9 Days Tanzania Safari & Cultural Journey

Your unforgettable safari begins as you touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your friendly Original Pathways guide will be waiting to greet you. After a warm welcome, enjoy a short scenic drive through the foothills of Mount Meru toward Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. Arrive at the charming Arusha Coffee Lodge, set within a fragrant coffee plantation that offers tranquility after your international flight. Here, you’ll have time to relax, refresh, and enjoy the lush green surroundings before your adventure begins. Take a leisurely walk around the estate, sip freshly brewed Tanzanian coffee, or unwind in your luxurious suite. In the evening, indulge in a gourmet dinner featuring farm-to-table cuisine prepared with local ingredients. Your guide will give a detailed briefing about the exciting journey ahead, setting the tone for a once-in-a-lifetime safari.

After breakfast, set off with your Original Pathways guide toward Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem known for its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds. This park is a photographer’s paradise, offering sweeping landscapes dotted with acacia woodlands and seasonal swamps. As you drive through the park, look out for giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and the park’s famous tree-climbing lions. Your guide will help you spot elusive wildlife such as leopards or even African wild dogs if luck is on your side. Midday, enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of an acacia tree while soaking in the sounds of the bush. In the afternoon, continue exploring Tarangire’s river valleys, where animals gather in great numbers, particularly during the dry season. Arrive at Elephant Spring Lodge in the evening for check-in, followed by dinner beneath the star-filled African sky, listening to the calls of nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation: Elephant Spring Lodge

Today, journey into the cool and scenic Ngorongoro Highlands, a lush green landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, and fertile farmland. Along the way, stop for a cultural visit to a traditional Maasai village, where you’ll meet local families and learn about their fascinating way of life. Witness dances, explore their huts, and gain insight into customs passed down for centuries. This experience offers a unique human connection to complement the wildlife adventures. Continue your drive through the highlands, where zebra, wildebeest, and various bird species thrive in the open grasslands. Stop at viewpoints that offer breathtaking panoramas of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, a sight that will leave you in awe. By late afternoon, arrive at Lions Paw Lodge, perched high on the crater rim, offering uninterrupted views and cool mountain air. Relax by the fireplace, sip on a glass of wine, and savor a delicious dinner overlooking the endless landscapes.

Accommodation: Lions Paw Lodge

Wake before sunrise and descend nearly 600 meters into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The crater floor is home to an unparalleled density of wildlife, offering you a chance to spot the Big Five in a single day. As you explore, you may encounter black rhinos grazing in the open plains, lions basking in the sun, or elephants wandering near the marshes. Your guide will lead you to hippo pools and flamingo-filled lakes, providing stunning photographic opportunities. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a scenic viewpoint, surrounded by the crater’s dramatic cliffs and wildlife. In the afternoon, continue your game drive, perhaps spotting hyenas or cheetahs hunting across the grasslands. As the day ends, ascend back to Lions Paw Lodge, where a warm dinner and cozy evening await, accompanied by stories of the day’s sightings.

Accommodation: Lions Paw Lodge

This morning, set out on a scenic journey toward the Serengeti, the crown jewel of Tanzania’s national parks and the stage for the Great Migration. Along the way, drive past Maasai villages, farmlands, and scattered wildlife such as giraffes and antelopes. Upon entering the Serengeti, the vast plains stretch endlessly, giving you the true sense of “safari” in its purest form. Begin your game drive en route to your camp, spotting elephants, prides of lions, or cheetahs resting beneath acacia trees. If you’re lucky, you may even witness a leopard lounging in a tree branch. By late afternoon, arrive at Serengeti Retreat, a luxurious tented camp in the heart of the park, offering comfort without losing the authentic wilderness feel. Freshen up and gather around the campfire as the sun dips below the horizon, followed by a candlelit dinner under the stars.

Accommodation: Serengeti Retreat

Drift silently across the golden plains as the sun rises, illuminating herds of wildebeest, elephants, and giraffes from above. Upon landing, celebrate with a champagne bush breakfast in the middle of the wilderness. Continue with a full-day game drive guided by Original Pathways, focusing on the wildlife-rich central Serengeti. This is predator country, where lions stalk the plains, cheetahs sprint after prey, and hyenas patrol for opportunities. Stop for a picnic lunch beneath an acacia tree, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, follow the Great Migration herds if they are nearby, capturing iconic scenes of wildebeest and zebras on the move. Return to Serengeti Retreat in the evening, where a warm dinner and the sounds of the bush provide the perfect close to the day.

Accommodation: Serengeti Retreat

Nature in Motion – Northern Serengeti & Mara River Crossing

Spend a second full day in the northern Serengeti, where each safari is different and filled with surprises. Depending on the season and animal movements, you may track the migration herds, watch predators in action, or simply enjoy the peace of endless savannah landscapes. Your expert guide from Original Pathways will tailor the day based on your interests—whether it’s photography, birdwatching, or seeking rare species like caracals or servals. Pause midday for a bush picnic surrounded by acacia trees, a moment of pure connection with nature. In the afternoon, continue exploring the river valleys and grasslands before returning to Sayari Camp. This evening, enjoy a final elegant dinner followed by stargazing by the fire, cherishing your last night in the Serengeti.

Accommodation: Sayari Camp

On your final morning in the Serengeti, embark on one last game drive at sunrise, watching the savannah awaken with life. Capture those last magical photographs of elephants roaming, gazelles leaping, or lions greeting the day. After breakfast at camp, transfer to the airstrip for your domestic flight back to Arusha, arranged by Flagship Expeditions. Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy a day room or farewell lunch in Arusha before heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport. As you depart, carry with you memories of majestic landscapes, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and the spirit of Africa that will stay in your heart forever.