7 Days Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit

Overview

This 7-day Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit takes you through the famous national parks and conservation areas of Tanzania, where you can see all of the Big 5 animals, including the unique tree-climbing lions if you are lucky, as well as other wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, and zebras. This 7-day Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit is an all-inclusive safari that starts and ends in Arusha, Tanzania.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Begin your safari with a pick-up from Arusha, and journey through the picturesque countryside, passing several charming villages and farms. Tarangire National Park offers a breathtaking landscape filled with a vast variety of wildlife and natural beauty. The park is home to over 500 species of birds and more than 30 large herbivores. As you explore, you’ll spot the iconic baobab trees, vast swamplands, rivers, and lakes, all teeming with diverse wildlife. Tarangire’s unique ecosystem, featuring grassy plains, savannah, and forests, offers excellent game-viewing opportunities as you venture through the park.

Drive Time: Approximately 2-3 hours

Dinner and overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge.

Day 02: Full Day in Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, set out for your first game drive in Tarangire National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 500 species recorded. You will also encounter a variety of wildlife, including large herbivores like elephants, buffalo, and giraffes. The park’s diverse habitats, including vast plains, forests, and wetlands, support a wide range of animals in different areas. As you explore, be sure to keep an eye out for the distinctive termite mounds, often home to dwarf mongooses once abandoned by termites.

A picnic lunch will be served during your adventure, and you’ll have time to enjoy the serenity of nature before continuing your game viewing.

Dinner and overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)

Day 03: Tarangire National Park to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, continue exploring Tarangire National Park, focusing on areas where you may have missed wildlife the previous day. After a picnic lunch, begin your journey towards the Serengeti National Park. The drive takes you across the stunning hilly countryside of the highlands, passing through scenic farms before entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As you approach the vast plains of the Serengeti, you will likely begin spotting wildlife even before you enter the park.

Drive Time: Approximately 6 hours

Enjoy a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay at Serengeti Sopa Lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)

Day 04: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, embark on a thrilling game drive in Serengeti National Park, renowned for its rich wildlife, stunning landscapes, and abundant animals. You will see species such as Thomson’s gazelles, wildebeest, lions, zebras, and many others. Serengeti is famous for the annual migration, where millions of animals travel across East Africa in search of greener pastures. The vast Serengeti is a true natural wonder, offering endless wildlife experiences. After an exciting morning game drive, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch or enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.

Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)

Day 05: Serengeti to Ngorongoro

After breakfast, depart for Ngorongoro with a picnic lunch, enjoying game viewing across the expansive Serengeti plains. Along the way, you have the option of visiting the Olduvai Gorge, a significant archaeological site with a rich history of early human discoveries. Alternatively, you may choose to visit a Masai Village, where you can learn about the Maasai’s nomadic culture and enjoy their traditional singing and dancing. Don’t forget to try the famous Maasai high jumps!

Drive Time: Approximately 3-4 hours

Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)

Day 06: Explore Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast at your lodge, depart to explore the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. This incredible natural formation is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Formed from an eruption thousands of years ago, it now houses over 25,000 large mammals. The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a remarkable range of habitats within its walls, including forests, swamps, lakes, springs, and grasslands.

During your game drive, you may encounter a variety of wildlife, including bull elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalo, and wildebeest roaming through the crater’s diverse ecosystems. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking a small lake populated by hippos.

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most spectacular places to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, and its remarkable diversity ensures an unforgettable experience.

Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)

Day 07: Ngorongoro to Arusha

After breakfast, depart from Ngorongoro and head back to Arusha. On the way, pass through the Masai Steppe, home to many villages and farms, offering a glimpse into the local culture and way of life.

Drive Time: Approximately 4 hours

Once in Arusha, enjoy some free time before your flight.

Overnight in Arusha.

Afterward, you will be transferred to Arusha Airport for your departure flight, bringing your 7 Days Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit to a memorable close.