11 Day Tanzania Private Safari
Overview
This amazing 11-day Tanzania private safari is the most intense experience of Tanzania. It is an immersive journey offering the combination of stunning scenery, world-class wildlife, authentic cultural experiences and unforgettable outdoor adventures. If you want more than a conventional safari, this is the trip for you. From the green foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro you will travel to the pretty forests of Arusha National Park, the elephant-rich wilderness of Tarangire National Park, the cultural heartland of Lake Eyasi, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and the endless wildlife-filled plains of the legendary Serengeti National Park. Each destination has been chosen to highlight a different side of Tanzania, making for the perfect combination of relaxation, discovery, wildlife and culture.
You start your journey in Arusha and then head to Materuni Waterfalls, which are incredibly beautiful and set on the green slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here you will find one of the most scenic natural settings in Tanzania. Embark on a guided walk through coffee and banana plantations to the awe-inspiring waterfall. You will also have an authentic coffee-making experience with the Chagga community and learn every step of traditional coffee production, from harvesting to roasting and tasting a freshly brewed cup.
We make our way towards Arusha National Park, one of the most scenic and yet most underrated parks in Tanzania. The park is flanked by the magnificent Mount Meru and boasts lush forests, volcanic craters, open savannahs, and the tranquil Momella Lakes. Like other parks in Tanzania, Arusha National Park offers the rare chance to go on a guided walking safari. With an armed ranger watching over you, you can walk among giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs and more.
Your safari then takes you to Tarangire National Park with its giant baobab trees, the permanent Tarangire River and some of the largest elephant herds in East Africa. The dry season, when thousands of animals gather around the river, is a spectacular time for wildlife viewing. Tarangire is one of the best safari destinations in northern Tanzania and is home to lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas and more than 550 species of birds.
An authentic cultural visit to the Hadzabe and Datoga communities near Lake Eyasi is one of the highlights of this itinerary. The Hadzabe are some of the last hunter-gatherers in Africa, living a way of life that has lasted for thousands of years. Close by, the Datoga people are known for their excellent blacksmithing skills, crafting traditional weapons, jewellery and tools by hand, using ancient methods. These incredible experiences provide a deeper insight into the cultural diversity in Tanzania while supporting the local communities.
A safari in Northern Tanzania wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, one of the greatest natural wonders in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This enormous volcanic caldera is home to one of the continent’s greatest concentrations of wildlife and some of the best chances of spotting the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino. The crater’s grasslands, forests, wetlands and soda lakes provide a spectacular backdrop for unforgettable game drives.
Your safari concludes with a three-night stay in the world-famous Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations. The Serengeti covers an area of almost 15,000 square kilometres and is renowned for its endless plains, prolific predators and the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the world’s great natural events. The Serengeti is a place where you will never forget a moment, whether it is thousands of wildebeest crossing the plains, lions stalking their prey, or an African sunset that takes your breath away.
Travelling in a private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with an experienced professional safari guide, you have total flexibility during your trip. Your guide will tailor each game drive to wildlife movements and your interests, allowing you to spend more time at outstanding sightings and share expert knowledge on Tanzanian wildlife, ecosystems, conservation and local cultures.
Ideal for honeymooners, families, photographers, wildlife lovers, and first-time visitors, this 11-day Tanzania private safari is an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s most iconic destinations, combining exceptional wildlife encounters, authentic cultural experiences, and personalised service from arrival to departure.
Safari Itinerary
At the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will be greeted by one of the Tanzaniatrail Experience representatives with a warm welcome and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Relax and unwind and recover from your international journey in the laid back atmosphere of Tanzania’s safari capital. Arrive early and take the time to explore the area or just relax before your adventure begins. Your private safari guide will then give a comprehensive briefing on your itinerary so you are fully prepared for the exciting days ahead. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Arusha.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast we drive to the scenic village of Materuni on the green slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Experience a guided walk through coffee and banana plantations before heading to the spectacular Materuni Waterfalls where crystal clear water cascades into a natural pool surrounded by tropical vegetation. Enjoy a real Chagga coffee back in the village after a visit to the falls. Learn about the local coffee growing, harvesting, roasting, grinding and brewing methods and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee. After lunch, dinner and overnight stay, return to Arusha for a relaxing evening.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast, drive to Arusha National Park for an unforgettable combination of a guided walking safari and game drive. Walk through the African wilderness with an armed ranger and see giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs and antelope in their natural habitat Drive on through the park to the Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater and lush montane forest where black and white colobus monkeys are often seen. Enjoy a picnic lunch in beautiful surroundings and then continue your wildlife adventure in the afternoon before returning to Arusha for dinner and another comfortable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, home to giant baobab trees and large herds of elephants. Spend the day exploring the park’s diverse habitats, in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, leopards, impalas, ostriches and hundreds of bird species. The Tarangire River is permanent, so animals are attracted to it all year round and this makes for some great game viewing and photography. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park after your morning safari. After that, proceed to Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge of your choice.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ang'ata Tarangire Camp
Premium Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast, drive to the Lake Eyasi area for an incredible cultural experience with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Spend the morning with the Hadzabe learning about their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, ancient survival skills, unique click language and deep connection to nature. Continue to the nearby Datoga village where you will be able to see the blacksmiths working with metal to make tools, ornaments and traditional weapons as they have been doing for generations. Following this interesting cultural experience, return to your lodge in Karatu for a relaxing lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure before dinner and another overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and descend some 600 metres into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for a full day game drive. Discover one of Africa's richest wildlife environments and spot the Big Five including the black rhinoceros, as well as lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, flamingos and many species of bird. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the famous Hippo Pool before continuing your exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Late afternoon, climb the crater and return to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast depart Karatu and drive through the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to the legendary Serengeti National Park. Panoramic vistas greet you en route to the endless plains that make up one of Africa’s greatest safari destinations. Upon arrival, start your first exciting game drive looking for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, cheetahs, leopards and many other species of wildlife. Have a picnic lunch and continue your afternoon safari. Drive to your choice of lodge or luxury tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Spend the whole day exploring the amazing Serengeti ecosystem with your experienced private safari guide. Check out various sections of the park by season to follow the movement of wildlife and look out for the famous Great Wildebeest Migration. During the day encounter huge lion prides, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals and endless bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the wilderness before continuing with your afternoon game drive. In the evening return to your lodge for dinner and another unforgettable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
After an early breakfast, spend a full day exploring the endless plains and incredible wildlife of Serengeti National Park. Your private guide will take you to different parts of the ecosystem to increase your chances of seeing predator interactions, large herbivore herds and beautiful scenery. Whether it is photographing wildlife, watching animal behaviour or simply enjoying the serenity of the African wilderness, every moment is something new. After a picnic lunch continue your afternoon safari, before returning to your accommodation for dinner and your final overnight stay in the Serengeti.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
After breakfast you will leave Serengeti national park for a final morning game drive. Depending on your travel preference, continue on to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) either by scenic domestic flight, with breathtaking aerial views of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Highlands, or by comfortable drive through the beautiful landscapes of Northern Tanzania. Make one last journey through the amazing wilderness of Tanzania before arriving at the airport in time for your connecting flight. Leave with memories for a lifetime of an incredible 11 Days Tanzania Private Safari of wildlife, culture & scenery.
Meals: 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
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
LUXURY INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Premium accommodation in high-end lodges or luxury tented camps
LUXURY EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
- Premium wines and spirits (unless specified)
FAQs
A private safari is a tailor-made wildlife experience where you travel exclusively with your family, friends or travel companions in a dedicated 4x4 safari vehicle with your own professional guide. Unlike group safaris you are in complete control, meaning you can linger as long as you want at wildlife sightings and move at your own pace.
Any time of the year is safari time in Tanzania. The dry season (June to October) is a great time for wildlife viewing and coincides with the Great Migration river crossings in Northern Serengeti. Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) hosts the spectacular Wildebeest calving season from January to March which visitors can witness. The green season is from November to May, with lush landscapes, fewer crowds and fantastic birdwatching.
Most private safaris explore Tanzania's famous Northern Circuit, including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park, and cultural experiences around Mto wa Mbu, Lake Natron, or Materuni Waterfalls depending on your itinerary.
A 5-8 day safari is perfect for visiting Tanzania’s most famous parks. For visitors to Zanzibar or those interested in cultural activities, we suggest a 10 to 14 day itinerary for a more relaxed and comprehensive East African experience.
Tanzania is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals, hundreds of bird species, and many other fascinating animals depending on the season and location.
Yeah. Private safari packages normally include all park entrance fees, Ngorongoro Crater service fees, concession fees (if any), government taxes and conservation charges. Your quote will clearly lay out everything that is included.
Tanzania offers accommodation for every budget, including comfortable mid-range lodges, luxury safari lodges, exclusive tented camps, and ultra-luxury properties. Your accommodation can be customized according to your travel style and budget.
Sure. Private safaris are ideal for families as the itinerary can be adapted to suit the children’s interests, pace of travel and preferred activities. Many lodges also offer family rooms and child-friendly services.
We suggest lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent, and a light jacket for cool mornings. Bring a camera, binoculars, personal medications, and a small daypack. Soft-sided luggage is recommended, particularly if you will be travelling domestically by air.
Yes. Combining a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar is one of our most popular holiday packages. After exciting wildlife adventures, you can relax on Zanzibar's white-sand beaches, explore Stone Town, enjoy snorkeling, diving, spice tours, or simply unwind by the Indian Ocean.
Most international visitors need a tourist visa, which you can get either online or when you arrive, depending on what country you come from. Vaccination for Yellow Fever is only required if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with Yellow Fever transmission. We also recommend that you discuss malaria prevention with your health care provider before travelling.
At Tanzaniatrail Experience we specialise in creating private safaris that are tailor-made to suit your interests, travel style and budget. Our professional experienced guides, well maintained 4x4 safari vehicles, carefully selected accommodations and personalised service guarantees that every journey is safe, comfortable and unforgettable. From your arrival to your departure we take care of all the details so that you can focus on enjoying the beauty of Tanzania.
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.