9 Days Northern Tanzania Safari Big5 + Migration Experience
Description
Experience the ultimate 9-day Northern Tanzania safari, carefully optimized for comfort, wildlife encounters, and scenic variety. This journey takes you through the iconic parks of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Mkomazi, offering an unforgettable combination of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences.
Marvel at massive elephant herds in Tarangire, the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara, and the endless plains of the Serengeti, home to the Great Migration and abundant predators. Enjoy panoramic views of Ngorongoro Highlands and optional visits to Maasai and Chagga villages, all at a comfortable pace without overloading each day. Conclude your adventure in Mkomazi National Park, where rare species like African wild dogs and sable antelopes roam. This optimized Northern Circuit safari ensures early morning and late afternoon game drives for the best wildlife sightings, well-timed transfers, and strategic overnight stays for maximum comfort and experience.
Safari Highlights
Explore the iconic Northern Circuit: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Mkomazi National Parks
Full days of game drives across diverse landscapes: savannahs, baobab forests, crater highlands, and floodplains
Witness Tanzania's largest elephant herds in Tarangire and the seasonal Great Migration in Serengeti
Optional cultural experiences: Maasai villages, Chagga community visits, and Mto Wa Mbu local tours
Scenic drives across crater rims, river crossings, and panoramic highlands
Chances to spot rare wildlife: African wild dogs, black rhino, lions, leopards, and tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara
Day-by-Day 9 Days Private Great Migration Safari Itinerary
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) / Arusha Airport (ARK) – Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Relax after your journey and enjoy a detailed safari briefing in preparation for your unforgettable Great Migration adventure.
Accommodation: Midrange / Luxury Hotel in Arusha | Meals: Dinner
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Karatu
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, renowned for its giant baobab trees, impressive elephant herds and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a full-day game drive while searching for lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest and numerous bird species. After a picnic lunch inside the park, continue to the Karatu area for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Midrange / Luxury Lodge in Karatu or Ngorongoro Highlands | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Karatu → Central Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, travel through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area and enter Serengeti National Park via Naabi Hill Gate. Enjoy wildlife viewing along the route before arriving in Central Serengeti for an afternoon game drive through the famous Seronera Valley.
Accommodation: Midrange / Luxury Tented Camp in Central Serengeti (Seronera Area) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Central Serengeti
Spend the day exploring Central Serengeti with your private safari guide. Visit the wildlife-rich Seronera Valley while searching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos and countless plains animals. Your guide will tailor the day's game drives according to wildlife movements and your interests.
Accommodation: Midrange / Luxury Tented Camp in Central Serengeti (Seronera Area) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Central Serengeti → Northern Serengeti (Mara River Region)
Following breakfast, journey north through the Serengeti ecosystem toward the Kogatende region. Enjoy game viewing throughout the drive before arriving in Northern Serengeti for an afternoon game drive near the Mara River, home to spectacular wildlife and seasonal migration activity.
Accommodation: Midrange / Luxury Tented Camp in Northern Serengeti (Kogatende Area) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Full-Day Great Migration Safari in Northern Serengeti
Spend a full day exploring Northern Serengeti, focusing on the Mara River region where the Great Migration gathers seasonally. Depending on the time of year and wildlife movements, you may witness the famous Mara River crossings while also enjoying sightings of crocodiles, lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs and many other wildlife species.
Accommodation: Midrange / Luxury Tented Camp in Northern Serengeti (Kogatende Area) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Northern Serengeti → Central Serengeti
After breakfast, begin your journey back through the Serengeti ecosystem while enjoying an extensive game drive. Stop at wildlife hotspots along the route before arriving in Central Serengeti for an evening game drive.
Accommodation: Midrange / Luxury Tented Camp in Central Serengeti (Seronera Area) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Central Serengeti → Ngorongoro Highlands
Enjoy a relaxed morning game drive in Central Serengeti before departing for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Continue spotting wildlife along the way before arriving at your lodge in the Ngorongoro Highlands, where you can relax and prepare for tomorrow's crater safari.
Accommodation: Midrange / Luxury Lodge in Ngorongoro Highlands / Karatu Area | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari → Arusha
After an early breakfast, descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive. Search for the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino, while enjoying one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife destinations. After a picnic lunch, ascend the crater and drive back to Arusha for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Midrange / Luxury Hotel in Arusha | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Arusha National Park Safari → Departure or Hotel Drop-off
After breakfast, enjoy a final safari in the beautiful Arusha National Park. Explore its diverse landscapes of lush forests, open grasslands, the Momella Lakes and the lower slopes of Mount Meru while searching for giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, waterbucks, warthogs, flamingos, colobus monkeys and abundant birdlife. After lunch, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Arusha Airport (ARK) or your hotel in Arusha, depending on your onward travel arrangements.
Accommodation: No Accommodation – Departure or Optional Midrange / Luxury Hotel in Arusha | Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Includes & Excludes – 9 Days Northern Tanzania Safari
All national park entry fees (Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Mkomazi)
4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Full board accommodation (8 nights)
All meals during safari (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Drinking water during game drives
Optional cultural visits and village tours (Maasai & Chagga communities)
Game drives in all national parks as per itinerary
International & Domestic flights to/from Tanzania
Tanzania visa fees ($50-$100 depending on nationality)
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
Personal expenses, shopping & souvenirs
Alcoholic beverages (unless specified)
Optional hot air balloon safari in Serengeti
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions
This 9-day safari combines Tanzania's famous Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) with the remote Southern Circuit (Ruaha, Nyerere). You'll experience both iconic wildlife destinations and off-the-beaten-path wilderness areas that see far fewer tourists. The Southern parks offer unique species like African wild dogs, greater kudu, and massive elephant populations, plus activities like boat safaris and walking safaris not available in the north.
The package includes three domestic flights: Arusha to Ruaha (Day 4), Ruaha to Nyerere (Day 6), and Nyerere to Dar es Salaam (Day 8). These scenic flights on small aircraft provide aerial views of Tanzania's diverse landscapes. Baggage is typically limited to 15kg per person in soft bags. Flight schedules may vary by season.
Walking safaris in Nyerere National Park offer an intimate wilderness experience. Led by an armed ranger and guide, you'll track wildlife on foot, learn about smaller creatures, plants, and tracking skills. Walks typically last 2-3 hours in the early morning. While you may encounter buffalo, elephants, and other animals, the focus is on understanding the ecosystem. Moderate fitness level required.
The best time for the Southern Circuit is during the dry season from June to October when wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes. November can be excellent with green landscapes and fewer visitors. The Northern Circuit is great year-round, with the Great Migration river crossings June-July. This 9-day itinerary works best June-October for optimal conditions in both regions.
Ruaha and Nyerere are genuinely remote wilderness areas with limited infrastructure and far fewer tourists than Northern Circuit parks. This means exclusive wildlife viewing, authentic bush experiences, and pristine landscapes. Accommodations range from comfortable tented camps to luxury lodges with modern amenities. Mobile phone coverage is limited. This remoteness is part of the appeal for adventurous travelers seeking authentic African safari experiences.
9-Day Tanzania Safari Details
Safari Type
Private Wildlife Safari
Route
Tarangire • Lake Manyara • Serengeti • Ngorongoro • Arusha National Park
Duration
9 Days + Arrival Day
Accommodation
Mid-range or Luxury Lodges & Tented Camps
Vehicle
Private 4×4 Land Cruiser
Start & End
Arusha / JRO ↔ Arusha / JRO
Safari Price
$Upon Request
Price depends on group size, accommodation category & season.
Why Book With Us
Expertise and Experience
Tailored Services
Comprehensive Planning
Client Satisfaction
24/7 Support
Contact Details
Mr. Yamat
Tour Operator
Call Us : +255 686 241 980
Email : info@safarismate.com
Related Tanzania Safari Packages
6 Days · Price Upon Request
7 Days · Price Upon Request
8 Days · Price Upon Request
10 Days · Price Upon Request
11 Days · Price Upon Request