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You are here: Home1 / Safari in Tanzania – a brief overview2 / 9 Days Tanzania Holiday Safari Classic
  • Elephant National Park Safari Tanzania
Tanzanian Lion with scars close-up picture
Tanzanian Lion with scars close-up picture
Tanzanian Lion with scars close-up picture
Giraffe in an Acacia Forest
Giraffe in an Acacia Forest
Flamingos lining up on a Lake within Arusha National Park
Flamingos lining up on a Lake within Arusha National Park
Elephants on Tour
Elephants on Tour
The Great Migration on the plains of Serengeti National Park
The Great Migration on the plains of Serengeti National Park
Antelops in Tanzania
Antelops in Tanzania
Cheetahs resting in the Serengeti
Cheetahs resting in the Serengeti
Giraffe drinking from a small lake
Giraffe drinking from a small lake

9 Days Safari – Classic Tanzania Holiday

brief overview

This Tanzania holiday offers a nine day Safari adventure in an off-road vehicle to the five most famous and regarding flora and fauna very diverse national parks in Northern Tanzania. On this Safari, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Arusha, Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks are visited.

This Safari holiday proposal is a classic and very popular with Tanzania Experts guests. All the world famous highlights in the “Northern Circuit” are included, the vast steppes of the Serengeti with their great animal migration, the incredible Ngorongoro Crater with the extremely rare rhinos, the elephant herds in the shade of ancient baobab trees in Tarangire Park or the varied tropical landscape of Arusha National Park with the extinct volcano Mount Meru. The Safari starts in Arusha National Park, where we strongly recommend a walking Safari. An armed park ranger will accompany you for your safety, in case an ill-tempered buffalo comes to close.

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Details

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Bus Station (e.g. via Nairobi) to your accommodation.

Day 2: Arusha – Arusha National Park

Today your 7 Days Tanzania holiday starts and you go on your first real game drive. After a leisurely breakfast you start with your guide in a 4×4 safari car and start the drive to Arusha National Park! Arusha Park is known for its abundance of tropical birds. With over four hundred different species in this relatively small park, you can easily spot them as you drive through the tropical rainforest! Often the lakes of the park are filled with thousands and thousands of flamingos, including the rare Greater Flamingo. The park also has some beautiful craters, waterfalls, mountains and grassy areas. The park is known as the home of the Colobus monkey, which you can recognize by its long tail. The name comes from its blunt thumb: Colobus is from the Greek colobos, which means stump. It is a rare monkey and therefore one of the reasons to visit the park.

A ranger will accompany you “full time” on your optional walking safari through this forest park. The ranger is an employee of the National Park Authority and carries a rifle over his shoulder in case you unexpectedly encounter buffalo, leopard or elephant. Of course the ranger does not shoot immediately, only if there is a real danger. You will find that it is a very special feeling to really enjoy the wildlife up close without the protective sheet metal of the safari vehicle: Giraffes walk past you on their stilts, you hear elephants trumpeting, in a clearing you see a troop of Anubis baboons. During the hike you will partly walk through dense mountain rainforest on the east side of the Meru volcano massif. In between you will have a picnic. You walk up the mountain for a few kilometres, the ascent takes about two to three hours and leads first through a green meadow and then through light acacia forests. From a certain height, the mountainous area follows, passing through dense, shady mountain rainforest. Here mosses, orchids, ferns and epiphytes dominate the landscape. Buffalos, bushbucks, elephants and Harvey Duckers love this terrain. The duiker belong with half a meter shoulder height to the smallest antelope species. The fur of these animals is mahogany brown, the horns are very short. In Dutch, the Duiker antelope are called “Duiker”, which means “diver”, a name that describes their behaviour during flight: At the slightest disturbance, the head is immediately submerged deep down in the dense undergrowth. Wild flowers, especially the extremely pretty fireball lilies, are a real feast for the eyes in between. After your hiking/deerstalking tour you will go to your accommodation and a well-deserved dinner.

Day 3: Arusha National Park – Tarangire National Park

You leave Arusha after breakfast and drive about 1-2 hours to Tarangire National Park, 80 km away. On the way you will pass lively Masai villages and the wide plains for which East Africa is so famous. The Tarangire National Park is very large, all in all 2600 square kilometers, about the size of the german state of Schleswig Holstein. There are extensive gently undulating plains here, including two large pans in the south that turn into swamps depending on the season. After Serengeti, Ruaha and Mikumi, the Tarangire is the fourth largest park in Tanzania. It is named after the Tarangire River, which rises in the mountains south of the park. This river winds its way from the extreme south through numerous rocky hilly landscapes, which are between 1000 and 1675 meters high, almost to the northernmost tip of the game reserve. Here it turns westwards in a swerve and flows into Lake Burungi, which has no outflow and is located in the north-east of the park. There is water in the river all year round, very important for the local flora and fauna.

Once you reach Tarangire Park, you will begin your game drive through a hilly grass savannah landscape dominated by the imposing baobab trees (Adansonia digitata), which grow in abundance here. They are also known as Baobab trees. A picnic area overlooking the Tarangire River is a nice option for a lunch break. As you drive through the park you will also have the opportunity to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and a variety of antelopes. If you are lucky you may even see endangered animals such as the African wild dog. In the late afternoon or evening you will drive to your chosen accommodation.

Day 4: Tarangire National Park – Manyara National Park

Today we travel to Lake Manyara National Park; the protected area lies picturesquely as a narrow strip of shore between the western slope of the approximately 800-metre-high rift valley steep face and the soda-rich Lake Manyara. Although the park is not particularly large, it is, so to speak, a masterpiece in terms of its different habitats: the rocky Rift Valley escarpment, the groundwater forest, the acacia tree savannah, the open grass savannah, the lake shore, the numerous swamps and the lake itself. Lake Manyara National Park is one of the greenest and most exotic game reserves in the country. The biomass of animals that inhabit the park is enormous: the grass savannah is home to wildebeest, zebra, waterbuck, reedbuck, impala and Thomson’s gazelles. In the acacia groves bushbucks with their ivory-coloured spiral horns together with the small dikdiks stalk gracefully over the water-soaked ground. In the bush land you can find the massive and unpredictable buffalos again. The vegetation along the rivers is often a gallery forest, where dump palms and wild date palms grow. The trees provide the wild animals with plenty of shade and food. The tree-climbing lions are a well-known landmark of the park, these powerful predators pose on acacia trees and want to be photographed. Ornithologists will love Lake Manyara with its great variety of birds.

If you wish, you can visit the nearby market town of Mto Wa Mbu. This place with its agricultural and fresh products is a melting pot of local cultures and a paradise for souvenir hunters. The landscape of the area is green like an oasis. This change in the vegetation is due to the fact that the two rivers Kirurumu and Simba, which come from the Ngorongoro Highlands through porous lava rock layers underground, pour their water masses here at Mto wa Mbu into this otherwise barren rift valley zone. This is transformed into a particularly fertile area. There is plenty of cultivated land here, where a lot of vegetables and fruit are grown. In this market town there is a colourful life and bustle. It also has many “Dukas” here. These are shops where you can find everything from ebony carvings to colourful cloths. A speciality that should not be missed are the red bananas. You will certainly notice them immediately when you look at the fruit stands. They are shorter and thicker than conventional bananas, and they also have a fruitier taste. After the thrill and the many impressions of the day, you will return to your accommodation for a well-deserved dinner.

Day 5: Manyara National Park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After an early morning refreshment you will drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, also known as the 8th wonder of the world. The tarred road takes you higher and higher up to the Ngorongoro crater rim. The road climbs steeply in serpentines through a noticeably cool, fairytale mountain forest on the outer slopes of the crater. After a few kilometres you will reach the Loduare Park gate, the entrance to the Conservation Area. After completing the entrance formalities, the journey continues uphill through ever denser jungle with bearded lichens and ferns. The tension rises, as it is not far to the edge of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. After a short ride the highest point and the first viewpoint is reached at a height of 2286 meters. From the edge of the crater to the crater floor is about 650 meters altitude difference. If you look down, you can see savannah areas, swamps, rivers, forests, small hills and the soda lake, which is called Lake Magadi here. With the help of binoculars you can see herds of buffalo, wildebeest, zebra and gazelles walking on the crater floor. Afterwards you will descend into the crater and start a spectacular game drive in the crater floor.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to over 120 species of mammals, including the legendary Big Five. The crater area is home to around 20,000 large mammals – buffalo, zebra, antelope, elephant… There are over 100 lions and more than 400 spotted hyenas. It is one of the most popular safari destinations in the world and one of the few places in the world where the black rhino can be seen. The Ngorongoro Crater is not a crater in the true sense of the word. Geomorphologically it is a caldera, which means that after its last eruption its crater cone collapsed in the middle after the lava flowed out and formed this enormous crater bowl. It is the sixth largest caldera on the mainland of the Earth. In the late afternoon or evening your guide will take you to your chosen accommodation.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Serengeti National Park

Today you can look forward to the highlight of your Tanzania holiday – the Serengeti National Park. Many of the most famous nature films were shot in this world famous national park. The word Serengeti comes from the Maasai language and literally means “endless plains”. Many predators roam these vast plains; over four thousand lions, 225 cheetahs, thousands of leopards, 3500 hyenas and hundreds of wild dogs. After breakfast, continue along the western crater road until the trail leads you downhill directly into the Serengeti. On your left is the “Malanja Depression”, where the Maasai lead and graze large herds of cattle for watering. Behind it you will see the 3107m high extinct volcanic mountain Lemagrut. After another 20 km there is a steep cliff on the left side. Huge rocks have rolled down the mountain here. Now you have reached the plateau, the wonderland of the Serengeti. The landscape is flat and there are only a few trees: a sea of grass, so to speak, as far as the eye can see.

According to your wishes you will drive to your chosen accommodation in the South Serengeti for a short refreshment. In the afternoon you will go on a game drive with your guide. Alternatively, you can rest the rest of the day and let your cook or lodge staff pamper you.

Day 7: Serengeti National Park

Today you get up before sunrise and start an early morning game drive. When the sun begins to light up the savannah, you will have the best opportunity to see predators in action, as they take advantage of the low light conditions and cooler temperatures to look for an early meal. It is an ideal time to see lions, leopards and cheetahs in action as well as the movements of wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores. Alternatively you can book a hot air balloon safari at sunrise followed by a champagne breakfast.

After your unforgettable morning, return to your lodge for a late breakfast and refreshment before heading back out onto the road with a picnic. Your driver will choose the best possible route based on the season and the type of animals you wish to see. This way you can make your day as enjoyable as possible to observe the diverse wildlife of the Serengeti. Depending on the season, you will have the opportunity to observe the great animal migration. Details about this “Great Migration” can be found in our trip information or this dedicated article. After an exciting day in the vast savannah of the Serengeti you will return to your accommodation in the evening.

Day 8: Serengeti National Park – Arusha

After breakfast you leave the Serengeti for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes you back through the Serengeti along a beautiful route and offers the opportunity to see some animals you may have missed yet – wildebeests and zebras in huge groups, large and graceful giraffes, leaping antelopes and gazelles, the mighty African elephant or the elegant predators. After you have left the gates of the reserve behind you, you drive back to Arusha for about 2 to 3 hours. On your way home you will have the opportunity to stop at some of the numerous “dukas” (small shops) and to buy some souvenirs for home.

Day 9: Arusha – Tanzania Holiday End

End of your 7 Days Classic Safari Tanzania Holiday. After breakfast transfer to the central bus station, to the airline office in the city for your shuttle bus to the airport or extension e.g. onward flight to Zanzibar.

Accommodation

We will be happy to integrate your desired accommodation into the itinerary. It is also possible to change the route itself. Please talk to our safari advisors about your preferences.

DAY Location SILVER Lodge GOLD Lodge Platinum Lodge Luxury Mobile Camping
1 Arusha Ilboru Safari Lodge Mount Meru Game Lodge Legendary Lodge Legendary Lodge
2 Arusha National park Meru Mbega Hatari Lodge Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge –
3 Tarangire National park Tarangire Roika Tented Lodge Tarangire Safari Lodge Tarangire Treetops –
4 Lake Manyara National park Twiga Lodge Rift Valley Photographic Lodge Escarpment Luxury Lodge –
5 Ngorongoro Conservation Area Rhino Lodge Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge –
6 Serengeti National park Tukaone Camps Serengeti Lobo Wildlife Lodge Serengeti Bushtops –
7 Serengeti National park Kati Kati Camp Seronera Wildlife Lodge Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge –
8 Serengeti – Arusha Ilboru Safari Lodge Mount Meru Game Lodge Legendary Lodge Legendary Lodge
9 Arusha
Good to know
Good to know

On this safari you will spend a lot of time in the parks and nature reserves, as the distances between the individual parks are short by African standards. Transportation from Kilimanjaro airport or Arusha bus station to the hotel in Arusha and back, as well as two nights in Arusha and all fees are included in our offers, unless otherwise stated.

All our safaris are conducted in small private groups and each guest is guaranteed a window seat in the vehicle. As our contingent is limited, we recommend that you book early, especially during the Peak Season.

Your driver is a trained and licensed English speaking guide. You will travel in modified 4×4 vehicles (Toyota Landcruiser / Landrover Defender) and all our safari vehicles have roof hatches or elevating roofs which allow a better view of African wildlife, especially in high vegetation. You will also be able to charge your digital devices in the Safari car.

Tanzania Experts is proud to offer you the very best Safari Guides in Tanzania. Our founder Peter Sealand has guided safaris for clients around the world, as well as many international media organizations (including professional photographers and documentary filmmaker from National Geographic). Peter visited Europe and North America several times, he speaks English, German, Swahili and Maa.

Service
Included in the travel price:
  • All overnight stays as described
  • All transfers and Safaris as described
  • All National Parks, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Protected Wildlife Area Fees
  • All vehicle, ranger, guide and cooking fees
  • Food and drinks
Not included in the travel price:
  • Visa fees
  • Insurance
  • Gratuity and tips
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • International flights
Prices
Prices 9 Days Safari Classic – Tanzania Holiday

The following prices are for private safaris per person for a group of 6 or more persons during the high season. Discounts during the rainy season (Low Season) or surcharges during the Peak Season and other prices on request.

YEAR SILVER Lodge GOLD Lodge Platinum Lodge Luxury Mobile Camping
2024 from $1.918 from $2.702 from $5.148 enquire
2025 from $1.918 from $2.702 from $5.148 enquire

Due to many factors our safari prices can change:

  • Exchange rate fluctuations
  • Number of travellers per private safaris
  • Travel period (e.g. surcharges in the peak season, discounts in the rainy season)
  • In case of families, age of children (e.g. do small children sleep in their parents’ hotel room?)
  • short-term price changes of entrance fees and accommodation from institutions or the government

Our consultants will calculate the price for your tailor-made dream trip individually. Here at Tanzania Experts, our motivation is to offer as many people as possible the chance to travel to the incredibly beautiful and diverse paradise Tanzania. Our prices are therefore very competitive.

Low Season: April, May and November
High Season: 10 January – 31 January, February, March, June, September, October and 1 December to 19 December
Peak Season: 1 January to 10 January, July, August and 20 December to 31 December

Travel costs and prices for Safaris in Tanzania

Unfortunately Tanzania is one of the most expensive tourist destinations in Africa. The high costs can be explained mainly by expensive national park and protected area fees, on which additional value added tax is now also charged. For example, just the one-time entrance to the Ngorongoro Caldera costs 295 USD per safari car, in addition to the normal entrance fee of 70 USD per person and day. On top of this there are also other national park fees and costs for an overnight stay within the park (also for luxury mobile camping safaris).

The low number of visitors in combination with the poor infrastructure, high tax burden, inefficient bureaucracy and the above mentioned national park fees lead to the relatively high Safari costs and prices in Tanzania.

Tanzania has very few tourists compared to other major African countries, in 2018 there were an optimistically estimated 1.5 million visitors (including Zanzibar only travellers) – as many visitors as the South-West African country Namibia with its total 2.5 million inhabitants. In contrast just the commercial hub and city of Dar es Salaam has three times as many inhabitants. In the same period, for example, Morocco had 12.3 million or Egypt about 8 million tourist visitors.

Due to the uniqueness of the country, with UNESCO protected world natural heritage sites such as the Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti with the world famous Great Animal Migration, the Ngorongoro Caldera, the gemstone Tanzanite – only found in a very small mining area near the Mererani Hills or the largest contiguous protected area in Africa (Selous Game Reserve), you will enjoy a truly once in a life time experience.

Map

Please note: This map is only intended to give you a rough outline, the exact route will be determined by our experienced local safari guides.

Add-on
You are welcome to combine this safari with the following options:
  • Climbing of Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru Mountain
  • Day trips (e.g. Marangu village cultural tour)
  • Beach holiday on the Zanzibar Archipelago
  • South-Tanzania Safari (Southern Circuit)

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Day 2: Arusha National Park

Day 3: Tarangire National Park

Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park

Day 5: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Day 6: Serengeti National Park

Day 7: Serengeti National Park

Day 8: Serengeti – Arusha

Day 9: End of Tanzania Holiday Arusha

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