Ngorongoro · Nyerere (Selous) · Ruaha · Serengeti

Ultimate Tanzania Explorer 18 Days Northern & Southern Circuit Safari

From $4920 per person
Duration
18 days
Parks & regions
Ngorongoro · Nyerere (Selous) · Ruaha · Serengeti · Tarangire
Accommodation tiers
From
$4920 pp
01 — The trip

Planned unhurried.

Experience the best of Tanzania on this unforgettable 18-day adventure. From the iconic Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to the remote wilderness of Ruaha and Nyerere , explore diverse landscapes teeming with wildlife. Enjoy thrilling game drives, a scenic boat safari, and authentic cultural encounters. Stay in a mix of luxury lodges and tented camps, immersing yourself in Africa’s raw beauty. Day 1: Arrival at JRO/ARK Airport.
02 — Day by day

Day, place, named lodge.

Day 1

Arrival at JRO/ARK Airport.

Upon your arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your guide, who will provide a brief introduction to your journey before escorting you to Olerai Lodge for a relaxing overnight stay. This charming retreat offers the perfect setting to unwind and prepare for the thrilling adventures that await you in the days ahead.

Day 2

Arusha - Tarangire National Park.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at 0730Hrs embark on an exciting journey to Tarangire National Park from Arusha, bringing along packed lunches. The drive takes approximately 2 hours from Arusha to reach the park.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by an armed ranger who will lead you on a captivating guided walking safari lasting approximately 1.5-2 hours. This immersive experience offers a unique perspective on the park’s nature and wildlife.
After the walking safari, return to your vehicle and continue with thrilling game drives in Tarangire National Park, renowned for its vast elephant population. As the day progresses, bid farewell to Tarangire and drive to Burunge Tented Lodge, your accommodation for the night. Nestled in a picturesque area overlooking the Great Rift Valley slope and Lake Burunge, this tented lodge offers a remarkable wildlife experience.

Day 3

Burunge - Serengeti National Park

  • Full Board

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive to Serengeti National Park from Burunge. The route takes you through the captivating Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where wild animals roam freely alongside the Maasai tribes, offering a glimpse into their traditional way of life.
After approximately 3-4 hours, arrive at Naabi Hill gate in time for lunch, where your guide will handle the necessary permits. Then, continue your journey with en route game drives towards the heart of Serengeti, specifically Seronera, renowned for its abundant resident wildlife.
Continue your exploration with thrilling game drives until later in the late afternoon, when you’ll head to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay right in the heart of Central Serengeti at Tukaone Tented Camp. This luxurious camp boasts a spectacular and secluded location, allowing you to unwind and savor the breathtaking views of the magnificent Serengeti.

Day 4

Serengeti National Park

  • Full Board

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off on an exhilarating safari adventure in the expansive Serengeti plains. Choose between a full-day safari with a packed lunch, immersing yourself in the park’s breathtaking wilderness and remarkable wildlife, or a morning safari followed by a relaxing midday break to recharge. Later, head out for an afternoon safari when the sun is lower, offering a cooler and unique perspective of the landscape.

Day 5

Serengeti National Park

  • Full Board

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on an exciting safari adventure in the vast plains of the Serengeti. You have the option to enjoy a full-day safari with packed lunch, immersing yourself in the wilderness and encountering the diverse wildlife that calls this iconic park home. rejuvenating yourself before heading out for an afternoon safari when the sun is not as high. You can discuss these options with your guide to tailor your experience according to your preferences.
For an extra special experience, consider the optional Balloon Safari, available from 5:30 am to 9:30 am. Embark on a breathtaking one-hour balloon flight at dawn over the Serengeti Plains, followed by a bush breakfast. Afterward, continue your adventure with game drives.

Day 6

Serengeti - Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Rise with the sun and embark on a memorable safari adventure in the wilderness of Serengeti National Park at dawn. Witness the morning activity of wildlife and behold the breathtaking sunrise over the endless plains. Your guide will treat you to a cup of freshly brewed African coffee, allowing you to savor this spectacular moment amidst nature’s splendor.
Continue your safari until noon, soaking in the sights and sounds of the Serengeti. Then, depart for Ngorongoro, where upon arrival, your guide will introduce you to an armed ranger. Together, embark on a leisurely 1-hour walking safari along the Ngorongoro crater rim, offering panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.
After the walking safari, your guide will be ready to transfer you to Ang’ata Ngorongoro Camp, where you’ll spend the night in comfort. Optional Extra: Consider adding an Olduvai Gorge Tour to your itinerary for an additional enriching experience.

Day 7

The Ngorongoro Crater - Karatu

Begin your day with an early breakfast, preparing for an unforgettable excursion to the Ngorongoro Crater, accompanied by packed lunches for sustenance during the day’s adventures. The journey involves a steep ascent upon entry to the park, leading to the Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint where your guide will halt for a briefing. Here, you’ll marvel at the panoramic vista of this global wonder, gaining insights into its magnificence.
As the largest unbroken crater worldwide, the Ngorongoro Crater harbors a remarkable biodiversity, hosting over 25,000 animals, including the elusive black rhino. Descend 610 meters into the crater’s depths for an immersive game drive, encountering its diverse inhabitants in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, bid farewell to the crater’s splendor as you depart the park, heading to Mawe Mawe Manyara lodge for an overnight stay.

Day 8

Karatu - Dodoma.

  • Approximately 6-7 hour drive

Embark on a journey southward to Tanzania’s capital, Dodoma Approximately 6-7 hour drive, the transfer provides a look at the country’s diverse landscapes, passing through rural villages and the vibrant countryside. Upon arrival, unwind at your accommodation and explore the city’s unique blend of cultures if time allows.

Day 9

Dodoma - Ruaha National Park.

Depart Dodoma on a journey of approximately 6-7 hours to Ruaha National Park, a true hidden gem known for its dramatic scenery and impressive wildlife population. A packed lunch will be provided, allowing you to pause at a scenic spot to enjoy your meal surrounded by the wilderness.

Day 10

Ruaha National Park.

Enjoy game drives in Ruaha, covering its varied landscapes, from savannahs to riverine forests. A packed lunch will be carried, with your guide finding a quiet, scenic spot for you to dine in the midst of nature.This day promises exciting wildlife encounters and spectacular views.

Day 11

Ruaha National Park.

Safari awaits in Ruaha, with more opportunities for game viewing. You’ll bring a packed lunch, allowing your guide to find a peaceful location where you can relax and eat while enjoying the surrounding landscape. Continue exploring Ruaha’s diverse flora and fauna, ending the day back at your lodge.

Day 12

Ruaha - Mikumi National Park.

Bid farewell to Ruaha as you head east to Mikumi National Park approximately 7-hour drive. Upon arrival, settle in and prepare for a joyful game drive the following day. Mikumi offers a chance to see the Mkata Floodplain, which is known for its diverse wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, and elephants.

Day 13

Mikumi National Park.

Exploring Mikumi National Park, with game drives through its rich landscape. With a packed lunch in hand, your guide will find a scenic spot for you to enjoy lunch while surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The park’s open plains are ideal for spotting buffalo, wildebeest, and other wildlife.

Day 14

Mikumi - Nyerere National Park.

  • 7-8hour drive

Embark on an exciting journey to Nyerere National Park, also known as Selous Game Reserve, with a scenic 7-8hour drive through breathtaking landscapes and untamed wilderness.

Day 15

Nyerere National Park.

Spend the entire day immersed in adventure within Nyerere National Park, starting with thrilling game drives through the park’s diverse terrain. With your guide, spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and possibly the elusive African wild dogs in their natural habitats. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat safari along the Rufiji River, offering a unique perspective to observe hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife up close. This full day of exploration provides ample opportunities to capture the stunning beauty of Nyerere’s landscapes and wildlife on camera.

Day 16

Nyerere National Park.

Continue exploring Nyerere’s vast wilderness with another day dedicated to game drives. Enjoy the tranquility and the vastness of this less-visited park, rich in wildlife diversity and pristine nature.

Day 17

Nyerere National Park - Dar es Salaam.

On your final day, enjoy a scenic transfer to Dar es Salaam after breakfast. As you journey to Tanzania’s bustling coastal city, take in the changing landscapes and reflect on the incredible experiences of your trip. Arrive in Dar es Salaam in the afternoon, where you can relax at your hotel as your adventure comes to a close.

Day 18

Departure.

  • Breakfast

As your journey concludes, you’ll be transferred to the JNIA airport, taking with you cherished memories of breathtaking landscapes, exhilarating wildlife encounters and the heartfelt warmth of Tanzanian hospitality.

03 — Prices

Published tiers, honest tables.

From $4,920 per person, land-only. Full tier pricing for this trip is quoted on request. Prices shown are 2026 rates. 2027 rates — coming soon.

04 — Nearby

Other trips in the same country.

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Park fees & AMREF cover included

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