10 Days Tanzania Mid-Range Wildlife Safari

The 10 Days Tanzania Mid-Range Wildlife Safari presents one of the finest opportunities to immerse yourself in East Africa’s most spectacular wilderness. Designed for travelers who seek an authentic wildlife journey while enjoying the comfort of well-selected mid-range lodges, this adventure combines the scenic charm of Tanzania’s landscapes with the thrill of world-class game viewing. From the elephant herds of Tarangire to the mysterious tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara, the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, and the legendary Serengeti Plains, every moment of this safari is meticulously planned to capture the best of the wild.

Your journey begins with a warm welcome in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital, before embarking on a road adventure that connects the northern circuit’s iconic national parks. The experience blends extensive game drives, nature walks, community visits, and even a hot air balloon safari over Serengeti’s endless plains. Each park offers its own unique character: Tarangire with its giant baobabs and elephant gatherings, Lake Manyara with birdlife and predators, Ngorongoro with its world-renowned crater teeming with wildlife, and Serengeti with its endless savannah and the Great Migration spectacle.

Deks Safaris & Tours ensures that every day balances discovery, comfort, and cultural richness. The lodges chosen provide comfort, hearty meals, and serene views, while the professional safari guides guarantee expert interpretation of the wildlife and landscapes. This journey is not just about ticking off the Big Five but about creating deep connections with Africa’s wilderness, culture, and people.

With carefully curated inclusions, seamless logistics, and immersive activities, the 10 Days Tanzania Mid-Range Safari is an unforgettable way to discover the true essence of the “Wild Africa” dream.

10 Days Tanzania Mid-Range Wildlife Safari

Day	Activities	Accommodations
Day 1	Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and Check-in the Hotel in Arusha	Palace Hotel Arusha Meal Plan: Dinner & Drinking Water
Day 2	Morning Road Transfer to Tarangire National Park (Have Afternoon Game Drives and Nature Walk)	Tarangire Sopa Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 3	Morning Game Drive and Road Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park for Afternoon Game Drive to Spot Tree-Climbing Lions	Manyara Safari Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 4	Morning Game Drive in Lake Manyara and Road Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater for Afternoon Game Drive and Nature Walks	Marera Valley Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 5	Adventure in Ngorongoro Crater – Game Drives, Nature Walk, Visit to Crater, and Photography	Marera Valley Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 6	Morning Road Transfer to Southern Serengeti National Park (Ndutu Plains) for Another Wildlife Experience	Ndutu Safari Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 7	Adventure in Serengeti National Park (Game Drives, Nature Walk, Maasai Community Visit, and Photography)	Kontiki Safari Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 8	Another Day of Game Drives and Hot Air Balloon Ride in Serengeti National Park	Kontiki Safari Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 9	Game Drives in Serengeti National Park and Road Transfer to Mto wa Mbu to Karatu for a Cultural Experience	Marera Valley Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 10	Morning Road Transfer from Karatu to Kilimanjaro Airport for a Flight Back Home	None Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water

 

Tour Quotation Based on 1 Traveler and Mid-Range Safari: US$8,292

No. of People	1 Person	2 People	4 People	6 People
Rate Per Person	US$8,983	US$6,584	US$5,723	US$5,436

Detailed 10 Days Tanzania Mid-Range Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Arusha

• Accommodation: Palace Hotel Arusha
• Meal Plan: Dinner & Drinking Water

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are warmly received by a professional representative from Deks Safaris & Tours, who assists with your luggage and provides a short briefing about the safari. A private transfer takes you through the scenic countryside to the bustling town of Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. This small but lively city lies at the foot of Mount Meru and offers a perfect mix of local culture, lush surroundings, and mountain views.

On arrival at your accommodation, Palace Hotel Arusha, you check into your comfortable room, designed to provide rest and relaxation after your international flight. The hotel is conveniently located, giving you access to modern amenities while retaining a warm African charm. You are welcomed with a refreshing drink, followed by dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, where both international and local cuisines are served.

The evening is free for relaxation as you prepare for the adventure ahead. Some travelers choose to stroll through the nearby neighborhoods or simply enjoy the serenity of the hotel’s setting. Your safari guide will meet you for a detailed briefing, ensuring you are well-prepared for the days of exploration.

This first day is intentionally easy-going to allow you to recover from your journey. The excitement builds as you anticipate the first encounter with Tanzania’s wild beauty the following morning in Tarangire National Park.

 

Day 2: Road Transfer to Tarangire National Park – Game Drives & Nature Walk

• Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water

After breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, you embark on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, located about 120 kilometers southwest of Arusha. Known for its rolling landscapes dotted with towering baobab trees, this park is often described as one of Tanzania’s most picturesque. As you enter the park, your eyes are drawn to its diverse habitats, ranging from savannah grasslands to swamps and riverine woodlands.

The highlight of Tarangire is undoubtedly its massive elephant population. Herds of elephants, sometimes numbering hundreds, roam freely, creating unforgettable encounters. In addition to elephants, Tarangire is home to lions, leopards, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and over 550 recorded bird species. A morning game drive allows you to begin spotting these animals as your guide interprets their behavior and the park’s ecological significance.

After lunch at Tarangire Sopa Lodge, you set out for a unique afternoon nature walk accompanied by an armed ranger. This slower-paced activity offers a new perspective, allowing you to notice smaller details often missed during vehicle safaris — from animal tracks to medicinal plants and colorful insects. The ranger enriches the walk with stories about the ecosystem, adding depth to your safari knowledge.

As the sun dips, you return to the lodge for dinner. Nestled within the park, Tarangire Sopa Lodge provides breathtaking views and a tranquil environment, perfect for reflecting on the day’s sightings.

 

Day 3: Game Drive in Tarangire – Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park

• Accommodation: Manyara Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water

You wake to the sounds of the wild and enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive in Tarangire. This time, you explore different areas of the park, increasing your chances of encountering predators like lions, cheetahs, or even leopards lounging in the trees. The early hours are particularly rewarding, as animals are most active before the heat of the day.

After the drive, you set off on a journey to Lake Manyara National Park, located along the Great Rift Valley. On arrival, you enjoy lunch before venturing into the park for an afternoon game drive. Lake Manyara is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior that sets this park apart. Spotting these lions draped across acacia branches is a sight you will never forget.

The park’s diverse habitats also host elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and abundant birdlife, including thousands of flamingos that often gather along the lake’s edge. The dense groundwater forest at the park’s entrance contrasts with the open grasslands, offering unique photographic opportunities.

After exploring, you head to Manyara Safari Lodge, where spacious cottages blend with nature. Dinner is served under the stars, and the evening is spent sharing stories of the day’s discoveries.

Day 4: Lake Manyara Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater

• Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water

Day 4 begins with a morning game drive in Lake Manyara, giving you another chance to spot the tree-climbing lions or observe the playful baboons that thrive in the park’s forested areas. Early game drives often reveal nocturnal animals returning to their dens, making this outing especially rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts.

By midday, you exit the park and head towards the legendary Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, you stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking the Great Rift Valley and visit cultural craft markets for a glimpse into local artistry.

Upon reaching Ngorongoro, you check in at Marera Valley Lodge, situated near Karatu. This charming lodge offers comfort and sweeping views of the highlands, providing a perfect base for exploring the crater. Later in the afternoon, you enjoy a nature walk around the lodge’s surroundings or in nearby coffee plantations, guided by a local expert. The walk introduces you to the region’s lush landscapes, bird species, and agricultural practices.

Dinner at the lodge features freshly prepared meals sourced from local produce. The evening is spent under the clear African sky, as you prepare for tomorrow’s adventure into the heart of the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world.

 

Day 5: Full-Day Adventure in Ngorongoro Crater

• Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water

Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wonders. After breakfast, you descend 600 meters into the crater for a full-day game drive. The crater floor covers about 260 square kilometers and is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife.

Here, you encounter the Big Five — lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and the highly endangered black rhino. Other animals include cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, warthogs, and numerous antelope species. The crater’s soda lake attracts thousands of flamingos, creating a striking pink hue against the blue waters.

A picnic lunch is served at one of the designated spots, often near a hippo pool, allowing you to dine while surrounded by breathtaking views. After lunch, you continue exploring, with your guide explaining the unique ecosystem that sustains this abundance of life within the crater walls.

Later in the afternoon, you return to the lodge for relaxation. Optional activities include a cultural visit to a nearby Maasai village, where you gain insights into traditional pastoralist lifestyles and customs.

The day concludes with dinner at Marera Valley Lodge, where the serene setting provides the perfect atmosphere to reflect on one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences.

 

Day 6: Road Transfer to Southern Serengeti (Ndutu Plains)

• Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water

After breakfast, you depart Ngorongoro and drive to the Ndutu Plains, part of the southern Serengeti ecosystem. This area is especially famous between December and March, when the Great Migration herds of wildebeest and zebras gather here to calve. Even outside of these months, the Ndutu region offers superb game viewing with predators in high density.

The landscape transitions from highlands to endless plains, offering stunning panoramas along the way. On arrival, you check into Ndutu Safari Lodge, a historic and intimate property that has hosted many renowned researchers.

An afternoon game drive introduces you to this wildlife-rich region. Expect to encounter predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, as they follow the migration herds. The open plains make sightings easier, and photographic opportunities are abundant.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge immerse you in the Serengeti’s wilderness, as the calls of nocturnal animals echo across the plains.

 

Day 7: Serengeti National Park Adventure – Game Drives & Maasai Visit

• Accommodation: Kontiki Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water

Today, you venture deeper into the iconic Serengeti National Park, famous for its vast open plains and unrivaled wildlife spectacles. After breakfast, you set off for a game drive, exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems, from riverine forests to grassy savannahs.

The Serengeti is synonymous with the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles traverse the plains in search of greener pastures. Depending on the time of year, you may witness thrilling river crossings or calving season drama.

After a picnic lunch, the safari continues until late afternoon, when you visit a nearby Maasai community. This cultural encounter allows you to learn about the Maasai’s nomadic traditions, distinctive dress, and cattle-herding practices.

You then proceed to Kontiki Safari Lodge, located in central Serengeti, where you enjoy dinner and unwind as the stars illuminate the African sky.

 

Day 8: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Game Drives in Serengeti

• Accommodation: Kontiki Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water

This day begins with an unforgettable hot air balloon safari. Before sunrise, you transfer to the launch site, where you are briefed and then lifted gently into the morning sky. As the balloon drifts silently over the Serengeti, you witness the sunrise casting golden light over the endless plains. From above, you see herds of wildebeest, elephants, and giraffes, as predators stir below.

After landing, a champagne breakfast is served in the bush, making the experience even more special. The rest of the day is spent on extensive game drives, exploring different corners of the Serengeti. The park’s sheer size ensures that each drive reveals new surprises.

Dinner back at Kontiki Safari Lodge offers a chance to share the day’s memories with fellow travelers.

 

Day 9: Game Drives in Serengeti – Transfer to Karatu via Mto wa Mbu

• Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water

After breakfast, you enjoy a final game drive in the Serengeti, capturing the last moments of this iconic park. Later, you exit through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, driving towards Karatu.

Along the way, you stop at Mto wa Mbu village, a vibrant cultural hub where over 120 tribes live together. Here, you participate in a guided cultural tour, visiting banana plantations, local markets, and artisan workshops. This experience highlights Tanzania’s cultural diversity and offers a wonderful break from wildlife-focused activities.

By evening, you arrive at Marera Valley Lodge, where you enjoy dinner and prepare for the final leg of your journey.

 

Day 10: Road Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport – Departure

• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water

On your final day, you enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Marera Valley Lodge before beginning the drive back to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Depending on your flight time, you may stop briefly for souvenir shopping in Arusha.

This marks the end of your 10 Days Tanzania Mid-Range Wildlife Safari, a journey that has taken you through the most iconic landscapes and wildlife habitats of East Africa. With memories of elephants under baobabs, lions in trees, the vast Serengeti, and the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, you depart with a heart full of adventure and unforgettable experiences.

 

10 Days Tanzania Mid-Range Wildlife Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

• Meet and greet services at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
• All road transfers in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof.
• Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide.
• Accommodation as outlined in the itinerary on a mid-range basis.
• All meals as specified (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
• Drinking water provided during transfers and game drives.
• Park entrance fees for Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro.
• Guided nature walks and cultural visits as described.
• Hot air balloon safari in Serengeti with champagne breakfast.
• Village tour in Mto wa Mbu.
• Government taxes, tourism levies, and conservation fees.

 

Safari Exclusions

• International flights to and from Tanzania.
• Visa fees for entry into Tanzania.
• Travel insurance for medical, baggage, or cancellation coverage.
• Optional activities not mentioned (night game drives, spa treatments, etc.).
• Personal expenses such as bar drinks, phone calls, and laundry.
• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
• Meals not specified on arrival and departure days.

 

Closing Note by Deks Safaris & Tours

The 10 Days Tanzania Mid-Range Wildlife Safari is more than an itinerary; it is a thoughtfully crafted adventure that balances wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and scenic beauty. From the raw wilderness of Tarangire and Lake Manyara to the grandeur of Ngorongoro and the endless drama of the Serengeti, this safari captures Tanzania’s heart and soul. By traveling with Deks Safaris & Tours, you gain not only expertly guided experiences but also personalized service that ensures comfort, safety, and lasting memories.

 

Tour Quotation Based on 1 Traveler and Mid-Range Safari: US$8,292

No. of People	1 Person	2 People	4 People	6 People
Rate Per Person	US$8,983	US$6,584	US$5,723	US$5,436