~Seeing Africa Through New Eyes~
9-Day Northern Circuit Safari Adventure
Embark on a soul-stirring 9-day journey through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit—home to some of the most iconic landscapes and wildlife encounters on Earth. Designed for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers, this safari takes you from the shadow of Mount Meru to the legendary plains of the Serengeti, into the prehistoric depths of the Ngorongoro Crater, and across the lush diversity of Lake Manyara. Along the way, you’ll meet the Maasai, explore ancient human history, and witness some of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles, including the Great Migration and the Big Five.
🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania
Your safari begins the moment you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. A warm welcome awaits you from our Eagle Vision Safaris representative, who will accompany you to your comfortable lodge nestled at the foot of Mount Meru. After check-in, relax and unwind in the tranquil gardens of your lodge or take a short walk to explore the nearby local market or cultural center, depending on your arrival time. This day is designed to allow you to rest, refresh, and prepare for the incredible adventure ahead.
Overnight: Arusha Planet Lodge / Mount Meru Game Lodge
Day 2: Arusha National Park – A Scenic Gem with White Colobus Monkeys
Start your safari experience in Arusha National Park, a beautiful and often overlooked gem. Despite its small size, the park offers rich biodiversity—from lush montane forests and the flamingo-filled Momella Lakes to the open savannahs below Mount Meru. Enjoy a walking safari with an armed ranger, where giraffes, zebras, and antelopes can be spotted up close. A special highlight is the chance to see the rare White Colobus Monkeys swinging through the trees. Later, enjoy a peaceful canoeing experience on Momella Lake, offering a unique perspective of wildlife and mountain scenery.
Overnight: Arusha Planet Lodge / Mount Meru Game Lodge
Day 3: Tarangire National Park – Land of Giants and Baobabs
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most underrated safari destinations. Known for its majestic baobab trees, this park is also home to the country’s largest elephant population. Spend the day on an extended game drive, where you might see lions lounging in the shade, leopards hiding in the trees, and herds of buffalo crossing the savannah. Keep your camera ready near the Tarangire River, where elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, and zebras gather for water during the dry season.
Overnight: Marera Valley Lodge, Karatu / Acacia Farm Lodge
Day 4: Journey to Serengeti – Into the Legendary Wilderness
Today’s adventure takes you on a scenic drive through the lush highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area into the endless plains of the Serengeti. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views, Maasai villages, and chances to spot wildlife en route. Upon entering the Ndutu area, famous for seasonal calving and predator-prey action, begin your first Serengeti game drive. As you approach your camp, watch the sun set over the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and orange.
Overnight: Ndutu Safari Lodge / Serengeti Heritage Camp – Ndutu Area
Day 5: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti – Follow the Great Migration
Spend a full day in the Serengeti tracking the Great Migration—one of the most dramatic wildlife events on Earth. Depending on the season, you’ll witness thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles making their epic journey across the plains in search of greener pastures. You may also encounter lions stalking their prey, cheetahs sprinting across the plains, or elephants slowly crossing your path. The vast openness, endless wildlife, and raw natural energy make this one of the most unforgettable days of the safari.
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge – Central Serengeti
Day 6: Balloon Safari & Oldupai Gorge – Nature from the Sky & Human Origins Below
Begin your day with an optional sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti—a truly magical experience. From above, watch the landscape come alive with movement as herds begin their day. Celebrate your flight with a bush champagne breakfast under an acacia tree. Later, drive to the legendary Oldupai Gorge, an important archaeological site where early human fossils were discovered. A short museum tour and walk through the gorge reveal a rich timeline of human evolution. In the late afternoon, drive to Karatu, nestled in the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Overnight: Marera Valley Lodge / Country Lodge – Karatu
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – Home to the Big Five
Today you descend into the ancient caldera of the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World. The crater hosts over 25,000 animals year-round, including lions, buffaloes, zebras, and black rhinos—making it one of the best places in Africa to spot the entire Big Five in one location. Enjoy a full-day game drive across different ecosystems inside the crater and savor a picnic lunch near the Hippo Pool, where hippos laze in the cool water as birds flutter around. In the evening, return to your charming lodge in Karatu.
Overnight: Marera Valley Lodge / Acacia Farm Lodge – Karatu
Day 8: Lake Manyara National Park – Forests, Flamingos & Lions in Trees
This morning, head to Lake Manyara National Park, a lush park famous for its tree-climbing lions, vibrant birdlife, and groundwater forest. Enjoy a scenic game drive that contrasts sharply with the previous day’s crater landscape. Keep an eye out for elephants, baboons, flamingos, and the park’s famous lions resting in acacia branches. The serene lake, backdropped by the Rift Valley escarpment, is also a paradise for birdwatchers. In the afternoon, return to Arusha for your final night.
Overnight: Four Points by Sheraton / Arusha Serena Hotel
Day 9: Cultural Shopping & Departure – Maasai Market Farewell
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a relaxed morning with an optional visit to the vibrant Maasai Market, where you can shop for handmade jewelry, leather goods, carvings, and traditional art. It’s a wonderful chance to bring home a piece of Tanzania and support local artisans. Later, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight, carrying unforgettable memories of wildlife, landscapes, and the warm heart of Tanzania.
Safari Highlights at a Glance
- Game drives in 5 iconic national parks
- Guaranteed Big Five sightings
- White Colobus Monkeys & tree-climbing lions
- Great Migration experience (seasonal)
- Balloon safari with champagne breakfast (optional)
- Oldupai Gorge visit
- Cultural insights with Maasai community and markets
- Comfortable mid-range and luxury accommodation
Budget Inclusions
Budget Exclusions
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Accommodation and meals (as specified in the itinerary)
- 4WD jeep transport equipped with a roof hatch, VHF radio and GSM
- Pure drinking water throughout the safari
- Professionally trained safari guide
- National Park and concession fees
- Maasai village visit
- Dinner while in the hotel
- Alcohol
- Extra personal mountain gears if needed
- rescue fees
- Insurance
- Private toilet
- Tips for the crew
- Any other thing that not included in the budget