8 Day Northern Tanzania Safari – Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire & Lake Manyara
The 8 Day Northern Tanzania Safari is one of the most complete wildlife safari experiences in East Africa, designed for travelers who want to explore the most famous national parks in Tanzania. This 8 day Tanzania safari package takes you through four of the country’s most spectacular wildlife destinations: Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
Tanzania
8 Days
Leisurely
Game Drive
2,300 m (7,546 ft)
Jun-Oct, Dec-March
Lodges/Camps
Included
Kilimanjaro Airport
Country
Tanzania
8 Days
Leisurely
Game Drive
2,300 m(7,546 ft)
Jun-Oct, Dec-March
Lodge/Camps
Included
Safari Highlights
- Explore four of the best national parks in Tanzania
- Multiple Serengeti game drives across the endless plains
- Full-day wildlife safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
- Large elephant herds in Tarangire National Park
- Optional hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti at sunrise (extra cost)
- Scenic wildlife viewing in Lake Manyara National Park
- Opportunity to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Experienced professional safari guide
- Ideal safari for wildlife lovers, photographers, couples and families
8 Day Northern Tanzania Safari Overview
This classic Northern Tanzania safari itinerary offers incredible wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and unforgettable game drives across the legendary plains of the Serengeti. Travelers have the opportunity to see Africa’s most iconic animals including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and possibly the famous Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth.
The safari also includes a full game drive inside the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day. The journey continues to Tarangire National Park, known for its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds, and Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife.
This 8 day Serengeti safari is perfect for travelers looking for a private Tanzania safari, a luxury safari holiday, or a well-balanced wildlife adventure that combines Tanzania’s most famous parks in one unforgettable journey.
With professional guides, comfortable safari vehicles, and carefully selected lodges or tented camps, Hike Kilimanjaro ensures a seamless and authentic Tanzania safari experience from start to finish
8 Day Northern Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be welcomed by a representative from Hike Kilimanjaro Ltd and transferred to Planet Lodge or to the similar accommodation in Arusha. (1-hour transfer to your lodge in Arusha), you will have a full briefing with your guide to ensure you’re fully prepared for the safari.
Planet Lodge Arusha
Note:
Your pre-safari briefing will be conducted at your hotel. If you arrive before 5:00 PM on the day prior to your safari, the briefing will take place that evening. If you arrive later, your guide will meet you for the briefing on the morning of your safari before departure. This ensures you’re fully prepared and have the opportunity to ask any last-minute questions.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire – Game Drive
Drive time: 2 hours to Tarangire
After breakfast, head out with packed lunch and unlimited drinking water to Tarangire National Park, famous for its elephants and baobab trees.
Picnic lunch at a viewpoint in the park, then continue the game drive into the afternoon.
Evening: Drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay inside the park.
Ang'ata Tarangire camp
Day 3: Tarangire Game Drive – Drive to Karatu
Drive time: 2 hours from Tarangire to Karatu
After breakfast, enjoy another game drive in Tarangire with packed lunch and unlimited water.
Lunch at a picnic spot by the river, then continue the drive until the afternoon.
Evening: Transfer to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Farm of dreams lodge
Day 4: Karatu to Serengeti – Game Drive
Drive time: 4 to 5 hours with game viewing en route
Morning departure after breakfast with packed lunch and water. Travel through Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park, spotting wildlife along the way.
Lunch en route, then begin your Serengeti game drive.
Evening: Check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
embalakai camp
Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti Safari
Full day in Serengeti! After breakfast, depart with packed lunch and water. Explore Seronera Valley in search of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and more.
Picnic lunch inside the park, followed by more game viewing.
Evening: Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Optional: Hot air balloon safari at sunrise ($550 per person).
embalakai camp
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands
Drive time: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours with game drive stops
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti as you begin your journey toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. You’ll travel with packed lunch and bottled water, with a scenic picnic stop along the way.
On this day, you also have the option to visit Oldupai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, for an additional $36 per person.
Afterward, continue your journey and check in at your camp near the crater rim.
Ang'ata camp - Ngorongoro
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Karatu
After breakfast, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular fully-day game drive in one of the world’s richest wildlife havens. Spot endangered black rhinos, massive elephants, lions, and flocks of flamingos along the crater lake.
Enjoy a packed picnic lunch at the hippo pool picnic site, with views of wallowing hippos and waterbirds.
In the everning, ascend from the crater and drive to Karatu for a relaxing evening.
Farm of Dreams Lodge
Day 8: Lake Manyara – Optional Maasai Visit & Departure
This morning, head to Lake Manyara National Park for a final game drive (Approx. 1 hr). This compact park is known for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and lush groundwater forest.
Optional cultural visit to a traditional Maasai Boma can be arranged en route.
After the game drive, enjoy lunch and begin your return journey to Arusha.
Transfer to the airport for your evening international flight.
- Breakfast, & Lunch included
Note:
This marks the final day of your unforgettable Best Tanzania Safari Tour – 8 Days with Hike Kilimanjaro. Due to the distance, we highly recommend booking a night flight departing from 8:00 PM onward. Alternatively, you may choose to add an extra night in Arusha and depart the following day to allow for a more relaxed and comfortable end to your journey.
The best airport to fly into is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about 45 km from Moshi and 50 km from Arusha. It is the most convenient airport for Kilimanjaro climbers.
Hike Kilimanjaro Ltd can arrange airport transfers between JRO and your hotel for an additional cost. Simply send us your flight details in advance.
If you cannot find a direct flight to Kilimanjaro, you can also fly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Kenya or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Tanzania. From there, take a connecting flight to JRO or travel by shuttle or private transfer to Moshi or Arusha. Nairobi is closer and often has more international flight options.
Airlines flying to Kilimanjaro include KLM, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Condor, Precision Air, and RwandAir.
Domestic flights within Tanzania are available with Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Regional Air, Coastal Aviation, Fly540, ZanAir, and Air Excel.
Shuttle buses and private transfers can also be arranged between Nairobi, Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam, and Mombasa for an additional cost. Contact us for schedules and rates.
8 Day Northern Tanzania Safari
Number of Pax
Price Per Person
1
USD 5,192 pp
2
USD 3,365 pp
3 to 5
USD 2,782 pp
6 to 7
USD 2,466 pp
Inquire Now
Looking for personalized experience? We organize privately guided journey which is mainly designed to fit your taste and interest. Please fill out the form below to get started.
Price Includes
- Airport transfers (to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- One night hotel accommodation in Arusha before safari, with breakfast only included
- Full-board accommodation throughout the safari
- Daily packed lunch and unlimited drinking water
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- All park and conservation fees
- All airport transfers
Price Excludes
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks at lodges and camps
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities for the guide and lodge staff
- International and domestic flights
- Personal travel insurance
Packing List for 8 Day Northern Tanzania Safari
To ensure a safe and comfortable safari experience with Hike Kilimanjaro Ltd, we recommend bringing the following essential gear and equipment. Being well-prepared is the key to enjoying your adventure in Tanzania to the fullest.
Clothing Recommendations
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, ideal for game walks and exploring campsites
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun protection and to guard against insects
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime (e.g., t-shirts, shorts, or dresses)
- A light jacket or sweater for chilly mornings and evenings
- Hat or cap for sun protection
Safari Gear Essentials
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing (1 provided in each safari vehicle; extras available on request)
- Insect repellent (preferably with DEET) to keep mosquitoes and bugs at bay
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards to capture every moment
- Flashlight or headlamp for use in camps and lodges after dark
- High-SPF sunscreen to protect against strong sun exposure
- Sunglasses with UV protection for eye comfort and safety
Other Travel Essentials
- Valid passport and visa (Visa can be obtained online prior to arrival)
- Essential medications and prescriptions for personal use
- Travel insurance documents for peace of mind
- Reusable water bottle (we'll provide one for you at the start of your safari)
- First aid kit with basic medical supplies (available in the safari vehicle)
- Light snacks for the journey (e.g., granola bars, nuts, dried fruit)
Miscellaneous Items
- First aid kit with basic medical supplies (available in the safari vehicle)
- Waterproof bag or cover to protect electronics from dust or rain
- Cash in small denominations for tips, souvenirs, and incidentals
- Swimsuit, as some lodges and camps offer swimming pools
Important Information – 8 Day Northern Tanzania Safari
Safari Starting Point
This 8 Day Tanzania Safari begins and ends in Arusha, the main gateway for safaris in northern Tanzania. Airport transfers can be arranged from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Safari Vehicle
All game drives are conducted in a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, allowing excellent wildlife viewing and photography during game drives.
Accommodation Options
This safari can be arranged with luxury lodges, mid-range lodges, or budget tented camps, depending on your travel style and budget.
Professional Safari Guide
Your safari will be led by a professional English-speaking driver-guide with extensive knowledge of wildlife, national parks, and local ecosystems.
Best Time for This Safari
This safari can be done year-round, with the dry season from June to October offering excellent wildlife viewing and December to March being ideal for witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration calving season in the Serengeti.
Customizable Safari Itinerary
This 8 Day Northern Tanzania Safari can be customized according to your travel dates, accommodation preferences, and special interests.
Tanzania Safari Map
These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Hike Kilimanjaro previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.
Trip Photos
What makes this trip
different?
Hike Kilimanjaro
Company
- At Hike Kilimanjaro, we are committed to supporting the communities surrounding our trekking routes and wildlife safaris. We believe that tourism should be a force for good, and we actively give back to those who help make your adventure possible.
- A portion of our profits goes toward providing food, clothing, books, pens, and other essentials to orphaned children helping improve access to education and basic needs. By traveling with us, you directly contribute to creating a positive impact in local lives.
Sustainability and Responsible Tourism
- Of the few Travelife Certified companies in Tanzania, Hike Kilimanjaro is one. We respect the procedures for sustainable tourism. Our excursions are socially and environmentally conscious, leaving the lowest possible impact in the Tanzanians.
- 100% of Hike Kilimanjaro Company's staff members are natives of the regions where our trips are organized. It is one of our sustainable and responsible efforts to help local communities, support small businesses, and promote regional culture and way of life.
Related Information
Why Choose This 8 Day Northern Tanzania Safari
The 8 Day Northern Tanzania Safari is the perfect itinerary for travelers who want to experience the very best wildlife destinations in Tanzania in one well-designed journey. This safari combines the legendary plains of Serengeti National Park, the spectacular wildlife paradise of Ngorongoro Crater, the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park, and the scenic beauty of Lake Manyara National Park.
Unlike shorter safaris, this 8 day Tanzania safari package allows travelers to spend more time exploring the Serengeti ecosystem, giving you better chances to see predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as large herds of zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. Depending on the time of year, visitors may also witness the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the most impressive wildlife events in the world.
This safari itinerary is carefully designed to maximize wildlife viewing while minimizing long driving distances, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. Guests travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, accompanied by an experienced professional safari guide who knows the parks and wildlife behavior in detail.
Whether you are planning your first African safari, a luxury Tanzania safari holiday, or a private Serengeti safari tour, this itinerary offers the perfect combination of wildlife, scenery, and authentic safari adventure across the most famous parks of Northern Tanzania.
Best Time for the 8 Day Northern Tanzania Safari
The 8 Day Northern Tanzania Safari can be enjoyed at any time of the year, as wildlife viewing in Tanzania is excellent throughout all seasons. The parks included in this itinerary, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park, offer great wildlife viewing year-round.
June to October – Best Overall Wildlife Viewing
This is the dry season and one of the most popular times for a Serengeti safari. Animals gather around rivers and water sources, making wildlife easier to spot.
December to March – Calving Season in Serengeti
This period is famous for the Great Migration calving season, when thousands of wildebeest give birth in the southern Serengeti plains, attracting many predators.
November and April–May – Green Season Safari
The landscape becomes lush and green, visitor numbers are lower, and birdlife is spectacular, making it an excellent time for photography and relaxed safaris.
Wildlife You Can See on the 8 Day Northern Tanzania Safari
The 8 Day Northern Tanzania Safari offers exceptional wildlife viewing across four of the most famous safari destinations in Africa: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park.
During this safari, travelers have an excellent chance of seeing the legendary Big Five:
- Lion
- Leopard
- Elephant
- African buffalo
- Black rhino
The endless plains of the Serengeti are home to thousands of grazing animals including zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and giraffes, as well as predators such as cheetahs, hyenas, and lions. Depending on the season, visitors may also witness the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the Serengeti ecosystem.
Tarangire National Park is especially famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, while Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa and is one of the best places to see the endangered black rhino.
At Lake Manyara National Park, travelers may see hippos, monkeys, flamingos, and the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, along with more than 400 species of birds.
With experienced safari guides from Hike Kilimanjaro, each game drive is carefully planned to maximize wildlife sightings and provide an unforgettable Tanzania safari experience.
Frequently Asked Questions – 8 Day Northern Tanzania Safari
How much does it cost? – Rates start at USD 2,500 per person.
Which parks are included? – Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro.
Is it suitable for first-time travelers? – Yes, fully guided and well-paced.
What animals can I see? – Big Five, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, flamingos.
Private safari options? – Available for individuals, couples, or groups.
What’s included? – Park fees, guide, vehicle, accommodation, meals, drinking water.
What’s excluded? – Flights, airport transfers, visa, personal insurance, tips.
Daily game drive duration? – 4–6 hours, morning and afternoon.
Children allowed? – Yes, private safaris recommended for families.
Best season? – Dry June–Oct; Migration Dec–March; Green season Nov, Apr–May.
Visa required? – Most travelers need a visa; Hike Kilimanjaro provides guidance.
Accommodation type? – Luxury lodges, mid-range lodges, or tented camps.
Meals included? – Yes, most meals during the safari.
English-speaking guide? – Yes, professional and experienced.
Park distances from Arusha? – Tarangire 2h, Lake Manyara 2–3h, Serengeti 5–6h, Ngorongoro 3–4h.
Customizable itinerary? – Yes, flexible to your preferences.
Tipping guide/driver? – Recommended USD 10–15/day for driver, USD 10/day for guide.
Can I see the Great Migration? – Depending on the season, yes.
Health requirements? – Yellow Fever vaccine recommended; anti-malarials advised.
How to book? – Contact Hike Kilimanjaro via email or WhatsApp to reserve.
How do I book the Best Tanzania Safari Tour – 8 Days with Hike Kilimanjaro?
Booking is simple:
- Contact us via our website, email, or WhatsApp to request availability and pricing
- Our safari experts will customize your itinerary and send a detailed proposal
- Secure your reservation with a deposit payment via bank transfer or credit card
- Receive your confirmation documents, packing guide, and travel tips
We’re with you from the moment you inquire until the day you return home. You’ll enjoy 24/7 support, a dedicated trip manager, and the assurance of traveling with a certified Tanzanian tour operator.
Why Choose Hike Kilimanjaro for your Best Tanzania Safari?
Because we deliver more than game drives, we create unforgettable journeys deep into the heart of Africa. With expert local guides, custom private 4×4 Land Cruisers, and handpicked lodges in the best locations, your safari is crafted for comfort, authenticity, and adventure. Whether you’re chasing the Great Migration river crossings, exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, or relaxing in a luxury tented camp under the stars, we make every moment seamless and extraordinary. When you travel with us, you’re not just a visitor, you’re part of something real, personal, and wild.
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