Tanzania · Safari

8-Day Tanzania Safari and Kilimanjaro Adventure with Big Five Parks

8 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace
Kilimanjaro Trek
Bush Elephant
Masai Giraffe
Zebras
Kilimanjaro

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Tanzania's top national parks, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara
  • 02 Enjoy thrilling game drives to spot elephants, lions, zebras, flamingos, and the Big Five
  • 03 Experience a scenic Mt. Kilimanjaro day hike through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut
  • 04 Travel through the Ngorongoro highlands and descend into the world's largest intact caldera
  • 05 Add a cultural touch with an optional visit to a Maasai village to learn local traditions

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Tanzania safari and Mt. Kilimanjaro adventure through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Travel with expert guides in a 4x4 safari vehicle as you look for elephants, lions, zebras, flamingos, and the Big Five across some of Tanzania's most iconic landscapes. The journey also includes a cultural touch with an optional Maasai village visit and ends with a scenic day hike on Mt. Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route. This thrilling safari blends wildlife, culture, and breathtaking scenery for nature and adventure lovers.

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact caldera.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, Marangu
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Safari Briefing

  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport.
  • Meet your guide and transfer to your lodge in Arusha for rest and a safari briefing.
  • Dinner is included depending on your arrival time.

Overnight in Arusha.

2
Day 02

Tarangire National Park Game Drive

  • Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Tarangire National Park.
  • Enjoy a game drive through landscapes dotted with baobab trees and herds of elephants.
  • Spot lions, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests along the Tarangire River.

Overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge or Sangaiwe Tented Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

3
Day 03

Lake Manyara's Forests, Flamingos, and Hot Springs

  • Travel about 1.5 hours to Lake Manyara National Park.
  • Discover its lush forests and alkaline lake, home to flamingos and tree-climbing lions.
  • Visit the lake shore and nearby hot springs.

Overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge or Karatu Simba Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

4
Day 04

Journey Through the Ngorongoro Highlands to Serengeti

  • Journey through the Ngorongoro highlands to Serengeti National Park.
  • Enjoy scenic stops and an afternoon game drive on arrival.

Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge or Embalakai Tented Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

5
Day 05

Full-Day Safari in Central Serengeti

  • Spend the day exploring the central Serengeti (Seronera area).
  • Witness the Big Five and, depending on the season, the Great Migration.

Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge or Embalakai Tented Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

6
Day 06

Morning Safari and Transfer to Ngorongoro

  • Enjoy a morning game drive in Serengeti before travelling to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
  • An optional visit to a Maasai village offers the chance to learn about local traditions.

Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge or Rhino Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

7
Day 07

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

  • Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact caldera.
  • Spot lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and flamingos against a breathtaking backdrop.
  • Return to Arusha in the afternoon.

Overnight at Arusha Planet Lodge or Mount Meru Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

8
Day 08

Mt. Kilimanjaro Day Hike via Marangu Route

  • Depart early for Marangu Gate (1,860 m) on Mt. Kilimanjaro.
  • Hike through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut (2,700 m), spotting colobus monkeys and exotic birds.
  • Enjoy lunch and a short walk to Maundi Crater for views of Kibo Peak, weather permitting.
  • Descend and transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for departure.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Tarangire National Park baobab plains, Lake Manyara alkaline shore, Serengeti National Park savanna, Ngorongoro Crater rim

Where this trip takes you

Tarangire National Park baobab plains, Lake Manyara alkaline shore, Serengeti National Park savanna, Ngorongoro Crater rim

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arusha 7 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All national park entry fees for the parks visited
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
  • Accommodation for 7 nights in safari lodges or camps as per itinerary
  • Meals as specified (breakfast, lunch, dinner where indicated)
  • Bottled water during safari drives
  • Day-hike permit and transport for the Kilimanjaro day trip
  • Airport or hotel transfers at the start and end of the safari

What's Not Included

  • International flights to or from Tanzania
  • Visa fees for Tanzania (if required)
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal items such as drinks, phone calls, and laundry (unless specified)
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
  • Optional activities such as balloon safaris or extra excursions
  • Extra nights before or after the tour other than those included

What to bring

  • Valid passport and necessary visas
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Neutral-coloured clothing (avoid bright colours and dark blues or blacks)
  • Lightweight breathable shirts, trousers, and long sleeves for sun protection
  • Warm layer or jacket for mornings and evenings
  • Rain jacket or poncho in rainy seasons
  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for Kilimanjaro
  • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm
  • Insect repellent, personal medication, and a first aid kit
  • Binoculars, camera, and extra batteries or memory cards
  • Daypack and refillable water bottle
  • Small USD bills for tips and local purchases
  • Optional: swimwear, scarf for dust, gloves if visiting higher altitudes

Know before you go

  • Malaria prevention is strongly advised - consult your doctor before travel.
  • Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is recommended.
  • Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS); USD is widely accepted in lodges and parks.
  • Bring small USD bills (issued after 2006) for tips and local purchases.
  • Best time to visit: June to October for dry season and excellent wildlife viewing.
  • Dress modestly in towns and wear neutral safari clothing in parks.
  • Wi-Fi and power may be limited in some lodges.
  • Power sockets are UK-type (three-pin), electricity 220 V.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Afrishare Trekking and Safaris, Tanzania
Tour start
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

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