Book Now

8-Day Northern Circuit Safari with Lake Eyasi

8 Days 7 Nights

Elephants, Flamingos, Endless Plains & Eyasi Traditions

This 8-day Northern Circuit journey links Tanzania’s wildlife icons with Lake Eyasi's living cultural heritage. Begin under Tarangire's baobabs among vast elephant herds, continue to Lake Manyara where flamingos sweep the soda lake and lions sometimes rest in trees, then spend generous time on Serengeti's predatorrich plains. Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for concentrated Big Five viewing before heading to Lake Eyasi for respectful encounters with the Hadza hunter-gatherers and Datoga blacksmiths. Guided by our locally owned team, you will experience not just sightings, but the ecological and cultural stories that ground them.

Explore Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

  • Tarangire's elephants and monumental baobab landscapes
  • Lake Manyara's groundwater forests, birdlife and seasonal flamingos
  • Two to three days on Serengeti’s endless plains with predator action and seasonal migration
  • Ngorongoro Crater descent with chances for the Big Five
  • Lake Eyasi cultural immersion with Hadza and Datoga, consent-based and community-led

Itinerary

  • Day
    One

    Arusha to Tarangire National Park

    • Morning pickup from Arusha.
    • Drive to Tarangire for game drives along the river and baobab-studded plains.
    • Picnic lunch in the park.
    • Sunset arrival at your lodge near Tarangire.

  • Day
    Two

    Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park to Karatu

    • Short transfer to Lake Manyara.
    • Explore groundwater forest, acacia woodlands and lakeshore for elephants, hippos, prolific birdlife and, with luck, tree climbing lions.
    • Picnic lunch in the park.
    • Late afternoon continue to Karatu for overnight.

  • Day
    Three

    Karatu to Serengeti National Park

    • Scenic drive across the Ngorongoro Highlands into Serengeti.
    • Afternoon game drive on the central plains focusing on lions, cheetahs and large herds.
    • Overnight in a Serengeti lodge or tented camp.

  • Day
    Four

    Serengeti National Park, Full Day

    • Dawn and late-afternoon game drives to catch peak wildlife activity and soft light for photography.
    • Depending on season, follow migration movements or work predator territories and kopjes.
    • Overnight in Serengeti.

  • Day
    Five

    Serengeti National Park, Full Day to Karatu

    • Morning game drive, then exit the park after lunch.
    • Travel back toward the highlands, overnight in Karatu near Ngorongoro.

  • Day
    Six

    Ngorongoro Crater Safari to Lake Eyasi

    • Early descent into Ngorongoro Crater for a focused Big Five game drive, picnic lunch by the hippo pools.
    • Afternoon ascent and transfer to Lake Eyasi for overnight near the lakeshore.

  • Day
    Seven

    Lake Eyasi Cultural Day

    • Pre-dawn start to meet Hadza community members and, with their invitation, join a short morning walk to understand foraging skills and daily life.
    • Later visit Datoga artisans to learn about traditional metalwork.
    • Experiences are consent-based, small-group, and led by community partners.
    • Afternoon rest by the lake.
    • Overnight at Lake Eyasi.

  • Day
    Eight

    Lake Eyasi to Arusha

    • Leisurely breakfast and return to Arusha.
    • Optional stop in Mto wa Mbu for market produce and craft co-ops, time permitting.

Cost Includes

  • Professional local safari guide
  • 4x4 safari vehicle with open roof
  • All park entry fees
  • Community-led Lake Eyasi experiences with fair compensation to hosts
  • Accommodation: 7 nights (Tarangire x1, Karatu x2, Serengeti x2, Karatu x1, Eyasi x1)
  • Meals: full board
  • Drinking water during safari
  • Airport/hotel transfers (Arusha)

Cost Excludes

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks beyond water)
  • Tips for guide, lodge staff and community hosts
  • Optional balloon safari
  • Optional cultural visits (add-ons available)

FAQs

How many days are in Serengeti on this itinerary?

Three overnights with two full days of game drives, plus arrival and transfer windows.

When is the best time to see the Great Migration?

Generally December to July in Serengeti, moving seasonally. We adjust daily routes to current herd locations.

Can we fly to or from Serengeti to shorten transfers?

Yes, light aircraft flights can replace some drives. Ask about drive in, fly out options.

Is Ngorongoro good for rhino sightings?

It offers your best chance in northern Tanzania, although sightings are never guaranteed.

What level of accommodation is included?

Comfortable mid range lodges and tented camps, with options to upgrade to premium or luxury.

Are cultural visits included?

An optional Mto wa Mbu visit can be added on Day 7, and Maasai led experiences can be integrated depending on timing.

At JoyTrekking Tours & Safaris, we are on a mission to curate extraordinary journeys and forge lifelong memories. Our commitment to delivering top-tier adventure experiences, coupled with a deep respect for the natural and cultural wonders of Kilimanjaro and its surroundings, defines our essence.

+255 755 557 547

findjoy@joytrekkingtours.com

January, Head Guide and Founder of JoyTrekking Tours & Safaris

+255 755 557 547
findjoy@joytrekking.com

See it online https://joytrekking.com/trip/8-day-northern-circuit-lake-eyasi/