Safari Tour: 9-Day Tanzania Safari – Essence of Mara River - Tanzania Safari Tour

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our friendly team who will assist you with everything you need before your adventure begins. From the moment you step off the plane, your journey into the heart of Africa’s wild beauty begins. Prepare to explore some of the continent’s most iconic and breathtaking wildlife destinations—lush forests, open savannahs, and majestic landscapes await. Whether it’s your first safari or a return visit, this journey promises unforgettable experiences, close encounters with wildlife, and the warm hospitality Tanzania is known for. Sit back, relax, and let the adventure unfold as we take you through national parks, rich cultures, and natural wonders that make Tanzania one of the world’s top safari destinations. Your extraordinary journey begins.

Main Destination: Arusha

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge

Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks

Arusha National Park, nestled at the base of Mount Meru, is a small but diverse park offering a scenic and serene start to any Tanzanian safari. Its varied landscapes include lush rainforests, volcanic craters, open grassy plains, and the sparkling Momella Lakes. The park is home to giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species, including flamingos. One of its highlights is the chance to enjoy peaceful canoe rides on the lakes, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. On clear days, visitors are treated to stunning views of both Mount Meru and the distant snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Unlike larger parks, Arusha offers the unique experience of walking safaris, allowing close encounters with nature in a tranquil setting. Its convenient location near Arusha town and Kilimanjaro International Airport makes it an ideal first stop, offering a perfect blend of scenery, wildlife, and adventure to begin your Tanzanian journey.

Main Destination: Arusha National Park

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks

Tarangire National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is famous for its vast herds of elephants and iconic ancient baobab trees that dot the landscape. The Tarangire River provides a reliable water source year-round, attracting a wide variety of wildlife even during the dry season. Visitors can expect to see lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and buffaloes, alongside more than 550 species of birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers. The park’s mix of open savannah, riverine forests, and swamps creates diverse habitats that support rich biodiversity. Less crowded than other parks, Tarangire offers a peaceful and authentic African safari experience filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters and striking scenery.

Main Destination: Tarangire National Park

Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks

Lake Manyara National Park is a scenic gem nestled beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment, offering a diverse mix of landscapes that include dense groundwater forests, open grassy plains, and the shimmering soda lake alive with thousands of pink flamingos. Despite its relatively small size, the park supports a rich variety of wildlife, including its famous tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, elephants, hippos, and numerous antelope species. Birdwatchers will delight in over 400 bird species found here. The park’s varied habitats create a compact yet rewarding safari experience, perfect for those seeking diverse wildlife encounters amid stunning scenery in a short time. Lake Manyara’s unique features and vibrant ecosystems make it a must-visit destination on any Tanzanian safari itinerary.

Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park

Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Manyara

Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks

Journey from the striking landscapes of Lake Natron, renowned for its vast flamingo populations and dramatic volcanic scenery, to the wildlife-rich plains along the Mara River, famous as a key crossing point during the Great Migration. This route showcases a stunning contrast between arid, rugged beauty and lush, green savannahs teeming with wildlife. Along the way, you’ll witness iconic African animals like wildebeests, zebras, lions, and crocodiles in their natural habitats. The journey offers unforgettable opportunities to experience Africa’s raw wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking panoramas, making it a must-see for any safari enthusiast seeking both adventure and natural splendor.

Main Destination: Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Ole Serai Luxury Camp (Kogatende)

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks

Enjoy a full-day game drive in the Serengeti, focusing on the remote Mara River region, renowned for the dramatic Great Migration crossings. Experience the thrilling sight of thousands of wildebeests and zebras navigating the crocodile-infested waters as lions and other predators wait in the shadows. This safari delivers breathtaking landscapes of rolling plains, acacia woodlands, and riverbanks teeming with wildlife. From intense predator-prey interactions to vast herds on the move, the Mara River area offers a raw and unforgettable glimpse into Africa’s wild heart. This iconic safari destination promises excitement, abundant wildlife, and timeless natural drama.

Main Destination: Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Ole Serai Luxury Camp (Kogatende)

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks

Experience a thrilling full-day game drive starting at the iconic Mara River, famous for the dramatic wildebeest crossings during the Great Migration. Journey from the river’s edge through diverse landscapes to the heart of the Central Serengeti, where vast open plains stretch as far as the eye can see. Along the way, encounter a rich variety of wildlife including lions resting in the shade, majestic elephants wandering the savannah, swift cheetahs on the hunt, and countless other species. This safari captures the essence of the Serengeti’s untamed wilderness, offering unforgettable wildlife sightings and breathtaking scenery that embody the spirit of Africa’s most renowned safari destination.

Main Destination: Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Into Wild Africa Tented Camp

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks

Journey from the vast, wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti, where endless horizons stretch as far as the eye can see, to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a unique volcanic caldera teeming with one of the densest concentrations of animals in Africa. Experience dramatic landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters in this natural amphitheater. Conclude your adventure in the lush highlands of Karatu, a tranquil town surrounded by rolling hills and vibrant coffee plantations, offering a peaceful retreat after your safari. This journey perfectly blends raw wilderness with serene charm, giving you a rich and memorable Tanzanian experience.

Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation: Baghayo Garden Suites

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks

Begin your day in the scenic town of Karatu, nestled among rolling hills and lush farms that showcase Tanzania’s beautiful highland landscapes. From there, travel to the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, where you’ll savor a delicious local lunch and immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the area. Explore the bustling markets, meet friendly locals, and learn about the diverse communities that call this region home. Afterward, continue your journey back to Arusha, enjoying the changing scenery as you pass through farmland, forests, and small villages. This relaxing drive offers a perfect conclusion to your unforgettable Tanzanian safari adventure, blending natural beauty with cultural experiences.

Main Destination: Arusha

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Dinner Included