9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari

Experience the soul of Africa with the unforgettable 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari, brought to you by Africa Gorilla Wild. This comprehensive journey is expertly curated to deliver the very best of Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes, and vibrant cultures. From the iconic Tarangire and Manyara parks to the legendary Ngorongoro Crater and the vast plains of Serengeti, this safari promises a perfect blend of adventure, luxury, and cultural immersion. Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration across the Grumeti River, observe the Big Five in their natural habitats, interact with local Maasai communities, and marvel at prehistoric marvels in Olduvai Gorge.

The 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari is designed for discerning travelers seeking both thrilling wildlife encounters and deep cultural connections. With well-appointed accommodations, optional fly-in transfers, and exceptional guides, every day is tailored for memorable experiences. Expect game drives, nature walks, photography opportunities, hot air balloon safaris, and insightful cultural exchanges that celebrate the richness of Tanzania.

This itinerary not only ensures comfort and safety but also allows you to experience East Africa’s wildlife spectacle at its peak. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari enthusiast, the 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari offers the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation.

9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival at Arusha Airport and Check-in at Palace Hotel Arusha
• Day 2: Morning Road Transfer to Tarangire National Park – Game Drives and Nature Walks
• Day 3: Drive to Lake Manyara National Park – Game Drives and Overnight in Karatu
• Day 4: Game Drives in Ngorongoro Crater – Nature Walks and Wildlife Sightings
• Day 5: Visit Olduvai Gorge and Transfer to Ndutu Plains, Southern Serengeti
• Day 6: Game Drives in Ndutu and Transfer to Central Serengeti
• Day 7: Full Day Game Drives, Hot Air Balloon Ride, and Maasai Boma Visit
• Day 8: Grumeti River – Great Migration Viewing and Wildlife Photography
• Day 9: Scenic Drive to Arusha Airport and Departure

Detailed 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Arusha Airport and Check-in at Palace Hotel Arusha

Your incredible 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari begins with your arrival at Arusha Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by a professional guide from Africa Gorilla Wild. Arusha, often regarded as the safari capital of Tanzania, offers the perfect starting point for your journey through the country’s most iconic national parks. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle to the luxurious Palace Hotel Arusha, a modern haven nestled in the heart of the city. The hotel provides a peaceful and refreshing environment with excellent amenities, ideal for unwinding after your flight.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to take a short walking tour of Arusha’s vibrant markets, art galleries, and coffee shops, or simply relax and acclimatize. Our team will also host a welcome briefing to run through the 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari itinerary in detail and address any personal preferences, dietary needs, or special interests you may have.

Dinner will be served at the hotel’s elegant restaurant, offering a blend of local Tanzanian and international cuisine. Enjoy the calming views of Mount Meru in the distance as you prepare for the exciting safari adventure ahead.

 

Day 2: Morning Road Transfer to Tarangire National Park – Game Drives and Nature Walks

After a hearty breakfast, you will begin the day with a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, the first destination on the 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari. The journey to Tarangire takes approximately two and a half hours and offers picturesque views of Maasai villages and rolling landscapes.

Tarangire is famous for its large population of elephants, towering baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which serves as the park’s lifeline during the dry season. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on your first game drive, exploring the park’s diverse habitats. Expect to encounter elephants, buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, lions, leopards, and a variety of bird species, including the rare Ashy Starling and Yellow-collared Lovebird.

A delicious picnic lunch will be served under the shade of an acacia tree, providing a true bush dining experience. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk led by an experienced ranger. This unique opportunity allows you to explore Tarangire’s ecosystem up close—learning about animal tracks, plant uses, and the subtle signs of the wild.

You will spend the night at a luxury tented camp near the park, offering magnificent sunset views and the sounds of nature all around. Settle in and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner as your guide recaps the highlights of the day.

 

Day 3: Drive to Lake Manyara National Park – Game Drives and Overnight in Karatu

The third day of the 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari takes you to Lake Manyara National Park, a unique ecological zone located between the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the alkaline lake itself. After breakfast, you will embark on a relaxed drive to the park, which takes around two hours. Upon arrival, a game drive introduces you to the park’s rich biodiversity, where you might spot tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, hippos wallowing in the lake’s shallows, and flamingos gracing the shores with pink hues.

Lake Manyara’s forested areas are perfect for viewing blue monkeys, bushbucks, and forest hornbills. The groundwater forest also provides a tranquil setting for peaceful game drives beneath towering fig and mahogany trees. You will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park and continue your drive into the more open plains and hot springs areas.

In the late afternoon, you will continue to the scenic town of Karatu, nestled near the Ngorongoro Highlands. Here, you will check in at Marera Valley Lodge, an elegant countryside retreat offering views of coffee farms and a peaceful, refreshing atmosphere. Enjoy a well-earned dinner made with locally sourced ingredients and prepare for the next day’s descent into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.

 

Day 4: Game Drives in Ngorongoro Crater – Nature Walks and Wildlife Sightings

Today is one of the major highlights of the 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari—a full-day exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater. After an early breakfast at Marera Valley Lodge, you will drive to the nearby conservation area and descend into the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often referred to as Africa’s Eden due to its incredibly high concentration of wildlife.

Inside the crater, you’ll experience close encounters with the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—as well as an array of other species including hyenas, jackals, zebras, elands, gazelles, and over 400 bird species. The Lerai Forest and Lake Magadi offer prime viewing spots, especially for flamingos and hippos. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the ecological dynamics and conservation efforts in this unique ecosystem.

After a bush picnic lunch by the hippo pool, you’ll have the option of taking a short guided nature walk along the crater rim (subject to weather conditions and park permissions). This serene walk gives you a different perspective of the crater’s grandeur.

You will return to Marera Valley Lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight, enriched by the day’s breathtaking sights and wildlife encounters.

 

Day 5: Visit Olduvai Gorge and Transfer to Ndutu Plains, Southern Serengeti

Day five of the 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari begins with a hearty breakfast followed by a scenic drive toward the Southern Serengeti through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, you’ll make a stop at the renowned Olduvai Gorge, a paleoanthropological site where Drs. Louis and Mary Leakey discovered early human fossils. The small museum at the site offers a glimpse into Tanzania’s deep human history and is an important stop for understanding the evolution of man.

From Olduvai, the drive continues to the Ndutu Plains, an area teeming with life during the Great Migration season, particularly from December to March. This is the calving season, attracting predators and making it one of the most dramatic periods in the wildlife calendar. Enjoy a game drive upon arrival as you search for cheetahs, lions, hyenas, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras scattered across the plains.

Tonight, you will stay at a luxury mobile tented camp that follows the migration path, offering front-row seats to this natural wonder. Enjoy dinner under the stars, complemented by traditional Maasai storytelling around the campfire.

 

Day 6: Game Drives in Ndutu and Transfer to Central Serengeti

Your journey through the 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari continues with a morning game drive through the Ndutu region. The region’s vast open plains provide incredible opportunities to spot predators on the hunt and newborn calves learning to survive. The landscape, dotted with acacia trees and seasonal waterholes, makes for exceptional wildlife photography.

Following a picnic-style bush lunch, you will proceed northward to the heart of Serengeti National Park—Central Serengeti. This area, particularly Seronera Valley, is known for its year-round wildlife concentrations, scenic kopjes, and flowing rivers. Keep your camera ready for sightings of leopards lounging in sausage trees, prides of lions basking in the sun, and elephants navigating the woodlands.

Accommodation will be at a stylish lodge or tented camp in Central Serengeti, where you can relax in comfort and luxury. Evening brings a sumptuous dinner and a chance to unwind while listening to the sounds of the wild.

 

Day 7: Full Day Game Drives, Hot Air Balloon Ride, and Maasai Boma Visit

This day of the 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari starts with an optional hot air balloon safari at dawn. Floating silently above the Serengeti plains as the sun rises is a surreal experience—offering a bird’s-eye view of grazing herds, predators on the move, and sweeping vistas.

After a champagne bush breakfast, you’ll spend the day exploring the central Serengeti with both morning and afternoon game drives. The Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems support a wide range of species—from the Big Five to smaller but equally fascinating animals like mongooses, servals, and hyraxes.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local Maasai Boma to gain insight into traditional Maasai life, culture, and customs. This enriching experience deepens your understanding of Tanzania’s indigenous communities.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at the same Serengeti lodge or camp, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the savannah.

 

Day 8: Grumeti River – Great Migration Viewing and Wildlife Photography

The penultimate day of your 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari features a drive toward the western corridor of the Serengeti to the famed Grumeti River. This region is a vital part of the migration route and offers spectacular game viewing, especially during the dramatic river crossings.

The Grumeti River is home to enormous Nile crocodiles and pods of hippos, often seen lurking beneath the water’s surface. Watch as herds of wildebeest and zebras brave the waters, trying to cross in search of greener pastures—a thrilling, high-stakes spectacle.

Enjoy a packed bush lunch and continue photographing the action-packed scenes around the river. Return in the evening to your lodge or mobile camp for a farewell dinner.

 

Day 9: Scenic Drive to Arusha Airport and Departure

After breakfast, you will enjoy a scenic drive back to Arusha through the highlands of northern Tanzania. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop for lunch or visit a local market for souvenir shopping.

Upon arrival at Arusha Airport, our team will assist you with check-in and bid you farewell, marking the end of your 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari.

End of 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari

9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions:

• Accommodation: 8 nights in luxury lodges, tents, and safari camps throughout the safari (based on the selected package).
• Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at the lodges and camps as per the itinerary.
• Transportation: Private, air-conditioned safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide for all transfers and game drives.
• Game Drives: Daily game drives in Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, and Ndutu Plains.
• Safari Activities: Nature walks, Maasai Boma village visits, hot air balloon ride in Serengeti (optional), and photographic opportunities at key sites such as the Great Migration at the Grumeti River.
• Cultural Visits: Maasai Boma village visit to experience the rich traditions of the Maasai people.
• Entrance Fees: All park entry fees and conservation fees for Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti National Parks, including the Ngorongoro Crater conservation area.
• Local Guides: Services of a professional driver-guide throughout the safari, with local Maasai guides during cultural activities.
• Water: Bottled water during game drives and on the vehicle.
• Transfers: All transfers from Arusha to parks, between parks, and back to Arusha.

Safari Exclusions:

• International Flights: Flights to and from Tanzania (Arusha/Kilimanjaro) are not included.
• Visa Fees: Visa costs for entry into Tanzania (most nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival or online).
• Personal Expenses: Items such as souvenirs, laundry, personal toiletries, etc.
• Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance (highly recommended).
• Optional Activities: Hot air balloon ride (optional), Maasai village visit (optional), and any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Alcoholic Drinks: Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not included in the safari package.
• Tips and Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (suggested but optional).
• Medical Costs: Any medical treatments, emergencies, or vaccinations.
• Departure Taxes: Any departure taxes or airport fees applicable at the end of the tour.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is the best time to go on the 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari?

The ideal time to travel is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. This period provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities as animals gather around waterholes, and the Great Migration is at its peak in the Serengeti.

What is the minimum number of people required for this safari?

This safari can be conducted with a minimum of two people, though we recommend larger groups for a more dynamic experience. Private safaris are also available upon request.

How fit do I need to be for this safari?

The safari involves regular game drives, nature walks, and cultural visits. While no extreme physical fitness is required, a moderate level of fitness is advisable for the nature walks and short hikes. Gorilla trekking requires moderate fitness.

Do I need vaccinations before traveling to Tanzania?

Yes, you will need to consult your healthcare provider regarding vaccinations, especially for yellow fever (required for entry). Malaria prophylaxis is also recommended for travel in certain regions.

Can I customize the safari itinerary?

Yes, this itinerary can be customized according to your preferences. Whether you wish to add more time in the Serengeti, opt for a specific cultural experience, or modify the lodge accommodations, we can tailor the trip to suit your needs.

What type of accommodation is included in the safari?

Accommodation ranges from luxurious lodges to tented camps with all modern amenities, offering a comfortable and immersive safari experience. If you prefer more exclusive or luxury options, we can upgrade your accommodations.

Are the game drives conducted in open vehicles?

Yes, most game drives are conducted in specially designed, open-sided 4×4 vehicles, ensuring optimal visibility and the best wildlife viewing experience.

 

Packing List for the 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari:

Clothing:

• Lightweight, breathable clothes for daytime wear (preferably neutral colors such as khaki, beige, or brown to blend with the environment).
• Light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings.
• Comfortable shoes for nature walks and game drives.
• Hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
• Swimwear if your accommodation has a pool.
• Comfortable pants and shorts for walking and safari activities.
• Safari vest or jacket for additional storage and comfort.

Accessories:

• Binoculars for wildlife spotting.
• Camera and extra memory cards (bring an extra battery).
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+).
• Insect repellent (preferably with DEET).
• Flashlight or headlamp for use at night.
• Water bottle to stay hydrated during game drives.
• Daypack or backpack for carrying essentials during game drives and excursions.

Health and Safety:

• Malaria prophylaxis (consult your doctor).
• Basic first-aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications.
• Anti-diarrheal medications and any personal medical supplies.
• Prescription medications and a copy of your doctor’s prescription.

Documents:

• Passport (with valid visa, if required).
• Travel insurance documents.
• Flight tickets (printed or digital).
• Emergency contact list.
• Credit cards and cash in USD or Tanzanian shillings (for tips and souvenirs).

Optional:

• Power bank for charging devices.
• Notebook or journal for writing your safari memories.
• Gifts for cultural interactions (such as small items for Maasai communities).

By the end of your 9 Days Tanzania Big Five, Great Migration, and Cultural Safari, you will have experienced some of the most stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters on earth, while also immersing yourself in the vibrant cultures of the Maasai and Tanzanian communities. This safari promises memories that will last a lifetime, and we at Africa Gorilla Wild are honored to provide you with an unforgettable adventure.