This 8-day Tanzania safari offers a perfect blend of wildlife adventures and cultural encounters. From the elephant herds of Tarangire to the endless plains of Serengeti and the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, youāll witness Africaās most iconic landscapes and wildlife. The journey also introduces you to the unique cultures of the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes at Lake Eyasi, as well as cultural experiences in Mto wa Mbu and Arusha. Accommodation is a mix of comfortable mid-range lodges and tented camps, ensuring both relaxation and an authentic safari feel. Ideal for travelers who want an immersive safari experience with a balance of game drives, culture, and leisure.
Itinerary | Day to day
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport ā Transfer to Moshi
Distance: ~45 km
Drive Time: ~1 hour
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your lodge in Moshi. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a short town tour of Moshi, experiencing the lively streets and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and rest.
Accommodation: Weru Weru River Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner
Dinner: 7:00 PM ā 9:00 PM
Day 2: Moshi ā Tarangire National Park ā Karatu
Distance: ~210 km
Drive Time: ~4.5ā5 hours
After breakfast at the lodge, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its giant baobab trees and large herds of elephants. Enjoy a morning game drive followed by lunch inside the parkās picnic area. Continue your game drive until late afternoon, spotting lions, giraffes, wildebeest, and over 400 bird species. By evening, drive to Karatu where you will check into your lodge, have a shower, and relax before dinner.
Accommodation: Mvuli Lodge, Karatu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 7:00 AM | Lunch: 12:30 PM (Picnic in park) | Dinner: 7:30 PM
Day 3: Karatu ā Ngorongoro Conservation Area ā Serengeti National Park
Distance: ~250 km (via Ngorongoro)
Drive Time: ~6ā7 hours (with game viewing en route)
After an early breakfast, drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying the stunning views of the crater and Maasai villages along the way. Enter Serengeti National Park and begin your first game drive en route to your camp. Enjoy a bush picnic lunch before arriving at your camp for rest. Later in the afternoon, head out for an evening game drive and end your day with a spectacular African sunset.
Accommodation: Jackalās Lair Camp, Serengeti
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 6:30 AM | Lunch: 1:00 PM (Bush) | Dinner: 7:30 PM
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive ā Serengeti National Park
Spend the entire day exploring the endless plains of Serengeti. Begin with an early morning game drive, the best time to spot predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs as they hunt. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast, then head out again for more wildlife viewing. Enjoy a bush lunch under the shade of an acacia tree, and in the evening, your guide will find the perfect spot for a sundowner.
Accommodation: Jackalās Lair Camp, Serengeti
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 6:00 AM (Bush option available) | Lunch: 1:00 PM (Bush) | Dinner: 7:30 PM
Day 5: Serengeti ā Ngorongoro Crater ā Karatu
Distance: ~190 km
Drive Time: ~5ā6 hours (with game viewing)
Wake up early and depart Serengeti for Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into the worldās largest intact volcanic caldera for a game drive. The crater floor is home to rhinos, elephants, hippos, lions, and abundant birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool before continuing your exploration. By late afternoon, ascend the crater rim, stop for photos at the Ngorongoro viewpoint, and drive to Karatu for your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Eileenās Tree Inn, Karatu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 6:00 AM | Lunch: 12:30 PM (Picnic) | Dinner: 7:30 PM
Day 6: Karatu ā Lake Eyasi Cultural Experience ā Karatu
Distance: ~70 km (round trip)
Drive Time: ~2 hours
After breakfast, drive to Lake Eyasi for a fascinating cultural experience with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Join the Hadzabe in a traditional hunting activity, learn about their bush skills, and interact with the Datoga blacksmiths. Enjoy a local-style lunch before returning to Karatu in the afternoon. Relax at your lodge and later enjoy dinner.
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge, Karatu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 7:00 AM | Lunch: 1:00 PM (Local/Outdoor) | Dinner: 7:30 PM
Day 7: Karatu ā Mto wa Mbu Cultural Experience ā Arusha
Distance: ~140 km
Drive Time: ~3ā4 hours
After breakfast, head to Mto wa Mbu, a melting pot of over 120 Tanzanian tribes. Participate in a guided cultural tour that includes tasting local dishes, trying banana beer, and learning about traditional farming. After lunch, continue to Arusha where you will check in at your lodge for dinner and rest.
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 7:00 AM | Lunch: 12:30 PM (Local) | Dinner: 7:30 PM
Day 8: Arusha City Tour ā Departure
Spend your last day exploring Arusha city. Visit Tanzanite shops, art galleries, and the local markets for souvenirs. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have lunch in town or at your lodge before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.
Accommodation: None (Departure Day)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast: 7:00 AM | Lunch: 12:00 PM (Optional in Arusha)
Included in the Safari
Not Included in the Safari
š Transport in a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing
šØāāļø Professional English-speaking driver/guide
šļø Accommodation as per itineraryĀ
š½ļø Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner as indicated in the itinerary
š° Bottled drinking water in the vehicle during safari
š« All park entrance fees and government taxes
š¦ Game drives as per itinerary
š§ Transfers from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
šļø Entry fees to Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area Authority
āļø International flights to/from Tanzania
š§³ Travel insurance and medical insurance
š§¾ Tips for guide, driver, and hotel staff (recommended $10ā$20 per day)
š· Alcoholic and Sprit drinks at lodges and camps
šļø Optional activities (e.g., Maasai village visit, hot air balloon safari, cultural tours)
š§¼ Personal items: laundry, souvenirs, phone charges, etc.
šļø Accommodation in Arusha after the safari (can be arranged upon request)
š§¾ Visa fees for entry into Tanzania