8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari

Home » 8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari

8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari: Itinerary, Costs & Tips

Are you planning a Tanzania safari? This 8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari takes you to the best parks in Tanzania—Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. You’ll see lions, elephants, and even rhinos! In this guide, we share the day-by-day plan, costs, animals to see, and expert tips to help you get ready.

Let’s begin your journey with Seko Tours Adventures!

Why Choose Northern Tanzania Safari?

Northern Tanzania is full of wildlife and famous parks. This safari gives you a chance to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—and enjoy beautiful views and nature.

Leopard
Zebra
Maasai Giraffe
Cheetah
Elephant
Lion
Buffalo
Wildebeest
Black Rhino
Spotted Hyena
Black Rhino
bird watching at serengeti

Top Reasons:

Tour Summary

8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari - Seko Tours

Duration

8 Days

8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari - Seko Tours

Vehicle Type

4WD Safari

8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari - Seko Tours

Tour Type

Private
8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari - Seko Tours

Languages

Any Language

8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari Photos

Tour Itinerary

Day to day Best of Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Day 1:

Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

When you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your friendly Seko Tours guide will be waiting for you. They’ll greet you with a warm welcome and give you a short briefing about your upcoming safari.

After that, you’ll enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Arusha, which takes about one hour. Once you arrive, you can relax, enjoy your first night in Tanzania, and get ready for the exciting safari journey starting the next day.

DAY ACTIVITIES

Arusha City Photos

OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN

Travel Time

The estimated time of arrival (ETA) from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Arusha city is approximately 1 hour by road. The distance is about 50 kilometers (31 miles), but travel time can vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Day 2:

Arusha to Tarangire National Park to Karatu

After a tasty breakfast, you’ll head out from Arusha and begin your 3-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. This park is known for having the most elephants in Tanzania, so you’ll have a great chance to see them up close.

Once inside the park, you’ll go on an exciting game drive to look for elephants, lions, giraffes, and more. You’ll also enjoy a picnic lunch right in the park, surrounded by nature. Later in the day, you’ll drive to Karatu, where you’ll spend the night and get ready for the next adventure.

Tarangire National Park Photos

OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN

DAY ACTIVITIES

Looking for a 8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari for your dates?

Receive a free Tanzania safari quote straight to your email within 6 hours! Customize your preferences, and we’ll craft a unique experience just for you. Prices vary based on group size and accommodation choice.

CONTINUE TO SERONERA - SERENGETI CENTRAL

Day 3:

Karatu to Serengeti Central for Game Drive

After breakfast, you’ll leave Karatu and begin a 4-hour scenic drive through the beautiful Ngorongoro Conservation Area on your way to the world-famous Serengeti National Park. Along the way, you might spot animals and enjoy amazing views. Once you arrive, you’ll go on an exciting game drive in Central Serengeti, one of the best places for wildlife in all of Africa.

The Serengeti is full of surprises! You might see the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the land. You’ll also look for the Big Fivelion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—as well as cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and more. The wide open plains, rocky kopjes, and winding rivers make this a truly unforgettable safari experience.

DAY ACTIVITIES

Serengeti National Park Photos

OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN

Wildlife Experience

Enjoy a third-day wildlife safari that includes a 4×4 game drive to see diverse African wildlife, including the Big Five

Travel Time

The estimated travel time from Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park is approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions and wildlife sightings along the way. The drive takes you through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area before entering the vast Serengeti plains.

Day 4 — 5:

Full Day Serengeti Central Experience

Today, you’ll spend a full day in Serengeti Central. You’ll have plenty of time to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs as you drive across the big open plains. If you’re lucky, you might even see the wildebeest migration, which is when millions of wildebeest move across the park. The Serengeti is a beautiful place, with wide plains and rocky areas where animals like to hide.

In the morning, you’ll drive along the Sogore River Circuit and look for lions, gazelles, and cheetahs. After that, you can visit the Serengeti Visitor Centre to learn more about the park and have a picnic lunch in the shade of big trees. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the Kopjes Circuit, where you might see lions resting on the rocks and animals coming to drink. It’s a full day of exciting animal sightings and beautiful views.

DAY ACTIVITIES

Serengeti National Park Photos

OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN

Wildlife Experience

On your Full Day Serengeti Central Experience, you’ll have the chance to see a variety of wildlife. You could spot lions resting in the grass or hunting for food. Leopards and cheetahs may be seen as they search for prey, while the wildebeest migration is an unforgettable sight if you’re visiting at the right time. You’ll also see animals like gazelles, ostriches, and hyenas all throughout the park.

As you explore the Serengeti, you’ll visit places like the Kopjes, where lions often rest on the rocks, waiting for their next meal. In the Sogore River Circuit, you might spot cheetahs or lions in action. It’s a full day of amazing wildlife sightings in one of the most famous safari destinations in the world.

Day 6:

Serengeti Central to Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

After breakfast, you’ll start a 3-hour drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, home to Africa’s famous Big 5 animals. When you arrive, you’ll go down into the crater for a game drive, where you’ll see amazing animals and beautiful views. You’ll stop for a picnic lunch at the famous hippo pool, enjoying the stunning scenery before continuing to explore the unique wildlife in the crater.

DAY ACTIVITIES

Serengeti National Park Photos

OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN

Wildlife Experience

Enjoy a six-day wildlife safari that includes a 4×4 game drive to see diverse African wildlife, including the Big Five

Day 7:

Lake Manyara Game Drive to Arusha

Enjoy a tasty breakfast before heading to the beautiful Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, stunning lake views, and many kinds of birds. After a picnic lunch in the peaceful park, you’ll go on an exciting game drive to see more wildlife. Later, you’ll drive for three hours back to Arusha, thinking about all the amazing memories you made during your safari in this incredible part of Tanzania.

DAY ACTIVITIES

Lake Manyara National Park Photos

OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN

Travel Time

After your Lake Manyara game drive, you’ll take a 3-hour drive back to Arusha. Along the way, you’ll relax and enjoy the views, reflecting on the amazing wildlife and experiences from your safari.

Day 8:

Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport for flight back home

After your amazing adventure, depending on your flight time, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Arusha and driven to Kilimanjaro Airport. From there, you’ll fly home with unforgettable memories and great photos.

DAY ACTIVITIES

Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport Photos

Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Tanzania is a great place to visit all year round, but the best times to go depend on what you want to see and experience.

June to October:

This is the dry season, which is the best time for safari. The weather is sunny, and animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot them. It’s a popular time to visit, so expect more tourists.

January to March

During these months, you can see many baby animals, which are adorable and fun to watch. It’s also a good time to see some parts of the migration, though it’s not as big as later in the year.

April & May

These are the rainy months, so the parks may be quieter, and you’ll have fewer crowds. This also means that prices may be lower, making it a more affordable time to visit. However, some areas may be harder to access due to rain.

🎒 What to Pack for Safari

Don’t forget to bring:

  • Light clothes (beige, brown, green)

  • Warm jacket for mornings

  • Hat & sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Camera or phone

  • Binoculars

  • Water bottle

  • Small backpack

📝 Travel Tips from Seko Tours

  • Get a visa before or at the airport

  • Use US dollars for tips and shopping

  • Respect animals – don’t get too close

  • Listen to your safari guide always

  • Bring travel insurance

🧭 Why Book With Seko Tours Adventures?

We’re local experts and love sharing Tanzania with our guests! With us, you get:

  • ✅ Friendly local guides who know where to find animals

  • ✅ Clean safari vehicles with pop-up roof

  • ✅ Fair prices with no surprise costs

  • ✅ Tailor-made safaris just for you

👉 Let us help you plan your dream 8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari!

We've got you covered

Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.

Includes

Excludes

How to plan your Tanzania safari

8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari - Seko Tours

Connect

Call us or enquire online. Share your wish list and we’ll start planning your adventure.

8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari - Seko Tours

Customise

Your dedicated travel expert will be in touch within 12hrs to start designing your bespoke African itinerary.

8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari - Seko Tours

Confirm

We won’t stop refining your plans until we get the perfect trip at the best price.

8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari - Seko Tours

Travel

Receive your Seko Tours documents, pack your bags and set off on your trip of a lifetime.

Popular questions about Tanzania Safari 8 Days Ultimate Northern Tanzania Safari

You will visit Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park.

Yes, this itinerary is perfect for first-time safari visitors. You’ll see all the top parks and many wild animals.

Yes! You have a high chance of seeing lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino, especially in Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

The best months are June to October and January to March. These times offer great weather and animal viewing.

Yes! This safari is family-friendly. We can adjust the pace and meals for kids.

You’ll ride in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, perfect for viewing animals and taking photos.

Yes. All meals during the safari are included—breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Yes, most safari vehicles and lodges have charging points. Bring a power bank just in case.

Yes. Most travelers need a tourist visa, which you can get online or at the airport.

It’s not required, but we strongly recommend having travel insurance for medical or trip delays.

Pack light, comfortable clothes in neutral colors. Also bring a warm jacket for morning drives.

You can choose! We offer private safaris or you can join a small group safari with others.

Some lodges have Wi-Fi, but not all. It’s a good time to disconnect and enjoy nature.

Yes. Talk to your doctor about yellow fever vaccine and malaria pills before travel.

The Great Migration is when millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the Serengeti. You can see it from June to October.

We are a local company with expert guides, fair prices, and real passion for Tanzania. We care about giving you the best safari experience.

If your question is not listed, please contact us from here.

why Choose Us

FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE TO EVERY DESTINATION

100% FINANCIAL PROTECTION

RENOWNED SERVICE WITH 80% REPEAT / REFERRAL RATE

TAILOR - MADE FOR YOU

24/7 ACCESS TO SENIOR DIRECTORS