Safari Overview

The 8 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Big Five Safari is Tanzania’s most popular and best-selling wildlife itinerary, offering a complete exploration of the Northern Safari Circuit.

This journey combines extended game viewing in the Serengeti National Park, the world-famous wildlife density of the Ngorongoro Crater, the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park, and the scenic biodiversity of Lake Manyara National Park.

With eight full days, travelers enjoy more relaxed game drives, increased wildlife viewing time, and significantly improved chances of seeing the Big Five in their natural habitats.

This itinerary is ideal for first-time safari travelers seeking a comprehensive and unforgettable Tanzania wildlife experience.

Route

Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Lake Manyara National Park → Arusha

Safari Highlights

• Large elephant herds in Tarangire National Park
• Iconic baobab tree landscapes
• Extended Serengeti full-day game drives
• Lion, leopard, and cheetah sightings
• Ngorongoro Crater high-density wildlife safari
• Lake Manyara tree-climbing lions
• Big Five wildlife opportunities
• Great Rift Valley scenic landscapes
• Excellent wildlife photography opportunities
• Diverse ecosystems in one itinerary

Why This Is Tanzania’s Most Popular 8 Day Safari

Maximum Wildlife Exposure

This itinerary is designed to maximize sightings of:

• Big cats
• Herd animals
• Rare species
• Predators and prey interactions

Extended Serengeti Experience

Serengeti receives the most safari time, allowing:

• Full-day game drives
• Predator tracking
• Migration encounters (seasonal)

Balanced Ecosystem Coverage

You experience four distinct ecosystems:

Tarangire

• Elephant herds
• Baobab forests
• Dry-season wildlife concentrations

Serengeti

• Endless savannah plains
• Big cat territory
• Migration ecosystem

Ngorongoro Crater

• High wildlife density
• Black rhino sightings
• Compact ecosystem viewing

Lake Manyara

• Forest and lake ecosystems
• Tree-climbing lions
• Flamingos (seasonal)

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park.

The park is famous for its dramatic landscapes and massive elephant populations.

Wildlife Highlights

• Elephant herds
• Giraffes
• Lions
• Zebras
• Wildebeest

Dinner and overnight near Tarangire.

Day 2: Full Day Tarangire Safari

Spend a full day exploring Tarangire’s river ecosystems and savannah plains.

Highlights

• Elephant photography
• Baobab landscapes
• Predator sightings
• Birdlife (over 500 species)

Dinner and overnight at lodge/camp.

Day 3: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

Travel through the Ngorongoro Highlands toward Serengeti National Park.

Enjoy scenic landscapes along the way.

Afternoon Game Drive

• Lions
• Elephants
• Giraffes
• Wildebeest

Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.

Day 4: Full Day Serengeti Safari

Explore the world-famous Serengeti ecosystem.

Wildlife Highlights

• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• Hyenas
• Zebras
• Wildebeest herds

Optional migration sightings depending on season.

Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.

Day 5: Extended Serengeti Game Drive

Another full day dedicated to wildlife exploration.

Focus Areas

• Predator tracking
• River ecosystems
• Migration corridors
• Wildlife photography

Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Morning game drive before departing Serengeti.

Travel toward Ngorongoro Highlands.

Scenic Highlights

• Maasai villages
• Volcanic landscapes
• Crater viewpoints

Dinner and overnight near Ngorongoro.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari.

Wildlife Highlights

• Black rhino
• Lions
• Buffalo
• Elephants
• Hippos

Picnic lunch inside the crater.

Overnight near Karatu.

Day 8: Lake Manyara Safari and Return to Arusha

Final safari in Lake Manyara National Park.

Highlights

• Tree-climbing lions
• Flamingos (seasonal)
• Forest wildlife
• Baboon troops

Return to Arusha in the afternoon.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Big Five

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Black Rhino

Predators

• Cheetah
• Hyena
• Jackal
• Serval (rare)

Plains Wildlife

• Zebra
• Wildebeest
• Giraffe
• Impala
• Gazelle

Birdlife

• Flamingos
• Secretary birds
• Eagles
• Hornbills
• Ostriches

Best Time to Visit

June to October

• Best wildlife visibility
• Dry season game viewing
• Migration movement (Serengeti)

January to March

• Calving season
• Predator action
• Green landscapes

November to December

• Fewer crowds
• Birdwatching peak
• Scenic greenery

Safari Inclusions

• Park entry fees
• Professional safari guide
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle
• Accommodation for 7 nights
• All meals during safari
• Bottled water
• Government taxes
• Arusha transfers

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Tanzania visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Optional balloon safari
• Alcoholic drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the best 8 day safari in Tanzania?

Yes. This is one of the most popular and balanced Northern Circuit safari itineraries.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Yes. Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater provide excellent Big Five opportunities.

Is Serengeti included for multiple days?

Yes. This itinerary includes extended Serengeti exploration for better wildlife encounters.

Can this safari be upgraded to luxury?

Yes. Luxury lodges and premium camps can be included throughout.