8 Days Best of Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Embark on a quintessential Tanzanian wildlife adventure with this 8 Days Best of Tanzania Wildlife Safari, crafted by Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd to deliver an unforgettable safari experience. This itinerary combines the iconic Northern Circuit parks—Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park—offering unparalleled opportunities to witness the African Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo, alongside an abundance of other wildlife including cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and a vast diversity of birdlife.

Tanzania’s northern safari circuit is renowned worldwide for its ecological diversity, stunning landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife concentrations. The safari begins with the lush, alkaline waters and dense forests of Lake Manyara National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions and abundant elephant populations. Serengeti National Park offers expansive plains and seasonal migration phenomena, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration and predator-prey interactions across sweeping landscapes. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, brings the thrill of observing wildlife in a highly concentrated ecosystem, with large predators and herbivores coexisting in its unique habitats. The final stop, Tarangire National Park, combines iconic baobab-studded landscapes with large herds of elephants and seasonal wetlands that attract a rich array of wildlife.

Throughout this 8 Days Best of Tanzania Wildlife Safari, Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd ensures a blend of adventure, comfort, and education. Morning and afternoon game drives, complemented by scenic drives and optional cultural experiences, maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. Each day is guided by professional safari drivers who provide expert knowledge on animal behavior, ecology, and conservation, making this 8 Days Best of Tanzania Wildlife Safari perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers, and first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive Tanzanian wildlife experience.

 

8 Days Best of Tanzania Wildlife Safari Highlights

Detailed 8 Days Best of Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Arusha and Drive to Lake Manyara National Park Gateway to Tanzania’s Wildlife

Your 8 Days Best of Tanzania Wildlife Safari journey begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a representative from Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. The day provides a chance to rest and acclimatize before the excitement of the African bush unfolds. In the evening, meet your safari driver-guide for a detailed briefing, covering the itinerary, safari etiquette, wildlife highlights, and safety considerations.

After preparation, you will begin your transfer to Lake Manyara National Park, arriving in time for lunch at your lodge. Lake Manyara is famed for its ecological diversity, combining a shallow alkaline lake, lush forests, grassy plains, and dramatic escarpments. The park’s wildlife includes lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, and abundant birdlife, making it an ideal introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife. Embark on an evening game drive to explore the park’s varied habitats, catching your first glimpse of tree-climbing lions and elephant herds near the lake shore. The evening concludes with dinner and overnight stay at your lodge, setting the tone for the immersive wildlife experiences ahead.

  • Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 2: Morning Game Drive in Lake Manyara – Transfer to Serengeti National Park

Start your day with an early morning breakfast before heading out for a thrilling morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Witness the park’s remarkable biodiversity, from elephants grazing near acacia trees to lions lounging in the branches of fig trees. This game drive offers excellent photographic opportunities and a chance to appreciate the park’s unique blend of landscapes, including dense forests, grassy plains, and alkaline lake shores teeming with flamingos and waterfowl.

After returning to the lodge for lunch, embark on a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive to Serengeti National Park, a landscape synonymous with Africa’s iconic wildlife. The journey takes you through rolling savannahs, picturesque villages, and panoramic landscapes. Arrive in Serengeti in the late afternoon and check into your lodge, where you can relax and prepare for the next day’s full-day adventure. Evening dinner at the lodge provides the perfect end to your first full day of safari exploration, offering both comfort and immersion in the heart of Tanzania’s wilderness.

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3 & 4: Serengeti National Park – Full-Day Game Drives and Wildlife Spectacles

Spend two full days exploring the Serengeti’s vast plains on full-day game drives, accompanied by packed lunches to maximize your time in the park. The Serengeti is famous for its year-round wildlife activity, including the Big Five, cheetahs, hyenas, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, and countless antelope species. Your 8 Days Best of Tanzania Wildlife Safari guide will lead you through diverse ecosystems including Seronera River Valley, Ndutu, and Moru Kopjes, optimizing opportunities for wildlife sightings and photographic moments.

During these days, you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the southern Serengeti (Ndutu area), observing predator-prey interactions among lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Early mornings are ideal for spotting predators on hunts, while afternoons provide chances to observe grazing herbivores in vast herds. This immersive safari experience also allows time to appreciate the Serengeti’s stunning landscapes, from open savannahs to kopjes providing lookout points over sweeping plains. Evening returns to your lodge offer comfort and dinner after exhilarating days of wildlife adventure.

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 5: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – From Plains to Caldera

After an early breakfast, embark on a final morning game drive in Serengeti to catch any wildlife you may have missed. Following this, enjoy lunch at your lodge before transferring to the Ngorongoro Crater, a geological wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The drive offers picturesque landscapes and a transition from the Serengeti’s plains to the crater’s highlands.

Arrive at your lodge in Ngorongoro in the late afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy dinner. This day bridges two iconic safari locations, providing a mix of expansive plains and the concentrated ecosystems of the crater, setting the stage for tomorrow’s exploration of one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife arenas.

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 6: Exploring Ngorongoro Crater – Wildlife at Its Most Concentrated

Today, descend 600 meters into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. The crater floor supports a diverse range of habitats including grasslands, swamps, and forests, hosting abundant wildlife. Spot the Big Five alongside cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and a variety of bird species.

Morning drives offer glimpses of predators in action and active herbivores, while afternoon drives allow for relaxed wildlife observation and photography. Picnic lunches in scenic locations enhance the immersive experience, making it one of the most rewarding wildlife encounters in Africa. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on the beauty and biodiversity of this extraordinary natural wonder.

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 7: Ngorongoro to Tarangire National Park Experience the Giants of the Savannah

After breakfast, embark on a short morning game drive in Ngorongoro for a final encounter with its remarkable wildlife. Following this, enjoy lunch and transfer to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds, seasonal swamps, and iconic baobab trees. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Tarangire provides a contrasting landscape to Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with vast open plains, riverine forests, and unique geological formations. An evening game drive offers opportunities to spot nocturnal wildlife, while the park’s birdlife adds another layer of fascination for nature enthusiasts.

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 8: Tarangire National Park – Arusha – Safari Conclusion

Start your day with an early morning game drive in Tarangire, spotting elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, and other wildlife against the backdrop of giant baobabs and seasonal rivers. After returning to the lodge for lunch, transfer back to Arusha, enjoying the scenic 8 Days Best of Tanzania Wildlife Safari journey across the Tanzanian landscape. Upon arrival, your driver-guide will drop you off at your hotel or Kilimanjaro International Airport, concluding your 8 Days Best of Tanzania Wildlife Safari with memories of unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes.

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

 

8 Days Best of Tanzania Wildlife Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

  • Airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
  • 7 nights’ accommodation on full board basis
  • 4×4 game drives with experienced English-speaking safari driver-guide
  • Park entrance and conservation fees
  • Packed lunches for full-day game drives
  • Bottled water during safaris
  • Optional Maasai cultural visits (where applicable)
  • Safari briefing and full support by Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd

 

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights to Tanzania
  • Visa fees and travel permits
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
  • Personal expenses (alcohol, souvenirs, communication, laundry)
  • Optional activities not specified in the itinerary

End of 8 Days Best of Tanzania Wildlife Safari