11 Day Tanzania Mid Range Safari
Overview
This 11-day Tanzania mid-range safari is designed for first-time visitors who want big-ticket wildlife, smart pacing, and great value—then a soft landing on Zanzibar’s beaches. You’ll travel in a private 4×4 with a window seat guaranteed, staying in comfortable mid-range lodges/tented camps with ensuite bathrooms and good meals. The route connects the Northern Circuit’s headline parks—Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti—before shifting to the volcanic drama of Lake Natron and the turquoise shallows of Nungwi on Zanzibar. It’s the classic Tanzania safari itinerary, tuned for reliability, photography, and downtime.
You start in Tarangire, famous for elephant families, baobab “cathedrals,” and river loops that concentrate wildlife in the dry season. From the cooler highlands of Karatu, you’ll descend into Ngorongoro Crater, a compact caldera where lions, hyena clans, buffalo herds, hippos, and (with luck) black rhino share a single amphitheater—often the day with the highest animal density of the trip. Then it’s on to the Serengeti for two full days of big skies, kopjes, and year-round predators; if your dates align with seasonal movements, your guide will track Great Migration herds within reach. Each day targets early light and calm afternoons, with shaded picnic stops and flexible loops based on fresh sightings, weather, and your energy.
Mid-journey, the scenery flips as you drive to Lake Natron along the Rift Valley. Expect stark soda flats, flamingo lines (conditions permitting), and the striking cone of Ol Doinyo Lengai—a minimalist contrast to the bustle of the plains. Finally, you’ll fly to Zanzibar and settle in Nungwi for two easy beach days: snorkeling or diving at Mnemba, dhow sunset cruises, or simply sand-between-toes relaxation. It’s the ideal reset before the flight home.
Who is this for? Travelers who want a mid-range Tanzania safari that prioritizes wildlife time over hotel-hopping, with creature comforts and sensible drive times. Families appreciate the private vehicle, steady pacing, and room configurations; couples like the balance of adventure and beach.
Best time to visit: June–October offers firm tracks, thinner grass, and excellent visibility; January–March brings Ndutu calving within the broader region (your guide will adjust routing for resident game if you’re not in the south). November is green, active, and less crowded. Whatever your dates, we tailor daily plans to maximize sightings and keep the experience relaxed—so you leave with elephants under baobabs, crater drama, Serengeti cats, and Zanzibar blues in one seamless story.
Safari Itinerary
Arrive at JRO/ARK and meet your guide for a private transfer to your mid-range lodge. Settle in, then get a short briefing covering routing, drive times, what to expect in each park, and tips for comfort at altitude and on bush tracks. If time allows, stretch your legs in the gardens and spot sunbirds or vervet monkeys. Confirm tomorrow’s departure, dietary notes, and any special requests so day two starts smoothly.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Drive south into Tarangire National Park, famed for huge elephant families and ancient baobabs. Follow river loops and the Silale Swamp, scanning for elephants, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and, with luck, lounging lions. Enjoy a shaded picnic and unhurried photo stops; your guide chooses smoother tracks to keep the ride comfortable. Mid-afternoon, exit the park and climb the Rift escarpment to Karatu, arriving before dusk to cooler air, dinner, and a good rest.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Leave early for the Ngorongoro Crater descent when light is soft and wildlife is active. Work open grasslands, Lerai Forest, and the hippo pools—excellent chances for lions, hyenas, large buffalo herds and, with luck, black rhino. After a picnic on the crater floor, ascend the rim and continue across open plains toward Central Serengeti (Seronera). Treat the traverse as a mobile game drive—watch kopjes for cats and short-grass flats for cheetah—before a golden-hour circuit near granite outcrops.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Begin before sunrise to catch predators moving in cool air along rivers and kopjes. Explore Seronera’s valleys for lion prides, check sausage trees and drainage lines for elusive leopards, and keep an eye on open country for cheetah. Pause at a scenic picnic site, then continue as heat eases, returning to productive areas for elephants, giraffe, and large mixed herds. Close the day with big-sky silhouettes and pastel horizons.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
A second full day lets you go deeper without rushing. Your guide adapts loops to fresh tracks, weather, and seasonal herd movements—pushing a little further if the Great Migration is within range (July–October in the north; otherwise resident game is excellent year-round). Mix close encounters with wider environmental scenes for variety and storytelling. Return to camp at dusk, well placed for tomorrow’s scenic transfer.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Enjoy a final Serengeti morning, then set out along the Rift toward Lake Natron, watching as rolling savanna gives way to stark volcanic vistas and the ash cone of Ol Doinyo Lengai. Arrive mid/late afternoon for soft-light shooting on the soda flats from safe lakeshore viewpoints. Expect minimalist landscapes, subtle reflections, and flamingo lines when conditions allow. Check in to a simple, comfortable mid-range lodge and unwind under starry skies.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Lake Natron
Catch sunrise along the lake margins for mirror-calm water and delicate colors. Depending on levels and access, your guide selects the best vantage points for flamingos and shorebirds. Late morning, consider a short guided walk toward Engare Sero gorge or waterfalls (conditions permitting) for a refreshing contrast to open flats. Afternoon is unhurried—study salt-polygon textures, distant cones, and vast horizons—before another gentle, pastel sunset.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Lake Natron
Depart Natron for Arusha Airport (ARK) with a relaxed buffer, then board your domestic flight to Zanzibar (ZNZ). On arrival, meet your island driver and continue to Nungwi on the north coast. Check into your mid-range beach hotel and exhale—swim, stroll the beach, or enjoy a laid-back sunset dinner by the water. Your coastal days are flexible by design.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Settle into island rhythm. Popular options include snorkeling or diving around Mnemba Atoll, a dhow sunset cruise, stand-up paddleboarding, reef walks at low tide, or a relaxed massage at the hotel spa. Cafés and small beach bars line the shore for easy lunches and people-watching. Your host can arrange activities in advance or on the day—your pace, your way.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
A second beach day to do as much—or as little—as you wish. Consider a half-day sailing/snorkeling trip, a village visit, or a casual cooking class to pair with Zanzibar’s spice heritage. Evenings are mellow: fresh seafood, warm breezes, and dhows etched against a peach-gold sky. Rest up for tomorrow’s transfer.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Transfer from Nungwi to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) for your flight home or onward travel. Built-in buffer time keeps the day calm and unhurried. Leave with a camera roll full of highlights—Tarangire elephants, crater drama, Serengeti horizons, and Nungwi’s blue water—and a clear sense you used your time in exactly the right places.
Meal: Breakfast
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Domestic Flight
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
FAQs
A mid-range safari is a travel experience that offers great comfort and value. You stay in good quality lodges or tented camps with private bathrooms, enjoy professional guided game drives, delicious meals, and comfortable 4x4 vehicles—without the high cost of luxury safaris.
The average cost ranges from $350 to $550 per person per day, depending on the season, number of people, and parks visited. This includes accommodation, meals, transport, park fees, and guides.
You’ll travel in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing. The vehicle is shared or private, depending on your booking, and has charging ports, cooler boxes, and large windows for perfect wildlife photos.
Yes, many Mid-Range lodges provide reliable Wi-Fi, especially in public areas or guest rooms. However, due to remote locations, speeds may vary, and this is often seen as an opportunity to digitally detox and immerse yourself in nature.
Tanzania is a wildlife paradise, home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo—as well as cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, crocodiles, hippos, hyenas, jackals, and over 1,100 species of birds. The diversity is staggering and changes by season and region, with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro offering year-round sightings.
Mid-range offers comfort with a romantic touch—cozy lodges, ensuite tents, great service.
Luxury adds exclusivity—private plunge pools, butler service, high-end amenities, and often fly-in safaris for convenience and style.
Definitely. Many luxury safaris conclude with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar, known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and luxury resorts. Direct flights from Serengeti or Arusha make this transition seamless and stress-free.
Of course! We can arrange visits to Maasai villages, coffee farms, or Spice Island tours in Zanzibar. These experiences offer beautiful insight into local life and traditions—perfect for meaningful memories together.
Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before travel. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Also, bring insect repellent and consider travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.
A Mid-Range safari can range from 5 to 12 days, depending on your travel goals. A typical itinerary includes 2–3 nights each in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, allowing time for slow travel, relaxation, and exploration.
While last-minute safaris are possible, we highly recommend booking at least 2–5 months in advance, especially during the high season. Luxury accommodations are limited and tend to fill up quickly due to their exclusivity.
Booking is easy! Contact us via info@tanzaniatrail.co.tz or WhatsApp +255 764 987 596. Our experienced team will help craft your personalized luxury safari itinerary based on your travel dates, preferences, and budget. We handle everything from start to finish.
Yes—if you book at the right time and location. The Great Migration moves across the Serengeti, and we can customize your trip to follow the herds during river crossings or calving season.
Absolutely. While there are standard routes, mid-range safaris can be tailored to fit your dates, number of days, interests (e.g., birdwatching, photography), and budget.
Giving Back Through Every Journey
At Tanzaniatrail, we believe that travel should create lasting memories and make a positive difference. That’s why 1% of every safari package you book goes directly back to local communities in Tanzania. We regularly visit and support orphanages and community centers, and our dream is to establish a dedicated children’s home under Tanzaniatrail’s care. When you travel with us, you’re not only exploring Tanzania’s beauty — you’re also helping provide education, food, and brighter futures for vulnerable children. Your adventure changes lives. Travel with purpose.