8 DAYS ULTIMATE NORTHERN CIRCUIT SAFARI

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by your professional guide and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. You will check in, receive a comprehensive safari briefing, and have the rest of the day to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead. Arusha is the gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit.

Overnight: Arusha Hotel/Lodge | Activity: Arrival & Briefing | Travel: ~1 hr (50 km)

We depart early for Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive baobab trees and the largest concentration of elephants in the world. During the dry season, the Tarangire River acts as a crucial water source, drawing huge herds of wildebeest, zebras, buffalos, and various predators. We will conduct a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch inside the park, focusing on riverine action and large animal sightings.

Overnight: Lodge/Camp near Tarangire | Activity: Full Day Game Drive | Travel: ~2.5 hrs (130 km)

**Morning:** Drive towards Lake Manyara National Park. This park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including groundwater forests and an alkaline lake that attracts large flocks of flamingos (seasonal). We focus on spotting the famous tree-climbing lions (seasonal) and the vast number of baboons. **Afternoon:** After a game drive, we drive up the Great Rift Valley Escarpment to the cooler **Ngorongoro Highlands**, checking into our lodge near Karatu.

Overnight: Lodge in Karatu/Highlands | Activity: Half Day Game Drive & Transfer | Travel: ~3 hrs (180 km)

**Morning:** We descend 600 meters into the magnificent **Ngorongoro Crater**. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the "Eighth Natural Wonder of the World" and hosts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including the Big Five and the rare Black Rhino. We spend the permitted six hours exploring the crater floor. **Afternoon:** We drive out of the NCA and head into the vast, endless plains of the **Serengeti National Park**, heading directly to the Central Seronera area, arriving at our camp for an evening game drive en route.

Overnight: Tented Camp/Lodge in Central Serengeti | Activity: Crater Tour & Transfer Game Drive | Travel: ~4 hrs (150 km)

We dedicate this full day to exploring the Serengeti's central region, the Seronera Valley, often called the "predator capital" due to the Seronera River providing water year-round. We look for the Big Cats—lions, leopards (often near the rocky Kopjes), and cheetahs—as well as the vast resident wildlife population. Depending on the time of year, we may also track parts of the Great Wildebeest Migration. We will include both a morning and afternoon game drive to capture the best wildlife activity.

Overnight: Tented Camp/Lodge in Central Serengeti | Activity: Full Day Game Drives | Distance: Varied Game Drives

**Morning Drive:** We take a final, early morning game drive in the Serengeti to catch nocturnal animals returning and predators hunting. This is often the most rewarding time for big cat sightings. **Transfer:** After breakfast and checking out, we begin the scenic drive out of the Serengeti, back through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, towards our lodge in the highlands. This long journey serves as an en-route game drive with panoramic views, marking our return to the cooler Karatu area.

Overnight: Lodge in Karatu/Highlands | Activity: Morning Game Drive & Transfer | Travel: ~4 hrs (150 km)

**Morning:** Enjoy a relaxed morning in the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands. You may choose to participate in an optional activity such as a coffee tour, a guided walk through the nearby forests, or a visit to a local Maasai cultural boma to learn about their traditions and crafts. **Afternoon:** After lunch, we commence the drive back to Arusha town. The afternoon is spent relaxing at your final hotel, allowing you time to rest and perhaps shop for souvenirs before your departure.

Overnight: Hotel in Arusha | Activity: Leisure/Optional Tour & Transfer | Travel: ~3.5 hrs (150 km)

Depending on your international flight schedule, you will enjoy breakfast and be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Alternatively, you may be transferred to Arusha Airport (ARK) for a domestic flight or be dropped off at your next destination. This marks the end of your unforgettable 8-day Tanzania safari experience. Day rooms or later transfers can be arranged upon request.

Overnight: N/A (Departure) | Activity: Transfer | Travel: ~1 hr