8-Day Northern Circuit

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will be greeted by a Wild Rhythms Safaris representative. Transfer to your hotel in Arusha for an overnight stay, where you will rest after your international flight. Accommodation options: Gran Melia Arusha

Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be welcomed by your guide at your hotel. After a safari briefing, you’ll drive to Tarangire National Park (approximately 2-3 hours). In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a game drive in Tarangire, known for its iconic baobab trees, large herds of elephants, and rich wildlife. You may also spot lions, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species. Tarangire is especially famous for its elephants and is a great place to start your safari. Afterward, check into your lodge or tented camp near Tarangire for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Tarangire, where you’ll have the chance to see more wildlife, such as lions, leopards, buffalo, and herds of wildebeest. After lunch at your lodge, around 3:00 PM, you’ll depart for Karatu, a town near Ngorongoro Crater (approximately 2-3 hours). Upon arrival, check into your lodge in Karatu for an overnight stay. This area offers scenic views and provides a peaceful atmosphere before your visit to Ngorongoro Crater.

After breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Crater (about 30-40 minutes) for a full day of exploration. The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, buffaloes, wildebeest, and the endangered black rhino. Spend the day exploring the different habitats within the crater, from the soda lake filled with flamingos to the forested areas where elephants roam. The predator-prey interactions are fascinating, and you may witness lions hunting or hyenas scavenging. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before continuing your game drive. In the late afternoon, ascend to the crater rim and return to your lodge in Karatu for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart Karatu and drive towards Serengeti National Park, focusing on the central and western Serengeti areas (approximately 4-5 hours). Serengeti is vast, and this drive will give you access to different landscapes and diverse wildlife experiences. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive in either the central Serengeti (Seronera) or the western Serengeti (near Grumeti River). The central Serengeti is known for its high concentrations of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and large herds of herbivores like giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes. The western Serengeti, on the other hand, offers a quieter experience with the potential to see the wildebeest migration (seasonal) and leopards, wild dogs, and crocodiles along the river. Return to your lodge or camp in the Serengeti for an overnight stay.

Today, enjoy a full day of game viewing in both central and western Serengeti. After breakfast, head out for a morning game drive, focusing on the rich wildlife of the Serengeti plains. You might encounter lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, and various species of antelope. The central Serengeti is a good place for spotting predators, while the western Serengetioffers quieter game drives and great opportunities for river-related wildlife. In the afternoon, continue your exploration, visiting the Serengeti River in the western part of the park or checking out the Seronera Valley in the central region. Each area has unique wildlife and landscapes, from large herds of wildebeest to crocodiles basking by the river. Return to your lodge in the Serengeti for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, continue exploring both central and western Serengeti. This could include a morning game drive around the Seronera area to see lions and cheetahs or heading towards the western Serengeti to explore Grumeti River, where you may witness the wildebeest migration or see hippos and crocodiles. The Serengeti offers a diverse range of ecosystems, including savannahs, riverine forests, and rocky hills. It’s an excellent place to capture incredible wildlife photos, particularly during the dry season when animals gather around water sources. Enjoy your evening at your lodge or camp in the Serengeti.

On your final day, enjoy an early game drive in central or western Serengeti, capturing any last wildlife sightings, such as giraffes, buffaloes, or even elusive leopards. After breakfast, you have the option to either: Fly Out: Transfer to the nearest airstrip for a flight back to Arusha. This option is convenient if you are flying internationally or heading to another destination. Drive Back: If you prefer to return by road, you can take a long drive (approximately 7-8 hours) back to Arusha, enjoying the scenic views of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro on your way back.