12 Days Northern Tanzania Wilderness & Cultural Journey

Explore the heart of Northern Tanzania on this immersive journey combining breathtaking wildlife safaris with enriching cultural experiences. Witness the Big Five in legendary parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, meet traditional hunter-gatherer tribes near Lake Eyasi, and engage with the proud Maasai people in their homeland. From Arusha to Tarangire, from vast plains to volcanic craters, this 12-day trip is ideal for adventurers and culture lovers alike.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania

Your safari begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to your lodge in Arusha to relax, enjoy a welcome briefing, and prepare for your adventure ahead.

Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel / Mount Meru Hotel / Kahawa House

Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, head to Tarangire, known for its towering baobabs and large elephant herds. Enjoy a thrilling afternoon game drive, spotting lions, giraffes, zebras, and diverse birdlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge / Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Day 3: Full Day in Tarangire – Game Drives & Cultural Walk

Begin the day with a sunrise game drive. Later, enjoy a cultural walk with a local guide in a nearby Maasai village or community conservancy, learning about traditional life, herbs, and customs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 2

Day 4: Tarangire – Lake Manyara – Mto wa Mbu Cultural Visit

Drive to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and flamingos. Enjoy a game drive followed by a visit to Mto wa Mbu village, where you’ll interact with local artisans, banana beer brewers, and farmers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena / Marera Valley Lodge

Day 5: Manyara – Lake Eyasi – Hadzabe & Datoga Tribes

Head to remote Lake Eyasi for a rare opportunity to meet the Hadzabe (hunter-gatherers) and Datoga (blacksmiths). Join the Hadzabe on a morning hunt, learn traditional fire-making, and visit a Datoga forge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge / Ziwani Lodge

Day 6: Lake Eyasi – Ngorongoro Highlands – Maasai Cultural Experience

Travel to the Ngorongoro Highlands and visit a local Maasai village. Participate in dance, listen to stories around a fire, and understand the role of cattle in their lives. Enjoy stunning views from the crater rim.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge / Rhino Lodge

Day 7: Full Day Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. Look out for black rhinos, lions, hippos, and flamingos in this biodiversity haven.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 6

Day 8: Ngorongoro – Serengeti National Park (Central)

Drive into the world-famous Serengeti, entering through the scenic Naabi Hill Gate. Enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge, watching for wildebeest, big cats, and dramatic savannah views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena / Kubu Kubu Tented Camp

Day 9: Full Day in Serengeti – Game Drives

Spend the day exploring the endless plains of the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. Depending on the season, witness the Great Migration or search for the elusive leopard.

Optional: Hot Air Balloon Safari at sunrise (extra cost)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 8

Day 10: Serengeti (North or South, Seasonal) – Tracking the Migration

Depending on the time of year, transfer to northern or southern Serengeti for a closer look at the Great Migration. Track large herds and predators following them in dramatic encounters.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Migration Camp (Lahia, Ole Serai, or similar)

Day 11: Serengeti – Karatu (Via Olduvai Gorge)

After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive as you exit Serengeti. En route, visit Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most important paleoanthropological sites. Continue to Karatu for overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge / Ngorongoro Farm House

Day 12: Karatu – Arusha – Departure

Drive back to Arusha, where you can enjoy lunch and optional last-minute shopping at the Maasai Market or Cultural Heritage Center before your airport transfer.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
End of Safari

Tour Includes

Roundtrip airport transfer
Full board accommodation on safari
Park entrance fees
Transport in fully kitted 4x4 safari Land Cruiser
A professional English speaking driver/guide
Game drives as mentioned in the itinerary
All Government Taxes/VAT
Bottled mineral water