9 Days Tanzania Safari | Arusha NP, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Hadzabe
Customer Reviews
5.0
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Start Arusha
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End Arusha
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Age 12+
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Language English
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Cancel Free
Safari Description
The 9 days Tanzania safari is an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes and cultural treasures. Begin with the lush Arusha National Park, home to diverse wildlife and Mount Meru. Continue to Tarangire’s elephant herds, Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions, the vast Serengeti plains, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and the ancient traditions of the Hadzabe tribe near Lake Eyasi. With expert guides, comfortable lodges, and thrilling game drives in a 4x4 vehicle, this adventure offers a perfect blend of wilderness and cultural immersion.
Trip Highlights
- Explore Arusha National Park’s diverse ecosystems and Mount Meru views.
- Spot elephant herds and baobab trees in Tarangire National Park.
- Discover tree-climbing lions and flamingos in Lake Manyara.
- Track the Great Migration and predators in the Serengeti.
- Encounter the Big Five in the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Engage with the Hadzabe tribe’s hunter-gatherer traditions.
- Enjoy expert-guided game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania
8:00 AM: Arrive in Arusha via Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. After a warm welcome, transfer to your hotel for a safari briefing and relaxation. Explore Arusha’s vibrant markets or rest for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation at:
- Arusha (e.g., Arusha Coffee Lodge or Mount Meru Hotel)
Meals: Dinner (hotel)
Day 2: Arusha to Arusha National Park – Diverse Ecosystems
7:30 AM: After breakfast, drive 1 hour to Arusha National Park. Enjoy a game drive through lush forests, spotting colobus monkeys, giraffes, and flamingos at Momella Lakes. Take a guided walk or canoeing (optional) with Mount Meru as a backdrop. Have a picnic lunch and return to your Arusha lodge for dinner.
Accommodation at:
- Arusha (e.g., Arusha Coffee Lodge or Mount Meru Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (hotel)
Day 3: Arusha to Tarangire – Into the Wilderness
8:00 AM: After breakfast, drive 2 hours to Tarangire National Park. Marvel at elephant herds by the Tarangire River, zebras, and predators under iconic baobabs. Enjoy a picnic lunch and continue your game drive. Settle into your lodge or camp near Tarangire or in Karatu.
Accommodation at:
- Tarangire/Karatu (e.g., Tarangire Safari Lodge or Karatu Simba Camp)
Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge/camp)
Day 4: Tarangire to Lake Manyara – Wildlife Diversity
7:00 AM: After breakfast, drive 1.5 hours to Lake Manyara National Park. Explore lush forests alive with baboons, tree-climbing lions, hippos, and flamingos. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake, then continue your game drive. Transfer to your lodge near Lake Manyara or in Karatu for dinner.
Accommodation at:
- Lake Manyara/Karatu (e.g., Lake Manyara Wild Camp or Karatu Acacia Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast (lodge/camp), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge/camp)
Day 5: Lake Manyara to Serengeti – Endless Plains
6:30 AM: After breakfast, drive 4–5 hours to Serengeti National Park, passing through scenic highlands. Begin an en-route game drive, spotting lions, cheetahs, and, in season, the Great Migration. Stop for a picnic lunch under an acacia tree. Arrive at your Serengeti lodge or camp for dinner and stargazing.
Accommodation at:
- Serengeti (e.g., Serengeti Wild Camp or Serengeti Serena Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast (lodge/camp), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge/camp)
Day 6: Full Day in Serengeti – Wildlife Immersion
6:00 AM: Begin with a sunrise game drive, capturing the Serengeti’s awakening. Return for breakfast, then explore the central Serengeti, tracking giraffes, elephants, and predators. Enjoy a picnic lunch by a river or kopje. Spend the afternoon on another game drive before returning to your lodge for dinner.
Accommodation at:
- Serengeti (e.g., Serengeti Wild Camp or Serengeti Serena Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast (lodge/camp), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge/camp)
Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro – Crater Exploration
6:00 AM: Enjoy a final Serengeti game drive before breakfast. Drive 3–4 hours to the Ngorongoro Crater, stopping for a picnic lunch. Descend into the crater for an afternoon game drive, spotting black rhinos, lions, and flamingos. Settle into your lodge on the crater rim for dinner.
Accommodation at:
- Ngorongoro/Karatu (e.g., Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge or Karatu Acacia Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast (lodge/camp), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge/camp)
Day 8: Ngorongoro to Hadzabe – Cultural Encounter
6:30 AM: After breakfast, drive 1.5 hours to Lake Eyasi to meet the Hadzabe tribe, one of the last hunter-gatherer communities. Join a morning hunt and learn their traditions. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then transfer to your lodge in Karatu for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation at:
- Ngorongoro/Karatu (e.g., Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge or Karatu Acacia Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast (lodge/camp), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge/camp)
Day 9: Hadzabe to Arusha – Farewell to Tanzania
8:00 AM: After breakfast, drive 3 hours back to Arusha, reflecting on your wildlife and cultural experiences. Drop-off at your Arusha hotel or airport concludes your epic journey.
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast (lodge/camp), Lunch & Dinner (not included)
Map
Gallery
Safari Packages with Accommodations
These prices may vary depending on the number of travelers.
Budget Packages
| Accommodation Combo (8 Nights) | Included | Price per Person (Low Season) | Price per Person (High Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arusha Backpackers + Arusha Backpackers + Ngedere Lodges & Camps (Mto wa Mbu) + Twiga Lodge & Campsite (Mto wa Mbu) + Tumbili Public Campsite (Serengeti) + Tumbili Public Campsite (Serengeti) + Ngorongoro Simba Campsite + Lake Eyasi Simple Camp | Meals, park fees, game drives, transfers | $1,950 | $2,150 |
| Arusha Backpackers + Arusha Backpackers + Ngedere Lodges & Camps (Mto wa Mbu) + Twiga Lodge & Campsite (Mto wa Mbu) + Tumbili Public Campsite (Serengeti) + Tumbili Public Campsite (Serengeti) + Karatu Simba Camp + Lake Eyasi Simple Camp | Meals, park fees, guided drives, transfers | $1,980 | $2,200 |
Mid-Range Packages
| Accommodation Combo (8 Nights) | Included | Price per Person (Low Season) | Price per Person (High Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arusha Coffee Lodge + Arusha Coffee Lodge + Aardvark Safari Lodge + Lake Manyara Serena Lodge + Serengeti Serena Lodge + Serengeti Serena Lodge + Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge + Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge | Meals, park fees, game drives, transfers | $2,400 | $2,650 |
| Arusha Coffee Lodge + Arusha Coffee Lodge + Aardvark Safari Lodge + Lake Manyara Serena Lodge + Serengeti Serena Lodge + Serengeti Serena Lodge + Karatu Acacia Lodge + Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge | Meals, park fees, guided drives, transfers | $2,450 | $2,700 |
Luxury Packages
| Accommodation Combo (8 Nights) | Included | Price per Person (Low Season) | Price per Person (High Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arusha Serena Hotel + Arusha Serena Hotel + Four Seasons Safari Lodge Tarangire + Lake Manyara Tree Lodge + Serengeti Four Seasons Lodge + Serengeti Four Seasons Lodge + Ngorongoro Serena Lodge + Lake Eyasi Luxury Lodge | All meals, park fees, private game drives, transfers, luxury services | $3,500 | $3,800 |
| Arusha Serena Hotel + Arusha Serena Hotel + Four Seasons Safari Lodge Tarangire + Lake Manyara Tree Lodge + Serengeti Four Seasons Lodge + Serengeti Four Seasons Lodge + Ngorongoro Crater Lodge + Lake Eyasi Luxury Lodge | All meals, park fees, private game drives, transfers, luxury services | $3,600 | $3,900 |
Included:
- Park fees and government taxes
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Professional English-speaking guide
- All safari drives in a 4x4 vehicle
- Transfers from/to Arusha
- Comfortable lodges or camps with essential amenities
- Bottled water during activities
Not Included:
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Visa and passport fees
- Travel and health insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, beverages)
Optional Add-ons
Enhance your 9 days Tanzania safari with these optional add-ons:
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: Float above the Serengeti at sunrise for stunning views. Price: $550–$650 per person, including champagne breakfast.
- Walking Safari: Guided walks in safe areas around Arusha NP, Tarangire, or Ngorongoro. Price: $80–$120 per person for 2–3 hours.
- Maasai Village Visit: Experience Maasai culture and traditions. Price: $30–$50 per person, including local guide fees.
- Private Game Drives: Upgrade to a private vehicle for a personalized experience. Price: $150–$250 per vehicle per day.
- Canoeing in Arusha NP: Paddle through Momella Lakes for a unique perspective. Price: $50–$80 per person.
Pre- and Post-Safari Hotel Stays
Stay in Arusha before or after your safari for added convenience:
- Budget: Arusha Backpackers or Mount Meru Hotel – clean and affordable.
- Mid-range: Arusha Coffee Lodge – boutique lodge with gardens and pool.
- Luxury: Arusha Serena Hotel – spacious rooms and fine dining.
Pre-safari stays allow for briefings and rest, while post-safari hotels provide a comfortable spot before departure.
Travel Logistics
Transfers
Transfers ensure a smooth and safe journey:
- Airport Pickup/Drop: Private transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. Price: $50 per way.
- Hotel to Safari Park Transfers: 4x4 safari vehicle transfers between Arusha/Moshi and parks. Price: $100 from Arusha to Moshi, $100 from Moshi to Arusha.
- Intercity Transfers: Comfortable road transfers in 4x4 jeeps, included in the safari package unless otherwise arranged.
Transfers are customizable based on arrival/departure times and comfort preferences.
Driving Hours
Expect 4–8 hours of driving per day, with early departures to maximize wildlife sightings.
Distance Covered Per Day
- Day 1: Airport to Arusha (~50 km).
- Day 2: Arusha to Arusha National Park (~40 km).
- Day 3: Arusha to Tarangire (~120 km).
- Day 4: Tarangire to Lake Manyara (~70 km).
- Day 5: Lake Manyara to Serengeti (~250 km).
- Day 6: Serengeti exploration (variable).
- Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro (~145 km).
- Day 8: Ngorongoro to Hadzabe (Lake Eyasi) (~80 km).
- Day 9: Hadzabe to Arusha (~180 km).
Meals
Meals are included based on the accommodation package:
- Breakfast at the lodge.
- Lunch as a picnic or at lodges.
- Dinner at the lodge after game drives.
- Special dietary needs accommodated with advance notice.
Tips
Tipping is customary:
- Driver/Guide: $10–15 per day per person
- Lodge staff: $5–10 per day per person
- Optional: Balloon safari or Maasai village guides $5–10 per person
Passport & Visa
A valid passport is required. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival (~$50) or via eVisa. Check requirements before travel.
Vaccination
Health recommendations:
- Yellow fever vaccination (mandatory for some countries).
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended.
- Routine vaccinations (tetanus, polio, hepatitis A/B).
Insurance
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and safari activities is advised.
Clothing
Dress for safari conditions:
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing.
- Warm layers for early mornings in Ngorongoro.
- Closed-toe shoes or boots.
- Hat, sunglasses, and scarf for dust protection.
What to Bring
Essentials for your safari:
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Reusable water bottle and snacks.
- Travel documents and medications.
- Small daypack for game drives.
For Children
- Discounts for Kids: Free for children under 5 with two adults; discounts for ages 6-12.
- Activity Suitability: Family-friendly with some restrictions for add-ons.
- Supervision and Safety: Parental supervision required.
Other Terms
A deposit is required at booking, with the balance due 30 days before departure. Cancellations over 30 days incur a small fee; within 30 days, non-refundable. Travel insurance is recommended. Itineraries may adjust due to weather or park regulations. Luggage limit: one checked bag and one carry-on.
Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Review Summary
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Transportation:
5.0
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Value for Money:
4.9
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Support Services:
5.0
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Organization:
5.0
Recent Reviews
180 reviews
"The 9-day safari was spectacular! Arusha National Park was a perfect start, and the Hadzabe experience was unique. Guides were knowledgeable and lodges comfortable."
"From Arusha NP to the Serengeti, every day was breathtaking. The Ngorongoro Crater and Hadzabe visit were highlights. Highly recommend!"
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