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info@gorilla-trekking-safari.com
Kampala, Uganda

Best Northern Circuit Tanzania Safari and Waterfall Hike

7-Day Northern Circuit Tanzania Safari and Waterfall Hike

What you should expect

Highlights

Start Arusha (Day 1)
Day 2 Tarangire National Park
Day 3 Lake Manyara National Park
Day 4-5 Serengeti National Park
Day 6 Ngorongoro Crater
Day 7 Karatu (Town)
End Arusha (Day 7)

Overview

This 7-Day Northern Circuit Tanzania Safari and Waterfall Hike will take you to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. Discover diverse wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant ecosystems as you journey through these renowned parks. End your adventure with a refreshing waterfall hike, immersing yourself in nature’s tranquillity and capturing unforgettable memories in the heart of East Africa.

Itinerary Details

Day-by-Day


Day 1 Arrival in Arusha

Welcome to Tanzania! As soon as you land, a friendly Gorilla Pathfinder representative will meet you at the airport and transport you to your accommodation in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll have a chance to unwind and get ready for the incredible adventure that awaits you!


Arusha is a vibrant city and a crucial hub for safari experiences in northern Tanzania, making it an essential stop for most travellers. Don't miss out on this exciting starting point for your unforgettable journey!

Meal Plans

Meals at own expense

Accommodation Plans

Pazuri Inn
Day 2 Transfer from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, an Elephant Paradise

Your Gorilla Pathfinders guide will pick you up from your accommodation after breakfast. This morning, you will drive to Tarangire National Park, which is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour journey on good tarmac roads. The park is named after the Tarangire River, the only source of water for wildlife in the region during the Dry season.


Known for its large elephant herds, the park offers great opportunities to observe these magnificent animals congregating by the river. Additionally, you may encounter giraffe, bushbuck, and hartebeest, with various predators such as lions and leopards often in the vicinity. Tarangire is also home to the highest diversity of bird species anywhere on the planet. You will find ancient baobab trees throughout the park, some of which are believed to be over a thousand years old. A picnic lunch will be served at a designated site inside the park. After your game drive, you will transit to your accommodation.

Meal Plans

All meals included

Accommodation Plans

Motto Cottages
Day 3 Lake Manyara National Park, from Flamingos to Lions in Trees

Lake Manyara National Park, located in the heart of Tanzania, offers a truly unique safari experience. Famous for its dramatic landscapes, the park is nestled between the towering Great Rift Valley Escarpment and the shimmering Lake Manyara, a shallow soda lake that attracts thousands of wading birds, including vibrant flamingos.


As you explore the park, you’ll encounter diverse wildlife, from elephants and baboon troops in the lush evergreen forest to tree-climbing lions that have made the park world-renowned. The open plains and wetlands are home to giraffes, zebras, and buffalos, while the lakeside is a haven for over 500 bird species.


With its compact size and variety of habitats, Lake Manyara is ideal for a diverse and exciting game drive, making it a must-see destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you're birdwatching or encountering majestic wildlife, this park promises an unforgettable experience.

Meal Plans

All meals included

Accommodation Plans

Motto Cottages
Day 4 Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, you will drive to the cooler regions of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, there will be an opportunity to stop and take in the breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater. Following this, you will travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the Serengeti, entering from the south of the park.


The Serengeti is truly remarkable. It is renowned for its vast open grasslands, which provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. While it is home to an abundance of animals, it is best known for its annual great migration. During this migration, large numbers of wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes move in a consistent pattern, constantly searching for fresh grazing areas. The migration can be observed throughout the year; you just need to know where to look!

Meal Plans

All meals included

Accommodation Plans

Embalakai Serengeti Camp
Day 5 Full Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

You will start the day with an unforgettable hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti in the morning. As the sun rises, you'll have the opportunity to take in breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic landscapes and the diverse wildlife below. This serene experience allows you to witness the beauty of the savannah from a unique perspective, making it an extraordinary addition to your adventure. After landing, enjoy a delightful breakfast in the bush before embarking on game drives to explore the rich wildlife further. This combination of a hot-air balloon safari and game drives promises a truly remarkable day in the Serengeti.

Meal Plans

All meals included

Accommodation Plans

Embalakai Serengeti Camp
Day 6 Proceed from Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater, a Big Five Haven

After breakfast, you will drive from Serengeti National Park to the Ngorongoro Crater. Upon your first glimpse of Ngorongoro Crater, it appears to be a forgotten world. Hidden by steep volcanic walls, the area is a pristine wilderness featuring expansive savannahs, clusters of acacia woodlands, and shimmering lakes and swamps. The crater was formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself 2 to 3 million years ago.


The journey down into the crater is an adventure in itself. Once you reach the crater floor, you will find yourself surrounded by large numbers of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and over 500 species of birds. The crater offers the best opportunity to spot the endangered black rhino, which can sometimes be seen in the open grasslands.


After a full afternoon exploring the crater, you will head to your accommodation in Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meal Plans

All meals included

Accommodation Plans

Endoro Lodge
Day 7 Elephant Caves and Waterfall Hike in Karatu

On the final day of your safari, embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Elephant Caves and Endoro Waterfall in Karatu. Begin with a visit to the Elephant Caves, where you can explore ancient rock formations believed to have been used by elephants for centuries. Then, enjoy a scenic hike to the stunning Endoro Waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of cascading water. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to the airport, reflecting on a truly memorable journey.

Meal Plans

Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)

Accommodation Plans

No accommodation (End of tour)

Booking Form

Payment Methods

Inclusions

Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Exclusions

International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs travel insurance visa fees etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section) Drinks

Sustainability Commitment

This tour is 100% sustainable. We encourage our travelers to minimize their carbon footprint by choosing eco-friendly practices.

Cancellation Policy

Please note our cancellation policy to ensure clarity in case of changes to your travel plans. 30 days or more before departure Full refund minus a 10% service fee. 15–29 days before departure 50% of the total booking cost will be refunded. 14 days or less before departure No refund will be provided. We recommend travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.

Felicia Barahona
We loved this particular tour because we had a chance to see all the big cats in the Ngorongoro crater, 100% tailormade to meet our initial demands, thanks to Jerry

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