The 9 Days Greatest Tanzania Adventure Safari is designed for travelers who want to experience the best of Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes, and culture in one well-balanced journey. This carefully crafted itinerary takes you across the country’s most iconic destinations, from the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire National Park, the endless savannahs of the Serengeti, and the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater, to the unique cultural experiences with the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and local communities in Mto wa Mbu.
In addition to wildlife encounters, this adventure offers cultural immersion, relaxation, and natural wonders. You will enjoy a coffee tour at Materuni village, a refreshing swim at the crystal-clear Chemka Hot Springs, and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Each day has been designed with comfort in mind, blending exciting safaris with relaxing stays in handpicked lodges and tented camps.
If you’re seeking a luxury yet authentic Tanzania safari filled with wildlife, culture, and adventure, this 9-day journey is perfect for you.
Itinerary | Day to day
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Transfer to Arusha
Distance: ~55 km
Drive Time: ~1 hour
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by your Chacha Safaris driver-guide. After a warm welcome, you’ll be transferred to your lodge in Arusha where you can relax and prepare for the days ahead. Nestled in a peaceful setting, Forest Hill Lodge provides a comfortable stay surrounded by nature.
Accommodation: Forest Hill Lodge, Arusha
Meal Plan: Dinner
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park – Karatu
Distance: ~230 km
Drive Time: ~5 hours (Arusha – Tarangire 2.5 hrs, Tarangire – Karatu 2.5 hrs)
After an early breakfast at 7:00 AM, depart Arusha around 8:00 AM for Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobabs, and rich birdlife. Enjoy a morning game drive until midday, then stop for a picnic lunch inside the park at around 12:30 PM. Continue your game drive through the afternoon before driving to Karatu in the evening.
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge, Karatu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM (Picnic)
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Day 3: Karatu – Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Serengeti National Park (Central Serengeti)
Distance: ~220 km
Drive Time: ~6 hours (including game viewing en route)
After breakfast at 6:30 AM, depart Karatu at 7:00 AM and drive through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop at viewpoints for photos before entering Serengeti National Park. Enjoy game viewing en route and arrive at your camp in the Central Serengeti for hot lunch around 1:00 PM. After some rest, head out on an afternoon game drive with the chance to spot predators preparing for the evening hunt.
Accommodation: Conserve Safari Camp, Serengeti
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM
Lunch: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Day 4: Full Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park
Wake up early at 5:30 AM for a sunrise game drive to witness predators in action. Around 8:30 AM, return to camp for a bush breakfast or continue exploring the plains. Spend the rest of the day spotting wildlife, including the Big Five and countless wildebeest and zebras. Lunch will be served as a picnic bush lunch inside the park at 12:30 PM. In the evening, enjoy a sundowner before heading back to camp.
Optional: Balloon safari with champagne breakfast (extra cost).
Accommodation: Conserve Safari Camp, Serengeti
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM (Bush breakfast)
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM (Bush lunch)
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Day 5: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater
Distance: ~145 km
Drive Time: ~3.5 hours
After breakfast at 6:30 AM, depart Serengeti at 7:00 AM and drive towards Ngorongoro Crater. Descend 600 meters into the crater for a full game drive. At 1:00 PM, enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, surrounded by incredible scenery. After your game drive, head to your camp located on the crater rim for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM
Lunch: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Picnic)
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Day 6: Ngorongoro – Lake Eyasi – Karatu
Distance: ~120 km
Drive Time: ~4 hours (Ngorongoro – Eyasi 2.5 hrs; Eyasi – Karatu 1.5 hrs)
After breakfast at 6:30 AM, depart for Lake Eyasi, home to the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Participate in traditional hunting activities with the Hadzabe and visit the Datoga blacksmiths. Lunch will be served around 12:30 PM at Eyasi. In the afternoon, drive back to Karatu to relax at your lodge.
Accommodation: Heart and Soul Lodge, Karatu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Day 7: Karatu – Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour – Arusha
Distance: ~160 km
Drive Time: ~3.5 hours
After breakfast at 7:00 AM, depart Karatu for Mto wa Mbu village, known for its cultural diversity with more than 120 tribes. Participate in a cultural walking tour, banana plantations visit, and enjoy a Swahili lunch at around 1:00 PM. In the afternoon, continue to Arusha for check-in at your lodge. Optional stops include Tanzanite shops or local art galleries.
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Lunch: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Day 8: Arusha – Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour – Chemka Hot Springs – Kilimanjaro
Distance: ~140 km
Drive Time: ~5 hours (including stops)
After breakfast at 7:00 AM, depart for Materuni Village near Moshi. Hike to Materuni Waterfalls, then take part in a traditional coffee-making tour with the Chagga people. Enjoy a local lunch around 1:00 PM. In the afternoon, transfer to Chemka Hot Springs for swimming in natural warm waters. Later, head to Kia Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Kia Lodge, Kilimanjaro
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Lunch: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Day 9: Departure – Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport
After breakfast at 7:00 AM, depending on your flight schedule, your driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. This marks the end of your unforgettable Tanzania adventure with Chacha Safaris.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Included in the Safari
Not Included in the Safari
🚐 Transport in a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing
👨✈️ Professional English-speaking driver/guide
🛏️ Accommodation as per itinerary
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner as indicated in the itinerary
🚰 Bottled drinking water in the vehicle during safari
🎫 All park entrance fees and government taxes
🦁 Game drives as per itinerary
🧭 Transfers from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
🏞️ Entry fees to Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area Authority
✈️ International flights to/from Tanzania
🧳 Travel insurance and medical insurance
🧾 Tips for guide, driver, and hotel staff (recommended $10–$20 per day)
🍷 Alcoholic and Sprit drinks at lodges and camps
🏙️ Optional activities (e.g., Maasai village visit, hot air balloon safari, cultural tours)
🧼 Personal items: laundry, souvenirs, phone charges, etc.
🛏️ Accommodation in Arusha after the safari (can be arranged upon request)
🧾 Visa fees for entry into Tanzania