12 Days Deep Northern Safari

Overview

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This 12-day Tanzania safari offers a rich and immersive journey through the country’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife regions. Begin in Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and vast elephant herds, before venturing into the legendary Serengeti National Park, where you’ll explore its central, northern, and western zones—endless plains, acacias, volcanic soils, and kopjes alive with wildlife. Continue to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a natural sanctuary teeming with diverse species amid lakes, forests, and grasslands. From there, visit the beautiful Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and flamingo-dotted shores, followed by a scenic day in Arusha National Park, with views of Mount Meru and tranquil crater lakes. The journey concludes with a relaxed exploration of nearby highlands and forests before returning to Arusha, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s natural beauty and vibrant ecosystems.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Your safari begins with a drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, a stunning reserve known for its iconic baobab trees and large elephant herds. Enjoy your first game drive through rolling savannas and along the Tarangire River, where diverse wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and numerous bird species gather. As evening falls, relax at your lodge or tented camp surrounded by the sounds of nature. Overnight in Tarangire.

Day 2–6: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, travel to the legendary Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s most famous wildlife sanctuary. Over the next five days, explore the park’s central, northern, and western zones—each offering unique landscapes and wildlife experiences. Witness the sweeping open plains dotted with acacias and granite kopjes, and discover the volcanic soils that nourish this vast ecosystem. Enjoy daily game drives where you may encounter wildebeests, zebras, elephants, predators, and countless bird species. Every sunrise and sunset over the Serengeti promises unforgettable moments. Overnight stays in different regions of the park allow you to fully experience its incredible diversity.

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
After a morning game drive in the Serengeti, depart toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. On the way, you may stop at Olduvai Gorge, a world-renowned archaeological site that tells the story of early human history. Continue your journey to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the vast caldera below. Overnight at a lodge perched on the crater rim.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater
Today, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site shelters a remarkable concentration of wildlife within its floor—lions, elephants, hippos, zebras, flamingos, and the rare black rhino roam freely across its lakes, grasslands, and forests. Enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, then return to your lodge on the crater rim for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a beautiful park set along the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Explore its lush forests, open plains, and the shimmering lake famous for pink flamingos and diverse birdlife. Keep an eye out for the park’s iconic tree-climbing lions and playful baboons. Overnight near Lake Manyara.

Day 10: Arusha National Park
Today’s journey takes you to Arusha National Park, a small but scenic park filled with contrasts—from forested slopes of Mount Meru to open grasslands and sparkling crater lakes. Enjoy a game drive or guided walk, spotting giraffes, buffaloes, colobus monkeys, and colorful waterbirds. The park’s peaceful setting offers a refreshing change of pace after the wide savannas. Overnight in or near Arusha National Park.

Day 11: Exploring the Highlands and Forests
Spend a relaxed day exploring the surrounding highlands and forests near Arusha. Discover the region’s fertile volcanic soils, local villages, and lush vegetation that supports both wildlife and agriculture. This is an ideal day for cultural experiences, gentle nature walks, or simply relaxing amid the scenic landscape. Overnight near Arusha.

Day 12: Return to Arusha
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely drive back to Arusha, marking the end of your remarkable 12-day safari adventure. Reflect on the unforgettable wildlife encounters, dramatic landscapes, and cultural moments that made your journey through Tanzania truly extraordinary.

Inclusion and Exclusion

  • Park fees
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation (full board) as stated in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation and gas as per itinerary days (4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Mineral water
  • All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Alcohol drinks
  • Services not mentioned in the program
  • Travel insurance and medical repatriation
  • Items of a personal nature