Overview
Trip Introduction
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day adventure through Tanzania’s iconic Northern Circuit. From the breathtaking shores of Lake Manyara to the legendary plains of the Serengeti and the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, this journey promises an immersive experience into the heart of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes and wildlife. Get ready for an epic safari filled with unforgettable moments and incredible encounters!
Included/Exclude
- All required entry fees and permits
- Professional and experienced guides, staff, and support team
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Daily meals as per the itinerary
- Transportation for all scheduled activities
- Necessary equipment for activities where applicable
- Bottled water during excursions
- Cultural experiences and community visits where included
- Emergency support and basic first aid services
- International and domestic flights
- Visa and travel document fees
- Travel insurance (recommended for emergencies and cancellations)
- Personal expenses such as toiletries, souvenirs, and extra purchases
- Meals and drinks not included in the itinerary
- Tips for guides, staff, and service providers
- Optional activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary
- Laundry services during the trip
Tour Plan
Destination: Arusha – The Heart of Safari
Your journey begins the moment you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Here, a friendly ZePacha Kingdom Adventure driver-guide will be waiting with a warm Tanzanian welcome. Sit back and enjoy a comfortable ride to Arusha, the vibrant gateway to Tanzania’s legendary safari destinations. During the one-hour drive, you’ll get a glimpse of the bustling city life and stunning landscapes that set the stage for your adventure.
Accommodation:
Tonight, unwind at Kibo Palace Hotel, a stylish retreat inspired by Tanzania’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy the comfort of spacious rooms, a refreshing dip in the pool, and an exquisite dining experience at Kilimanjaro Restaurant. This is the perfect place to relax before diving into the thrilling safari days ahead.
Meal Plan:
Dinner at Kibo Palace Hotel.
Destination: Lake Manyara National Park
After a hearty breakfast, your ZePacha Kingdom Adventure officially begins! If you missed your safari briefing yesterday, we’ll cover it this morning before setting off on a scenic two-hour drive (130km) to Lake Manyara National Park. Along the way, watch as Tanzania’s vibrant landscapes unfold—perhaps catching a glimpse of Maasai herdsmen guiding their livestock. Your expert driver-guide will be your window into this incredible world, sharing fascinating insights as you travel.
Day’s Highlight:
A Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park
Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara is a small but diverse paradise teeming with wildlife. Marvel at the flamingos wading gracefully through the alkaline waters, watch troops of baboons play in the lush forests, and keep an eye out for tree-climbing lions lounging in the branches. The park’s varied landscapes—from dense woodlands to open plains—make for a truly dynamic safari experience. And when we reach the hippo pool… well, let’s just say you’ll want to hold your nose!
Accommodation:
Tonight, experience luxury glamping at Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp. Perched inside the park with breathtaking sunrise views, this intimate camp offers comfort in the heart of the wild. Enjoy a warm Tanzanian welcome, a crackling evening fire, and a night surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.
Meal Plan:
Breakfast at Kibo Palace Hotel
Lunch on safari (a nutritious, packed meal)
Dinner at Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp
Destination: Serengeti National Park
Rise and shine! Today, your ZePacha Kingdom Adventure takes you deeper into Tanzania’s heartland as we journey northwest from Lake Manyara to the legendary Serengeti. This 5-hour drive (222km) will be anything but dull—your driver-guide is a walking encyclopedia, eager to share fascinating insights about Tanzania’s culture, tribes, and the untamed wilderness you’re about to explore. By the time we arrive, you’ll already feel like a seasoned safari expert!
Day’s Highlight:
🦁 First Encounter with the Serengeti Plains
Serengeti National Park is a living, breathing masterpiece—an endless golden canvas where nature paints a new scene every second. The vastness alone is enough to leave you in awe. Today’s game drive introduces you to Serengeti’s ever-changing wildlife spectacle, where lions laze under acacia trees, elephants roam with quiet wisdom, and cheetahs chase the wind. Every turn brings a surprise, making for an exhilarating afternoon in Africa’s most celebrated national park.
Accommodation:
Tonight, you’ll settle into the Serengeti Tortilis Camp, a luxurious glamping retreat set deep in the wild. As the sun sets, gather around the outdoor fire, sip on a refreshing drink, and soak in the sounds of the African night. The camp’s warm hospitality, lively singing, and dancing might even tempt you to show off your best moves! And don’t be surprised if a wandering zebra or antelope strolls past your tent—this is nature at its finest.
Meal Plan:
Breakfast at Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp
Lunch on safari (a nutritious, packed meal)
Dinner at Serengeti Tortilis Camp
Destination: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The adventure continues! After a morning game drive and a hearty lunch, we set off on a 3.5-hour (145km) journey southeast toward one of Tanzania’s most breathtaking wonders—the Ngorongoro Crater.
Day’s Highlight:
First Glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater
As we leave the endless Serengeti plains behind, the landscape shifts dramatically. Soon, we’ll arrive at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. This natural amphitheater is teeming with wildlife and promises an unforgettable safari experience tomorrow. But first, we enjoy another wild Serengeti morning, tracking lions, elephants, and perhaps even a stealthy leopard before we bid farewell to this legendary park.
Morning Safari in Serengeti:
Before heading to Ngorongoro, we explore Seronera, the heart of the Serengeti. This region is famous for its permanent water sources, which attract large numbers of animals year-round. Expect pride of lions, hippos lazing in muddy pools, and elephants gracefully moving through the grasslands. We may also stop by the Serengeti Visitor Center, where you’ll learn about conservation pioneers like Bernhard Grzimek, who helped preserve this incredible ecosystem.
After lunch, our journey takes us past Simba Kopjes (famous from The Lion King), before reaching Naabi Hill Gate, the official border between Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Stretch your legs, take in the panoramic views, and spot colorful agama lizards basking on the rocks.
Accommodation:
Tonight, we rest at the Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp, nestled in acacia woodlands just 20km from the crater. This is ‘glamping’ at its best—a cozy, wilderness retreat with Maasai influences. Enjoy the staff’s warm hospitality (and perhaps a little singing and dancing), sip a drink by the campfire, and fall asleep to the sounds of nocturnal wildlife.
Meal Plan:
Breakfast at Serengeti Tortilis Camp
Lunch on safari (packed meal)
Dinner at Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp
Destination: Ngorongoro Crater → Kilimanjaro International Airport
The grand finale of your Tanzanian adventure takes you deep into the Ngorongoro Crater, a place like no other on Earth. After an unforgettable morning safari, we enjoy a picnic lunch before beginning our 5-hour journey (250km) back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.
Day’s Highlight
Exploring the Ngorongoro Crater – A Natural Wonder
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, Ngorongoro is a wildlife haven teeming with over 25,000 animals, including the elusive black rhino. Get your cameras ready—today, every turn in the road promises another breathtaking scene.
Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
We depart at 6:00 AM, making our way to the crater’s rim before descending into its vast 260 km² floor. With diverse habitats, from open plains to acacia forests, swamps, and a soda lake, Ngorongoro is a wildlife photographer’s dream.
In the Lerai Forest, keep an eye out for elephants, especially the legendary, tusked bulls who retreat here in their old age.
Lions are everywhere—this crater has one of the highest densities of big cats in Africa!
And, with a little luck, you might spot a critically endangered black rhino, one of the rarest sights in the wild.
🦩 Lake Magadi often hosts flocks of flamingos, adding a splash of pink to the crater floor.
After an action-packed morning game drive, we take a well-earned picnic lunch in the crater before starting our journey back to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Meal Plan
Breakfast at Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp
Lunch on safari (packed meal)
Dinner is not included, as today is your departure day