From Safari Plains to Tribal Paths
8-Day Tanzania Safari – Big 5, Tribes & Cultural Wonders
Valid
Year Through
Duration
8 Days | 7 Nights
Destinations
Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi and Tarangire National Park
Pick Up
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Drop Off
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Where wild animals roam and stories are told in song, fire, and tradition
Best Time to Travel:
This itinerary is ideal year-round, so you can choose to travel during the month that best fits your schedule, interests, and budget
Trip Highlights
Embark on a journey that blends thrilling wildlife encounters with rich cultural experiences in the heart of Tanzania. This 8-day safari offers the perfect balance of Big 5 game drives and authentic community interactions, making it ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and connection.
Explore iconic parks like Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, and engage with local communities including the Maasai and Hadzabe tribes. Learn about their ancient traditions, daily life, and deep connection to the land. Enjoy scenic landscapes, luxury lodges, and personalized experiences like village visits, traditional dances, and bush meals in the wild.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport/Transfer to Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania, where unforgettable experiences await. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by a Social Adventure Safari guide and transferred to a lodge/hotel in Arusha. During the drive, enjoy the scenic beauty of Africa, learning about the landscapes and culture along the way. After about an hour, you will check in to the lodge, freshen up, and enjoy a delicious dinner. Take the evening to relax and socialize, preparing for the adventure ahead as your safari begins the next day.
Accommodation
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
Start your safari with a visit to Tarangire National Park, known for its Baobab trees and large elephant herds. After breakfast, drive to the park with a packed lunch, passing local villages for a cultural glimpse, and then enjoy a game drive to spot wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, and zebras. After a picnic lunch, continue your afternoon game drive, then head to a lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
Day 3: Maasai Village & Mto wa Mbu Cultural Excursions
Start the day with breakfast, then head to a Maasai village to learn about this iconic tribe’s culture, including traditional activities like milking cows and herding cattle. Proceed to Mto wa Mbu for a local lunch, explore the village, visiting banana and rice plantations, meeting artisans, and enjoying a bike tour around the area. End the day with dinner and overnight at a lodge in Ngorongoro highlands reflecting on the rich cultural experiences of the day.
Accommodation
Day 4: Hadzabe & Datoga Cultural Excursions / Nature Walks
After breakfast, head to Hadzabe and Datoga villages for an immersive cultural experience, starting with a hunting excursion with the Hadzabe tribe. Participate in activities like honey gathering and berry picking, then visit the Datoga tribe to witness traditional dancing and learn about their craftsmanship, including forging knives and arrowheads.
After a lunch break, enjoy a nature walk to the Endoro Waterfall and elephant caves, where you’ll explore the fascinating landscape shaped by elephants. Conclude your day with dinner and overnight at a lodge in Ngorongoro highland.
Accommodation
Day 5: Into the Heart of Serengeti – Wildlife Encounters Begin
After breakfast, depart for another section of Serengeti National Park, continuing your adventure deeper into the wild. Enjoy a scenic drive with a packed lunch, passing through the Ngorongoro highlands—offering breathtaking views and a chance to spot wildlife along the way. Upon entering the Serengeti, settle into a designated picnic area for lunch before heading out on an exciting afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes open for lions lounging in the grass, leopards hidden in trees, and towering giraffes gliding across the plains. Return to your lodge or tented camp for a hearty dinner and relaxing overnight in the heart of the bush.
Accommodation
Day 6: Full-Day Game Drive – home to the Great Migration and Africa’s Big Cats
Spend an exhilarating day exploring the endless wonders of the Serengeti on a full-day game drive. Set out early with a packed lunch, maximizing your time in different parts of the park, from open savannahs to riverine forests. Follow the rhythms of nature as you track big cats on the hunt, watch herds of elephants and buffalo, and spot countless bird species soaring overhead. This immersive day promises unforgettable wildlife moments and iconic photo opportunities. As the sun sets over the plains, return to your lodge/camp for dinner and a peaceful night beneath the star-lit African sky.
Accommodation
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater
Today offers a prime opportunity to see the Big Five in the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. After breakfast, head to the crater with a packed lunch, where you’ll explore its breathtaking landscapes and encounter wildlife such as lions, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos. Enjoy lunch at the Hippo Pool, followed by an afternoon game drive, which will take you to Lake Magadi, home to hundreds of flamingos and other birdlife. After the drive, ascend the crater and head to a lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
Day 8: Drive Back to Arusha - Lunch - Shanga Tour - Depart or Extension to Zanzibar
On the final day of your Tanzania Wildlife and Cultural Safari, start with a hearty breakfast then drive back to Arusha. Along the way, explore local villages, offering more opportunities to learn and discover the local culture. Once in Arusha, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the Shanga Tour, where you can explore handcrafted goods made by local artisans. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll have time to explore the city before being escorted to the airport or opting to extend your stay with a Zanzibar beach holiday.
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