Lets go on an extraordinary 9-day journey through the heart of Tanzania's most iconic landscapes and cultural treasures with Zayla Tours. From the vibrant city of Arusha to the pristine wilderness of Serengeti National Park, this itinerary is a meticulously crafted adventure designed to showcase the very best of Tanzania’s northern circuit. Begin your journey in the lush Arusha National Park, where you’ll be enchanted by the breathtaking views of Mount Meru and the diverse wildlife that call this park home. Continue to the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire National Park, where ancient baobab trees stand sentinel over the sweeping savannah. The adventure deepens as you immerse yourself in the traditional life of the Hadzabe tribe at Lake Eyasi, followed by a cultural and wildlife experience at Lake Manyara and the bustling village of Mto wa Mbu. The crown jewel of this itinerary is the Serengeti, where you’ll witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration, followed by a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. With each day offering a new landscape, a fresh adventure, and a deeper connection to Tanzania’s rich heritage, this itinerary promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing for more.

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Zayla Tours guide, who will assist with your transfer to your accommodation in Arusha. This city, often regarded as the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, offers a pleasant introduction to the region. Take the evening to relax and recover from your journey, or explore Arusha’s vibrant local markets, where you can find everything from handcrafted souvenirs to fresh local produce.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Arusha Backpackers Hotel
• Midrange: African Tulip Hotel
• Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge

Meal Plan: Dinner (depending on arrival time)

Extra Activities:

• Visit to the Cultural Heritage Centre in Arusha
• Evening walk through local markets

Day 2: Arusha National Park

After breakfast, your adventure begins with a visit to Arusha National Park, a hidden gem known for its varied ecosystems and stunning scenery. The park is home to the majestic Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, offering spectacular views and a chance to spot diverse wildlife, including giraffes, buffalos, and the rare black-and-white colobus monkeys. Enjoy a guided walking safari, where you can experience the park’s flora and fauna up close, followed by a canoeing expedition on the tranquil Momella Lakes.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Meru Mbega Lodge
• Midrange: Mount Meru Game Lodge
• Luxury: Hatari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Extra Activities:

• Canoeing on Momella Lakes
• Visit to Ngurdoto Crater

Day 3: Tarangire National Park

Today, you’ll journey to Tarangire National Park, known for its dense elephant population and stunning landscapes dotted with ancient baobab trees. The park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including lions, leopards, and over 500 species of birds. A full-day game drive will give you the opportunity to explore the park's diverse habitats, from the lush swamps to the open grasslands, offering endless photo opportunities.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Tarangire Campsite
• Midrange: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
• Luxury: Tarangire Treetops Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Extra Activities:

• Night game drive to witness nocturnal wildlife
• Walking safari with a park ranger

Day 4: Lake Eyasi and the Hadzabe Tribe

Immerse yourself in the culture of one of Tanzania’s last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes, the Hadzabe, as you visit Lake Eyasi. This is a rare opportunity to witness and participate in the traditional lifestyle of the Hadzabe, who continue to live in harmony with nature, relying on hunting, foraging, and ancient survival techniques. After a morning spent with the tribe, you’ll have the afternoon to explore the scenic shores of Lake Eyasi, where you might spot flamingos and other bird species.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Lake Eyasi Campsite
• Midrange: Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp
• Luxury: Ziwani Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Extra Activities:

• Cultural visit to the Datoga blacksmiths
• Bird watching at Lake Eyasi

Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park and Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour

Your journey continues to Lake Manyara National Park, a small yet diverse park known for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos. After a half-day game drive, you’ll head to the nearby village of Mto wa Mbu for a cultural tour. Here, you can explore the vibrant community and learn about the various ethnic groups that coexist in this unique area. Enjoy a traditional Tanzanian lunch prepared by local women, and visit the bustling local market.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Twiga Lodge & Campsite
• Midrange: Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge
• Luxury: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Extra Activities:

• Biking tour around Mto wa Mbu
• Visit to a banana plantation

Days 6 & 7: Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti, with its endless plains and abundant wildlife, is the highlight of any Tanzanian safari. Spend two full days exploring the central and northern parts of the Serengeti, where you’ll witness the Great Migration, one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles. Watch as vast herds of wildebeest and zebras make their perilous journey across the Mara River, closely followed by predators such as lions and crocodiles. The Serengeti’s vastness and raw beauty will leave you in awe.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Serengeti Seronera Campsite
• Midrange: Kati Kati Tented Camp
• Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Extra Activities:

• Hot air balloon safari at sunrise
• Visit to a Maasai village

Day 8: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Today, you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as the "Garden of Eden." This vast, unbroken caldera is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. A game drive in the crater offers a chance to see lions, elephants, rhinos, and more in a stunning setting. In the afternoon, visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area’s cultural sites, such as the Olduvai Gorge, where some of the earliest human remains have been found.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Simba Campsite
• Midrange: Ngorongoro Farm House
• Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Extra Activities:

• Guided walk along the crater rim
• Visit to a Maasai boma (traditional homestead)

Day 9: Return to Arusha for Departure

After breakfast, you’ll make your way back to Arusha, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past eight days. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore more of Arusha or simply relax before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. This marks the end of your unforgettable Tanzanian adventure with Zayla Tours .

Accommodation Options: Day use at a hotel (depending on your flight time)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch (depending on flight time)

Our pricing structure is generally calculated on a per-person sharing basis, unless otherwise indicated. Please note that the listed prices are approximate and may be subject to adjustment:

All rates depend on availability and may change without prior notice. If you prefer single accommodations, additional fees may apply. We encourage you to reach out for a customized quote or connect with our Tanzania Safari Experts to receive the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information

Included in the Itinerary:

• All accommodations as specified
• All meals as specified
• Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
• Services of a professional English-speaking guide
• All park entry fees and conservation fees
• Game drives as specified
• Cultural visits as specified
• Bottled water during game drives

Excluded from the Itinerary:

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
• Optional activities listed in the itinerary