8 Day Tanzania Safari - Great Migration
Arusha • Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro Crater • Hadzabe Tribe • Tarangire National Park
Overview
Experience the very best of Northern Tanzania on this unforgettable 8 Days Tanzania Safari, an extraordinary journey that combines world-famous wildlife destinations, breathtaking landscapes and authentic cultural encounters into one remarkable adventure. This itinerary has been carefully designed for travellers who want to go deeper and discover the beauty of Tanzania in its natural state. You’ll spend more time in the legendary Serengeti National Park. You’ll also discover the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, the fascinating Hadzabe Tribe of Lake Eyasi and the wilderness of Tarangire National Park full of elephants. Each destination has been selected to showcase a different facet of Tanzania, offering a diverse and unforgettable safari experience.
Your safari starts with a friendly meet and greet in Arusha, then you’ll head to the world famous Serengeti National Park, either via a scenic drive through the stunning Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, or via a short domestic flight right into the heart of the park. Whatever option you choose, arriving in the Serengeti marks the start of an incredible wildlife experience like nothing else on earth.
Three nights in the Serengeti allows you to really enjoy one of Africa’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries. The Serengeti, world famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration and its amazing density of predators, covers nearly 15,000 square kilometres of open plains, rocky kopjes, river systems and acacia woodlands. During several game drives you will have excellent opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals and huge herds of wildebeests and zebras. Every game drive is different, with your experienced guide tracking wildlife movements and seasonal changes across the park.
From the Serengeti your journey takes you to the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, one of the largest intact volcanic calderas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa and provides excellent opportunities to see the famous Big Five in spectacular scenery from lush forests and freshwater lakes to open grasslands teeming with grazing animals.
The adventure continues with an interesting visit to Lake Eyasi, home to the Hadzabe Tribe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities in East Africa. With local guides you get a rare insight into their traditional way of life, ancient hunting techniques, survival skills and deep connection with nature. This authentic cultural experience provides a valuable insight into Tanzania’s rich heritage and creates memories far removed from any typical safari.
Your last stop for wildlife is Tarangire National Park, known for its giant baobab trees, dramatic landscapes and the largest population of elephants in Northern Tanzania. The Tarangire River is a magnet for large numbers of wildlife throughout the year and offers fantastic opportunities to see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, impalas and over 550 recorded bird species. Tarangire feels quieter than the larger parks and offers some of the best photographic opportunities.
You will travel in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional and experienced guide whose knowledge, passion and attention to detail makes every game drive an exciting and rewarding experience. Carefully chosen accommodations, delicious cuisine, seamless logistics, and personalised service combine to complete an unforgettable safari experience. This eight-day safari is a perfect mix of wildlife, culture and adventure, be it seeing predators on the Serengeti plains, descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, learning from the Hadzabe people, or watching elephants wander beneath ancient baobab trees.
Safari Itinerary
Your professional safari guide will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and drive you to your comfortable hotel in Arusha where you will be warmly welcomed. Once you’ve finished your international trip, take a little time to unwind and settle into your accommodation, soaking up the tranquil environment. Depending on when you arrive, you can check out the lodge, use its facilities or just relax and unwind before the exciting adventure that awaits you. Your guide will take you through a full safari briefing and introduce you to the amazing destinations and wildlife experiences to come in the next few days. Savour a tasty dinner and a comfortable overnight before you set out on your unforgettable Tanzanian safari.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast you will leave Arusha for the legendary Serengeti National Park, either by scenic drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area or by domestic flight directly into the park. On arrival you start off with your first exciting game drive across the endless plains of the Serengeti, with extraordinary wildlife around every corner. Your guide will explain more about the park's unique ecosystem while you look for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs, leopards, zebras, wildebeests and many other wildlife species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in spectacular surroundings, then continue your afternoon wildlife adventure. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp for dinner and your first overnight in the Serengeti as the African sun begins to set.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Awaken to the sounds of the African wilderness and get ready for a full day of exploration throughout the magnificent Serengeti National Park. Your expert guide will lead you to various parts of the park following the wildlife movements and increasing the chances of memorable meetings. Spot lion prides, shy leopards, graceful cheetahs, herds of elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles and countless species of antelope freely roaming over the endless plains. Depending on the season you may also see the spectacular Great Migration. You will stop at a scenic spot for a picnic lunch and then proceed with your afternoon game drive. Return to your accommodation for dinner and another night to remember, in the heart of the Serengeti.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Another wonderful day exploring the endless plains of Serengeti National Park. This gives you the opportunity to find areas of the park you may not have visited the day before. Each game drive offers new chances, as the wildlife movements are constantly changing within the ecosystem. Your guide will adjust the route of the day to recent sightings, giving you the best possible chance of seeing predators, large elephant herds, graceful giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests and a remarkable variety of birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful surroundings, then continue your wildlife adventure in the afternoon. At the end of the day head back to your lodge or tented camp for dinner under the African sky.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Following breakfast, enjoy your final wildlife sightings as you depart the Serengeti and travel towards the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Spend a few hours descending into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater to explore one of the richest wildlife ecosystems in Africa. Hunt the iconic Big Five, but also hippos, hyenas, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, flamingos and many other species that call this amazing natural refuge home. After a scenic picnic lunch on the crater floor climb the crater walls and head to the charming town of Karatu for check-in to your lodge, dinner and an overnight stay to relax.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After an early breakfast head to Lake Eyasi to visit the fascinating Hadzabe Tribe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities in Africa. With local guides, discover their traditional way of life, hunting methods, survival skills and their strong bond with the surrounding environment. This authentic cultural experience provides a rare opportunity to experience one of Tanzania's oldest remaining cultures. Then continue your journey to Tarangire National Park for your afternoon game drive where you will be introduced to giant baobab trees, magnificent elephant herds, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and a remarkable variety of bird life. Later, transfer to your lodge near the park for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ang'ata Tarangire Camp
Premium Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
Following breakfast take advantage of the cooler hours when the wildlife is especially active for a last morning game drive through the spectacular landscapes of Tarangire National Park. Look out for elephants gathering at the Tarangire river, predators resting in the shade of acacia trees, graceful giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas and countless bird species making the park a paradise for wildlife lovers. After picnic lunch depart Tarangire for a scenic drive back to Arusha where you will check into your hotel. Enjoy your final night in Tanzania by relaxing and reminiscing about the incredible safari experience.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Gran Melia
Depending on your international flight schedule, relax and enjoy your morning at leisure at your hotel after breakfast. At the appropriate time your driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onwards journey. End your Tanzanian adventure with memories to last a lifetime of incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, authentic cultural experiences and the warm hospitality that makes Tanzania one of the world’s best safari destinations.
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
Any time of the year is safari time in Tanzania. The dry season from June to October is perfect for wildlife viewing, and the wildebeest calving in Ndutu is best from January to March. The Great Migration is a different place at a different time of year.
Tanzania is home to the famous Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino—as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, antelopes, and over 1,100 bird species. Wildlife sightings vary depending on the season and destination.
Yeah. Tanzania is one of the safest safari destinations in Africa. You will be travelling with a licenced tour operator (Tanzaniatrail Experience Limited) and your guide will ensure your safety on the trip and will adhere to all the National Park rules.
We recommend lightweight neutral-coloured clothing, a light jacket for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, and any personal medications. Soft-sided luggage is preferred for safari vehicles and domestic flights.
Safaris can be 2 to 14 days or longer. Most travellers opt for between 5 and 8 days to comfortably cover several national parks, but longer safaris offer more time to track the Great Migration or combine wildlife with cultural experiences and Zanzibar.
Sure. Many of our clients opt to end their safari with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar. Domestic flights run daily and it is easy to combine the incredible wildlife of Tanzania with the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Zanzibar.
Most international visitors require a Tanzanian tourist visa, usually available either online or on arrival, depending on nationality. We also recommend that you discuss recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention with your healthcare provider prior to travel.
Yeah. All our safaris are done in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional English speaking driver-guide unless you specifically ask for a shared safari, so you can travel at your own pace and have a personalised safari experience.
We have selected a variety of accommodation options ranging from comfortable mid-range lodges to luxury lodges, boutique tented camps and ultra-luxury safari camps. Each option has been chosen for great location, hospitality, comfort and dining experience.
At Tanzaniatrail Experience Limited we specialise in designing custom safaris to suit your interests, budget and travel style. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, our knowledgeable local guides, reliable safari vehicles, transparent pricing, tailor selected accommodations and personalised service guarantee an authentic, seamless and memorable safari experience.
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.