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.
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.
Top Reasons:
- Home of the Great Migration (in Serengeti)
- Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder with many animals in one place
- Beautiful Baobab trees in Tarangire National Park
- Tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara
- Great roads and lodges for safari travelers
Tour Summary
Duration
8 Days
Vehicle Type
4WD Safari
Tour Type
Private
Languages
Any Language
Places to Visit
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
- Transfer From Jro Airport
Arusha City Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Arusha City
- Room Type: STANDARD CHALET
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Travel Time
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
- Location: Karatu
- Room Type: STANDARD
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Tarangire Game Drive
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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 Five—lion, 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
- Enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Serengeti Central Game Drive
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Seronera - Serengeti Central
- Room Type: Safari Tent
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
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
- Full Day Game Drive In Serengeti Central
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Seronera - Serengeti Central
- Room Type: Safari Tent
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
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
- Enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Game Drive In Ngorongoro Crater
- Serengeti Central Game Drive
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Karatu
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
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 Game Drive
- Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway
Lake Manyara National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Arusha City
- Room Type: STANDARD CHALET
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
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
- Transfer To Jro Airport
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.
Each season offers a unique experience, so the best time to visit depends on what you’re hoping to see and how you want your trip to feel. Learn More about rhe best time to visit Tanzania
🎒 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
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
Excludes
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
How to plan your Tanzania safari
Connect
Call us or enquire online. Share your wish list and we’ll start planning your adventure.
Customise
Your dedicated travel expert will be in touch within 12hrs to start designing your bespoke African itinerary.
Confirm
We won’t stop refining your plans until we get the perfect trip at the best price.
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.