FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

9 Day Northern Safari Adventure

  • Serengeti Immersion: Fly in for game drives, Great Migration views, and big cat encounters.
  • Ngorongoro Crater: Explore the UNESCO crater with dense wildlife and black rhino sightings.
  • Lake Eyasi Culture: Meet Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and Datoga blacksmiths for authentic exchanges.
  • Materuni & Mkomazi: Enjoy Materuni Waterfalls, Chagga coffee, and Mkomazi’s black rhino sanctuary.
or

Overview

9-Day Northern Safari Adventure

The 9 - Day Northern Safari Adventure offers an exceptional blend of wildlife, culture, and landscapes across Tanzania’s most iconic destinations. Beginning with a scenic flight into the Serengeti, you’ll enjoy immersive game drives in Africa’s most famous national park, with seasonal opportunities to witness the Great Migration and close encounters with big cats. A descent into the Ngorongoro Crater follows, where the UNESCO-listed caldera delivers dense wildlife populations and excellent chances to see endangered black rhinos.

This journey also embraces cultural depth, with time at Lake Eyasi to meet the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and Datoga blacksmiths, experiencing traditions untouched for centuries. The adventure continues with a refreshing hike to Materuni Waterfalls on Kilimanjaro’s lush slopes, paired with an authentic Chagga coffee tour. Finally, explore the arid beauty of Mkomazi National Park, home to unique dryland species and a special black rhino conservation project, before returning enriched with unforgettable memories of northern Tanzania.

9-Day Northern Safari Adventure Itinerary Options

Choose between immersive Serengeti game drives, Ngorongoro Crater’s dense wildlife, Lake Eyasi cultural encounters, Materuni waterfalls, or Mkomazi’s unique rhino project.

Day 1 - Moshi / Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) / Arusha → Serengeti National Park (Fly-In)

Visitors posing at the Serengeti National Park entrance – the start of an unforgettable African safari adventure.

Your safari adventure begins with a morning flight from Arusha to the world-famous Serengeti National Park. On arrival, enjoy a scenic game drive across the vast plains, home to iconic wildlife including lions, elephants, giraffes, and large wildebeest herds. A picnic lunch will be served en route, followed by an afternoon game drive before heading to your selected camp or lodge for dinner and overnight.

Quick facts

  • Approx driving distance: 1–2 hours (Arusha – Serengeti)
  • Expected game drive: Morning - Afternoon
  • Meals usually included: Picnic lunch, dinner
  • Optional activities: Sundowner at the lodge/camp (on request)
  • Commonly seen animals: Elephant, lion, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, leopard, cheetah, and over 500 bird species

Night 1 - Overnight accommodation options

Overnight: Serengeti Arukore Lodge

Scenic tented suite at Arukore Simba Camp Serengeti featuring a wooden deck, modern safari interiors, and panoramic sunset views over the savannah

Style: Mid range
Location: Central Serengeti National Park (Arukore area, ~25 km from Seronera), Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Karibu Sametu Camp

Spacious tented suite at Karibu Semetu Lodge in Serengeti with canopy bed, elegant seating area, and modern safari-style decor

Style: Mid range
Location: Eastern edge of Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge

Elegant tented suite at Kubu Kubu Tented Camp in Serengeti with canopy bed, seating area, and panoramic savannah views

Style: Mid range
Location: Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Mbali Mbali Soroi Camp

Elegant suite at Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge with wooden interiors, canopy bed, mosquito netting, and rustic safari-chic design overlooking Serengeti landscapes

Style: Mid range
Location: Banagi / Western-Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Embalakai Serengeti Camp

Comfortable triple tent room at Embalakai Serengeti Camp, featuring zebra-print décor, wooden furnishings, and scenic Serengeti views for an authentic safari stay in Tanzania.

Style: Mid-range tented camp
Location: Banagi area, Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Kenzan Central Camp

Luxury tented accommodation at Kenzan Mara Tented Camp in Serengeti, featuring a cozy bed with vibrant decor and mosquito netting

Style: Budget tented camp
Location: Tunner 5, Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Narudi Tented Camp

Stylish safari tent at Narudi Tented Camp, combining modern comfort with breathtaking Serengeti landscape views.

Style: Budget‑range
Location: Central Serengeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip‑Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Thorn Tree Camp

Spacious tented room at Thorn Tree Tented Camp in Serengeti with a large bed, cozy décor, and open views of the savannah

Style: Mid‑range lodge
Location: Karatu, Arusha Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip‑Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: The Whisper Camp

Interior of The Whisper Camp luxury tent in Tarangire, featuring a cozy bed with blue accents and mosquito netting

Style: Boutique tented bush camp
Location: Seronera, Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Melia Serengeti Lodge

Luxurious canopy bed inside a bright and stylish suite at Meliá Serengeti Lodge, featuring modern decor and large window with natural stone wall.

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Central Serengeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Nimali Serengeti

Spacious luxury suite at Nimali Serengeti Lodge featuring a four-poster bed, cozy lounge area, and large glass windows overlooking the Serengeti landscape.

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Central Serengeti (near Makoma Hill), Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Lemala Serengeti Nanyukie

Elegant Lemala Nanyukie tented suite in Serengeti with canopy-draped bed, private deck, and sweeping views of the savannah

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Eastern Central Serengeti (east of Seronera), Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Central Serengeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Elewana Serengeti Pioneer camp

Spacious tented suite at Elewana Tarangire Treetops with safari-style décor, vintage trunks, and a king-size bed under canvas

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: South-Central Serengeti (near Moru Kopjes), Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Seronera Campsite

  

Style: Campsite
Location: 
Serengeti National Park
No website available
No reviews available

Day 2 – Serengeti National Park (Full-Day Game Drives)

Wake to birdsong and set out for sunrise wildlife viewing across the Central Serengeti/Seronera plains. Spend the day tracking predators along river lines and kopjes, with picnic lunch in a scenic spot. Afternoon continues with game drives for big cats, elephants, large buffalo herds, and seasonally Great Migration columns. Return to your camp/lodge for sunset, dinner, and overnight.

Quick facts

  • Approx driving distance: Flexible inside park
  • Expected game drive: Full day (sunrise + afternoon)
  • Meals usually included: Breakfast, picnic lunch / hot lunch, dinner
  • Optional activities: Sunrise hot-air balloon (pre-book), sundowner at camp/lodge (on request)
  • Commonly seen animals: Lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, hyena, wildebeest, zebra, plus rich birdlife

Night 2 - Overnight accommodation options

Overnight: Serengeti Arukore Lodge

Scenic tented suite at Arukore Simba Camp Serengeti featuring a wooden deck, modern safari interiors, and panoramic sunset views over the savannah

Style: Mid range
Location: Central Serengeti National Park (Arukore area, ~25 km from Seronera), Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Karibu Sametu Camp

Spacious tented suite at Karibu Semetu Lodge in Serengeti with canopy bed, elegant seating area, and modern safari-style decor

Style: Mid range
Location: Eastern edge of Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge

Elegant tented suite at Kubu Kubu Tented Camp in Serengeti with canopy bed, seating area, and panoramic savannah views

Style: Mid range
Location: Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Mbali Mbali Soroi Camp

Elegant suite at Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge with wooden interiors, canopy bed, mosquito netting, and rustic safari-chic design overlooking Serengeti landscapes

Style: Mid range
Location: Banagi / Western-Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Embalakai Serengeti Camp

Comfortable triple tent room at Embalakai Serengeti Camp, featuring zebra-print décor, wooden furnishings, and scenic Serengeti views for an authentic safari stay in Tanzania.

Style: Mid-range tented camp
Location: Banagi area, Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Kenzan Central Camp

Luxury tented accommodation at Kenzan Mara Tented Camp in Serengeti, featuring a cozy bed with vibrant decor and mosquito netting

Style: Budget tented camp
Location: Tunner 5, Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Narudi Tented Camp

Stylish safari tent at Narudi Tented Camp, combining modern comfort with breathtaking Serengeti landscape views.

Style: Budget‑range
Location: Central Serengeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip‑Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Thorn Tree Camp

Spacious tented room at Thorn Tree Tented Camp in Serengeti with a large bed, cozy décor, and open views of the savannah

Style: Mid‑range lodge
Location: Karatu, Arusha Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip‑Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: The Whisper Camp

Interior of The Whisper Camp luxury tent in Tarangire, featuring a cozy bed with blue accents and mosquito netting

Style: Boutique tented bush camp
Location: Seronera, Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Melia Serengeti Lodge

Luxurious canopy bed inside a bright and stylish suite at Meliá Serengeti Lodge, featuring modern decor and large window with natural stone wall.

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Central Serengeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Nimali Serengeti

Spacious luxury suite at Nimali Serengeti Lodge featuring a four-poster bed, cozy lounge area, and large glass windows overlooking the Serengeti landscape.

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Central Serengeti (near Makoma Hill), Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Lemala Serengeti Nanyukie

Elegant Lemala Nanyukie tented suite in Serengeti with canopy-draped bed, private deck, and sweeping views of the savannah

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Eastern Central Serengeti (east of Seronera), Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Central Serengeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Elewana Serengeti Pioneer camp

Spacious tented suite at Elewana Tarangire Treetops with safari-style décor, vintage trunks, and a king-size bed under canvas

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: South-Central Serengeti (near Moru Kopjes), Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Seronera Campsite

  

Style: Campsite
Location: 
Serengeti National Park
No website available
No reviews available

Day 3 – Serengeti National Park

Another thrilling day in Serengeti. Begin with a sunrise game drive through the Seronera Valley prime big-cat territory then range toward Moru/Kitaa kopjes and the hippo pools. Track lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunting among acacia woodlands and open plains. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before an unhurried afternoon drive. Return to camp/lodge for dinner and overnight.

Quick facts

  • Approx driving distance: Flexible within park
  • Expected game drive: Full day (sunrise + afternoon)
  • Meals usually included: Breakfast, Picnic lunch / hot lunch, dinner
  • Optional activities: Hot-air balloon (pre-book), sundowner at camp/lodge (on request)
  • Commonly seen animals: Lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, hyena, wildebeest, zebra, extensive birdlife

Night 3 - Overnight accommodation options

Overnight: Serengeti Arukore Lodge

Scenic tented suite at Arukore Simba Camp Serengeti featuring a wooden deck, modern safari interiors, and panoramic sunset views over the savannah

Style: Mid range
Location: Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Karibu Sametu Camp

Spacious tented suite at Karibu Semetu Lodge in Serengeti with canopy bed, elegant seating area, and modern safari-style decor

Style: Mid range
Location: Eastern edge of Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge

Elegant tented suite at Kubu Kubu Tented Camp in Serengeti with canopy bed, seating area, and panoramic savannah views

Style: Mid range
Location: Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Mbali Mbali Soroi Camp

Elegant suite at Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge with wooden interiors, canopy bed, mosquito netting, and rustic safari-chic design overlooking Serengeti landscapes

Style: Mid range
Location: Banagi / Western-Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Embalakai Serengeti Camp

Comfortable triple tent room at Embalakai Serengeti Camp, featuring zebra-print décor, wooden furnishings, and scenic Serengeti views for an authentic safari stay in Tanzania.

Style: Mid-range tented camp
Location: Banagi area, Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Kenzan Central Camp

Luxury tented accommodation at Kenzan Mara Tented Camp in Serengeti, featuring a cozy bed with vibrant decor and mosquito netting

Style: Budget tented camp
Location: Tunner 5, Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Narudi Tented Camp

Stylish safari tent at Narudi Tented Camp, combining modern comfort with breathtaking Serengeti landscape views.

Style: Budget‑range
Location: Central Serengeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip‑Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Thorn Tree Camp

Spacious tented room at Thorn Tree Tented Camp in Serengeti with a large bed, cozy décor, and open views of the savannah

Style: Mid‑range lodge
Location: Karatu, Arusha Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip‑Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: The Whisper Camp

Interior of The Whisper Camp luxury tent in Tarangire, featuring a cozy bed with blue accents and mosquito netting

Style: Boutique tented bush camp
Location: Seronera, Central Serengeti, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Melia Serengeti Lodge

Luxurious canopy bed inside a bright and stylish suite at Meliá Serengeti Lodge, featuring modern decor and large window with natural stone wall.

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Central Serengeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Nimali Serengeti

Spacious luxury suite at Nimali Serengeti Lodge featuring a four-poster bed, cozy lounge area, and large glass windows overlooking the Serengeti landscape.

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Central Serengeti (near Makoma Hill), Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Lemala Serengeti Nanyukie

Elegant Lemala Nanyukie tented suite in Serengeti with canopy-draped bed, private deck, and sweeping views of the savannah

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Eastern Central Serengeti (east of Seronera), Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Central Serengeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Elewana Serengeti Pioneer camp

Spacious tented suite at Elewana Tarangire Treetops with safari-style décor, vintage trunks, and a king-size bed under canvas

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: South-Central Serengeti (near Moru Kopjes), Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Seronera Campsite

  

Style: Campsite
Location: 
Serengeti National Park
No website available
No reviews available

Day 4 – Serengeti → Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Rim Overnight)

After Serengeti game drive, depart south/east toward the Ngorongoro highlands, wildlife viewing en route across the plains. Pause at Naabi Hill Gate for sweeping views, then continue into the Conservation Area. Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge Museum or a traditional Maasai boma. Arrive at the crater rim by late afternoon cool, misty, and dramatic check in for dinner and overnight.

Quick facts

  • Approx driving distance: 3–4 hrs
  • Expected game drive: Morning in Serengeti + en-route sightings
  • Meals usually included: Breakfast, Picnic lunch, dinner
  • Optional activities: Olduvai Gorge Museum visit, Maasai cultural visit (on request)
  • Commonly seen animals: Lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, hyena, wildebeest, zebra, extensive birdlife

Night 4 - Overnight accommodation options

Overnight: Karibu Lions Paw

Spacious luxury tented suite at Lions Paw Camp featuring a canopy bed, stylish furnishings, and large glass doors with views of the lush Ngorongoro landscape.

Style: Mid range lodge
Location: On the Eastern Crater Rim, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

Spacious triple room at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge featuring traditional African décor, wildlife wall art, and cozy bedding overlooking the Ngorongoro highlands

Style: Mid range safari lodge
Location: On the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Farm of Dreams

right and inviting guest room at Farm of Dreams Lodge featuring a comfortable bed with decorative throw, warm lighting, and large windows with flowing curtains for a relaxing Tanzania stay

Style: Budget range
Location: Karatu, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Marera Valley Lodge

Bright and spacious twin room with modern furnishings, seating area, and large windows overlooking lush gardens at Marera Valley Lodge in Karatu near Ngorongoro

Style: Budget range lodge
Location: Karatu, Tanzania (on the outskirts of Karatu town, between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro)
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Country Lodge

Cozy twin room at Country Lodge in Karatu with four-poster beds, African-inspired décor, wicker seating, and warm ambiance near Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara

Style: Budget range lodge
Location: Karatu, Tanzania (on the outskirts of Karatu, between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro)
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Kankari Lodge

Twin room at Kankari Lodge in Karatu featuring stone wall décor, wooden furnishings, cozy bedding, and a warm safari-style ambiance near Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara

Style: Budget range lodge
Location: Karatu, Tanzania (on the outskirts of Karatu town, between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro)
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Eileens Tree Inn

Spacious twin room at Eileens Tree Inn in Karatu featuring wooden beds with mosquito nets, cozy seating area, and simple safari-style amenities near Ngorongoro Crater

Style: Budget range lodge
Location: Karatu, Tanzania (just at the edge of Karatu town, in the Crater Highlands)
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Bougainvillea Lodge

Elegant twin canopy beds with warm interiors, wicker seating, and traditional African decor at Bougainvillea Lodge in Karatu near Ngorongoro.

Style: Budget range lodge
Location: Karatu, Tanzania (on the outskirts of Karatu town, between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro)
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Gibbs Farm

Elegant room at Gibb’s Farm near Ngorongoro, featuring canopy beds, rustic wooden beams, stylish decor, and garden views for a serene stay

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Karatu, Tanzania (historic coffee & flower farm on the Ngorongoro Crater highlands)
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge

Luxurious bedroom at Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge featuring a grand wooden sleigh bed with striped bedding, canopy drapes, bedside lamps, and a tea and coffee station for a refined safari retreat.

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Oldeani, Karatu, Ngorongoro Highlands, Tanzania (just north of the Ngorongoro Crater Gate)
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: The Plantation Lodge

Stylish room at Plantation Lodge Ngorongoro featuring a canopy bed, warm lighting, and patio access for a serene safari escape

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Karatu, Ngorongoro Highlands, Tanzania (close to the Ngorongoro Crater Gate)
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: The Manor at Ngorongoro

Spacious and stylish suite at Elewana Coffee Lodge, offering refined comfort amid the tranquil charm of Arusha.

Style: Luxury lodge
Location: Shangri-La Coffee Estate, Karatu, Ngorongoro Highlands, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Ngorongoro Simba Campsite

 

Style: Campsite
Location:
Ngorongoro National Park
No website available
No reviews available

Day 5 – Ngorongoro Crater (Game Drive) → Lake Eyasi / Karatu

Ngorongoro Highlands hiking trail

Descend early into the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater for one of Africa’s densest wildlife encounters black rhino, large tusker elephants, prides of lion, hyena, hippo pools, and vast plains of wildebeest and zebra. Enjoy a picnic at the hippo site, then exit the crater mid-afternoon. Continue to your overnight area: Karatu (Comfort) or the Lake Eyasi region (Basic/Budget). Dinner and overnight.

Quick facts

  • Approx driving distance: Rim → 2–3 hrs.
  • Expected game drive: Morning
  • Meals usually included: Breakfast, Picnic lunch, dinner
  • Optional activities: Maasai village visit near the rim (time-permitting); lodge/camp sundowner.
  • Commonly seen animals: Elephant, lion, buffalo, hyena, hippo, wildebeest, zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, eland, ostrich, kori bustard, crowned crane

Night 5 - Overnight accommodation options

Overnight: Ziwani Lodge

Elegant lounge at Ziwani Lodge with Swahili-inspired design, handcrafted furniture, and open terraces overlooking Lake Eyasi’s wilderness

Style: Mid range
Location: Lake Eyasi (Karatu), Arusha Region, Tanzania (on an escarpment overlooking Lake Eyasi)
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge

Style: Budget lodge
Location: Lake Eyasi, Karatu, Tanzania (on the Rift Valley floor / edge of Ngorongoro Conservation Area)
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Lake Eyasi Campsite

 

Style: Campsite
Location:
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
No website available
No reviews available

Day 6 – Lake Eyasi Cultural Day → Moshi/Arusha (Kilimanjaro Foothills)

Hadzabe tribesmen practicing archery in the bushlands of Lake Eyasi, Tanzania

Pre-dawn start with the Hadzabe for a traditional walk/hunt, then visit the Datoga blacksmith and the lakeshore. After lunch, drive east via Karatu/Mto wa Mbu and Arusha toward Moshi/Kilimanjaro for dinner and overnight positioning you for tomorrow’s Materuni waterfalls and coffee experience.

Quick facts

  • Approx driving distance: 5–6 hrs
  • Activities Hadzabe experience, Datoga visit, lakeshore views.
  • Meals usually included: Breakfast, Picnic lunch, dinner
  • Optional activities: Craft stop in Karatu; arrival-day sundowner.

Night 6 - Overnight accommodation options

Overnight: Kilimanjaro Machare Coffee Lodge

Style: Mid range
Location: Moshi foothills, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat

Elegant villa at Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat with private pool, modern design, and tranquil garden views near Mount Kilimanjaro

Style: Mid range
Location: Msaranga, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania (foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro)
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Bristol Cottage

Twin room at Bristol Cottages Moshi Tanzania with comfortable beds, white linens, and natural light, ideal stay before Mount Kilimanjaro climb

Style: Budget range
Location: Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Chanya Lodge

Twin room at Chanya Lodge in Moshi Tanzania featuring two wooden canopy beds with mosquito netting light wood furniture and a cozy atmosphere ideal for Kilimanjaro climbers and safari travelers seeking comfort and charm.

Style: Budget range
Location: Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania (Plot 298, Kiboriloni, off Arusha-Himo Road, A23)
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Maridadi Hotel

Modern guest room at Maridadi Hotel Moshi featuring a cozy bed, contemporary décor, and convenient amenities near Kilimanjaro

Style: Budget range
Location: Moshi (Karanga), Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Lindrin Lodge

Simple twin room at Lindrini Lodge Moshi with basic amenities, air conditioning, and cozy furnishing for budget travelers near Kilimanjaro

Style: Budget range
Location: Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

Style: High range
Location: Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Basic camping is not recommended and a budget accommodation is usually a better choice

Day 7 – Materuni Waterfalls & Chagga Coffee → Mkomazi National Park

Safari vehicle entering Mkomazi National Park through the Zange Gate, marked by sculpted figures of a rhino and oryx on either side.

After breakfast, drive to Materuni village on Kilimanjaro’s lush slopes. Hike to the 80-m waterfall, swim in the clear pool, and join an authentic Chagga coffee experience picking, roasting, grinding, and brewing your own cup. After lunch, travel southeast through Mwanga and Same to Mkomazi National Park. Check in, enjoy golden-hour views of the Pare and Usambara ranges, dinner, and overnight.

Quick facts

  • Approx driving distance: 3–4.5 hrs
  • Expected game drive: Afternoon
  • Meals usually included: Picnic lunch, dinner
  • Optional activities: Swim at the falls; local handicrafts; lodge/camp sundowner.

Night 7 - Overnight accommodation options

Overnight: Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat

Spacious safari tent at Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat with open deck, panoramic views, and rustic-luxury design in Mkomazi National Park

Style: Mid range Tented Camp
Location: Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania (on Dindira Hill, overlooking the park’s main watering hole)
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Mkomazi View Camp

Comfortable safari tent at Mkomazi View Camp with wooden bed, rustic décor, and panoramic views of Mkomazi National Park wilderness

Style: Budget tented safari camp
Location: Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania (north-western side, near Mbula Rhino Sanctuary & Dindira Dam)
Website: Visit website
Google Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Mkomazi Campsite

 

Style: Campsite
Location:
Mkomazi National Park
No website available
No reviews available

Day 8 – Mkomazi National Park (Game Drives + Special Rhino Viewing)

Explore Mkomazi’s semi-arid savannah for giraffe towers, elephant, buffalo, lesser kudu, gerenuk, oryx, and rich birdlife. In the afternoon, enter the Rhino Sanctuary for a pre-booked ~1-hour black rhino viewing with rangers (strict timings). Sunset game drive back to camp/lodge for dinner and overnight.

Quick facts

  • Approx driving distance: Flexible inside park
  • Expected game drive: Full day (sunrise + afternoon)
  • Optional activities: Sundowner at camp/lodge; wild-dog info stop (time-permitting).
  • Meals usually included: Breakfast, Picnic lunch / hot lunch, dinner
  • Commonly seen: Rhino, elephant, buffalo, Giraffe, wildebeest, African wild dog

Night 8 - Overnight accommodation options

Overnight: Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat

Spacious safari tent at Mkomazi Wilderness Retreat with open deck, panoramic views, and rustic-luxury design in Mkomazi National Park

Style: Mid range Tented Camp
Location: Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania (on Dindira Hill, overlooking the park’s main watering hole)
Website: Visit website
TripAdvisor Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Mkomazi View Camp

Comfortable safari tent at Mkomazi View Camp with wooden bed, rustic décor, and panoramic views of Mkomazi National Park wilderness

Style: Budget tented safari camp
Location: Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania (north-western side, near Mbula Rhino Sanctuary & Dindira Dam)
Website: Visit website
Google Reviews: Read reviews

Overnight: Mkomazi Campsite

 

Style: Campsite
Location:
Mkomazi National Park
No website available
No reviews available

Day 9 – Mkomazi National Park → Moshi / Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) / Arusha

Enjoy a relaxed sunrise game drive in Mkomazi, scanning for giraffe, lesser kudu, oryx, and raptors with the Pare–Usambara ranges as a backdrop. After an early lunch (picnic or at camp), exit the park and drive to Moshi/Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) for your onward flight. Option to extend with an extra night or beach add-on (Pangani/Tanga/Zanzibar).

Quick facts

  • Approx driving distance: Same Gate → Moshi 3–4 hrs / Arusha 4.5–5.5 hrs / JRO 3.5–4 hrs.
  • Expected game drive: Short morning drive before departure (as time allows).
  • Optional activities: Short walking safari, Extra Activities in Moshi/Arusha, Zanzibar/Pangani/Tanga beach extensions.
  • Meals usually included: Breakfast, Picnic lunch
  • Commonly seen: Rhino, elephant, buffalo, Giraffe, wildebeest, African wild dog

Overnight Accommodation options

  • None included but you can add post tour accommodation to any of our safaris on request in Arusha, Moshi or around Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Overnight: Optional extra

Overnight: Optional extra

Overnight: Optional extra

Overnight: Optional extra

Prices, Inclusions & Custom Options

Enjoy transparent 9-Day Northern Safari prices with park fees, 4×4 transport, and full-board stays included. Tailor your journey with cultural add-ons, premium lodge upgrades, or unique wildlife experiences for a fully personalized adventure.

  • Private group (private departure)

    please request a quote
  • Scheduled group (shared departure)

    please request a quote
  • * All prices are in USD ($) and serve as indications only for a standard package excluding pre/post accommodation, add-ons and comfort upgrades.

    Scheduled departures for Complete North safari are currently not available however for small groups we can consider offering your dates for others to join.

Standard packages usually include

  • Extensive Big Five game drives across Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mkomazi, maximizing your chances of unforgettable wildlife encounters.
  • A diverse 9-day journey combining Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro’s UNESCO caldera, Lake Eyasi culture, Materuni waterfalls, and Mkomazi conservation.
  • Distinctive accommodations in well-selected lodges or tented camps, ensuring comfort, authentic settings, and proximity to key safari highlights.
  • All government taxes, VAT, and local levies
  • Full safari itinerary coverage, including crater descent fees
  • Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, radio calls, English-speaking driver-guide, charging ports, and luggage space (soft bags, max 20kg per person).
  • 1.5 litres bottled water per person per day
  • Comfortable, handpicked full-board lodges depending on category selected)
  • For basic camping at special campsites: Portable camping shower and toilet (with porter to service)

Optional extras, add-ons and comfort upgrades

Looking for more comfort or a tailored experience? Explore our optional upgrades, add-ons, and customization ideas below.

Standard packages usually exclude

Trip Add-Ons & Comfort Upgrades

Enhance your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure with optional add-ons like hot air balloon rides, Maasai village visits, walking safaris, treetop walkways, or luxury lodge upgrades for extra comfort.

Hot air balloon flying over Serengeti savannah
Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari

Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari

Soar over the Serengeti at sunrise on your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure, with stunning wildlife views and champagne bush breakfast.
Walking safari with Zebras in Tanzania
Serengeti Walking Safari

Serengeti Walking Safari

Experience a guided Serengeti walking safari during your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure, exploring wildlife, landscapes, and nature up close.
Ngorongoro Crater Highlands Trek

Ngorongoro Crater Highlands Trek

Ngorongoro Crater Highlands Trek enhances your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure with scenic hikes, wildlife views, and authentic cultural encounters.
Lake Eyasi Cultural Experience

Lake Eyasi Cultural Experience

Meet Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and Datoga blacksmiths during your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure for authentic cultural immersion.
Mkomazi Rhino Viewing

Mkomazi Rhino Viewing

Experience a rare encounter with endangered black rhinos at Mkomazi, highlighting conservation efforts on your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure
Giraffes gathering near the Umba River in Mkomazi National Park.
Mkomazi Walking Safari

Mkomazi Walking Safari

Experience guided 1–4 hour treks in Mkomazi’s semi-arid wilderness, spotting unique wildlife, birds, and rhino conservation landscapes.
Tourists engaging with Maasai during a cultural tour in Mto wa Mbu village
Mto wa Mbu Village & Activities

Mto wa Mbu Village & Activities

Mto wa Mbu Village offers cultural tours, local markets, banana farms, Tuk Tuk rides, and traditional meals, enriching your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure
Chemka (Kikuletwa) Hot Springs

Chemka (Kikuletwa) Hot Springs

Coffee estate tours, local market visits, village walks, Rau Forest Nature Walk, or scenic day hikes on Kilimanjaro (Marangu rainforest or Shira Plateau).
Olduvai or Oldupai Gorge Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Olduvai Gorge & Shifting Sands

Olduvai Gorge & Shifting Sands

Discover human history at Olduvai Gorge and witness Ngorongoro’s volcanic shifting sands during your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure

Essential Information for Your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure

The essential information for your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure covers key travel tips, packing advice, park rules, and practical details. It ensures a seamless journey through Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Eyasi, Materuni, and Mkomazi, maximizing wildlife, cultural, and scenic experiences.

Travel Info for Tanzania

Essential travel info for your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure: visas, entry, currency, packing, weather, health/safety, and fly-in luggage rules (soft bags), starting/ending in Arusha or Moshi.

Which Airport to Choose?

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for quickest access to the 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure; Arusha Airport (ARK) is ideal for domestic flights.

Vaccinations & Health Tips

Stay healthy on your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure with recommended vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis, yellow fever advice, hydration, and essential travel-safety tips.

Photos & Videos at 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure

Discover stunning Photos & Videos of the 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure, showcasing Serengeti wildlife, Ngorongoro Crater views, Lake Eyasi culture, Materuni waterfalls, and Mkomazi’s unique landscapes.

Why Book Your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure with Shah Tours?

Book your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure with Shah Tours for expert guides, seamless logistics, and a perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and landscapes.

Decades of Cultural Safari Expertise

With 40+ years’ experience, we deliver 9-Day Northern Safari Adventures with expert guides, cultural depth, ethical travel, and unmatched wildlife encounters.

Local Guides Who Understand the Land

Expert local guides enrich your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure with skilled tracking, cultural knowledge, and smart routing for unforgettable experiences.

Safe, Comfortable & Respectful Travel

Experience a safe and comfortable 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure with expert guides, 4×4 vehicles, ethical wildlife viewing, and lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions About 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure

Get quick answers to common questions about the 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure, covering highlights, wildlife, best seasons, accommodations, park fees, cultural visits, and travel tips.

Destinations Covered

The 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure explores Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi, Materuni Waterfalls, and Mkomazi National Park. This itinerary balances world-class wildlife encounters with cultural immersion, offering the Big Five, Hadzabe and Datoga traditions, and a refreshing Kilimanjaro coffee experience. Travelers enjoy both iconic safari highlights and hidden gems, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a complete northern Tanzania safari circuit.

Best Time to Visit

This safari runs year-round, but the best times depend on your focus. From June to October, dry-season conditions make wildlife easier to spot, while December to March offers lush green scenery and the Serengeti’s calving season. Migration river crossings typically occur from July to October in northern Serengeti. No matter the season, the itinerary ensures exceptional wildlife and cultural experiences across Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes.

Big Five Viewing Chances

A lioness with two playful cubs resting in the grasslands of Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, showcasing a tender wildlife moment during an African safari.The itinerary is designed to maximize your chances of spotting all Big Five species: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Serengeti offers excellent predator viewing, while Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places to spot endangered black rhino. With multiple game drives across prime wildlife habitats, your chances of completing the Big Five checklist are extremely high, making this safari perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.

Cultural Experiences

Yes, this adventure goes beyond wildlife by including authentic cultural visits. At Lake Eyasi, you’ll meet the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers, experiencing traditional hunting methods, and the Datoga blacksmiths, known for metalwork. In Materuni, enjoy a Chagga coffee tour alongside a scenic waterfall hike. Optional add-ons in Arusha and Moshi allow deeper cultural exploration, from village walks and markets to local food tastings. Culture and wildlife blend seamlessly.

Driving & Travel Times

 This safari begins with a fly-in to the Serengeti, reducing long road transfers and maximizing time on game drives. Daily wildlife drives average 4–6 hours, depending on sightings and routes. Overnight stays are strategically chosen to minimize travel fatigue, ensuring comfort and efficiency. Transfers between destinations like Ngorongoro, Lake Eyasi, and Mkomazi are designed to balance scenic landscapes with smooth travel logistics, offering a relaxed pace.

Accommodation Options

Luxurious canopy bed inside a bright and stylish suite at Meliá Serengeti Lodge, featuring modern decor and large window with natural stone wall.Travelers can choose from three levels of accommodation tailored to budget and style. Options include basic camping for adventurous travelers, comfortable mid-range lodges and tented camps for balance, or luxury safari lodges for premium comfort. Each property is selected for location, safety, and quality service. Whether you prefer rustic charm or upmarket indulgence, accommodations are designed to complement the safari experience while ensuring rest and relaxation.

Meals & Dining

Luxury bush lunch setup with chairs and table under acacia tree in SerengetiMeals are generally included in the safari package, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided daily. Picnic lunches are offered during full-day game drives to maximize wildlife viewing. Unique culinary experiences may also be included, such as traditional meals with the Chagga during the Materuni coffee tour or Hadzabe meals at Lake Eyasi. Special dietary requests can usually be accommodated with advance notice, ensuring a comfortable dining experience.

Health & Safety Tips

Travelers should prepare with recommended vaccinations, including yellow fever if arriving from an endemic country, and take malaria prophylaxis. Staying hydrated, using insect repellent, and wearing sun protection are essential throughout the journey. Guides provide regular safety briefings for both wildlife and cultural visits. With proper preparation, this safari is safe and enjoyable, ensuring peace of mind while exploring Tanzania’s iconic destinations and natural wonders.

Customizing with Add-Ons

This safari can be customized with exciting add-ons. Options include Serengeti hot air balloon safaris, crater rim treks, cultural extensions at Lake Eyasi, Chemka Hot Springs relaxation, or Mkomazi black rhino viewing. Add-ons enrich the experience by blending wildlife adventure with culture and relaxation. Tailored itineraries can be arranged to suit your preferences, creating a personalized safari adventure that enhances the value of the 9-day journey.

Fitness & Activity Levels

The 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure is moderately active, with most exploration done by 4x4 vehicles. Optional activities, such as walking safaris in Mkomazi, crater rim treks, or the Materuni waterfall hike, require a basic level of fitness but are accessible to most travelers. This makes the safari suitable for families, groups, and solo adventurers alike, blending comfort with occasional activity for a well-rounded African safari experience.

Other Tours & Destinations Connected to 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure

Extend your 9-day safari with Kilimanjaro treks, Zanzibar beach escapes, Tarangire or Manyara add-ons, and cultural village experiences for a complete Tanzania journey.

Southern & Eastern Tanzania Safaris

Enhance your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure with added time in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Eyasi, and Mkomazi for wildlife, culture, and scenery.

Mount Kilimanjaro Treks

Elevate your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure with a Kilimanjaro day hike, blending wildlife, scenic waterfalls, and mountain landscapes

Ngorongoro Highlands Trekking

Venture off the beaten path during you 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure with guided hikes across volcanic rims, Maasai highlands, and panoramic crater vistas

Cultural Tours in Tanzania

Enhance your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure with cultural tours, meeting Maasai, Hadzabe, and Datoga communities to learn traditions, crafts, and daily life.

Kilimanjaro Culture & Coffee Walks

Enrich your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure with a Materuni waterfall hike and authentic Chagga coffee tour on Kilimanjaro’s lush slopes.

Usambara Mountains Hiking

Extend your 9-Day Northern Safari Adventure with a hike in the Usambara Mountains, blending lush forest trails, cultural encounters, and stunning scenery.
TOP