9 Days Tanzania Grand Tour

9 Days Tanzania Grand Tour – Lake Natron, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire

Embark on this 9-day Tanzania Grand Tour, an exclusive journey through some of the country’s most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Begin with three nights at the stunning Lake Natron, home to dramatic volcanic landscapes, flamingos, and the sacred Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. Then immerse yourself in the iconic Serengeti with two nights at a luxury camp in the central plains, witnessing the Great Migration and abundant wildlife. Continue to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater for a day of unrivaled game viewing, and conclude your adventure with a memorable safari in Tarangire National Park, famed for its majestic baobabs and large elephant herds. This itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and authentic Tanzanian wilderness experiences.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly received by your TanAfrica Safaris guide and transferred to your luxury accommodation in Arusha. Settle in, enjoy views of Mount Meru, and take time to relax and recover from your journey. The evening is yours to enjoy a gourmet dinner and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation: Gran Meliá Arusha or Four Points by Sheraton

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha to Lake Natron – Journey to the Rift Valley

After breakfast, depart for the remote and awe-inspiring Lake Natron. Travel through rugged terrain, past Maasai villages, and into the Great Rift Valley. Arrive in the afternoon at your lakeside luxury camp. Take a guided walk to the lake's shores to view flocks of flamingos and the surreal mineral landscape. Relax in the evening with sweeping views of Ol Doinyo Lengai – the sacred volcano that you will summit tomorrow.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Natron or Lake Natron Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Ol Doinyo Lengai Ascent – Sacred Mountain of the Maasai

Begin your ascent of Ol Doinyo Lengai before dawn, accompanied by an experienced local guide. This challenging trek leads you up the only active carbonatite volcano in the world. Reach the summit by sunrise for breathtaking views over the Rift Valley, Lake Natron, and surrounding volcanoes. After descending, return to camp for rest, meals, and an afternoon spent at leisure — perhaps cooling off in a natural waterfall or enjoying a cultural visit to a Maasai boma.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Natron or Lake Natron Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Lake Natron Exploration – Waterfalls & Culture

Enjoy a slower-paced day after your climb. Explore the lake’s surroundings, including a walk to the nearby Ngare Sero Waterfalls — a refreshing oasis tucked into volcanic gorges. Visit a local Maasai community for insights into their daily life, traditions, and deep spiritual connection to the land. The stark beauty of Lake Natron’s landscapes, from basalt cliffs to endless salt flats, will leave a lasting impression.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Natron or Lake Natron Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Serengeti – Enter the Endless Plains

After breakfast, set out for Serengeti National Park via Klein’s Gate, entering the eastern corridor of this iconic wilderness. Game viewing begins as you travel deeper into the park. Arrive at your luxury camp in the Central Serengeti in time for a sunset game drive or a relaxing evening at camp, with dinner under the stars.

Accommodation: Lahia Tented Lodge or Sametu Camp (Central Serengeti)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti – Wildlife Spectacle

Spend a full day on safari in Serengeti National Park. Depending on the season, you might witness the Great Migration or observe resident wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, and countless antelope species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild and continue your search for Africa’s Big Five. Optional sunrise balloon safaris are available upon request.

Accommodation: Lahia Tented Lodge or Sametu Camp (Central Serengeti)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro – Journey to the Crater Highlands

Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before traveling toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, stop at viewpoints and Maasai villages nestled in the highlands. By afternoon, arrive at your luxury lodge perched on the crater rim, where you can take in dramatic vistas and the cool mountain air before settling in for the evening.

Accommodation: Pakulala Safari Camp or Lions Paw Camp (Ngorongoro Rim)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Transfer to Tarangire

Early breakfast followed by a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater — one of the most biodiverse and game-dense areas in Africa. Explore its grasslands, woodlands, and soda lakes while tracking lions, buffalo, elephants, and perhaps a rare black rhino. After a picnic lunch inside the crater, ascend and continue southward to Tarangire for your final overnight. Arrive at your lodge surrounded by iconic baobab trees and roaming wildlife.

Accommodation: Maramboi Tented Lodge or Elephant Springs Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Tarangire Safari & Departure

Enjoy a final game drive in Tarangire National Park, known for its massive elephant herds, predator sightings, and ancient baobab groves. Return to your lodge for breakfast and check-out. Depending on your departure flight, transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport with incredible memories of your Tanzanian Grand Tour.

Meals: Breakfast

Featured Safari Lodges & Camps

Gran Meliá Arusha: A refined urban oasis with lush gardens, gourmet dining, and panoramic views of Mount Meru.

Four Points by Sheraton: Elegant and modern, this upscale hotel blends Western comfort with East African hospitality in central Arusha.

Africa Safari Lake Natron: An exclusive eco-camp offering breathtaking views of Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, with authentic Maasai cultural experiences.

Lake Natron Camp: A rustic yet comfortable camp situated on the shores of Lake Natron, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Lahia Tented Lodge: Stylish, eco-friendly tents with raised decks offering sweeping Serengeti views and exceptional wildlife encounters.

Sametu Camp: A secluded, luxury tented camp known for personalized service and proximity to abundant Serengeti wildlife.

Pakulala Safari Camp: Nestled on the crater rim, offering spectacular views and exclusive game drive access.

Lions Paw Camp: Hidden luxury camp with forest surrounds and stunning sunrise vistas on the crater rim.

Maramboi Tented Lodge: Comfortable lodge set near Tarangire, with views over the Great Rift Valley and lake.

Elephant Springs Lodge: A peaceful, luxury retreat with spacious suites and nature trails close to Tarangire.

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