12 Days
Unforgettable Tanzania Adventure
Tour Overview
Experience twelve unforgettable days on a luxury safari tour through Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. From Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti to the baobab-dominated landscapes of Tarangire and Lake Manyara, as well as Arusha National Park, each day promises exceptional wildlife moments, exquisite accommodations, and even a thrilling hike up Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai. This is an African safari adventure that’s set to satisfy your adventurous spirit like no other.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Day in Arusha
Today you arrive in Tanzania either by air at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Tanzania-Kenya border – Namanga, where our safari staff meets you personally. After you’ve cleared all formalities at customs, our staff will transfer you to Arusha for dinner and overnight. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy a welcoming atmosphere while anticipating the best of your Tanzania safari has to offer in the coming days.
Overnight: Mount Meru Hotel
Day 2: Half Day - Arusha National Park
After breakfast, set off for a full day at Arusha National Park. Enjoy a scenic hike with an armed park ranger accompany you or a choice of canoe ride in Lake Momella, and an exciting game drive – each offering its own close-up view of the park’s diverse wildlife and rich natural surroundings. Around midday, enjoy a picnic lunch under the shadow of the Mount Meru – Tanzania’s second highest peak. As the sun sets, you return to Mount Meru Hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Mount Meru Hotel
Day 3: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Following a refreshing morning at the hotel, your drive-guide picks you, and together, get on approximately two-hour road trip to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive. The park is known mostly for two reasons: the highest population of the African elephants as well as the baobab trees a.k.a the up-side-down tree. During dry season, animals would greatly gather along Tarangire River most of which could be spotted during a game drive.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the afternoon, before resuming your game-viewing drive. Leave for your booked lodge in the heart of Tarangire for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight: Lake Burunge Lodge
Day 4: Full Day – Tarangire National Park
Your day begins early with a morning drive, as the sun casts its early morning hues in the savannah. These early morning hours give you a rare opportunity to see the wild animals at their active state before they retreat for the rest of the day. After you’ve enjoyed some incredible sights for a few hours, you head back to the lodge for breakfast.
Once you’re ready, set off again to explore more of Tarangire’s unique features. While elephants may take a hold of your attention most of the time, some other wild animals like lions, leopards, and an array of plain games, including giraffes and buffalo will add to the adventure. With hundreds of bird species recorded here, bird lovers are likely to spot everything from brightly colored bee-eaters to raptors soaring overhead.Drive back to the lodge for lunch in early afternoon, then head out once more in the afternoon to wrap up your day.
Overnight: Lake Burunge Lodge
Alternatives: Maramboi Tented Lodge
Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park
Your day start off with a hearty breakfast before setting off to Lake Manyara National Park. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and the Lake Manyara – from which the park draws its name, and which shimmers with the vibrant hues of flamingos. As you venture through the park, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, to name a few. Bird enthusiasts will especially appreciate the abundance of bird species here, from colorful kingfishers to seasonal migratory flocks. Midday, take a break with a picnic lunch before proceeding with your game drive. As the day winds down, drive to Manyara Serena Lodge for dinner and a relaxed evening.
Overnight: The Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
Day 6: Full Day – Lake Natron
After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Lake Natron, a remote and dramatic destination known for its striking landscape and wildlife. In the afternoon, after lunch, you’ll visit the shores of the lake, famous for its vivid red and pink hues – a phenomenon created by high salt levels and algae that thrive in the area. Known as a haven for flamingos, Lake Natron offers guests the rare chance to observe these elegant birds nesting in one of the few places in East Africa where they breed. Wrap up the day with dinner back at the camp, and enjoy a peaceful night under the shadows of Ol Doinyo Lengai.
Overnight: Lake Natron Camp
Day 7: Trek the Ol Doinyo Lengai
Today begins with an early departure for an adventurous climb up Ol Doinyo Lengai, the only active carbonatite volcano in the world and a site held sacred by the Maasai people. Accompanied by your personal guide, the ascent offers a unique glimpse into both natural forces and cultural history, with sweeping views of the surrounding Rift Valley. Reaching the summit, you’ll witness the stark and dramatic landscape beneath, and it won’t much effort to admit why this mountain is such a revered landmark.
Following the descent, the afternoon is yours to relax back at camp, after lunch. You could choose to enjoy the scenery and solitude of the Lake Natron area. Dinner and overnight will be at the camp, allowing you time to unwind after the day’s adventure.
Overnight: Lake Natron Camp
Day 8: Serengeti National Park via NCA
Following an early breakfast, you venture out toward Serengeti, entering through the Klein’s Gate and check in to the Serengeti National Park, you’ll find yourself in a landscape alive with wildlife and endless horizons.
Depending on the season, you may witness thrilling scenes of migrating herds or spot Serengeti’s resident species, from elephants and zebras to the more elusive predators like leopards and cheetahs. As you arrive at Lobo Wildlife Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, enjoy time to relax and recount the day’s highlights, ready for more adventures in Serengeti’s endless plains.
Overnight: Lobo Wildlife Lodge
Day 9 & 10: Central Serengeti
Start your morning with breakfast before heading into central Serengeti, enjoying game viewing along the way. By midday, you’ll arrive at the lodge for a leisurely lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive that brings you up close to the park’s remarkable diversity. With lions prowling the grasslands, herds of elephants and zebras moving in harmony, and elusive leopards blending into the trees, Serengeti’s wildlife never ceases to amaze.
The following day is devoted for a full day of game viewing, letting you dive deeper into Serengeti’s ecosystems. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, these two days offer an intimate look at the incredible wildlife that defines the essence of Serengeti. Enjoy a comfortable evening at the camp, reflecting the memories and recharging for what lies ahead.
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Hotel
Day 11: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Following an early refreshing morning breakfast, you venture out on a scenic drive toward Ngorongoro, a garden of Eden par excellence. Upon reaching Ngorongoro, descend nearly 2,000 feet to the crater floor. Welcome to the eighth wonder of the world and Africa’s number one most visited destination. Ngorongoro features the best wildlife-viewing opportunities, impressive landscapes, measuring about 20 kilometers wide and ranking among the largest calderas globally. Within its steep, unbroken walls, the opportunity to sight the Big Five, as well as various other mammalian wildlife roam freely, is extremely high. The crater’s birdlife is equally remarkable, particularly around Lake Magadi – a soda lake at the crater’s base that entices hundreds of flamingos to its shallows. As the day draws to a close, ascend the crater walls and journey to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge
Alternatives: : Ngorongoro Farm House Lodge
Day 12: Ngorongoro Highland to JRO – Final Day
Enjoy a relaxed morning, taking in the last moments of your time in Ngorongoro Highland. After a leisurely breakfast, you have the morning to unwind or explore at your own pace. Following lunch, your driver will be ready for a final road trip back to Arusha, and upon arrival, you head straight to Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your scheduled flight home or to other destinations. As your time in Tanzania comes to a close, look back on the experiences and memories you’ll be taking home. Safe travels, and we at Premier Africa Adventure, hope to welcome you back to Africa again someday.
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Optional Safari Extension
Day 13: Fly from Arusha to Zanzibar
After breakfast, you can choose to either catch an early flight to Zanzibar or take it slow, spending the morning at Mount Meru Hotel before your afternoon flight. Your driver will take you to Arusha Airport, where you’ll board a quick flight to the island.
On arrival at Abeid Karume International Airport in Zanzibar, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The moment you step off the plane, the island’s warm atmosphere greets you. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Welcome to Zanzibar.
Overnight: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Alternative: Swahili House Hotel
Day 14: Full Day – Stone Town Tour
After breakfast, you’ll set off for a guided tour of Stone Town, a place rich in culture and history. As you wander through its narrow streets, you’ll discover landmarks like the Old Fort, the Sultan’s Palace, and the House of Wonders, each telling its own story of the island’s diverse past. The bustling local markets, intricately carved doors, and vibrant streets offer a glimpse into everyday life in Zanzibar.
In the afternoon, you can choose to explore more at your own pace or simply relax and soak in the unique atmosphere that Stone Town has to offer.
Overnight: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Alternative: Swahili House Hotel
Day 15: Stone Town to Nungwi Beach
Following a satisfying breakfast, your local guide will pick you up from your hotel in Stone Town, and an adventurous road trip to Nungwi Beach commences. As the road stretches ahead, you’ll notice the shift from the vibrant Zanzibar City to the coastal vibes of Nungwi.
Upon arrival, Nungwi’s beautiful beaches greet you, with clear waters and soft sands ready to be explored as you please. You’ll have the day to unwind or dive into optional activities like snorkeling, kitesurfing along the breezy shore, or even hopping on a quad bike for an adventure around the area. The day is yours to explore and enjoy one of Zanzibar’s finest beach destinations.
Overnight: Gold Hotel
Alternative: Kendwa Rock Hotel / Royal Zanzibar Resort Hotel / Essque Zalu Zanzibar / Z. Hotel
Day 16 & 17: Nungwi Beach
Over the next two days, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and enjoy Nungwi, one of Zanzibar’s liveliest and most scenic beach destinations. Nungwi is famous for its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and soft, white sands. It’s a perfect spot for snorkeling and diving, with chances to see tropical marine life just offshore. The beach is also known for its dhow-building traditions, where you can catch local artisans at work, crafting these iconic wooden boats.
Alternatively, you can simply unwind and enjoy the relaxed beach vibe. Take a stroll along the shoreline, visit the beach bars, or indulge in fresh seafood by the water. These days are yours to either fill with adventure or simply soak up the sun and serenity that Nungwi is known for
Overnight: Gold Hotel
Alternative: Kendwa Rock Hotel / Royal Zanzibar Resort Hotel / Essque Zalu Zanzibar / Z. Hotel
Day 18: Final Day
Finally, your Tanzania safari has come to a close. Today you wake up and savor your final breakfast, reflecting on the experiences of the past two weeks. The morning is yours to relax or take in any last moments by the beach, depending on your flight schedule. If your departure is set for the later afternoon, you’ll have time for lunch before your transfer to Abeid Karume International Airport for your onward flight.
We hope your time in Tanzania with Premier African Adventures was everything you imagined and more. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back whenever Africa calls!
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Customize Your Safari
focusing on Your specific interests
At Premier Africa Adventures, we craft safaris as unique as you are. share your vision, and we’ll handle every detail from choosing the ideal parks to planning activities that fit your unique interests and schedule. Let’s bring your dream African adventure to life.
