This 8 day Tanzania Simba Safari visits 4 of Tanzania’s top safari parks. Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire National Parks are on this Tanzania northern circuit road safari.
The Simba Safari remains Tanzania’s most popular tour program. Traveling in four wheel drive safari vehicles throughout with top English speaking driver/guides, the safari visits all four of the country’s top parks. This scheduled small group trip is guaranteed for a minimum of 2 clients.
For the Tanzania Simba Safari scheduled departures there are 4 budget options. It can also operate on a private basis. This makes traveling with 4 or more people more affordable plus you have your own vehicle. Let us know the number of you traveling and we’ll send rates for the private tour.
The Tanzania Simba Safari starts and ends at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha.
Skip to Tanzania Simba Safari Rates
Simba Safari Tanzania Tour Summary |
Option A |
Option B |
Option C |
Option D |
Tour departs |
Friday | Saturday | Monday | Saturday |
Day 1 |
Airport transfer | |||
| Tour accommodation | Arusha Serena Hotel | Forest Hill Hotel | Gran Meliá Arusha | Forest Hill Hotel |
Day 2 |
Morning at leisure for optional Arusha tours. Depart for Tarangire at 2pm. | Depart Arusha at 8am to arrive at Tarangire in time for lunch and afternoon game drive. | ||
| Tour accommodation | Tarangire Sopa Lodge | Burunge Tented Lodge | Tarangire Kuro Treetops | Elephant Rock Luxury Camp |
Day 3 |
Morning Tarangire game drive. Depart for Lake Manyara after lunch. | Morning Tarangire game drive. Depart for Lake Manyara after breakfast to arrive in time for lunch and afternoon game drive. | ||
| Tour accommodation | Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge | Manyara Lakeview Oasis | Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge | Manyara Lakeview Oasis |
Day 4 |
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara. Depart for Serengeti after lunch. | Depart to Serengeti National Park. Arriving at the lodge for lunch and afternoon game drive in Serengeti. | ||
| Tour accommodation | Serengeti Serena Lodge | Serengeti Kati Kati Camp | Ole Serai Moru Kopjes | Mberesero Serengeti Central Lodge |
Day 5 |
Morning and afternoon game drives in the Serengeti National Park. | |||
| Tour accommodation | Serengeti Serena Lodge | Serengeti Kati Kati | Ole Serai Moru Kopjes | Mberesero Serengeti Central Lodge |
Day 6 |
Game viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater. | |||
| Picnic lunch box en route. | Picnic lunch box en route. | Visit Olduvai Gorge. Late lunch at lodge. Boma dinner. | Late lunch at lodge. | |
| Tour accommodation | Ngorongoro Serena Lodge | Tloma Lodge | Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge | Mberesero Endoro Lodge |
Day 7 |
Descend to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater for your game drive in this paradise. Picnic lunch box. | |||
| Tour accommodation | Ngorongoro Serena Lodge | Tloma Lodge | Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge | Mberesero Endoro Lodge |
Day 8 |
Sunrise across the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Lunch in Arusha before tour ends. | Lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge before tour ends. | ||
All accommodation is on a full board basis except in Arusha where it is bed and breakfast. Full board is breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Tanzania Simba Safari Itinerary
Day 1
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you clear customs and immigration formalities and are met outside opposite the Arrivals Hall by our representative. They will assist you to your vehicle for your transfer to the hotel. The hotels are all on the outskirts of Arusha.
Arusha is the gateway to the famous Tanzanian ‘Northern Safari Circuit’. There are a broad range of attractions in the area which include walking, mountain biking, and canoeing on the lake. And trips to the nearby Mount Meru National Park.
Day 2
As you make your way out of Arusha, you leave the busy city behind. And the landscape gives way to vast plains dotted with grass thatched huts. It will be common to see young children tending to herds of cattle and sheep. In the distance, the imposing wall of the Great Rift rises from the horizon.
Option A & B: Morning at leisure with optional activities (payable directly). Safari briefing and lunch at the hotel. Then depart to Tarangire National Park. For Option A, once you pass the park gate, you begin game viewing as you make your way to the lodge. Arriving for dinner and overnight. Afternoon arrival at Option B accommodation located adjacent to the park for dinner and overnight.
Option C & D: Following breakfast, depart to Tarangire National Park. Once you pass the park gate, game view en route to the lodge arriving for lunch. Following lunch and a chance to enjoy the camp’s facilities, you set out on an afternoon game drive. Return to the camp for sunset with dinner and overnight at the camp.
Tarangire National Park
The park gets its name from the Tarangire River which runs through it. It is known for its large herds of elephants and diverse wildlife. Tarangire covers an area of 2,850 square kilometers. It is home to over 550 bird species. As well as lions, leopards, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and many more animals. The park is also known for its baobab trees and picturesque views of the Maasai Steppe and the Rift Valley. It is a popular destination for wildlife safaris and outdoor adventure activities.
Day 3
Option A & B: Morning game drive and lunch at the lodge in Tarangire. Then depart to Lake Manyara National Park.
Option A: Arriving at your lodge perched above the Rift Valley escarpment overlooking the park for dinner and overnight.
Option B: Arriving at your lodge located adjacent to the park for dinner and overnight.
Option C & D: Early morning game drive and return to the lodge for breakfast. Then depart to Lake Manyara National Park arriving at the lodge for lunch. Following lunch and a chance to enjoy the lodge’s facilities, you set out on an afternoon game drive. Return to the lodge for sunset with dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Lake Manyara National Park
The park is named after Lake Manyara, a shallow alkaline lake that is a prominent feature of the park. It covers an area of 330 square kilometers and is known for its diverse wildlife. Including large herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and baboons. And various species of antelope. Also home to tree-climbing lions, a behavior that is rarely observed in other areas of Africa. In addition to its wildlife, it is a bird watchers paradise. With over 400 bird species recorded, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and various birds of prey. The terrain varies from dense forests to open grassy plains. The views of the Great Rift Valley and the surrounding landscapes are breathtaking. It is a popular destination for wildlife safaris and bird watching tours.
Day 4
Option A & B: Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Where the park’s varied ecosystems offer excellent opportunities for wildlife and birdlife sightings against a backdrop of dramatic scenery. Return to the lodge for lunch. Depart northward to the Serengeti National Park. Once you pass the Naabi Gate; the gateway to Serengeti National Park, game view en route to the lodge. Arriving for dinner and overnight.
Option C & D: Depart to Serengeti National Park arriving at the camp/lodge for lunch. Following lunch and a chance to enjoy the camp’s facilities, you set out on an afternoon game drive. Return to the camp for sunset with dinner and overnight at the camp.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park covers an area of approximately 14,750 square kilometers. It is known for its vast Savannah grasslands, iconic wildlife, and annual wildebeest migration. The park is home to the “big five” animals. Lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceros, and Cape buffaloes. As well as cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and many other species of mammals and birds. The annual wildebeest migration is where over a million wildebeest and other herbivores migrate in search of greener pastures. It is one of the most spectacular natural events in the world. The park is also home to the Maasai people who have lived in the area for centuries and still practice their traditional way of life. Serengeti National Park is a popular destination for wildlife safaris and hot air balloon safaris.
Day 5
Morning and afternoon game drives in the Serengeti National Park. With meals and overnight at the lodge.
OPTIONAL Shared Hot Air Balloon Safari
Early morning transfer in the balloon company vehicle to the balloon staging site. You meet the pilot who provides a safety briefing. While the crew inflates the hot air balloon. At sunrise, your hot air balloon lifts off over the African plains. At times, your pilot will ascend to a higher altitude to give you an overview of the ecosystem. Then you descend to treetop level to silently observe the wildlife from above. After about 50 minutes, you land and enjoy your bush breakfast. You then return to your camp or lodge.
Please note that the cost is NOT included in the tour cost.
Option A: Serengeti Serena Lodge
Option B: Serengeti Kati Kati in Standard Tents
Option C: Ole Serai Moru Kopjes
Option D: Mberesero Serengeti Central Lodge
Day 6
Option A & B: Depart the lodge and game view as you make your way to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. A picnic lunch box is enjoyed en route.
Option A: Arrive at your lodge perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater for the afternoon at leisure, dinner, and overnight. Option B: You travel along the rim of the crater and descend to the village of Karatu arriving at your lodge for an afternoon at leisure, dinner, and overnight.
Option C: Depart to Ngorongoro Conservation Area with game viewing en route. You stop at Olduvai Gorge for a chance to see the site where the Leakey family made several important archaeological discoveries. A small museum with some of the artifacts found can be viewed. You also visit a cultural Maasai village. Arrive at the lodge for late lunch and time at leisure. You have a special Boma dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Option D: Depart to Ngorongoro Conservation Area with game viewing en route. Arrive at the lodge for late lunch and time at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Crater, ‘The eighth wonder of the world’, is home to an estimated 30,000 animals. Making it one of the most densely populated wildlife areas in the world. The area is also home to the Maasai people, who have lived in the area for centuries. And still practice their traditional way of life. In addition to the wildlife, the area is known for its stunning landscapes. Including the Ngorongoro Crater, the Olduvai Gorge, and the Empakai Crater. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a unique biosphere, which has remained virtually unchanged since the dawn of time. And is a popular destination for wildlife safaris and outdoor adventure activities.
Day 7
Early departure and descend to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater for your game drive in this paradise. As it is only 102 square miles and has a resident wildlife population of more than 30,000 mammals, there is a great chance that you might see all of the big five. A picnic lunch box is provided at a scenic location on the crater floor. In the afternoon, you return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Option A: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Option B: Tloma Lodge
Option C: Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge
Option D: Mberesero Endoro Lodge
Day 8
Option A & B: Those awake early enough will be able to enjoy the sunrise across the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Following breakfast, you depart the lodge and begin your journey back to Arusha. Arriving in the city at about 12.30 pm for lunch (excludes drinks). Then transfer to Kilimanjaro International or Arusha Airport for your departure flight.
Option C & D: Depart to Arusha arriving at Arusha Coffee Lodge for lunch (excludes drinks). Transfer to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward connections.
Travelers departing from Arusha Airport on a domestic flight to Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport or an international flight should book a flight departing later than 2.30 pm.
Travelers departing from Kilimanjaro International Airport on a domestic or international flight should book a flight that departs later than 3.30 pm.
Those with limited time before their departure flight will be provided with a picnic boxed lunch in lieu of lunch in Arusha.
Tanzania Simba Safari Tour Rates
Tanzania Simba Safari Option A featuring Serena Lodges
Departs on Fridays.
2026 Tour Option A Rates |
Per Person Sharing | Single Supplement |
| 1st – 25th January | $3850 | $720 |
| 26th January to 28th February | $4520 | $1145 |
| 1st to 31st March | $3625 | $700 |
| 1st April to 25th May | $3320 | $540 |
| 26th May to 24th June | $4545 | $1155 |
| 25th June to 31st October | $4610 | $1160 |
| 1st November to 15th December | $3625 | $700 |
| 16th to 31st December | $4590 | $1160 |
Tanzania Simba Safari Option B featuring Tanganyika Wilderness Camps
Departs on Saturdays.
2026 Option B Tour Rates |
Per Person Sharing | Single Supplement |
| 1st January to 31st March | $3610 | $590 |
| 1st April to 25th May | $3265 | $460 |
| 26th May to 31st October | $3625 | $600 |
| 1st November to 10th December | $3450 | $535 |
| 11th to 31st December | $3615 | $595 |
Tanzania Simba Safari Option C featuring Wellworth Collection Lodges
Departs on Mondays.
2026 Option C Tour Rates |
Per Person Sharing | Single Supplement |
| 1st January to 31st March | $5250 | $1525 |
| 1st April to 24th May | $4495 | $1085 |
| 25th May to 23rd June | $5275 | $1545 |
| 24th June to 31st October | $5535 | $1700 |
| 1st November to 12th December | $5215 | $1545 |
| 13th to 31st December | $5535 | $1700 |
Tanzania Simba Safari Option D featuring Mberesero Lodges
Departs on Saturdays.
2026 Tour Option D Rates |
Per Person Sharing | Single Supplement |
| 1st January to 28th February | $3850 | $675 |
| 1st to 31st March | $3785 | $545 |
| 1st April to 25th May | $3660 | $475 |
| 26th May to 24th June | $3915 | $710 |
| 25th June to 31st October | $4210 | $800 |
| 1st November to 15th December | $4000 | $595 |
| 16th to 31st December | $4200 | $800 |
Christmas and Easter supplements apply.
Tanzania Simba Safari children and third adult sharing
Child rates apply to children ages 7 to 11.99 at the time of travel.
Teen rates apply to children ages 12 to 15.99 at the time of travel.
Child rates are available on request.
Passport copies are required for qualification of the reduction
Children younger than 7 are not permitted on shared seat-in-vehicle safaris. However are most welcome on this program if booked on a private basis.
It is possible for three adults to share a room, however, there is no reduction on the per person costs. The third adult will be in a single room at Gran Meliã Arusha.
The single supplement rate excludes $110 for single airport transfers (if no one else booked).
Tanzania Simba Safari Cost Includes
Landside meet and greet services
Transfers as specified
Transport for the safari sector in 4×4 vehicles on a shared basis with a maximum of 6 passengers per vehicle
Guaranteed window seats
Services of experienced bilingual English speaking driver/guides on the scheduled safaris. Languages including Spanish, French, German, and Italian are available on request and subject to availability
Game drives and activities as specified in the itinerary
All accommodation and meals as specified
All park fees and government taxes (subject to change*).
Filtered water will be provided in safari vehicles. Please bring reusable water bottles.
Tanzania Simba Safari Cost Excludes
International and regional flights.
Airport taxes.
Passport and visa fees.
Hot air balloon safaris.
Driver/guide gratuities.
Dining room tips and porterage.
Personal travel, baggage, and medical insurance.
Drinks, Laundry, Telephone bills.
Any items of a personal nature.
*Park, reserve, and concession fees used in these rates are based on current information. Should there be increases in these fees, the increase will be passed on to clients. We recommend budgeting an additional $120 – $150 from 1st April 2026. This is an estimated amount and has NOT been included in the safari rates. These are per person for adults and children. We will advise the actual amounts once known. Should there not be an increase, we will not charge these amounts. Any increase will be advised and passed on.
We may have to re-route the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability.














