Tembo (Elephant)
Summary - 8 Day Safari Itinerary
Arrival: Arusha*
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire
Day 2: Tarangire → Lake Natron
Day 3: Lake Natron → Serengeti
Day 4: Serengeti (Full Day)
Day 5: Serengeti → Olduvai Gorge → Maasai Bomba→ Ngorongoro Crater
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater → Lake Eyasi (home of the Hadzabe & Datogas)
Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park
Day 8: Materuni Village (Moshi)
Bespoke Itinerary
We’ve created this itinerary based on our own experiences, designed to make the most of your time in Tanzania. Every moment is planned to balance wildlife, culture, landscapes, comfort and logistics – but it’s just the beginning.
For those who want more, we can craft a truly bespoke safari. Extend your stay, add adventure activities (like mountain biking or canoeing) explore hidden corners, or stay in exclusive lodges away from the crowds. Every detail can be tailored to your interests, pace, and style.
A bespoke safari is about creating memories that reflect your story.
If you want a safari that’s as unique as you are, get in touch today, and let’s design an experience you’ll remember forever.
Prices from: £2199 per person
- Open top 4x4 safari jeep
- Local english speaking safari driver
- Private tour
- Taxes & park fees included
- Support & advised from our UK based team
Request a quote today
The process of organising a Safari tour requires putting many moving parts together, and costs are rarely the same.
If you’d like us to quote for this adventure, get in touch. We’ll ask you more information and send a full quote.
Extra info
Arusha is the biggest city in the north of Tanzania, and is where most safaris begin. Kilimanjaro International Airport is situated about 40 minutes outside of the city centre. The city has a rich history, culture, and there is plenty of activity to see. Arusha is where we start all of our tours.
The Tarangire National Park sits 2 hours’ drive west of Arusha. It’s famous for tree-climbing Lions, and offers excellent game driving. We believe that it’s one of the best places to visit for a short safari trip. You’ll be amazed.
Clothing Tips
The climate in Arusha is similar to spring in southern europe. It may be colder and breezy in the mornings and evenings, while becoming hot and humid during the day. Most of the day is spent in the truck, so be comfortable!
- Light comfy clothes: shorts, light hiking trousers, t-shirts and a light jumper/ covering.
- Trainers, plimsoles or flat shoes.
During Rains (April & May – & November)
- Packable jacket or anorak.
- Boot/closed hiking shoes may be required during the rains.
Arrival
Arrival: Arusha
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- Meet & greet, transfer to your hotel in Arusha.
- Safari briefing and overnight rest.
- Overnight: Masailand Safari Lodge (Half Board)
- Day is optional depending on flight arrival. A breakfast box is available for morning arrivals, and an overnight stay for afternoon arrivals.
Day 1
Arusha → Tarangire
- Drive to Tarangire National Park (2 hours), driving through Arusha, past Mount Meru and towards Tarangire National Park.
- We arrive at Tarangire National Park and immediately drive among elephants, centenarian baobabs, lions, zebra, wildebeest, cheetahs and giraffes. Tarangire has some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the Northern Circuit.
- Picnic lunch in the park.
- Overnight: Farm of Dreams Safari Lodge (Full Board.
Extra Info
The area surrounding Lake Natron is an area many tour guides avoid. There is some travel involved, but it is one of the most impressive and ecologically significant places on earth.
The Gregory Rift is part of the Great Rift Valley system that cuts through East Africa. Its unique and impressive landscapes have shaped ecosystems and human settlement for millions of years. Migrating Maasai, mini tornadoes and volcanoes.
Ol Doinyo Lengai is known as the “Mountain of God” by the Maasai. It is the only active volcano in the world that erupts natrocarbonatite lava. At over 2,900 metres, the volcano is both sacred to local people and a challenging trek for those with an appetite.
Lake Natron, a shallow, saline lake; high alkalinity, which gives the ground a striking red-pink colour, and its waters can calcify animals. Yet, it is also one of the world’s most important breeding grounds for lesser flamingos, which thrive in its otherwise inhospitable environment.
Clothing Tips
These two days will consist of lots of time in the car. The rift valley can be dry, hot and humid. You will need:
- Light comfy clothes, sun protection and sunglasses.
- Short hike and outdoor activities: trainers or wet shoes, quick dry shorts/t-shirt.
During Rains (April & May – & November)
- Packable jacket or anorak.
- Boot/closed hiking shoes may be required during the rains.
Day 2
Tanangire → Gregory Rift Valley & Ol Doinyo Lengai → Lake Natron
- With an early start, we drive into the Gregory Rift Valley, following the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands towards Lake Natron. The drive of roughly 2.5 hours will wind through stunning landscapes, past Maasai villages. We’ll stop at Ol Doinyo Lengai, and areas of interest.
- After lunch, a Maasai guide will take you on a short hike to a secret waterfall.
- Afterwards, we will walk to the shore of Lake Natron to see the variety of Flamingos here, looking across stunning views of Kenya in the distance.
- Overnight: (Full Board)
Day 3
Lake Natron → Serengeti
- An early morning sets the scene, with a sunrise over the Rift Valley and Ol Doinyo Lengai, before heading north into the Rift highlands along the border with Kenya, into the Serengeti National Park.
- We’ll travel into the park, passing Iconic volcanic rock formations, and game drive, crossing the Grumeti River.
- Overnight: Moyo Tented Camp (Full Board)
Extra Info
The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes. Most famous for the Great Migration, it offers some of the best scenery and game viewing on Earth. Lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebra, wildbeest and cheetahs roam freely… with so much more.
Nearby lies the Olduvai Gorge; the “Cradle of Mankind.” The archaeological site has revealed fossils and tools from some of the earliest human ancestors, a unique glimpse into human evolution and the history of life on Earth.
The Ngorongoro Crater, a vast volcanic caldera, shelters an astonishing variety of wildlife. The fertile floor supports lions, rhinos, hippos, and flamingos; it’s the most remarkable microcosm of East African ecosystems.
The Maasai, semi-nomadic pastoralists, inhabit areas around the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Vibrant red shúkà robes and traditional dances showcase a well-preserved and strong cultural identity. Their resilience and traditions make them one of East Africa’s most recognised communities, and you’ll meet them.
Clothing Tips
While the Serengeti is warm during the day, it can be chilly in the morning. Likewise, the Ngorongoro Highlands & Crater can get quite cold. You will need:
- Warm jumper layer/ summer jacket & long hiking trousers. While most of the day will be spent in the car, it can get cold!
- The Maasai boma can get warm again, with outdoor activities.
During Rains (April & May – & November)
- Packable jacket or anorak.
- Warm hat or thin gloves for morning game drives.
- Boot/closed hiking shoes may be required during the rains.
Day 4
→ Serengeti
- We’ll spend the full day in the Serengeti – this is your opportunity to tell the driver what you’d like to see.
- Optional Morning Balloon Safari for- which is an unforgettable experience.*• Afternoon game drives in Serengeti.• Visit different regions of the park depending on wildlife movement.
Overnight Moyo Tented Camp (Full Board)
Day 5
→ Serengeti → Olduvai Gorge → Maasai Boma → Ngorongoro Crater→
- This is a highlight of the entire trip: a dawn game drive in Serengeti. Endless golden glowing skies behind acacia trees and migrating animals.
- After leaving the Serengeti towards the Ngorongoro Crater, visit Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind.
- Stop at a Masai Boma to experience culture and traditions of the Maasai tribe.
- Continue to Karatu for overnight.
- Overnight: Eileens Tree (Full Board)
Extra Info
Lake Manyara, is Tanzania’s seventh-largest lake. A shallow alkaline rift lake, it partly lies in Lake Manyara National Park and UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve. The park hosts elephants, flamingos, tree climbing lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and baboons.
The Maasai are a semi-nomadic tribe in northern Tanzania and Kenya. They have a strong cultural heritage and history in the region; vibrant red clothing, beadwork, and warrior traditions. They herd cattle, maintain deep cultural rituals, and are known for jumping dances, age-set ceremonies, and a strong connection
to the land and community.
Clothing Tips
The climate is warm and tropical, with opportunities for activities (canoeing, treetop walk or walking Safari)
- Boots or suitable shoes for hiking (trainers are perfectly fine, so long as you have dry shoes in case it’s wet)
- Light comfy clothes: light long hiking trousers, t-shirts and a light jumper/ covering if required.
During Rains (April & May – & November)
- Packable jacket or anorak.
- Boot/closed hiking shoes may be required.
Day 6
→ Lake Eyasi (home of the Hadzabe & Datoga)
- Awake for an early drive to Lake Eyasi.
- An enriching cultural experience with the Hadzabe Bushmen, where you can join them on a hunt trip.
- Visit the Datoga tribe: famous blacksmithing. Make your own gifts, souvenirs and jewellery.
- Afternoon, drive to see flamingoes and Lake Eyasi surrounding area before returning to Karatu.
- Overnight: Eileens Tree (Full Board)
Day 7
→ Lake Manyara National Park
- Morning drive to Lake Manyara National Park.
- Game drive to see tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and elephants; followed by lunch.
- Afternoon walk at the Manyara Treetop walkway, where you can explore the canopy of the forest, and spot the animals below.
- Evening drive back to Arusha.
Overnight: Masailand Safari Lodge (Half Board)
Materuni Village lies on the southern foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, about 15 km from Moshi – home to the Chagga tribal group. It its around 1,800-1,900 metres above sea level, it is known for lush vegetation, banana and coffee plantations, and its views of Kilimanjaro’s slopes. Waterfalls (over 70 metres high), traditional coffee farms, and a swim in a pool below the falls.
The Chagga are a Bantu ethnic group who live across Northern Tanzania, but call the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro home. They are skilled farmers, using terraced gardens and traditional irrigation systems. Chagga society is clan-based and values elders; many are Christian today, though traditional beliefs and rituals do persist.
Clothing Tips
The climate is warm and tropical. There are opportunities to swim and hike.
- Boots or suitable shoes for hiking (trainers are perfectly fine, so long as you have dry shoes incase it’s wet)
- Swimming outfits and a towel (if you wish to swim).
During Rains (April & May – & November)
- Packable jacket or anorak.
- Boot/closed hiking shoes may be required.
Day 8
→ Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee
Tour + Serval Wildlife Sanctuary
- Morning drive to Materuni Village (near Moshi).
- A stunning hike to Materuni Waterfalls & coffee tour with local guides to see the traditional Chagga farming methods.
- Traditional Chagga lunch, and performance.
- Afternoon visit to Serval Wildlife Sanctuary. Chance to interact with giraffes, cheetahs, and other rescued animals.
- Evening transfer to Kilimanjaro Int. Airport.
What’s Included?
- Accommodation: Nights in lodges and beach resorts as per the itinerary.
- Meals: Full-board on safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and half board.
- Transportation & driver: 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing – All airport and hotel transfers.
- Park and entry fees: To all listed national parks & sites.
- All listed Activities:
- Domestic flight: Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar.
- Bottled drinking water: during game drives.
- Tanzanian Government taxes and levies: excludes entry visas & mandatory health insurance (Zanzibar only) upon arrival.
What’s NOT Included?
- International flights to/from Tanzania.
- Travel insurance – (mandatory to be purchased online/ or on arrival in Zanzibar. Not required for the mainland).
- Visa fees (Paid online, or upon arrival)
- Drinks at lodges (soft drinks, alcohol).
- Optional activities & services: Tips, gifts etc..
Don’t forget!
- Vaccinations: Speak to a local travel clinic before travelling, as you will need some vaccinations to travel to Tanzania. Yellow Fever is not required for UK travellers.
- Anti-Malarial Medication: We suggest Malarone (or off-label alternative). It is more expensive, but it does not have side effects.
- General Medication: Just in case! General pain killers, diarrhoea treatments, and anti-histamines. A simple first aid kit is a smart thing to bring.
- Hand Sanitiser: While your guide will have some, it’s best to bring your own.
Add 4, 6 or 8 days to relax in Zanizbar?
After your Safari, you’re going to feel like a few days on a beach. Trust us – a little bit of beach time is the perfect remedy.
As part of your itinerary, we will organise domestic flights to Zanzibar, your transfers to your hotel, and guided tours to all the best activities (Giant turtles, Snorkelling, Stone Town tours, wind-boarding and sunset cruises- and so much more).
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