9-Day Tanzania Safari: Mid-Range Trip
Arusha, Tarangire, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara
- approx. 12 hours flight time
- On-site rescheduling possible
- Possible year-round
Introduction (Overview)
This carefully planned journey takes you through five of the country's most spectacular wilderness areas – from the mystical Arusha National Park and the legendary Serengeti to the majestic Ngorongoro Crater.
On this comprehensive safari in a 4×4 vehicle, you'll discover Tanzania's magic in all its contrasts: the huge elephant herds and ancient baobab trees of Tarangire, the endless plains of the Serengeti with the world-famous Great Migration, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ngorongoro Crater with its incredible wildlife density, and the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara. The best time to travel for the migration is June to September – that's when you'll witness the dramatic river crossings at the Mara River!
ROUTE OVERVIEW
- Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Day 2: Safari in Arusha National Park
- Day 3: Safari in Tarangire National Park
- Day 4: Drive to the Central Serengeti (Seronera)
- Day 5: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
- Day 6: Full-day safari in the Northern Serengeti
- Day 7: Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim
- Day 8: Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 9: Lake Manyara National Park and return to Arusha
Budget accommodations
2 people
3.369 € *
4 people
2.607 € *
6 people
2.353 € *
Mid-range accommodations
2 people
3.369 € *
4 people
2.607 € *
6 people
2.353 € *
Luxury accommodations
2 people
4.024 € *
4 people
3.139 € *
6 people
2.844 € *
Indicative costs per person, excluding flights to Tanzania
Our offer includes:
Optional additions:
Not included:
Customer testimonial
“Everything perfect – great trip and great price
Our safari with Safari Tanzania was unforgettable! Thanks to their collaboration with local providers, they offered us a huge selection of accommodations. While other providers were often hard to reach and had limited options, Safari Tanzania put together a tailor-made tour perfectly suited to our budget and preferences. We saw the Big Five and experienced the Great Migration! Our guide was top-notch, and the organization ran smoothly. Absolutely recommended for a personalized and affordable dream vacation!
Philipp Grünewald, a customer from Vienna
Daily Descriptions
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, you'll be given a warm welcome. In the evening, you'll receive a detailed briefing on the journey ahead.
Day 2: Safari in Arusha National Park
Just 40 minutes from Arusha, a hidden gem awaits! Arusha National Park impresses with an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Immerse yourself in shady montane forest, populated by curious blue monkeys and brilliantly coloured turacos.
A special highlight: this is the only place on the northern safari circuit where you can see the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkeys! At the heart of the park lies the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater, with its steep rock walls and marshy floor where buffalo and warthogs graze. Further north, gentle hills frame the picturesque Momela Lakes – each shimmering in a different shade of blue or green, and sometimes tinged pink by thousands of flamingos. Giraffes glide elegantly between grazing herds of zebra, while shy dik-diks dart into the undergrowth.
Day 3: Safari in Tarangire National Park
After a three-hour drive, you'll reach Tarangire National Park the land of giants. Covering 2,800 km² and just 115 km from Arusha, this park is a true paradise for wildlife lovers.
The Tarangire River is the park's lifeline and draws huge elephant herds, especially during the dry season – the largest concentration in all of Tanzania! Majestic baobab trees, some over 1,000 years old, define the dramatic landscape. On your full-day game drive, keep an eye out for lions, leopards, pythons and the famous tree-climbing lions.
Day 4: Drive to the Serengeti (Central Seronera)
After breakfast, you'll load your luggage into the safari jeep and the journey to the legendary Serengeti begins! Along the way you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Rift Valley and the Ngorongoro Crater – a taste of the adventures to come.
In the afternoon, you'll reach the Central Serengeti and the Seronera Valley – known as Africa's "big cat capital." This region offers spectacular wildlife viewing year-round, with one of the highest predator densities anywhere in the world. On your evening safari, you'll witness an unforgettable sunset over the endless plains as acacia trees cast their silhouettes against the glowing sky.
Day 5: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
After breakfast, you'll drive into the northern Serengeti – to legendary Kogatende. Here, at the Mara River, one of the greatest natural spectacles on Earth unfolds: the river crossings of the Great Migration!
From July to October, the chances of catching these dramatic crossings are at their highest. Over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras press together on the riverbank while crocodiles lie in wait. The courage, the dust, the chaos – a spectacle you'll never forget! The herds follow the rains and fresh grass, crossing the river back and forth again and again. Your experienced guide will take you to the best vantage points for this unforgettable experience on your safari in Tanzania.
Day 6: Full-day safari in the Northern Serengeti
Today you'll follow the tracks of the Great Migration through the northern Serengeti. Your guide knows the key areas and will take you to wherever the herds currently are.
The best time for the migration in the northern Serengeti is August to September, while the calving season takes place from January to March in the southern Serengeti. In June and July, the migration moves through the northwestern region. Whatever the season, the Serengeti delivers spectacular wildlife viewing: lions on the hunt, cheetahs at full sprint, leopards draped in acacia trees.
Day 7: Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Experience a magical sunrise over the Serengeti before setting off on one last morning game drive. After lunch, the drive to the Ngorongoro Crater begins.
In the late afternoon, you'll reach the crater rim and catch your breath: before you lies the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, formed 2.5 million years ago. A lost paradise regarded as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
Day 8: Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
The day begins at 5:30 a.m., because you want to be in the crater early. The descent to the 260 km² crater floor is an adventure in itself – 610 metres down into this one-of-a-kind ecosystem.
It's like stepping into Noah's Ark! Around 25,000 large mammals live here side by side – the highest wildlife density in Africa. Within minutes you'll see wildebeest, zebras, gazelles and elephants. Here you have excellent chances of seeing all of the Big Five, including the rare black rhino! Flamingos turn the soda lake pink as you enjoy your picnic overlooking this incredible scene. After 6–7 hours of game driving, you'll leave the crater and visit the village of Mto wa Mbu – experience local life, banana plantations and traditional food!
Day 9: Lake Manyara National Park and return to Arusha
The final safari day of your 9-day trip to Tanzania takes you to Lake Manyara National Park, nestled beneath the dramatic backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment. This compact park is famous for its tree-climbing lions – a rare phenomenon seen only here and in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth Park!
The alkaline lake draws thousands of flamingos that turn the water pink – a spectacular photo opportunity! Visit the hot springs and keep an eye out for hippos, giraffes and over 400 bird species. As a cultural highlight, you'll visit a Maasai boma and learn about the fascinating traditions of these proud nomadic people. In the evening, you'll arrive in Arusha with a heart full of memories!
Customer testimonial
“Top-organized safari with fantastic memories
Safari Tanzania, as an intermediary, enabled us to have highly individualized planning and saved us the effort of comparing dozens of providers online. They adapted everything to our wishes, connected us with the ideal local team, and offered flexible, prompt support – a relaxed highlight full of lasting memories.
Many safari organizers pushed for a personal call, only to offer a package tour in the end. Safari Tanzania sent us an offer after the first email, which we then minimally adjusted and swapped out one accommodation. This saved my girlfriend and me a lot of effort. Thank you very much!
Michael Simann, a customer from Frankfurt
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All prices listed are former prices for short and price-optimized trips. Current prices may be higher due to the respective season and inflation. Our terms and conditions apply.
Entdecke andere 9-Tage Safaris here.
passionate tour guide in Tanzania for 6 years
It fills me with pride to show guests the beauty of Tanzania and give them unforgettable moments. I love it when my guests see a lion in the wild for the first time or marvel at the savanna at sunset. It is important to me that my guests feel safe and well looked after – and return home with many beautiful stories.
My profession is not just a job for me, but something I'm passionate about."
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to travel for this 9-day safari in Tanzania?
The dry season from June to October offers ideal conditions. For the Mara River crossings, July to September is best, while the calving season runs from January to March.
Can I see the Great Animal Migration?
Yes! This safari takes you into the northern Serengeti (Kogatende), where the spectacular river crossings take place from July to October.
Which parks do I visit on this safari?
Five parks: Arusha National Park, Tarangire, the Serengeti (central and north), the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara.
What are the odds of the Big Five?
Very high! The Ngorongoro Crater offers the best chance of seeing all of the Big Five in a single day – including the rare black rhino.
What makes this safari special?
You'll experience both the central and the northern Serengeti with three full safari days – perfect for the migration and for wonderfully varied wildlife viewing.
Are there cultural experiences?
Yes! You'll visit the village of Mto wa Mbu and a traditional Maasai boma to experience local culture up close.
Where does the safari start and end?
Starts and ends in Arusha, with transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport.
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