9 Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari
Lake Natron • Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro Crater • Tarangire National Park • Arusha
Overview
Enjoy Tanzania off the beaten track on this unforgettable 9 Days Tanzania Safari, an exceptional adventure with dramatic landscapes, world renowned wildlife and genuine cultural experiences throughout Northern Tanzania. This itinerary is for the safari-goer looking for a more immersive adventure, taking you off the beaten path to the breathtaking shores of Lake Natron before continuing to the legendary Serengeti National Park, the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and the elephant-filled wilderness of Tarangire National Park. This is one of the most rewarding ways to see Tanzania, with well-balanced game drives, scenic drives and time to appreciate each destination.
Your journey begins with a warm welcome in Tanzania and then heads north through the Maasai plains, to the extraordinary landscapes of Lake Natron. Lake Natron is one of Tanzania’s most unique natural wonders, located below Africa’s only active carbonatite volcano, the towering Ol Doinyo Lengai. With its dramatic volcanic scenery, waterfalls and traditional Maasai villages, seasonal flocks of flamingos and striking red and pink waters, it’s an unforgettable introduction to your safari. Lake Natron is a peaceful and authentic experience, far from the busier tourist routes, where nature is beautifully untouched.
You then move from Lake Natron to the world famous Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Serengeti is a vast expanse of endless plains, rocky kopjes, river systems and acacia woodlands, home to the spectacular Great Migration and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. You will have time to visit different areas with three nights inside the park and more opportunities to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals and large herds of wildebeests and zebras. Every game drive a new discovery, every day an adventure in itself.
From the Serengeti you will move to the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the world famous Ngorongoro Crater. Often referred to as Africa’s Garden of Eden, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best places on the continent to see the legendary Big Five in a single game drive. Spectacular scenery and exceptional wildlife viewing are provided by towering crater walls, freshwater lakes, forests and open grasslands surrounding the crater.
The adventure continues to Tarangire National Park, famous for its giant baobab trees, peaceful atmosphere and the largest elephant population in Northern Tanzania. The Tarangire River is a year round magnet for wildlife, with exceptional opportunities to see elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, waterbucks and over 550 recorded bird species. Tarangire is less busy than Tanzania’s big parks, but it still has good game viewing and photo opportunities.
Following a relaxing afternoon in Arusha, you’ll have a leisurely evening before your international departure, taking time to reflect on the extraordinary wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable memories gathered throughout your adventure.
On your safari you will be travelling in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced professional guide. With his local knowledge and passion for Tanzania, your guide will make sure that every game drive is both exciting and educational. An incredible safari experience showcasing Northern Tanzania at its very best is enhanced by hand-picked accommodation, delicious cuisine, smooth logistics and personal service.
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. Arrival time. Relax from your international flight, or soak up the tranquil environs of your lodge. Your guide will give you a full safari briefing and introduce you to the amazing adventure that lies ahead. Have a tasty dinner and a relaxing overnight stay before beginning your unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s spectacular wilderness.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After an early breakfast leave Arusha and travel through the spectacular scenery of the Great Rift Valley towards remote and beautiful Lake Natron. Along the way pass traditional Maasai villages, dramatic volcanic scenery and wide open plains which provide breathtaking photographic opportunities. On arrival explore the unique surroundings of Lake Natron, famous for its colourful alkaline waters, seasonal breeding ground for flamingos and spectacular views of Ol Doinyo Lengai, Africa’s only active carbonatite volcano. Arrive early enough to enjoy a guided walk to nearby waterfalls or simply take in the incredible scenery before settling into your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Lake Natron
Premium Accommodation: Ngare Sero – Lake Natron Camp
Begin your morning by enjoying the peaceful beauty of Lake Natron, with time to experience its remarkable landscapes before continuing your journey towards Serengeti National Park. Travelling through remote wilderness and traditional Maasai lands, you'll gradually enter one of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries. Upon arrival, your first exciting game drive begins immediately as you search for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, leopards, and countless other wildlife species. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before continuing your afternoon safari. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in the evening for dinner and your first overnight stay in the heart of the Serengeti.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Enjoy a full day game drive in the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park. Your experienced guide will tailor the game drives for the day depending on the wildlife movements and recent sightings. Look for lion prides, sneaky leopards, swift cheetahs, family groups of elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles and huge herds of wildebeest and zebra. Depending on the time of year, you might catch some of the amazing Great Migration. Then enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the park before continuing your afternoon exploration through varied habitats highlighting the incredible biodiversity of the Serengeti. Dinner at your accommodation, and another unforgettable night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti
A full second day in the magnificent Serengeti National Park offers you the opportunity to explore new areas and maximise your chances for unforgettable wildlife encounters. Each game drive is different as wildlife movements are always changing within the ecosystem. Your guide will lead you to areas where there are the best chances of seeing predators, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelope and an incredible variety of bird life. After this, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the beautiful African scenery before your afternoon safari. In the evening, return to your lodge or tented camp to unwind, have dinner and reflect on another amazing day in the African wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti
After breakfast leave the Serengeti with your last sightings of wildlife en route to the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive through one of Africa’s richest wildlife sanctuaries. Look for the legendary Big Five as well as hippos, hyenas, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, flamingos and a host of other species. Enjoy a picnic lunch with spectacular scenery on the crater floor, before climbing the crater in the afternoon. Drive to the lovely town of Karatu where your lodge is waiting for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast, drive from Karatu to the stunning Tarangire National Park famous for its giant Baobab trees and impressive herds of elephant. Explore the park's different habitats, spend the day searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, ostriches and an amazing variety of birds. The Tarangire river attracts wildlife all year around making it a great place for photographs and close encounters with wildlife. After a picnic lunch in the park continue with your afternoon game drive. 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
After a leisurely breakfast, you will enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire National Park, taking advantage of the cooler hours when wildlife is most active. Capture your final safari photographs and enjoy your last wildlife sightings while continuing your journey through the park’s spectacular landscapes. After a picnic lunch, leave Tarangire and drive back to Arusha where you will check in to your hotel for your final overnight stay. Tonight, unwind and reminisce about the incredible moments on your Tanzanian safari.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Gran Melia
Have a relaxed morning after breakfast, according to your international flight schedule. Later your driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight. Leave Tanzania with memories to last a lifetime of incredible wildlife, dramatic landscapes, rich culture and the warm hospitality that makes every safari special.
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.