9 Day Tanzania Safari – African Giant Adventures

9-Day Tanzania Safari: Serengeti Grand Tour

Duration: 9 Days
From: $4,695 USD per person

Safari Overview

This immersive 9-day private safari offers a deep dive into northern Tanzania’s most iconic destinations. Travel through Lake Manyara or Tarangire, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and two regions of the vast Serengeti—including the northern reaches famed for the Great Migration. With two nights in each location, this itinerary ensures a relaxed pace and maximizes wildlife viewing opportunities. Cultural experiences and optional activities further enrich the journey.

Itinerary in Brief

Day 1: Lake Manyara or Tarangire – Game Drive

Depending on the season, enjoy a scenic drive from Arusha or Moshi to Lake Manyara (Dec–May) or Tarangire (Jun–Nov) for an afternoon game drive. Lake Manyara boasts lush forest, flamingos, and tree-climbing lions, while Tarangire offers herds of elephants and stunning baobabs.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations:

Budget: Endoro Lodge
Mid-Range: Escarpment Luxury Lodge
Luxury: Tarangire River Camp
Elite: Lemala Manyara

Day 2: Lake Manyara or Tarangire – Full-Day Game Drive

Spend the full day exploring the chosen park. Enjoy a picnic lunch and excellent photography opportunities amid the region’s wildlife and landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Same as Day 1

Day 3: Cultural Activities + Transfer to Ngorongoro

Start your day with a cultural excursion—options include village tours, biking, ziplining, coffee or painting classes. In the afternoon, travel to the Ngorongoro Highlands, with an optional stop at a Maasai village for an authentic encounter.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations:

Budget: Rhino Lodge
Mid-Range: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Luxury: Gibbs Farm
Elite: Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater – Game Drive

Descend into the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari. This natural amphitheater teems with wildlife, including black rhinos, elephants, lions, and hippos. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool before returning to your lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Same as Day 3

Day 5: Serengeti – Afternoon Game Drive

Depart for the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge en route. Arrive in central Serengeti (Seronera) and enjoy game viewing en route to your lodge or camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations:

Budget: Serengeti Halisi Camp
Mid-Range: Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp
Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp
Elite: Lemala Ewanjan Camp (Seronera)

Day 6: Central Serengeti – Full-Day Game Drive

Explore the heart of the Serengeti, famous for predators and resident game. You may choose a full-day drive or split the day with morning and afternoon sessions. Optional hot air balloon safari available at extra cost.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Same as Day 5

Day 7: Northern Serengeti – Transfer + Game Drive

Drive to the northern Serengeti (Mara/Kogatende), where the Great Migration may be seen (Jul–Oct). Game viewing continues along the way, revealing different landscapes and species.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations:

Budget: Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp
Mid-Range: Mara Under Canvas (TWC)
Luxury: Lemala Camp (Ndutu/Mara)
Elite: Lemala Kuria Hills Camp

Day 8: Northern Serengeti – Full-Day Game Drive

Spend the day tracking the migration and exploring the Mara River region, where dramatic river crossings may occur. Wildlife is abundant year-round in this remote sector of the park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Same as Day 7

Day 9: Serengeti – Morning Game Drive + Flight Out

Enjoy a short morning game drive en route to the airstrip. Fly to Arusha, Kilimanjaro Airport, or Zanzibar (flight charged separately). Optional day room or extra overnight available upon request.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch