9 Day Tanzania Private Safari
Overview
Enjoy one of Tanzania’s most diverse safari adventures with this outstanding 9-dayanzania Private Safari,, which will allow you to experience dramatic landscapes, world-class wildlife, authentic cultural encounters and unforgettable wilderness experiences. This itinerary is thoughtfully planned for travellers who want to venture off the beaten path and takes you from the stunning volcanic landscapes of Lake Natron to the endless plains of the Serengeti, the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, the intriguing Hadzabe Tribe and the elephant-filled landscapes of Tarangire National Park.
Your adventure begins in Arusha before heading north to the remote and dramatic Lake Natron, one of Tanzania’s most extraordinary natural attractions. The scenery of Lake Natron, at the foot of the imposing slopes of the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, kwhich is known by the Maasai as the “Mountain of God,”is unique in East Africa. The lake’s alkaline waters make for a surreal environment, attracting thousands of lesser flamingos and making it one of the world’s most important breeding grounds for these beautiful birds. Lake Natron provides a unique introduction to Tanzania’s diverse natural beauty, with waterfalls, volcanic escarpments and vast open plains all around, as well as the chance to experience the vibrant traditions of the local Maasai people.
You leave Lake Natron and enter the legendary Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous wildlife viewing areas in Africa. Covering almost 15,000 square kilometres, the Serengeti is renowned for its endless grasslands, granite kopjes, acacia woodlands and teeming wildlife. It is home to the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, where over two million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, travel the ecosystem in search of new grazing. Depending on the season, visitors may witness dramatic crossings of the Mara River, the calving season on the southern plains or vast herds stretching across the horizon.
Three nights in the Serengeti give you plenty of time to explore different parts of the park and maximise your chances of seeing Africa’s iconic wildlife. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals, servals, and hundreds of species of birdlife populate the ecosystem, guaranteeing every game drive is filled with exciting new discoveries. The best time for photography is during the early morning and late afternoon safaris, when the golden African light turns the landscape into a photographer’ss paradise for wildlife.
Your journey carries on through the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descending into one of the world’s greatest natural wonders with breathtaking views en route. The Ngorongoro Crater was created when a giant volcano exploded more than 2 million years ago and contains one of Africa’s greatest concentrations of wildlife. It is one of the few places where visitors have a rare chance of seeing the endangered black rhino with the lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, flamingos, zebras, wildebeests and many other species that live in the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
Visiting the Hadzabe Tribe, one of Africa’s last remaining hunter-gatherers, adds a wonderful cultural element to your safari. For thousands of years, the Hadzabe have lived in the Lake Eyasi area and maintained their traditional way of life. During your visit you will be fascinated to learn about their unique customs, hunting techniques, survival skills, language and their close relationship with nature. This genuine cultural experience is an extraordinary opportunity to learn about one of the oldest indigenous communities in Tanzania and to support sustainable cultural tourism.
Your safari will finish in Tarangire National Park, the home of the giant baobab trees, the permanent river and the impressive herds of elephants. In the dry season, the Tarangire River attracts thousands of animals and is a great place for wildlife viewing. Lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, warthogs and more than 550 bird species call the park home, making it a fitting finale to your safari.
You’ll be travelling in a private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser designed for maximum comfort and wildlife viewing, with an experienced professional guide dedicated solely to your safari. A private safari gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, linger at memorable wildlife sightings and soak up Tanzania’s extraordinary landscapes and cultures.
This 9-day Tanzania private safari is ideal for adventurous travellers, photographers, families, couples and wildlife lovers. It has spectacular scenery, remarkable wildlife, authentic cultural experiences, and personalised service, making it an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after your Tanzania adventure is complete.
Safari Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will be warmly welcomed by a TanzaniaTrail Experience representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Check-in and relax after your international flight. Recover in the peaceful atmosphere of the safari capital of Tanzania. Depending on your arrival you can explore the surroundings or just chill at your accommodation. Later your private safari guide will provide you with a detailed briefing about your upcoming adventure so you are well 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
Leaving after breakfast, you will travel through the spectacular scenery of the Great Rift Valley to the remote Lake Natron area. Enjoy breathtaking views of volcano mountains, Maasai villages, and open plains on the way to one of Tanzania’s most unique destinations. Depending on your arrival time, you can visit the beautiful Ngare Sero Waterfalls or explore the lakeshore, which is known for its dramatic scenery and large populations of lesser flamingos. Dinner and overnight at your chosen lodge surrounded by the towering Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano and Lake Natron, an unforgettable setting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Lake Natron
Premium Accommodation: Ngare Sero – Lake Natron Camp
After breakfast we leave Lake Natron for a scenic drive to the legendary Serengeti National Park. Safari starts immediately on entering the park with an exciting game drive across the endless plains. Enjoy the stunning views that have made the Serengeti world-famous and watch for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, cheetahs, leopards and many species of antelope. Enjoy a picnic lunch before embarking on your afternoon wildlife safari, eventually arriving at your safari 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 entire day exploring the incredible Serengeti ecosystem with your experienced private guide. Travel through different regions of the park while following wildlife movements and searching for predators, large herbivores, and the seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration. Throughout the day, encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals, and hundreds of bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic location before continuing your afternoon game drive, taking advantage of excellent photography opportunities. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and another relaxing overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
After an early breakfast, enjoy another full day of exploring the amazing wildlife and stunning landscapes of Serengeti National Park. For the best wildlife viewing, move around different areas of the ecosystem as your guide imparts fascinating knowledge about animal behaviour, conservation and the Great Migration. See predators stalking their prey, elephants gathering at water holes and great herds moving across the plains as the seasons change. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and then continue your afternoon safari. Return to your accommodation for dinner and your last overnight stay in the Serengeti.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive as you leave Serengeti National Park and head for the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Descend some 600 metres into this UNESCO World Heritage Site for an unforgettable game drive through one of Africa’s richest wildlife habitats. Look out for the Big Five including the threatened black rhino and see elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, flamingos and so many other species. Picnic lunch at the famous Hippo Pool, then climb the crater walls and head for Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast drive to Lake Eyasi area to visit the fascinating Hadzabe Tribe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities in Africa. Discover their traditional life, survival skills, hunting methods and their unique culture, gaining a valuable insight into one of Tanzania's oldest indigenous people. Drive to Tarangire National Park for an afternoon game drive among giant baobab trees and large elephant herds after this extraordinary cultural encounter. After this head to your safari lodge for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ang'ata Tarangire Camp
Premium Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire National Park searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, warthogs and a fantastic array of birdlife around the Tarangire River. The park's unique landscapes offer great opportunities for wildlife photography before you start your return journey to Arusha. Arrive in the afternoon and check in to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy your last evening in Tanzania, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of your safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
A leisurely morning after breakfast depending on your flight schedule. Time permitting, you can spend the morning at local craft markets or just relax at your hotel before your airport transfer. Your private driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onwards flight at the appropriate time. Leave Tanzania with memories of amazing wildlife, stunning landscapes, authentic cultural encounters and welcoming hospitality that make this amazing destination one of Africa's best safari experiences.
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.