Safaris

Serengeti-First Northern Circuit Safari Itinerary
8 Days / 7 Nights

Safari Overview

Begin where most safaris end — deep in the Serengeti wilderness. This immersive 8-day journey is perfect for travelers who want to fly straight into the action. Start strong with three nights in big cat territory in Central Serengeti, then descend through the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater and the misty highlands, before ending with elephant-filled landscapes in Tarangire. From predator tracking to crater views and baobab valleys, this is a reverse circuit with full-throttle wildlife and luxury from start to finish.

Places You’ll Visit

Arusha
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Tarangire National Park

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to the Wild

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by your Serengeti Untamed representative and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha offers a tranquil start to your safari adventure.

Ease into your journey with a comfortable stay in Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania. The perfect setting for rest, cultural immersion, or a touch of indulgence before flying into the wild.

Optional Activities: Guided Arusha city tour, local artisan markets, coffee tasting, nature walks, spa treatments.

Accommodation Options: Gran Meliá Arusha (Meliá Collection) | Arusha Coffee Lodge (Elewana Collection) | Legendary Lodge (Legendary Expeditions) | Sirigit Villa (Siringit Collection)

Days 2–4 – Central Serengeti – Big Cats & Endless Plains

Take an early scenic bush flight directly into the heart of Serengeti National Park, landing in the wildlife-rich Seronera Valley. Spend three nights surrounded by classic savannahs, rocky kopjes, and thrilling game encounters.

Start where others climax — in the beating heart of the Serengeti. Home to legendary big cat sightings, river-dwelling wildlife, and endless golden plains, this region delivers year-round drama and unforgettable game drives.

Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, leopard tracking along the Seronera River, optional hot air balloon safari, visits to hippo pools, and ancient rock art sites.

Accommodation Options: Siringit Serengeti Camp (Siringit Collection) | Meliá Serengeti Lodge (Meliá Collection) | Serengeti Explorer (Elewana Collection) | Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Day 5 – Ngorongoro Highlands – Elevated Elegance & Epic Views

Drive from Serengeti into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with scenic stops and cultural encounters en route. Arrive at your lodge perched above the world-famous crater.

The Ngorongoro Highlands offer cool, misty air and stunning views — a serene transition before the crater descent. This area is rich in Maasai culture and biodiversity.

Activities: Guided crater rim walks, Maasai village visit, photography stops at crater viewpoints.

Accommodation Options: Entamanu Ngorongoro (Nomad Tanzania) | Ngorongoro Lodge (Meliá Collection) | Craters Edge (Wilderness Collection) | Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw (Karibu Camps & Lodges)

Day 6 – Ngorongoro Crater – Nature’s Grand Arena

Rise early for a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most biodiverse wildlife havens.

An unforgettable opportunity to witness Africa’s Big Five in one of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth — a volcanic caldera teeming with life.

Activities: Full-day crater safari with picnic lunch, birdwatching, scenic viewpoints.

Accommodation Options: Entamanu Ngorongoro (Nomad Tanzania) | Ngorongoro Lodge (Meliá Collection) | Craters Edge (Wilderness Collection) | Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw (Karibu Camps & Lodges)

Day 7 – Tarangire – Giants of the Savannah

Journey into Tarangire National Park, known for its seasonal river, towering baobabs, and thriving elephant herds. A hidden gem that surprises and delights.

Tarangire is an off-the-beaten-path marvel with raw beauty, fewer crowds, and extraordinary elephant encounters.

Activities: Game drives, elephant tracking, birdwatching, sundowners by the Tarangire River.

Accommodation Options: Chem Chem Lodge (Chem Chem Safari) | Olkeri Camp (Entara Lodges & Camps) | Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (&Beyond) | Manyara’s Secret

Day 8 – Farewell to the Wild – Return to Arusha

After a relaxed breakfast, return to Arusha. Depending on your departure time, enjoy a day room, shop for keepsakes, or indulge in a final massage before your onward journey.

A smooth end to your safari, with comfort, culture, and calm to transition you back into the modern world.

Optional Activities: Visit to local craft market, spa treatments, cultural stopovers.

Accommodation Options: Gran Meliá Arusha (Meliá Collection) | Arusha Coffee Lodge (Elewana Collection) | Legendary Lodge (Legendary Expeditions) | Siringit Villa (Siringit Collection)

Request a Quote for the Serengeti-First Northern Circuit Safari

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Address

81 Meiroti Street, Oloirien

Arusha, Tanzania

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Email

booking@serengetiuntamed.com

info@serengetiuntamed.com

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Contact

+255 712 006 364

+255 767 678 898

Serengeti-First Northern Circuit Safari Itinerary 8 Days / 7 Nights