Locally owned safari company · Pangani Street, Arusha

Mid-range safari · Private

9-Day Northern Tanzania Wilderness Journey

Nine days through Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. Private vehicle and guide, mid-range lodges and tented camps. Nights at Arusha Farm House and Suricata Boma Lodge.

  • 9 days
  • Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro Crater · Lake Manyara
  • Park fees included

From$2,925per person, two travelling

Trip overview

Your safari at a glance

  • Length9 days · 8 nights
  • GroupPrivate
  • StayLodges and tented camps
  • Getting aroundPop-up-roof Land Cruiser
  • Starts and endsArusha → Arusha
  • Best monthsJul – Sep
  1. StartArusha
  2. Tarangire
  3. Serengeti
  4. Ngorongoro Crater
  5. Lake Manyara
  6. EndArusha

Where you go

Route map

Your route

  1. 1Start Arusha
  2. 2Tarangire
  3. 3Serengeti
  4. 4Ngorongoro Crater
  5. 5Lake Manyara
  6. 6End Arusha

Approximate route between stops.

Itinerary

Day by day

  1. Day1Lake Manyara Day 1 · Ngorongoro Crater · Lake ManyaraArusha Arrival Upon your arrival in Arusha, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari representative at the airport and transferred to your comfortable…Meals at own expenseArusha Farm House Read the full dayShow less

    Upon your arrival in Arusha, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari representative at the airport and transferred to your comfortable lodge for check-in and relaxation after your international journey. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere, your accommodation offers the perfect place to rest before starting your safari adventure. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the lodge, enjoy the fresh African air, or explore the nearby surroundings. Arusha is known as the heart of Tanzania’s Northern safari circuit and serves as the gateway to world-famous national parks, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. Dinner and overnight are at your lodge.

    TonightArusha Farm HouseMeals at own expense
  2. Day2Tarangire Day 2 · TarangireTarangire National Park Game Drive After breakfast, depart from Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most beautiful wildlife parks, famous for its large…All meals includedSuricata Boma Lodge Read the full dayShow less

    After breakfast, depart from Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most beautiful wildlife parks, famous for its large elephant herds and majestic baobab trees. Enjoy an exciting full-day game drive through diverse landscapes filled with wildlife, including lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, antelopes, and various bird species. The Tarangire River, which flows through the park, attracts many animals, especially during the Dry season, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Stop at a scenic picnic site for lunch while surrounded by nature before continuing your afternoon game drive. Later, proceed to your lodge for dinner, relaxation, and overnight, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the African wilderness.

    TonightSuricata Boma LodgeAll meals included
  3. Day3Serengeti Day 3 · Ngorongoro Crater · SerengetiSerengeti National Park Game Drive After breakfast, depart for the world-famous Serengeti National Park, passing through the beautiful highlands and breathtaking landscapes of the…All meals includedLand of Nature Camp Read the full dayShow less

    After breakfast, depart for the world-famous Serengeti National Park, passing through the beautiful highlands and breathtaking landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy scenic views along the way as you travel toward one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations. Upon arrival in the Serengeti National Park, begin an exciting game drive across the endless plains, home to abundant wildlife including lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. The Serengeti is also famous for the great migration and its incredible predator sightings. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing with afternoon wildlife viewing. Later, head to your tented camp for dinner and overnight while enjoying the unforgettable atmosphere of the African wilderness.

    TonightLand of Nature CampAll meals included
  4. Day4Serengeti Day 4 · SerengetiSerengeti National Park Game Drive Spend a full day exploring the endless plains of Serengeti National Park with morning and afternoon game drives in search of Africa’s incredible…All meals includedLand of Nature Camp Read the full dayShow less

    Spend a full day exploring the endless plains of Serengeti National Park with morning and afternoon game drives in search of Africa’s incredible wildlife. This world-renowned park is home to the Big Five and offers excellent opportunities to spot lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and large herds of wildebeests roaming freely across the savannah. Depending on the season, you may also witness part of the spectacular great migration. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot in the park, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty. Your experienced safari guide will help track animals and share fascinating information about the ecosystem and wildlife behavior. After an unforgettable day of adventure and photography, return to your tented camp for dinner, relaxation, and overnight in the heart of the Serengeti wilderness.

    TonightLand of Nature CampAll meals included
  5. Day5Serengeti Day 5 · SerengetiSerengeti National Park Game Drive Enjoy another unforgettable day in Serengeti National Park with exciting game drives across the vast and beautiful savannah plains. Early morning is…All meals includedLand of Nature Camp Read the full dayShow less

    Enjoy another unforgettable day in Serengeti National Park with exciting game drives across the vast and beautiful savannah plains. Early morning is one of the best times to spot predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs as they begin their daily activities. Throughout the day, explore different areas of the park while searching for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and countless bird species. The Serengeti’s breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife provide excellent opportunities for photography and close-up wildlife encounters. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush surrounded by nature before continuing your safari adventure in the afternoon. As the sun sets over the endless plains, return to your tented camp for dinner, relaxation, and another peaceful overnight stay in the heart of the African wilderness.

    TonightLand of Nature CampAll meals included
  6. Day6Serengeti Day 6 · Ngorongoro Crater · SerengetiSerengeti National Park Game Drive After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti National Park as you continue exploring the park’s endless plains and incredible…All meals includedFarm of Dreams Lodge Read the full dayShow less

    After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti National Park as you continue exploring the park’s endless plains and incredible wildlife. Keep an eye out for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and other animals roaming freely across the savannah while enjoying the beauty of the African wilderness. After the game drive, depart from the Serengeti and travel through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area with breathtaking views along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the journey before continuing toward Karatu, a peaceful town surrounded by green hills and coffee farms near the Ngorongoro Highlands. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge for dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay as you prepare for the next day’s safari adventure.

    TonightFarm of Dreams LodgeAll meals included
  7. Day7Ngorongoro Crater Day 7 · Ngorongoro CraterNgorongoro Crater Game Drive After an early breakfast, depart for the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage…All meals includedSuricata Boma Lodge Read the full dayShow less

    After an early breakfast, depart for the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descend into the crater for an unforgettable game drive across its beautiful landscapes, home to an incredible concentration of wildlife including lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, and the rare black rhino. The crater’s rich ecosystem and permanent water sources provide excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool while surrounded by breathtaking scenery and nature. After your game drive, ascend the crater walls and drive to Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge, where you can relax and reflect on the unforgettable safari experiences of the day.

    TonightSuricata Boma LodgeAll meals included
  8. Day8Lake Manyara Day 8 · Lake ManyaraLake Manyara Game Drive After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a beautiful and diverse park famous for its lush groundwater forest, scenic lake views, and…Breakfast & lunch, (Dinner not included)Arusha Farm House Read the full dayShow less

    After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a beautiful and diverse park famous for its lush groundwater forest, scenic lake views, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy an exciting game drive through different habitats where you may spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, baboons, and a variety of colorful bird species, including flamingos, along the lakeshore. The park is also well known for its tree-climbing lions and breathtaking landscapes set beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park while surrounded by nature and spectacular scenery. In the afternoon, continue with wildlife viewing before driving back to Arusha for dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge, marking the end of another memorable day on your Tanzanian safari adventure.

    TonightArusha Farm HouseBreakfast & lunch, (Dinner not included)
  9. Day9Kilimanjaro Day 9 · KilimanjaroDeparture After breakfast at your lodge in Arusha, enjoy a relaxing morning depending on your flight schedule. You may take time to rest, enjoy the lodge…Breakfast, (Lunch & dinner not included) Read the full dayShow less

    After breakfast at your lodge in Arusha, enjoy a relaxing morning depending on your flight schedule. You may take time to rest, enjoy the lodge surroundings, or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and local crafts. At the appropriate time, our driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international departure flight. As your unforgettable Tanzania safari adventure comes to an end, you will leave with incredible memories of breathtaking landscapes, amazing wildlife encounters, and the warm hospitality of Tanzania. We thank you for choosing Makini Tanzania Safari and hope to welcome you again for another memorable African experience.

Want a different order, an extra night or another lodge? Every day here can change. Ask us to adjust it

Where you sleep

Properties used for this safari

  • Night 1

    Mid-range lodge · Lake Manyara

    Arusha Farm House

    En-suite rooms · Inside or close to the park · Meals as listed in the itinerary

    1 night · or similar
    Ask about it
  • Night 2

    Mid-range lodge · Tarangire

    Suricata Boma Lodge

    En-suite rooms · Inside or close to the park · Meals as listed in the itinerary

    1 night · or similar
    Ask about it
  • Nights 3–5

    Mid-range lodge · Serengeti

    Land of Nature Camp

    En-suite rooms · Inside or close to the park · Meals as listed in the itinerary

    3 nights · or similar
    Ask about it
  • Night 6

    Mid-range lodge · Serengeti

    Farm of Dreams Lodge

    En-suite rooms · Inside or close to the park · Meals as listed in the itinerary

    1 night · or similar
    Ask about it
  • Night 7

    Mid-range lodge · Ngorongoro Crater

    Suricata Boma Lodge

    En-suite rooms · Inside or close to the park · Meals as listed in the itinerary

    1 night · or similar
    Ask about it
  • Night 8

    Mid-range lodge · Lake Manyara

    Arusha Farm House

    En-suite rooms · Inside or close to the park · Meals as listed in the itinerary

    1 night · or similar
    Ask about it

Mid-range lodges and tented camps have en-suite rooms and are inside or close to the parks. Names are confirmed in your written itinerary.

What it costs

Safari pricing

Price per person in US dollars by number of people travelling together
Accommodation1 person2 people3 people4 peopleBest valueQuote
Mid-range lodgesOn request$2,925$2,577$2,363Get quote
  • Per person, sharing. The vehicle and guide cost the same for two or six, so bigger groups pay less each.
  • Children under 15 pay less, and solo travellers pay a supplement. We include both in your quote.
  • Deposit to confirm: 20% for camping safaris, 40% for lodge safaris.

The fine print

What the price covers

Included

  • Park fees (non-residents)
  • All activities
  • All accommodation
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals

Not included

  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • Some meals
  • Drinks

In pictures

Photo gallery

Good to know

Questions about this safari

Is this safari private?

Yes. The vehicle and guide are only for your group, for parties of up to 4 people. Larger groups: ask us.

When can it start, and can we change it?

It can start on any day that suits you, and we can change the lodges, the order of the parks or the number of nights.

Can children come?

This trip is for adults only. Ask us about our family safaris instead.

Can I book it on my own?

Not as a solo traveller: the price is for two or more. Ask us about joining a group safari instead.

Are airport transfers included?

Yes, from and back to the airport.

Is this safari private?

Check the Group label at the top of the page. Private means the vehicle and guide are only for your group. Shared means up to 6–7 guests in the vehicle.

Can we choose the lodges?

Yes. We suggest lodges for the season and your budget and name them in the written itinerary before you pay a deposit.

Another question?

Our planners in Arusha are happy to help on WhatsApp.

Ask us

Before you go

Clothing

  • Light layers in khaki, green or beige
  • A warm fleece for early drives and the crater rim
  • Long sleeves for the evenings
  • Sun hat

Footwear

  • Comfortable closed shoes
  • Sandals for camp or the lodge

Gear

  • Binoculars, one pair each if you can
  • Camera with a spare battery and memory card
  • Soft bag rather than a hard suitcase
  • Power bank

Health

  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal medication
  • Hand sanitiser

Guest reviews

Travellers on travelling with Makini

5.0Excellent · 105+ reviews

  • The communication with the company was very good, and we were in good hands from the minute we arrived… we got a lot of value for the money.

    Saudat N. TripAdvisor
  • The communication with Lucas via WhatsApp was always very friendly, direct and immediate… our tour guide Aboh was very familiar with all animals and plants.

    Godfrey M. TripAdvisor
  • Great value local Tanzanian operator that provided an unforgettable safari experience.

    Damas F. TripAdvisor

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