9 Days / 8 Nights
Tanzania wildlife Safari
TOUR DESTINATION
Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, & Lake Manyara
Safari Overview
A 9-day Tanzania safari, poised to create unforgettable memories in a more personalized way. Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras traverse the plains in search of greener pastures. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five and an array of bird species. While the timeframe of this safari offers but a glimpse into Tanzania’s natural wonders, it provides a unique opportunity to unraveling the layers of this enchanting land and reward you with unforgettable memories than you could possibly imagine.
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/ARUSHA
Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by one of our safari representatives. The adventure then continues with an hour transfer to your hotel in Arusha, where relaxation and rejuvenation await after what might have been a long flight. Our representative will ensure a swift check-in process at the hotel, and be readily available to brief you on the next phases of your safari.
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch
Accommodation: hotel / lodge
Day 2: TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Following breakfast at your hotel, the adventure begins as you leave for Tarangire National Park – our first stop in this long-haul African safari.Named after the Tarangire River, the park is sometimes described as Serengeti’s quieter counterpart, due to its best game viewing opportunities. Moreover, the park is famous for its large herds of elephant and the baobab tree. Here, the river acts as a drawcard for wildlife during the dry season (between June and October), making game-viewing very easy.
Tarangire is also home to buffalo, zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, wildebeest, gerenuk, and many more terrestrial wild animals. Bird enthusiasts will also discover a paradise here, with the park recording more than 500 species of avian species, such as Red-billed Teal, Scaly Francolin, African Crake, to name a few.In the afternoon, take a break for a well-prepared picnic lunch, before resuming the game drive. By late afternoon, you’ll head to the appropriate accommodation in Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: camp / lodge
Day 3-5: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
In these three days, the main focus will be to explore the legendary Serengeti in pursuing of the Earth’s largest terrestrial migration of wild animals, known as The Great Migration, and other interesting game viewing opportunities under the watch of your Ilepeta guide.After breakfast, the morning game drive unfolds with astonishing scenes, the raw scents of the wilderness, and an unending procession of animals, all brought to life by your Ilepeta safari guide.
The Seronera River, a lifeline cutting through the plains, sustains an immense variety of wildlife, making it a prime spot for game viewing. Scattered across the landscape, the kopjes – distinctive granite outcrops – serve as natural lookout points for predators. Permanent lion prides claim these rocky formations as their territory, while leopards are often seen draped over branches or surveying the land from their perches. With such dynamic ecosystems at play, every game drive promises a new perspective on the beauty of the Serengeti.
In the afternoon, you will return to the lodge for lunch or take it with you on game drives to make the most of your time in the wild. Lunch itself will be an unforgettable experience, enjoyed in the heart of the bush. Afterward, you set out again in search of wildlife. The countless animals and birds are the true stars of the show, and nature’s dramas can unfold at any moment. Since wildlife follows no schedule, you may encounter lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, or antelopes at any time during your drive. Keep an eye out for the Kori Bustard, the world’s heaviest flying bird – resembling a lumbering cargo plane, it can weigh up to 15 kg and boasts a wingspan of nearly three meters. As the afternoon comes to a close, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and well-earned rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: camp / lodge
Day 6: NGORONGORO CRATER – Full Day
After a very early morning breakfast, you head to Ngorongoro Crater for a full day game drive. Upon arrival, descend 610 meters into the crater floor for a half day game drive.Ngorongoro Crater is one of the few places on Earth where you can spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) in a single game drive. You are also likely to encounter wildebeest, zebras, hyenas, warthogs, and countless other species that contribute to the crater’s diverse ecosystems. Keep a peeled eye for the hundreds of bird species, from the kori bustard to flocks of flamingos that sometimes gather at the Lake Magadi.
At midday, enjoy a picnic lunch in the shades of the Lerai Forest, where you might catch sight of elephants or baboons wandering nearby. After lunch, resume your game drive, taking in the crater’s diverse habitats, including open grasslands, dense forest, and the seasonal Munge River.In the afternoon, pause for picnic lunch at a designated spot, before continuing with the game drive. By late afternoon, we’ll head to the appropriate accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: tented camp / lodge
Day 7: LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, your drive guide will meet and usher you to Lake Manyara National Park, arriving with plenty of time for an afternoon game-drive.Situated right beneath the cliffs of Manyara Escarpment, on the edge of the Rift Valley, Lake Manyara is known for its large alkaline soda lake which is home to the pink flamingo and other resident avian species; feathered highlights include Gadwall, African Black Duck, Yellow-Billed Duck, Cape Teal, Red-Billed Teal, Northern Pintail Common Teal, to name but a few.
As you drive further afield into the park, you will likely encounter one of Manyara’s most iconic sights – the tree-climbing lions, lounging on acacia branches. The park is also home to large elephant herds, zebras, giraffes, and a dazzling variety of avian species, including pink-hued flamingos along the alkaline shores of the lake. The Great Rift Valley escarpment looms dramatically in the background, dominating the park’s geography and providing a striking contrast to the shimmering lake below. At midday, enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated spot, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant wilderness.
Afterward, resume your game drive, keeping an eye out for hippos wallowing in the water, grazing wildebeest, and other wildlife traversing the area.In the afternoon, stop for picnic lunch at a designated spot, before continuing with the game drive. By late afternoon, we’ll head to the appropriate accommodation in Ngorongoro highlands for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: camp / lodge
Day 8: MAASAI LODGE – The Maasai Cultural Experience
The morning begins with breakfast at the lodge before heading out for an incredible cultural experience. Arrive at the Maasai Lodge where the day get along with a series of activities that provide a rare glimpse into the traditions of one of Africa’s most famous communities. A guided nature walk with an armed Maasai warrior takes you through the wilderness, where you’ll learn about the medicinal properties of local plants and hear firsthand stories about Maasai customs, survival skills, and their deep connection to the land.In the afternoon, test your skills with a traditional Maasai spear, the very tool warriors have used for centuries to protect their livestock from predators.
While sharpening your skills, children can enjoy a simple donkey ride, a traditional mode of transport in Maasai villages. If you are looking for a more active adventure, an extended hike around the village can be arranged – but be sure to discuss it in advance with your guide and the lodge.Please note that while these activities offer an authentic cultural experience, they are not included in the safari package and must be paid for directly at the lodge. As the day draws to a close, you head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: camp / lodge
Day 9: BACK TO ARUSHA – Transfer to Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport / Depart for Zanzibar
On this day, you will have a leisure breakfast at your lodge before heading back to Arusha. Depending on your departure flight back home, you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport after arriving in Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: hotel / lodge
OPTIONAL SAFARI EXTENSION
Day 9: FLY FROM ARUSHA TO ZANZIBAR
After breakfast, you can choose to either catch an early flight to Zanzibar or take it slow, spending the morning at your hotel before your afternoon flight. Your driver will take you to Arusha Airport, where you’ll board a quick flight to the island.On arrival at Abeid Karume International Airport in Zanzibar, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The moment you step off the plane, the island’s warm atmosphere greets you. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Welcome to Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: hotel / lodge /villa
Day 10: FULL DAY – STONE TOWN TOUR
Following breakfast, you join forces with your local guide for a day tour around Stone Town – a place rich in culture and history. As you wander through its narrow, maze-like streets, it won’t take you long before you start discovering landmarks like the Old Fort, the Sultan’s Palace, and the House of Wonders – each telling its own story of the island’s diverse past. The bustling local markets, intricately carved doors, and vibrant streets, all offer a glimpse into what life looks like across the Islands.
In the afternoon, you stop for a well-served lunch at Cape Town Fish Market Restaurant. Following lunch, you can choose to either visit the spice plantations, further explore the Stone Town at your own pace alongside your personal local guide, or simply relax and soak in the unique atmosphere of the Stone Town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: hotel / lodge /villa
Day 11: STONE TOWN TO NUNGWI BEACH
After you’ve enjoyed a hearty breakfast, your local guide will pick you up from your hotel in Stone Town, and an adventurous road trip to Nungwi Beach takes center stage. As the road stretches forth, you’ll notice the shift from the Zanzibar City to the coastal vibes of Nungwi.Upon arrival, Nungwi’s beautiful beaches embraces you, with clear waters and soft sands ready to be explored as you please.
You’ll have the day to unwind or dive into optional activities like snorkeling, kitesurfing along the breezy shore, or even hopping on a quad bike for an adventure around the area. The rest of the day is yours to explore and enjoy one of Zanzibar’s finest beach destinations – Nungwi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: hotel / lodge /villa
Day 12&13: NUNGWI BEACH
The main focus these two days is to provide you with plenty of time and opportunities to explore Nungwi’s beach; this is one of Zanzibar’s liveliest beach destinations. It is known for its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and miles of white sand. It’s a perfect spot for snorkeling and diving, with chances to see tropical marine-life just offshore.
The beach is also known for its dhow-building traditions, where you can catch local artisans at work, crafting these iconic wooden boats.Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, visit the bars along the beach, or indulge in fresh seafood by the water. These days are yours to either fill with adventure or simply soak up the sun and serenity that Nungwi is known for.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: hotel / lodge /villa
Day 14: FINAL DAY
Finally, your Tanzania safari has come to a close. Today you wake up and savor your final breakfast, reflecting on the extraordinary experiences of the past two weeks. The morning is yours to relax or take in any last moments by the beach, depending on your flight schedule. If your departure is scheduled for later afternoon, we’ll make arrangements for you to have lunch before your transfer to Abeid Karume International Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
BOOK THIS TOUR
Price quoted includes:
- All transport, 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Hotel and lodge accommodation
- Bottled drinking water & soft drinks
- Services of various local guides
- All National Park entrance and camp site fees
- All food – breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals
- Crater floor game drive
Prices quoted exclude:
- International flights
- Travel and personal accident insurance
- Visa, passport, vaccinations, medicines
- Tips
- Expenditure on personal bar bills (including all additional drinks), souvenirs, personal items
- Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary
- Any additional services requested
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