9-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari Itinerary
Overview:
This immersive 9-day Tanzania wildlife safari takes you through three of the most iconic national parks in Africa — Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and the legendary Serengeti. Blending thrilling game drives, cultural experiences, and scenic landscapes, this journey offers the ultimate Tanzanian safari adventure.
Safari Highlights
- Elephant herds and baobabs in Tarangire
- Local cultural experience in Mto wa Mbu
- Big Five sightings
- Endless plains and predators in Serengeti
- Optional hot air balloon safari (on request)
This classic Tanzania wildlife safari offers a rich blend of game viewing, culture, and comfort. Contact us to customize your safari itinerary, choose your preferred accommodations, or extend your trip to Zanzibar for a beach escape.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Enjoy a relaxing dinner and overnight stay as you prepare for your wildlife adventure.
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, known for its giant baobabs and dense elephant population. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge or tented camp, followed by an afternoon game drive in the park.
Overnight: Tented Camp or Safari Lodge in Tarangire.
Day 3: Full Day in Tarangire
Spend a full day exploring the vast savannahs and riverine woodlands of Tarangire. Look out for large herds of elephants, tree-climbing lions, leopards, and over 500 species of birds.
Overnight: Tented Camp or Safari Lodge in Tarangire
Day 4: Cultural Visit in Mto wa Mbu – Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, drive to Mto wa Mbu village for a guided cultural walk through this vibrant farming community. Enjoy a home-hosted local lunch, then continue up to the Ngorongoro Highlands for dinner and overnight on the Crater rim.
Overnight: Safari Lodge on Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Day 5: Full Day in Ngorongoro Crater
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game viewing. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a chance to spot the Big Five — lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard — in a stunning setting.
Overnight: Safari Lodge on Crater Rim
Day 6: Ngorongoro – Central Serengeti
Drive down to the Serengeti plains and continue your journey to Central Serengeti, arriving for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive in the heart of the park, famous for big cats and dramatic landscapes.
Overnight: Tented Camp or Safari Lodge in Serengeti
Day 7: Full Day Game Viewing in Serengeti
Spend the day exploring the Serengeti National Park, following wildlife across the endless plains. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration or encounter prides of lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes.
Overnight: Tented Camp or Safari Lodge in Serengeti
Day 8: Another Full Day in Serengeti
Enjoy another full day of exciting game drives with picnic lunch in the bush. You’ll have more chances to photograph predators, herbivores, and spectacular scenery as the sun sets over the savannah.
Overnight: Tented Camp or Safari Lodge in Serengeti
Day 9: Serengeti – Arusha – Departure
After breakfast, board a scenic bush flight from Serengeti to Arusha. Enjoy lunch and relax in a day room at a local hotel before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your outbound flight.
BOOK THIS TOUR
What is included
- All park entry fees and government taxes
- Accommodation during the safari (lodges, camps, or hotels)
- All meals as specified in the itinerary (typically breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Unlimited game drives within the national parks
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Evacuation insurance (AMREF Flying Doctors)
- Cultural visits (e.g., Maasai village or Hadzabe, if specified)
- Government VAT and tourism levies
What is excluded
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Visa fees for entry into Tanzania
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
- Tips/gratuities for guide and lodge staff (customary but not mandatory)
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless stated
- Additional optional activities (e.g., balloon safari, crater rim walk, night game drive)
- Accommodation before/after the safari (unless included in your package)