10-Day Tanzania Safari: All Northern Parks & Wildebeest Migration in One Trip
From $2,473 USD* / Epic Great Wildebeest Migration / 10 days
Embark on the ultimate Tanzanian safari expedition. This comprehensive 10-day journey is meticulously crafted to cover every premier destination in the Northern Safari Circuit. You will experience the full spectrum of Tanzania’s iconic landscapes and wildlife, from the elephant herds of Tarangire and the flamingos of Lake Manyara to the vast Serengeti plains and the dense wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater. The itinerary includes dedicated time to track the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration across different regions of the Serengeti, ensuring an immersive and complete African adventure.
Your journey culminates with a dramatic descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a world unto itself, offering some of the most concentrated and thrilling game viewing on the planet.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Your safari begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You will be greeted and transferred to your lodge in Arusha.
The remainder of the day is yours to relax and acclimatize.
Overnight: Arusha Lodge
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, journey to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its large elephant populations and ancient baobab trees.
Enjoy a full day of game viewing with a picnic lunch in the park.
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp near Tarangire
Meals: Full Board
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park
Travel to the scenic Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
Embark on a game drive to spot tree-climbing lions, troops of baboons, and vast flocks of flamingos.
In the late afternoon, drive to your accommodation on the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
Overnight: Lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Meals: Full Board
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater to Central Serengeti
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular morning game drive. This UNESCO site offers incredible wildlife density and a high chance of seeing the Big Five.
After a picnic lunch, ascend the crater and proceed to the Central Serengeti, enjoying an en-route game drive.
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp in Central Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
Day 5: Central Serengeti & Wildebeest Migration
Dedicate the day to exploring the Central Serengeti and tracking the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Your guide will lead you to prime locations for witnessing the herds and the predators that follow them.
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp in Central Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
Day 6: Northern Serengeti (Mara River)
Venture into the Northern Serengeti, the iconic region of the Mara River.
Spend the day in this area, which is famous for the migration’s most dramatic river crossings (highly seasonal, typically July-October).
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp in Northern Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
Day 7: Western Serengeti (Grumeti)
Travel to the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, focusing on the Grumeti River area.
This region is a key staging ground for the migration earlier in the season (typically May-July) and is known for its massive crocodiles.
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp in Western Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
Day 8: Serengeti to Lake Natron
Depart the Serengeti and journey towards Lake Natron, a dramatic soda lake at the foot of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano.
This remote area offers a starkly beautiful landscape and is a major breeding ground for flamingos.
Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp at Lake Natron
Meals: Full Board
Day 9: Lake Natron to Mto wa Mbu
In the morning, you may choose to take a walk to a waterfall or visit the flamingo breeding grounds (seasonal).
After this unique experience, drive back to the town of Mto wa Mbu, located near Lake Manyara.
Overnight: Lodge in Mto wa Mbu
Meals: Full Board
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, depart for Arusha.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for lunch and souvenir shopping.
You will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure flight.
All national park entry fees, concession fees, and government taxes.
Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
Services of a professional, English-speaking safari guide.
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof.
All meals as indicated (Full Board during safari, Bed & Breakfast in Arusha).
Bottled drinking water throughout the safari.
International and domestic flights.
Tanzania Visa fee.
Travel and medical insurance.
Tips and gratuities for your guide and camp/lodge staff.
Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, drinks, souvenirs).
Activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
This itinerary is uniquely comprehensive, including not only the classic destinations of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti but also extending to the remote and geologically stunning Lake Natron. This ensures you experience the full diversity of the Northern Circuit in a single, seamless trip.
Absolutely. Lake Natron offers a completely different landscape and experience from the other parks. It is a stark, beautiful wilderness known for its flamingo breeding grounds and the dramatic backdrop of the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. It provides a fascinating cultural and geological contrast to the traditional safari.
Tanzania is widely regarded as one of the most secure and welcoming tourist destinations in Africa. As with travel anywhere, we suggest exercising common-sense safety measures, particularly in cities.
The drive to Lake Natron is adventurous and can be rough, but the reward is an off-the-beaten-path experience. Activities there, like walking to a waterfall, require a moderate level of fitness. The area is remote, with basic but comfortable accommodation options.
Yes, we understand that every traveler is different. We can tailor this itinerary to your specific interests, budget, and preferred travel dates. Please contact us to discuss customization options.
The ideal time is during the dry season, from late June to October. This period not only offers excellent general game viewing but also aligns with the high probability of witnessing the dramatic river crossings of the Wildebeest Migration in the Northern Serengeti.
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