8-day Tanzania safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire

Six nights in the Serengeti watching the Great Migration cross the Mara River

An 8-day guided safari across Tanzania starting from Kilimanjaro airport, with six nights based in the Serengeti to track the wildebeest migration, plus game drives through Tarangire National Park and a crater descent at Ngorongoro. The tour includes full-board accommodation, an air-conditioned vehicle, expert English-speaking guide, all meals and park fees. You travel in a small group and return to the airport for evening departure on day eight.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Tarangire

• Pick-up at Kilimanjaro Airport
• Transfer to Tarangire hotel
• Safari briefing and relaxation

Day 2: Tarangire National Park game drive

• Drive to Tarangire National Park
• Full-day game drive with picnic lunch
• Overnight near Tarangire

Day 3: Travel to Serengeti via Ngorongoro

• Drive via Ngorongoro Highlands to Serengeti
• Afternoon game drive in Serengeti
• Overnight in Central Serengeti

Day 4: Full-day Serengeti game drives

• Full-day game drives in Serengeti
• Short transfers within the park
• Overnight in Central Serengeti

Day 5: Serengeti Central to Northern area

• Morning game drive in Central Serengeti
• Transfer to Northern Serengeti
• Afternoon game drive in Northern Serengeti
• Overnight in Northern Serengeti

Day 6: Great Migration at Mara River

• Full-day game drives at Mara River area
• Flexible driving times
• Overnight in Northern Serengeti

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

• Drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro
• Overnight at crater rim camp

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater and departure

• Early morning crater descent
• Half-day game drive with picnic lunch
• Drive back to Arusha
• Transfer to airport for departure

The experience

The route runs from Kilimanjaro airport through three parks, spending the bulk of the eight days where the migration happens. Day one is transfer and briefing at Tarangire. Day two brings a full-day game drive there with picnic lunch. Days three through six anchor in the Serengeti. You move from Central to Northern sections to track the herds, with full-day drives and flexible timing around river crossings at the Mara. The final two days shift to Ngorongoro, where you descend into the crater at dawn for a half-day game drive, then drive back to Arusha for the evening flight.

Six nights in the Serengeti is the difference that matters here. Most Tanzania itineraries pass through. This one stays long enough to position you for the dramatic river crossings and to follow the herds as they move across the plains. Your guide speaks English and navigates the park in an air-conditioned vehicle, stopping for game viewing and picnic lunches set out in the landscape. Accommodation is full-board at mid-range lodges (Kon Tiki in the Serengeti, Tarangire Sopa Lodge, and Ngorongoro Farm House), so meals, drinks and snacks are covered throughout.

Pickup from Kilimanjaro airport is included, and the itinerary handles all transfers between parks. You'll need at least moderate fitness for the long driving days and the early crater descent, but there's no climbing or trekking involved. Children from age one are welcome, though infants travel on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Airport pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
• six nights in the Serengeti, one night in Tarangire and one night at Ngorongoro with full-board accommodation.
• all meals, drinks and snacks.
• expert English-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned safari vehicle.
• park entry fees and parking.
• picnic lunches during game drives.
• transfer back to Arusha airport for evening departure.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (25 to 60 years) · Youth (12 to 24 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Stepclimb Adventures

Is this one for you?The tour departs from Kilimanjaro airport with pickup included, so you don't need a car or separate transfer. You're collected and driven straight into the safari. If you're staying elsewhere in the region, the eight-day span gives you time to arrange your own arrival before day one, and the fixed schedule means you know exactly when you'll return to the airport for your onward flight.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 24 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What is the Great Migration and when do I see it on this tour?

The Great Migration is the movement of millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles across the Serengeti and into Kenya's Masai Mara in search of fresh grazing. This tour positions you in the Serengeti for six nights, with full-day game drives and flexible timing around the Mara River crossings where the herds gather. The exact timing of the migration shifts each year, but the Serengeti holds the herds for several months, and your guide adjusts driving routes to follow their movement.

How much time do I spend actually driving each day?

Game drives run full-day on most Serengeti days, with short transfers between viewing areas within the park. Days in Tarangire and the crater descent are also full-day or half-day drives. The longest single drive is the transfer from Tarangire to the Serengeti via Ngorongoro Highlands on day three. Your guide sets flexible driving times, so you're out early when wildlife is most active and can rest during the heat of midday.

Do I need a visa for Tanzania, and what about vaccinations?

Most nationalities require a visa for Tanzania, which you can obtain on arrival at Kilimanjaro airport or in advance. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you're coming from certain countries, and malaria prophylaxis is advised for the Serengeti and Tarangire. Check current requirements with your embassy and consult a travel health clinic before departure.

What's included in the full-board accommodation?

Full-board means breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided at your lodge each night, along with drinks and snacks during game drives and at the lodge. You stay at Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp for six nights, Tarangire Sopa Lodge for one night, and Ngorongoro Farm House for one night. Rooms are comfortable mid-range standard with en-suite bathrooms.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) all inhabit the parks on this route. The Serengeti and Tarangire are particularly known for lion and elephant sightings, and the Ngorongoro Crater has a high concentration of buffalo and rhino. Sightings are never guaranteed, but your guide's experience and the six days in the Serengeti significantly increase your chances.

What happens if I miss my flight or need to extend the tour?

The itinerary ends with transfer to Arusha airport for evening departure on day eight. If you need to extend, discuss it with the operator before booking. Additional nights and game drives can sometimes be arranged. If you miss your outbound flight, contact the operator immediately, as the tour may proceed without you and refunds depend on the cancellation policy.