9-Day Signature Northern Tanzania Calving Safari - Better

Overview

This 13-day adventure offers the perfect blend of mountain trekking, wildlife exploration, and cultural discovery in Northern Tanzania. Begin with a thrilling 4-day ascent of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, renowned for its panoramic views and diverse wildlife. After your descent, transition into a classic Northern Circuit safari—visiting the iconic parks of Tarangire, Lake Natron, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti.

Along the way, immerse yourself in the Maasai culture, hike to hidden waterfalls, witness the spectacular Great Migration (seasonal), and enjoy a variety of landscapes—from volcanic highlands and soda lakes to endless savannahs teeming with wildlife.

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Destinations: Arusha • Tarangire National Park • Ngorongoro Crater • Ndutu (Great Migration area) • Maasai Village
Tour Type: Private Lodge Safari
Start & End: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Embark on a spectacular 9-day private safari through Northern Tanzania, combining breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences. This thoughtfully designed itinerary showcases the region’s most iconic parks—Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Ndutu—offering exceptional opportunities to witness the Big Five and, seasonally, the dramatic wildebeest calving season and predator action.

Stay in carefully selected mid- to high-end lodges that offer comfort and immersion in nature. With a private safari vehicle and experienced guide at your side, you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, from vast savannahs to ancient volcanic craters. Optional cultural and city tours add a rich human dimension to your journey.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania

Accommodation: Mount Meru Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your personal safari guide and transferred to Mount Meru Game Lodge, nestled in a quiet suburb of Arusha. This charming lodge offers a peaceful environment with personalized service—an ideal place to unwind after your journey.

Depending on your arrival time, optional activities such as a guided walk through local coffee farms or a visit to a nearby cultural center can be arranged.

Overnight: Mount Meru Game Lodge, Arusha
Drive time: Approx.. 2 hours from Kilimanjaro airport

Day 2 :

Tarangire National Park – The Land of Giants

Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast, depart Arusha and journey to Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem famed for its towering baobab trees, rolling savannah, and vast herds of elephants. The park is also home to lions, leopards, giraffes, and over 550 species of birds.

Enjoy a full-day game drive, including a packed lunch at a scenic picnic site overlooking the Tarangire River. In the late afternoon, continue to Karatu, a charming town on the edge of the Ngorongoro highlands, where you’ll check in at Acacia Farm Lodge.

Highlights: Elephant herds, baobabs, scenic river views
Drive time: Approx. 3–4 hours from Arusha to Tarangire, 1.5 hours to Karatu

Day 3 :

Ngorongoro Crater – The Eden of Africa

Accommodation: Ndutu Under Canvas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart early this morning for a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most stunning natural wonders. With its enclosed ecosystem, the crater offers a high concentration of wildlife, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, hyenas, buffalo, and abundant birdlife.

Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool before exiting the crater and continuing southward to the Ndutu area, located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and bordering Serengeti National Park.

Arrive at the historic Ndutu Under Canvas, known for its rustic charm and proximity to seasonal wildlife migration paths.

Highlights: Big Five sightings, crater floor landscapes, high-density game viewing
Drive time: Approx. 1 hour to Ngorongoro gate, 3–4 hours to Ndutu

Day 4 :

Ndutu Plains – Calving Season & Predator Action

Accommodation: Ndutu Under Canvas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is dedicated to exploring the Ndutu region, a prime location during the Great Migration’s calving season (typically December to March). Vast herds of wildebeest and zebras dot the plains, with newborns attracting predators such as cheetahs, lions, and hyenas.

Unlike the Serengeti National Park, off-road driving is permitted here, allowing you to follow the action closely. Your expert guide will tailor the day to maximize sightings based on recent wildlife movements.

Highlights: Predator-prey dynamics, wildebeest calving, off-road tracking

Day 5 :

Cultural Encounters – Maasai Village Visit & Return to Arusha

Accommodation: Mount Meru Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a scenic drive back toward Arusha. En route, visit an authentic Maasai boma where you’ll engage with community members, learn about their age-old traditions, and witness traditional dances, crafts, and homesteads.

This enriching cultural exchange offers a deeper appreciation of Tanzania’s human heritage. Later in the afternoon, arrive back at Mount Meru Game Lodge for a restful evening.

Highlights: Authentic cultural engagement, traditional Maasai life
Drive time: Approx. 6–7 hours with stops

Day 6 :

Leisure & Local Exploration in Arusha

Accommodation: Mount Meru Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to unwind at the lodge, take a dip in the pool, or explore optional activities in and around Arusha:

Visit to Shanga Foundation – an inspiring workshop employing people with disabilities to create arts and crafts
Arusha Coffee Tour – walk through a working plantation and learn about bean-to-cup production
Arusha City Tour – visit markets, museums, or local eateries

Optional experiences: Cultural, culinary, and artisan excursions

Day 7 :

Unwind in Arusha or Take Optional Day Trips

Accommodation: Mount Meru Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

Spend these two days either relaxing at your lodge or opt for day trips such as:

Arusha National Park – great for walking safaris and canoeing on Momella Lakes
Lake Duluti – enjoy peaceful canoeing or forest hikes
Meserani Snake Park – a fun and educational experience for families

Depending on your interests, this flexible portion allows you to wind down or explore more.

Day 8 :

Departure

Meals: Breakfast

After a final breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your outbound flight. As your unforgettable journey comes to an end, we hope you leave with cherished memories and a deeper connection to Tanzania’s people, wildlife, and landscapes.

Drive time: Approx. 2 hour to Kilimanjaro International Airport