Embark on a captivating 8-day Tanzania safari and immerse yourself in the wonders of East Africa’s iconic wildlife destinations. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the dramatic landscapes of Ngorongoro Crater and the diverse ecosystems of Tarangire and Lake Manyara, this safari promises unforgettable encounters with Africa’s most magnificent creatures.
Experience thrilling game drives, witness the great wildebeest migration, and embrace the rich cultural heritage of the Maasai people.
Get ready for an adventure that will leave you in awe of Tanzania’s natural splendors. Check out our sample itinerary for your consideration.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha and transfer to your hotel.
- Relax and acclimatize to the Tanzanian atmosphere.
- Overnight stay in Arusha.
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
- Depart from Arusha and head to Tarangire National Park.
- Enjoy a full day of game drives in the park, known for its large elephant herds and baobab trees.
- Spot various wildlife, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests.
- Overnight stay near Tarangire National Park.
Day 3: Serengeti National Park
- After breakfast, drive to Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations.
- Embark on game drives in the vast savannah plains, home to the annual wildebeest migration (timing dependent).
- Witness the abundant wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, and countless other species.
- Overnight stay in Serengeti.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
- Spend another full day exploring Serengeti National Park.
- Search for the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo) and other iconic African animals.
- Marvel at the stunning landscapes and endless horizons of the Serengeti.
- Overnight stay in Serengeti.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Depart from the Serengeti and journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an exceptional wildlife haven.
- Encounter an abundance of animals, including black rhinos, wildebeests, zebras, and flamingos.
- Overnight stay near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Enjoy a second day exploring the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Visit the Maasai village to learn about the local culture and traditions.
- Opt for a guided nature walk in the surrounding areas, observing the unique flora and fauna.
- Overnight stay near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park
- Depart for Lake Manyara National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems and tree-climbing lions.
- Take part in game drives, bird watching, and exploring the park’s lush landscapes.
- Spot hippos, elephants, baboons, and numerous bird species.
- Overnight stay near Lake Manyara National Park.
Day 8: Departure
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and check out from your lodge.
- Transfer back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.
Please note that this itinerary is a general suggestion and can be customized according to your preferences and the availability of activities.
Also, keep in mind that travel times and wildlife sightings may vary. Consult us through the form below for the the most up-to-date information and to make arrangements for your safari.
Luis Eduardo Torres R.
12:29 27 Dec 19
Unbelievable experience! From planning and booking with Agnes, up to our last day, everything was great!Our driver, Jackson, was AMAZING! He definitely a big factor in making our experience so... unique.read more
rommel carlos
21:27 17 Oct 19
Agnes of Mara Gates always responds within 24 hours regarding any of my inquiries. She made the process very easy and always accommodated changes to our itinerary. Ken our driver/guide is very... knowledgeable about animals and their behavior. Will definitely book another Safari trip with Mara Gates.!!!read more
Robert Schlag
21:43 14 Oct 19
Mara Gates provided us with an experience of a lifetime. The places that we visited were breathtakingly beautiful, the variety and number of animals and flora were spectacular. And our guide, Ken,... was so courteous, knowledgeable, and organized. The depth of his knowledge and explanations of animal behavior and the local environments was like traveling with a patient university professor of zoology, ornithology, and botany. Our lodging, food, and their support service staff were excellent. I give this company and its guide my highest recommendation. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.read more
Malou Carlos
20:46 10 Oct 19
We had a wonderful 9-day safari with Mara Gates. My husband found their website and came up with a custom-made itinerary, that Agnes gladly accommodated and made it even better. Communicating with... them was so easy because Agnes responds promptly. As soon as their office is open in Nairobi, they respond to our email inquiries quickly. We also met her at our hotel and we discussed the itinerary and she gave us pointers on what to expect during our trip. On the morning of the beginning of our safari, Ken our guide and driver promptly arrived and packed our van. Ken is a very intelligent, knowledgeable, wonderful person who gave us quick lessons on the different types of animals, birds, reptiles and also gave us lessons on their behavior. We would really like to go back and do another safari with Mara Gates, and most especially with Ken. Thank you so much for a wonderful trip!read more
Rob Lovemore
09:55 07 Oct 19
our family booked a hot air balloon trip with Mara Gates. A very good driver collected us from our camp in a smart closed body Toyota Landcruiser. Our camp was nearly an hours drive from the balloon... site so it was a good commitment. Hot air ballooning is a must for visitors to the Mara. It's expensive but well worth it. We had a very competent pilot from Switzerland. The open air breakfast on the plains after we landed was also excellent. Then the same driver took us back home again. A great day out. Thanks Mara Gates.read more
ABHIJIT MANNA
02:36 03 Sep 19
We booked our African Safari trip with Mara Gates Safaris in May, '19. This was one of the best trips we have made so far and thanks to Mara Gates Safaris, it became the most memorable one. We... received all the help we needed starting from the booking until the end of the trip. Special thanks to our guide Ken who enlightened us so much about the nature and behavior of the animals in the wild and took us to some of the best viewing spots over the different parks.read more
A Google User
14:20 29 Aug 19
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our safari with Mara Gates. They were helpful from initial enquiries, through changes, to the final stop of getting us to the airport. The guide, hotels and meals... were all excellent. Our guide took great pains to ensure that we saw 'all' the animals and were able to take wonderful photos. We have great memories of this trip. At 84 and 72, we were comfortable all the way and felt well cared for. We would highly recommend this company and in fact we have to several friends. On another note, we had to cancel an earlier booking with this company because of an unexpected hospitalization. They were most kind and considerate and expeditiously handled refunds of our down-payment. Finally, from what I have seen, their prices are very good and certainly fall into the category of 'good value for the money'.read more
Maurine Limo
12:12 10 Dec 18
I had a wonderful experience with Mara Gates Safaris. I wanted a 5 day trip to the coastal town and they got me a very good safari. They are highly organized, excellent communicators- never once did... I not get my queries answered and very accommodating. Everything went exactly as scheduled and discussed. Ms. Agnes is easy to work with and a professional in her line of duty. First time with Mara Gates and I will definitely be using them.read more
