journey.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Kati Kati Tented Camp | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 9: Serengeti National Park – Arusha

After a leisurely breakfast in Serengeti National Park, take the time to soak up the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you before making your way back to Arusha. Enjoy a delicious lunch in Arusha, savoring the local flavors and aromas, and relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Moivaro Lodge | Comfort Level: Midrange

Day 10: Arusha - Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Arusha town and proceed to JRO Airport in time for your departing flight. If time permits, you may explore the Cultural Heritage and Art Gallery, visit Arusha town, or browse the Maasai curio market for unique souvenirs at the start of the Classic Northern Tanzania Safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Included in the Classic Northern Tanzania Safari.

Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with gasoline/fuel
English-speaking Guide
Accommodation and Meals
All Activities Mentioned
Conservation Fees
Drinking water / refillable water bottle
All Park Entrance Fees.

Excluded from the Classic Northern Tanzania Safari.

International Airfares;
Visa Fees;
Drinks and Beverages
Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
Optional activities unless specified as included
Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.

Unforgettable Tanzania

Tanzania beckons to the adventurer in you, offering a vibrant canvas of breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and cultural treasures waiting to be uncovered. This captivating land promises to immerse you in nature’s raw beauty, from the iconic wildlife of the Serengeti to the grandeur of the Great Migration. With Tanzania Safari Adventures, your safari dreams come to life.

Venture across vast savannas alive with wildlife, explore diverse landscapes, and immerse yourself in the heart of Africa’s wilderness. Connect with Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage and experience the warmth of the Tanzanian people, whose hospitality will make you feel at home in this enchanting land. Whether you’re a seasoned safari enthusiast or new to African adventures, Tanzania offers an unforgettable journey of discovery and transformation.

Entry Requirements

To enter Tanzania, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival and has at least one blank page. If you plan to visit other East African countries, it’s recommended to have multiple blank pages available.

Tanzania requires a tourist or business visa for entry, which can be applied for online at the Tanzania Visa Portal. The visa fee is typically USD 50 for most nationalities, with U.S. citizens paying USD 100. You can also obtain a single-entry visa on arrival at the main ports of entry, provided you meet all immigration requirements. Please note that multiple-entry visas are not available on arrival.

Required documents for your visa include

A clear copy of your passport
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Passport photo

You may also be able to obtain a visa from the Tanzanian High Commission located in your country. Upon arrival, you’ll need to complete an entry form, pass through immigration, and possibly clear customs, being transparent about any goods you’re bringing in.

Visa Exempt Countries

The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Tanzania:

East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan
Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries: Angola, Malawi, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Other countries: Hong Kong, Macau, the Comoros, and Togo

East Africa Tourist Visa

If you’re planning to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and/or Kenya as part of an East African adventure, the East Africa Tourist Visa may be your best option. This multiple-entry visa is valid for 90 days and costs USD 100. Apply through the government portal of the first East African country you plan to enter.

Currency & Banking:

Currency: The local currency is Tanzanian Shillings (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted at many lodges and hotels, though a 5% transaction fee may apply. Always carry cash for small expenses, park entry fees, and tips.

Travel & Transport:

Flights: Domestic flights typically have a baggage allowance of 15 kg in soft bags.

Getting Around: Tanzania’s diverse landscapes are best explored by safari vehicles or flights, offering travelers the chance to view wildlife and stunning vistas.

Health & Medical Information

Vaccinations: Stay up to date with routine vaccinations, and consider getting vaccines for yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A and B.
Malaria: Tanzania is a malaria zone, so take anti-malarial medication, use insect repellent, and sleep under mosquito nets.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended, covering health, cancellations, and any activities you plan.

Best Time to Visit

Dry season (June to October): Ideal for game viewing as animals gather around waterholes and the sparse vegetation makes wildlife easier to spot.
Green season (November to May): Lush landscapes and fewer tourists offer great opportunities for birdwatching, though animal sightings can be more challenging.

Travel Insurance

Although not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended, as healthcare in Tanzania may differ from what you’re accustomed to. It’s best to be covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

What to pack

• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.

• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.

• Insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Binoculars and a good camera.

• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.

• Nature-blending clothes