8-Day Tanzania Luxury Wilderness Safari

Tour Overview

Embark on the ultimate 8-day luxury safari in Tanzania with M&M Sawa Safaris, designed for travelers seeking the perfect balance between adventure, wildlife encounters, and indulgent comfort. This immersive journey will take you through some of Tanzania’s most iconic national parks, including Tarangire National Park, the Central and Southern Serengeti (Ndutu region), Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park. With carefully curated accommodations, private safari vehicles, and experienced guides, this itinerary offers a seamless blend of adventure, relaxation, and authentic African experiences.

The adventure begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by a comfortable overnight stay in Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania. From here, you will venture into Tarangire National Park, renowned for its enormous elephant herds, majestic baobab trees, and abundant wildlife. The journey continues to the Serengeti, where you will experience the dramatic beauty of the plains and, during the migration season, witness the awe-inspiring movement of wildebeest and zebras. The southern Serengeti, especially the Ndutu area, is famous for the calving season, attracting predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, offering spectacular game-viewing opportunities.

Next, you will explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse areas in Africa, home to elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, flamingos, and the critically endangered black rhinoceros. Finally, you will visit Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic gem of the Great Rift Valley, famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and prolific birdlife. Every day of this safari is thoughtfully designed to maximize wildlife sightings, capture breathtaking landscapes, and immerse you in the natural wonders of Tanzania, while providing luxurious comfort in top-tier lodges and tented camps.

Day To Day

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and Transfer to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), approximately 55 kilometers (1–1.5 hours) from Arusha, you will be warmly greeted by your professional safari guide. You will then be transferred to Gran Meliá Arusha Hotel, a luxurious retreat offering stunning views of Mount Meru and elegant accommodations. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a guided city tour of Arusha, visiting the vibrant Maasai Market and the Cultural Heritage Centre, ideal for exploring Tanzanian culture and picking up unique souvenirs.

Evening at leisure allows you to unwind in the hotel’s spa, relax by the pool, or enjoy a gourmet dinner in the restaurant. This first night provides a gentle introduction to Tanzania, preparing you for the adventures ahead.

Meal Plan: Breakfast
Activities: Airport transfer, optional Arusha town tour, leisure

Suggested Accommodations

Forest Hill Hotel
Gran Melia Arusha
Ritzy Acardia Cottages

Day 2

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After an early breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, approximately 120 km (2–2.5 hours) from Arusha. Covering 2,850 square kilometers, Tarangire is renowned for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which sustains a large variety of wildlife even during the dry season.

Spend the afternoon on a full game drive, where you may encounter lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and over 500 bird species, including the colorful lilac-breasted roller. The park’s vast landscapes provide incredible photographic opportunities. Return to Escarpment Luxury Lodge near Karatu for a luxurious evening with fine dining and serene views of the surrounding wilderness.

Optional Activities:
• Walking Safari
• Night Game Drive

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Suggested Accommodations

Escarpment Luxury Lodge
Farm of Dreams Lodge
Tarangire Treetops by Elewana

Day 3

Tarangire to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, depart for the Central Serengeti, traversing the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a scenic drive of 5–6 hours with numerous stops to admire panoramic highland views. Along the way, consider visiting a traditional Maasai village to learn about local culture, customs, and traditions, adding a cultural dimension to your safari adventure.

Upon entering the Central Serengeti, which spans 14,750 square kilometers, enjoy your first game drive on the vast savannah plains. This region is home to the Big Five , lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos , as well as abundant zebras, wildebeest, and cheetahs. Wildlife movements are guided by the seasonal migration, creating dynamic and unforgettable viewing experiences.

Optional Activities:
• Visit Olduvai Gorge & Museum
• Maasai Village Visit

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Suggested Accommodations

Moyo Tented Camp
Signature Serengeti Tented Camp
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 4

Central Serengeti to Southern Serengeti (Ndutu)

After breakfast, head south to the Ndutu area of the Southern Serengeti, famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration and dramatic predator-prey interactions. The journey covers approximately 200–250 km (5–6 hours), with game drives en route to maximize sightings.

The Southern Serengeti features expansive grasslands, acacia woodlands, and seasonal lakes, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras move in search of fresh grazing. Predators are plentiful in this ecosystem, offering thrilling encounters with lions, cheetahs, and leopards. This area is particularly spectacular during the calving season, when newborn wildebeest attract predators, providing rare photographic moments.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Afternoon game drive

Suggested Accommodations

Lake Masek Tented Lodge
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Nyumbu Luxury Camp

Day 5

Full Day in Southern Serengeti (Ndutu)

Rise early for a sunrise game drive, the prime time to observe predators hunting and newborn wildebeest calves taking their first steps. Spend the morning traversing the plains and capturing the beauty of this dynamic ecosystem, while enjoying the spectacular light and photographic opportunities.

After returning to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, embark on an afternoon game drive to explore additional parts of the Southern Serengeti. Seasonal lakes, open plains, and forested areas provide diverse wildlife viewing, including elephants, giraffes, and abundant bird species.

Optional Activity:
• Hot Air Balloon Safari

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Full-day game drives

Suggested Accommodations

Lake Masek Tented Lodge
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Nyumbu Luxury Camp

Day 6

Southern Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

After an early breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a drive of approximately 3–4 hours. Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, covering 260 square kilometers, one of the world’s most remarkable natural amphitheaters.

The crater floor is home to a high concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, flamingos, and the critically endangered black rhino. Enjoy a half-day game drive, stopping for a picnic lunch amidst wildlife. The crater’s diverse ecosystems offer a unique combination of grasslands, swamps, and lakes, creating a stunning safari environment.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Ngorongoro Crater game drive

Suggested Accommodations

Escarpment Luxury Lodge
Farm of Dreams Lodge
Tarangire Treetops by Elewana

Day 7

Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, approximately 30 km (45 minutes) from Karatu. The park covers 330 square kilometers and lies at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Lake Manyara is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and an abundance of bird species, including flamingos and pelicans.

Enjoy a guided game drive through the park’s lush forests and along the lake shore. The park’s diverse ecosystems include acacia woodlands, marshes, and soda lakes, providing rich photographic and wildlife experiences. In the afternoon, begin the journey back to Arusha for your final night.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Activities: Game drive in Lake Manyara

Suggested Accommodations

Forest Hill Hotel
Gran Melia Arusha
Ritzy Acardia Cottages

Day 8

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport, approximately 55 km away, for your onward international flight. This marks the conclusion of your extraordinary 8-day luxury Tanzania safari, filled with memorable wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and indulgent comfort.

Meal Plan: Breakfast
Activities: Airport transfer