8-Day Tanzania Mid-Range Safari with Serengeti and Ngorongoro

8 Days Round trip from Moshi / Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park, famous for elephants and giant baobabs
02 Lake Manyara safari through diverse habitats with wildlife and excellent birdwatching
03 Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a wildlife-packed crater floor experience with picnic lunch
04 Multiple days in Serengeti National Park for in-depth game viewing and photography opportunities
05 Optional add-ons en route, such as an Olduvai Gorge visit or cultural experiences, depending on timing

Discover Tanzania's northern safari circuit on this 8-day mid-range adventure through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti. Experience varied landscapes, from Tarangire's elephant herds and baobab-studded scenery to Lake Manyara's forest habitats, birdlife, and Rift Valley setting. Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari, then continue to the Serengeti for multiple days of extensive game viewing and wildlife photography across its vast plains. With comfortable mid-range lodges and tented camps, plus all meals on safari included, this journey is ideal for first-time visitors and wildlife lovers seeking more time in the field.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Safari Preparation

Arrival in Arusha. Meet your safari guide and transfer to your mid-range hotel. Depending on your arrival time, relax and prepare for the safari.

Overnight: Arusha mid-range hotel
Meals: Dinner & breakfast

Day 02

Tarangire National Park Game Drive

After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive.

Tarangire is particularly known for its elephant herds, baobab trees, and diverse wildlife.

Overnight: Mid-range lodge/tented camp in/near Tarangire
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 03

Lake Manyara Safari and Transfer to Karatu

After breakfast, continue to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive.

Enjoy the park's forest, lake environment, birds, and wildlife before continuing to Karatu for the evening.

Overnight: Mid-range lodge in Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 04

Ngorongoro Crater Safari to Serengeti

Early breakfast, then descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive.

Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the conservation area before continuing toward the Serengeti, with game viewing along the way.

Overnight: Mid-range lodge/tented camp in Central Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 05

Full-Day Serengeti Exploration

Spend the entire day exploring Serengeti National Park.

Depending on wildlife movements, your guide will choose productive areas for game viewing. Serengeti is one of Tanzania's signature wildlife destinations.

Overnight: Central Serengeti mid-range lodge/tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 06

Serengeti Full-Day Safari and Photography

Another full day in the Serengeti gives you more time for wildlife photography and exploring different areas.

Optional early-morning activities can be arranged separately.

Overnight: Central Serengeti mid-range lodge/tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 07

Final Serengeti Game Drive to Karatu

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive before departing the Serengeti toward Karatu.

Depending on timing, you can include a visit to Olduvai Gorge or a cultural experience as an optional addition.

Overnight: Mid-range lodge in Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 08

Return to Arusha

Breakfast at the lodge, followed by the drive back to Arusha.

Depending on your departure schedule, you can finish with lunch in Arusha or transfer directly to the airport.

Safari ends.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi / Arusha 6 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

7 nights mid-range accommodation
4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide
All scheduled game drives
Park and conservation fees
Ngorongoro Crater fees
Meals as indicated
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Airport/Arusha transfers where applicable
Government taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips for the guide and safari crew
Alcoholic and other personal drinks
Laundry
Personal expenses
Optional activities
Anything not specifically mentioned under "Included"

What to bring

Essential Documents
- Passport
- Tanzania visa, if required
- Travel insurance documents
- Flight and accommodation details
- Copies of important documents
Clothing
- 4-6 lightweight T-shirts/shirts
- 2-3 pairs of comfortable trousers
- 1-2 pairs of shorts
- Light sweater or fleece for cool mornings
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
Personal Items
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm
- Personal toiletries
- Hand sanitizer
- Small first-aid kit
- Any regular medication you need
Safari Gear
- Camera + zoom lens if available
- Extra memory cards
- Spare batteries
- Power bank
- Binoculars
- Small backpack/day bag
- Reusable water bottle
Money & Electronics
- Some Tanzanian shillings for personal expenses
- Bank cards
- Phone and charger
- Universal travel adapter
Useful Extras
- Small flashlight/headlamp
- Lightweight scarf or buff
- Wet wipes/tissues
- Small laundry bag
- A copy of your emergency contacts

Know before you go

Travel & Entry
- Check that your passport is valid for your travel dates.
- Confirm Tanzania visa requirements for your nationality before travelling.
- Keep copies of your passport, travel insurance, and important travel documents.
- Travel insurance with medical and emergency cover is strongly recommended.
Safari Expectations
- Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed because animals move freely in their natural environment.
- Your safari guide will adjust the daily route according to wildlife activity, weather, and road conditions.
- Early mornings can be cold, while afternoons may be warm.
- Some safari drives involve long journeys on rough or unpaved roads.
What to Wear
- Comfortable, lightweight clothing
- A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Hat and sunglasses
- Neutral or earthy clothing colours are practical for safari
- A light rain jacket, especially during rainy periods
What to Bring
- Passport and travel documents
- Travel insurance details
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera and extra batteries/power bank
- Binoculars
- Personal medication
- Small daypack
- Some cash for tips and personal purchases
Money
- Carry some Tanzanian shillings and/or small amounts of foreign currency for personal expenses and tips. Credit/debit cards are accepted at many lodges, but connectivity and card facilities can vary.
Internet & Electricity
- Wi-Fi is available at many lodges, but remote safari camps may have limited or unreliable internet. Charging facilities can also vary, so bringing a power bank is useful.
Responsible Safari
- Never feed or approach wild animals.
- Stay inside the vehicle unless your guide says it is safe to exit.
- Follow your guide's instructions at all times.
- Avoid littering.
- Respect local communities and wildlife regulations.
- Keep noise low when observing animals.
Health & Comfort
- Bring any regular medication you need and basic personal health items. Discuss recommended vaccinations and malaria-prevention measures with a qualified travel-health professional before your trip.
Photography
- Bring extra memory cards and batteries. A camera with a good zoom lens and binoculars can make wildlife viewing much more enjoyable.