8 Day Northern Tanzania Circuit and Gorilla Tour
This 8 Day Northern Tanzania Circuit and Gorilla Tour is an immersive safari journey that combines two of Africa’s most extraordinary experiences the thrilling wildlife safaris of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit and the life changing gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Designed for travellers who seek both the raw excitement of the savannah and the intimate connection of forest encounters, this itinerary captures the very essence of East Africa’s wild beauty.
Your 8 Day Northern Tanzania Circuit and Gorilla Tour begins in Tanzania, the land of vast plains and towering baobabs. Here, you will explore Tarangire National Park, renowned for its elephant herds and giant trees that define its horizon. You’ll walk among treetops at Lake Manyara National Park, enjoy scenic mountain biking through local villages, and descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheatre teeming with wildlife. Then, the journey continues into the legendary Serengeti, where endless golden savannahs host one of nature’s greatest spectacles the Great Wildebeest Migration. Whether you’re watching lions on the hunt, elephants crossing the plains, or giraffes feeding beneath an acacia canopy, Tanzania’s landscapes never cease to amaze.
Ultimate Safari Overview: Tanzania’s Big Five Plains and Uganda’s Gentle Giants
After experiencing the drama of the savannah, you’ll fly to Rwanda and cross into Uganda, where dense tropical rainforests conceal one of Earth’s most awe-inspiring treasures the mountain gorillas. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you’ll trek through mist-shrouded foliage guided by expert trackers until you stand face-to-face with a gorilla family in their natural habitat. This powerful moment observing the gorillas’ gentle behavior and emotional intelligence often ranks among the most profound wildlife experiences in the world.
Throughout this 8-day journey, each destination has been handpicked to deliver a unique facet of East Africa’s story: Tanzania’s vibrant ecosystems, the Maasai’s deep-rooted culture, and Uganda’s unmatched primate encounters. Ngeye Tours and Travel ensures seamless logistics, from game drives and guided activities to your cross-border flight between Tanzania and Rwanda, culminating in a polished, once-in-a-lifetime safari that blends adventure, discovery, and emotion.
From the golden plains of Serengeti to the emerald jungles of Bwindi, this Kenya–Uganda Safari Holiday represents more than a journey it’s a bridge between Africa’s wild heartlands and its most moving wildlife moments. Every sunrise brings discovery, every encounter tells a story, and every evening reminds you why Africa captures the soul of every traveler who walks her soil.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Welcome to Tanzania
As your plane descends toward Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll catch your first glimpse of Africa’s roof the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro rising beyond the horizon. Upon arrival, a friendly Ngeye Tours and Travel driver-guide will warmly welcome you to Tanzania and transfer you to your comfortable lodge in Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania.
This is a day for rest and gentle acclimatization. Arusha, often called the “Geneva of Africa,” sits peacefully at the foot of Mount Meru and serves as the perfect gateway to the legendary national parks you’ll explore in the coming days. Settle into your lodge surrounded by lush gardens and take in the tranquil environment.
Later in the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner as your guide briefs you about the exciting adventures ahead. You’ll spend the night anticipating the start of your Tanzanian safari adventure.
Main Destination: Arusha (City, Tanzania)
Accommodation: Moivaro Lodge – Mid-range lodge near Arusha
Meals & Drinks: Dinner included; Drinking water provided
Day 2: Transfer to Tarangire National Park – The Land of Giants
Your safari officially begins after breakfast as you drive to Tarangire National Park, a haven for wildlife and a favorite among photographers. Upon entering the park, you’ll be greeted by its most iconic features enormous baobab trees and vast herds of elephants. Tarangire is famous for hosting one of the highest concentrations of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem, particularly during the dry season when animals congregate around the Tarangire River.
As you journey deeper into the park, you’ll spot lions lounging under acacia trees, giraffes gracefully moving through the savannah, and zebras grazing in the open plains. The park’s wetlands also attract hundreds of bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
Your guide will interpret the intricate relationships between flora, fauna, and landscape, enhancing your understanding of this remarkable ecosystem. After a full day of adventure, return to your lodge near Karatu to relax, unwind, and savor a hearty dinner beneath the starlit African sky.
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park (Tanzania)
Accommodation: Endoro Lodge – Mid-range lodge near Karatu
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park – Treetop Walkway and Mountain Biking Adventure
After breakfast, head toward Lake Manyara National Park, a small yet diverse park known for its spectacular scenery and unique wildlife encounters. Begin your morning with the Manyara Treetop Walkway, an exhilarating canopy adventure that lets you stroll 18 meters above the forest floor. From this elevated perspective, enjoy panoramic views of the lush greenery below, spotting monkeys, butterflies, and colorful birds as they flit between branches.
Later, transition to a land-based adventure as you embark on a guided mountain biking tour through nearby villages and scenic trails. This experience brings you closer to Tanzania’s rural life, offering glimpses of local culture, farming practices, and warm smiles from villagers along the route. The combination of canopy exploration and cycling creates a perfect balance of thrill, connection, and discovery.
By evening, return to your lodge to relax and recount the day’s unforgettable moments over dinner.
Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania)
Accommodation: Endoro Lodge – Mid-range lodge near Lake Manyara
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 4: Game Drive at Ngorongoro Crater and Transfer to Serengeti Plains
Rise early for a day filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and unparalleled wildlife viewing. After breakfast, you’ll drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders. Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, a vast volcanic caldera that shelters a self-contained world of wildlife.
Here, lions patrol the grasslands, elephants graze near Lerai Forest, and endangered black rhinos roam in the misty morning light. The crater’s soda lakes shimmer with flamingos, while buffalo and wildebeest dominate the open plains. After your game drive and a scenic picnic lunch, continue your journey to the Serengeti National Park, the land of endless plains.
The transition from crater highlands to open savannah feels like stepping into a wildlife epic — herds of antelopes, zebras, and wildebeests moving in timeless rhythm. Upon arrival, enjoy an evening game drive before retiring to your tented camp in the heart of the Serengeti.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Accommodation: Serengeti Central Lodge – Mid-range tented camp inside Serengeti
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 5: Hot Air Balloon Safari and Game Drive in the Central Serengeti
This morning begins before dawn with a once-in-a-lifetime experience a hot air balloon safari over the Central Serengeti. As the first light of dawn spreads across the plains, your balloon ascends gently, offering breathtaking aerial views of wildlife awakening below. Watch as herds of wildebeest move like rivers across the landscape and predators begin their morning patrols.
Upon landing, celebrate with a traditional champagne bush breakfast in the wild. Afterward, your adventure continues on a full-day game drive across the Seronera Valley, known for its high concentration of big cats. You’ll likely encounter lions resting on kopjes, cheetahs scanning for prey, and leopards perched elegantly in acacia trees.
As the day ends, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening. Reflect on the breathtaking harmony between the wild, the sky, and your own spirit the essence of Serengeti magic.
Main Destination: Central Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Accommodation: Endoro Lodge – Mid-range lodge near Karatu
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 6: Maasai Boma Visit and Flight to Kigali, Rwanda
After breakfast, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Maasai people with a visit to a traditional Maasai Boma. You’ll learn about their pastoral lifestyle, ancestral customs, and how they coexist with wildlife. Enjoy their rhythmic dances, beadwork displays, and storytelling sessions that embody their deep connection with the land.
Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kigali, Rwanda. From the sky, enjoy stunning aerial views of East Africa’s landscapes from the plains of Tanzania to the rolling hills of Rwanda. Upon arrival in Kigali, you’ll be welcomed by a Ngeye Tours representative and transferred to your comfortable lodge for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Kigali (Rwanda)
Accommodation: Eagle View Lodge – Mid-range lodge in Kigali
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 7: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
After breakfast, embark on a morning Kigali city tour, visiting key cultural and historical landmarks. Begin at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute that offers deep insight into Rwanda’s journey of healing and resilience. Continue to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where conservation meets inspiration through research and education.
After lunch, you’ll cross into Uganda, journeying through rolling hills and lush countryside toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive itself is an adventure scenic and serene, offering glimpses of local life and mountain vistas. By evening, arrive at your lodge near Bwindi, where the rainforest hums with life, and anticipation builds for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking experience.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation: Bweza Gorilla Lodge – Mid-range lodge near Bwindi
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Return to Kigali
Today is the climax of your East African adventure a gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of Africa’s most profound wildlife encounters. After an early breakfast, you’ll gather at the park headquarters for a briefing by expert guides before setting off into the dense rainforest.
As you trek through tangled vines, moss-covered trees, and misty glades, your guides will lead you to a family of mountain gorillas. Watching them in their natural environment mothers nurturing their young, silverbacks maintaining order, juveniles playing nearby is a deeply emotional and unforgettable moment.
After spending up to an hour observing these gentle giants, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch and later drive back to Kigali for your outbound flight or overnight stay. As you leave, you’ll carry with your memories that transcend travel moments of awe, connection, and gratitude for the natural world.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation: End of Tour (No accommodation included)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & Lunch included
Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Included:
Park entry fees in all destinations
Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda)
Professional English-speaking guides
All ground transfers and domestic flights (Tanzania–Rwanda)
Accommodation as per itinerary
Full-board meals and bottled drinking water
Maasai cultural tour and Kigali city tour
Hot air balloon safari in Serengeti
All government taxes and conservation fees
Excluded:
International flights to/from Africa
Travel insurance and visa fees
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs)
Tips for guides and lodge staff