8-Day Group Ultimate Safari

8 days

Overview

The longest and most comprehensive group safari on offer, this 8-day journey leaves no stone unturned across Tanzania's Northern Circuit. In a shared 4x4 of just six travellers, explore all four major parks — Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti — plus an extra day for cultural immersion in the Lake Eyasi region. This is the trip for those who want to truly connect with the landscape, the wildlife, and a small group of fellow adventurers over more than a week of shared discovery.

Highlights

All four Northern Circuit parks plus Lake Eyasi cultural experience

Small group of 6 — shared adventure that builds deep camaraderie

Three nights in the Serengeti for maximum wildlife immersion

Full-day Ngorongoro Crater descent with your group

Cultural visit to Lake Eyasi — meet the Hadzabe and Datoga communities together

Fixed departure dates, solo-traveller-friendly with no single supplement

Gallery

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer with the group to Arusha Planet Lodge. Settle into your room and relax before the evening welcome dinner and safari briefing. This is the first chance to meet your travelling companions — a diverse group of solo adventurers and couples who will share the next eight days. The driver-guide outlines the journey ahead, and excitement fills the air.

Accommodation

Gran Meliá Arusha

luxury

Four Points by Sheraton Arusha

Mid-Range

Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa

budget

Dinner

Day 2 — Arusha to Tarangire National Park

The group departs Arusha after breakfast for Tarangire National Park, arriving mid-morning. A full day of game driving follows, with the shared vehicle winding through the park's iconic baobab-studded landscapes along the Tarangire River. Massive elephant herds, graceful giraffes, wildebeest, zebra, and a rich variety of birdlife keep the group's cameras busy. A picnic lunch is shared in a scenic spot before continuing the afternoon exploration. Overnight at Tarangire Safari Lodge with views over the river valley.

Accommodation

Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge

luxury

Farm of Dreams Lodge

Mid-Range

Octagon Lodge

budget

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 — Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

An early morning game drive in Tarangire gives the group a final chance to spot predators returning from their night hunts. After brunch, the group exits the park and drives to Lake Manyara National Park for an afternoon game drive. Explore the groundwater forest, acacia woodlands, and the lake shore where pink flamingos gather in the shallows. The group searches for the park's legendary tree-climbing lions before heading up the escarpment to Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge.

Accommodation

Kitela Lodge

luxury

Eileen's Trees Inn

Mid-Range

Fig Tree Lodge

budget

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 — Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, the group drives through the Karatu highlands to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend 600 metres into the crater together for a full-day game drive in what is often called Africa's Garden of Eden. The group spends the day marvelling at the dense wildlife — black rhino, lion prides, elephant, buffalo, and hippo among countless plains animals. A picnic lunch is shared on the crater floor. In the late afternoon, ascend to Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge on the crater rim.

Accommodation

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

luxury

Rhino Lodge

Mid-Range

Simba Public Campsite

budget

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 — Lake Eyasi Cultural Experience

A highlight of the extended itinerary, the group heads off the beaten track to the remote Lake Eyasi region. Here the group spends the day with the Hadzabe people, one of the last hunter-gatherer communities in Africa, joining them on a bush walk to learn traditional hunting and foraging techniques. Later, visit the Datoga blacksmiths and observe their ancient metal-working skills. This immersive cultural day is shared as a group, deepening the connection between travellers and the land. Return to Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge for the evening.

Accommodation

Ziwani Lodge

luxury

Tindiga Tented Camp

Mid-Range

Fig Tree Lodge

budget

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 — Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti

The group departs Ngorongoro after breakfast and drives toward the Serengeti, crossing the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with an optional stop at Olduvai Gorge. Enter the Serengeti at Naabi Hill Gate and begin the first Serengeti game drive through the Seronera Valley — one of Africa's premier wildlife regions. Lion, cheetah, leopard, and vast herds of ungulates are the reward. Arrive at Serengeti Sopa Lodge for sunset and a shared dinner under the stars.

Accommodation

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

luxury

Into Wild Africa

Mid-Range

Nyani Campsite

budget

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 — Full Day Serengeti Game Drive

A full day dedicated to Serengeti exploration as a group. The vehicle ranges far across the plains, following animal movements and tracking predators. Depending on the season, the group may witness the Great Migration river crossings, calving season on the southern plains, or the resident big cats of the Seronera Valley. A bush picnic lunch is shared in the wild. The group's final evening in the Serengeti is celebrated with a sundowner stop and a farewell dinner at the lodge.

Accommodation

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

luxury

Into Wild Africa

Mid-Range

Nyani Campsite

budget

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 — Serengeti to Arusha

Rise early for a final group game drive in the Serengeti, soaking in the sights and sounds for the last time. After a shared brunch at the lodge, the group begins the long but scenic drive back to Arusha, with game viewing along the way through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive in Arusha by late afternoon for airport transfers or hotel drop-offs. The group says its goodbyes — eight days, four parks, one tribe.

Breakfast, Lunch