North Tanzania Safari
9 Day Northern Tanzania Safari Adventure
With vast wilderness areas that teem with big game, interesting cultures, easy logistical links, and some of the most iconic landscapes on the planet, northern Tanzania offers a safari experience like nowhere else.
You will travel from the colorful town of Arusha, through Tarangire’s baobab forests, before going on to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, finishing the trip on the grassy plains of the Serengeti, surrounded by wildlife.
This itinerary is perfect for anyone who is interested in nature and looking to visit some bucket-list destinations – whether that be on your own, with a partner, or as a family. We have handpicked some of the best lodges at any given budget level so that you can be sure that you are getting the very best value for your money.
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
Overnight at Arusha Villa or Katambuga House or Legendary Lodge
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by your transfer driver who will drive you for about 90 minutes to your hotel in Arusha. Look out for iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru out of your right-hand window on the way.
If you arrive early, there will be time for you to spend the afternoon bird watching in the garden, enjoy a coffee tasting tour in a nearby estate, visit a market in town or simply relax by the pool. After a tasty dinner in your hotel, you will spend your first night in Tanzania relaxing before heading off on your safari the following morning.
Days 2-4: Tarangire NP
Overnight at Tarangire River Camp or Oliver’s Camp or Chem Chem Lodge
After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, you will begin your journey to Tarangire National Park. On the Simple and Classic itineraries, you will meet your Asilia driver and guide who will be your host for the duration of your trip in Tanzania. You will then drive southwest, through rural Tanzania until you reach the park gate. From here it is game driving all the way to the lodge. You will then spend the next two days exploring the unique landscapes of Tarangire National Park with all the luxury and flexibility that having your own private vehicle and guide has.
On the Upgrade itinerary, you will be transferred to Arusha Airport where you will wait in the Asilia lounge until your light aircraft flight takes you past the dramatic scenery of the Rift Valley Escarpment until you reach Lake Manyara Airstrip. A safari vehicle from Chem Chem Lodge will be waiting for you to drive you the short distance back to the private Bungi Wildlife Management Area which is sandwiched between the expansive Tarangire National Park and the tranquil Lake Manyara. Spend two days enjoying all the wildlife that use this vital corridor between the two national parks.
Day 5: Travel to Ngorongoro
Overnight at Acacia Farm Lodge or Plantation Lodge or &B Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
On the Simple and Classic itineraries, you will depart early in the morning on a game drive north through Tarangire National Park until you reach the park gate. You will then drive west towards Ngorongoro, stopping off at the stunning Lake Manyara National Park to try and spot some of its unique wildlife. You will have a picnic lunch overlooking the alkaline lake watching for flamingos, zebra, buffalo, elephant, and maybe even tree-climbing lions. In the afternoon you will head back out of the park towards your lodge in the vibrant town of Karatu where you will spend the next two nights.
On the Upgrade itinerary, after a leisurely breakfast, you will depart Chem Chem Lodge and head back towards Lake Manyara Airstrip where a driver from Crater Lodge will be waiting to meet you. You will then drive through the farmlands and coffee plantations surrounding Karatu before eventually reaching the entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From here you will enter the park and begin your ascent up the steep walls of the extinct volcano. As you climb, you will drive through mountain forest until you reach the peak and enjoy one of the most astonishing views you will ever encounter. You will spend the next two nights in a luxury suite perched right on the crater rim in one of Africa’s most iconic lodges.
Day 6: Crater Descent & Game Drive
Overnight at Acacia Farm Lodge or Plantation Lodge or & Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
You’ll want to get an early start so that you are amongst the first people down on the crater floor. Not only is that when it is quietest, but the lighting conditions are at their best, and the resident animals are at their most active too. You’ll have some morning coffee and breakfast on the crater floor before going on an unforgettable game drive. Lunch can be taken next to a hippo pool and then you will continue your drive looking out for The Big Five, including the rare black rhino. When it’s time to start the return journey, your guide will drive you back up the steep walls of the caldera to the rim, and onwards to your lodge for a chance to freshen up and enjoy a drink in the bar before dinner.
Days 7-9: Transfer to the Serengeti
Overnight Nyikani Camp or Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge or Singata Faru Faru
After another tasty breakfast, you will begin your journey to the Serengeti. On the Simple and Classic Itineraries, you will continue by road with your Asilia driver guide from Karatu, through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area into the Serengeti, watching as you pass countless gazelle, zebra, wildebeest, and other wildlife. You will arrive at your safari lodge in the central Serengeti in time for lunch, which will be spent gazing out over the seemingly endless grassy plains.
On the Upgrade itinerary, you will drive back to Manyara Airstrip before taking an exciting flight off the edge of the escarpment and over the Serengeti to the private Singita Grumeti Reserve on the north-west border of the Serengeti.
Day 10: Flight to Kilimanjaro Airport
After a final breakfast in camp, make your way towards the airstrip for your flight to Kilimanjaro Airport. The plane will likely make a few stops along the way as it picks-up and drops-off passengers at selected airstrips, eventually arriving around mid-day. Upon arrival, collect your bags and check-in for your onward journey home.
* Contact us for customized itinerary, rates & availability. (AsilIA)
