8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari Itinerary

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8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari Itinerary – Price, Packages & Best Time

Introduction – Why Choose an 8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari?

If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing lions on the hunt, elephants wandering the savannah, or the Great Wildebeest Migration, then the 8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari is the adventure for you. This itinerary is one of the most popular Tanzania safari packages, offering the perfect balance between exploration, relaxation, and wildlife encounters.

Over eight unforgettable days, you’ll visit world-famous Tanzania safari locations including Tarangire National Park, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. These destinations are home to Africa’s Big Five, incredible birdlife, and breathtaking landscapes.

Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a safari enthusiast, this 8 days Tanzania safari itinerary is designed to give you the ultimate East African experience.

👉 Expert Tip: If you’re wondering what is the best time for safari in Tanzania, the dry season (June–October) is ideal for game viewing, while the green season (December–March) offers lush scenery and fewer crowds.

Tanzania Safari Photo Gallery

These are real photos from our clients on their Tanzania safaris. They show the wildlife, landscapes, and special moments you can experience on your own safari adventure.

Expert recommendation

The 8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari is an excellent choice if you want a well-balanced adventure that captures the very best of Tanzania. It gives you enough time in each location without feeling rushed, with diverse wildlife encounters, comfortable lodges, and a smooth flow from start to finish. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a couple, or a seasoned traveler, this itinerary is highly recommended for its mix of excitement, comfort, and unforgettable moments.

Laurent Karume

Tanzania Safari Specialist

Safari Highlights

Big Five sightings
Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal)
Stunning African sunsets
Luxury tented camps & lodges
Scenic game drives & photography
Optional hot air balloon safari

At a glance

Tailormade itineraries

Every Tanzania Safari Experience adventure is customized just for you—no fixed tours or set dates. Speak with our Tanzania Safari experts to help you plan your perfect Tanzania Safari itinerary.

Safari Spots

These are the safari spots—Tanzania safari destinations—you will visit on your journey. Each stop offers unique wildlife, landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

Tarangire National Park

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Lake Manyara National Park

Your Expedition Starts Here

Below is the day-by-day Tanzania safari itinerary for the 8 Days Classic Safari. Each day is packed with wildlife experiences, cultural encounters, and cozy stays at some of the best Tanzania safari lodges.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to Tanzania Safari

Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your private guide and driver will warmly welcome you to Tanzania. After a short orientation about your upcoming journey, you’ll be transferred to Arusha City, the heart of Northern Tanzania safaris. The drive takes about one hour, giving you your first glimpse of rural landscapes, coffee plantations, and the towering silhouette of Mount Meru.

Spend the evening unwinding at Under The Shade Safari Lodge, a cozy retreat where you can relax and prepare for your adventure.

Day Highlights:

Arusha City Photo

OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN

Under The Shade Safari Lodge, Arusha (Click to View)

Travel Time

The estimated time of arrival (ETA) from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Arusha city is approximately 1 hour by road. The distance is about 50 kilometers (31 miles), but travel time can vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephant Paradise

After a hearty breakfast, begin your safari with a scenic three-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Known as the “home of elephants,” Tarangire boasts the highest concentration of elephants in Tanzania. You’ll spend the day on a game drive, spotting herds of elephants, ancient baobab trees, and predators lurking in the tall grasses.

Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park while surrounded by wildlife. In the late afternoon, continue to Karatu, a charming town near Ngorongoro.

Day Highlights:

Tarangire National Park Photo

OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN

The Plantation Lodge, Karatu (Click to View)

Tarangire National Park – A Place of Elephants and Baobab Trees

Visit Tarangire to see big herds of elephants, beautiful giant baobab trees, and many wild animals in a peaceful, less crowded park. It is the best place to start your Tanzania safari journey. The best time to visit Tarangire National Park is from June to October, during the dry season when animals gather around the river.

Day 3: Karatu to Serengeti National Park – The Great Migration

After breakfast, drive through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to the legendary Serengeti National Park. The journey itself is a wildlife experience, with possible sightings of giraffes, zebras, and Maasai villages along the way.

Once inside Serengeti, embark on a game drive in the Seronera Valley, the central region famous for abundant big cats and year-round wildlife. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains.

Day Highlights:

Serengeti National Park Photo

OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN

Serengeti Sound of Silence Tented Camp (Click to View)

Serengeti National Park – Home of the Great Migration

Serengeti is the most famous park in Tanzania, known for endless plains, big cats, and the Great Wildebeest Migration. It is a very large area, and we recommend spending at least 3 days to enjoy a good safari experience and see many animals. The best time to visit depends on what you want to see, but the park is full of wildlife all year round.

Day 4 & 5: Full Safari Experience in Serengeti Central

Spend two full days exploring the vast Serengeti, one of the world’s most iconic safari destinations. Your expert guide will take you through different habitats – from open savannahs to river valleys – giving you the best chance to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and countless bird species.

For an unforgettable perspective, opt for a hot air balloon safari at sunrise (optional). Floating silently over the plains as the sun rises is one of the most magical safari experiences.

Day Highlights:

Serengeti National Park Photo

OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN

Serengeti Sound of Silence Tented Camp (Click to View)

Safari Tip

Hot air balloon in Serengeti is a magical experience where you float silently above the plains as the sun rises. From the sky, you can easily spot wildlife starting their day — lions, elephants, giraffes, and sometimes even the Great Migration. It is a bit expensive at $590 per person, but it’s truly worth it for the unique view and unforgettable memories. This is an optional add-on to your safari, perfect if you want something extra special.

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Eden

After breakfast, leave Serengeti and drive to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “8th Wonder of the World.” Descend 600 meters into the crater for a full-day game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 25,000 animals, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, and hippos.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the famous hippo pool while taking in the incredible views.

Day Highlights:

Ngorongoro Crater Photo

OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN

The Plantation Lodge, Karatu (Click to View)

Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park – Home of Tree-Climbing Lions

Today, visit Lake Manyara National Park, a lush green paradise famous for its tree-climbing lions, pink flamingos, and diverse ecosystems. The park also offers the exciting Manyara Treetop Walkway, a suspended canopy bridge that lets you see the forest from above. You can enjoy some fun activities here, like canoeing on the calm waters of the lake, where you may spot large flocks of pink flamingos up close.

After a morning of wildlife spotting and a picnic lunch, return to Arusha City in the evening.

Day Highlights:

Lake Manyara National Park Photo

OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN

Under The Shade Safari Lodge, Arusha (Click to View)

Travel Time

The drive from Lake Manyara National Park back to Arusha usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and rest at your lodge or hotel. This is the perfect chance to refresh, enjoy a quiet evening, and get ready for your transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport the next day.

Day 8: Departure – Kilimanjaro Airport

Your unforgettable 8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari comes to an end. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred from your lodge in Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your journey home.

Take with you cherished memories, thousands of photos, and the spirit of Africa in your heart.

Day Highlights:

Lake Manyara National Park Photo

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We've got you covered

Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.

Park fees
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
At Least 1 Pair Of Binoculars;

International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Alcohol drinks
Visas and visa fees where relevant
Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);

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Everything You Need to Know About Your Safari

Every safari adventure begins with a question. Whether it’s your first or second time, it’s natural to wonder about the best time to visit, what to pack, or how the journey works. Here, we’ve answered the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Tanzania safari, so you can plan with confidence and look forward to unforgettable memories.

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