12-Day Spectacular Tanzania Big Cats, Big five animals & Cultural experience Tour Safari — Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Central Serengeti Tanzania safari
private safari12 days

12-Day Spectacular Tanzania Big Cats, Big five animals & Cultural experience Tour Safari

12 days / 11 nights Arusha · Tarangire National Park · Central Serengeti 4x4 Land Cruiser

Overview

A 12-day safari gives you the perfect chance to experience the thrill of Africa’s wildlife and breathtaking nature. With Serengeti Affinity Safaris, you’ll enjoy an authentic encounter with the wild, spotting incredible animals up close and…

Safari price

Price per person, based on group size. Smaller groups pay a little more.

Group sizePrice per person
2 people$4,650
3 people$4,100
4 people$3,850
5 people$3,700
6 people$3,600
7 people$3,520

Day-by-day itinerary

Day1

Arrival – Arusha: Gold Crest Hotel Arusha, Arusha

Airport – Arusha town: 1 hour

After arrival our transfer guide will meet and welcome you, then pick you up at either Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha for relaxation and overnight. Before reaching the hotel if time allows feel free to explore Arusha city with our guide for free.

Transfer and Relaxation

Arusha town

Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. The city serves as a perfect base for exploring the stunning surrounding landscapes, including the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and the renowned Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Parks.

Gold Crest Hotel Arusha

Gold Crest Hotel Arusha is conveniently located near the heart of Arusha, Tanzania, offering easy access to notable sites like Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Meru. The hotel features spacious, air-conditioned rooms with amenities such as mini-bars, tea and coffee-making facilities, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant, which serves a variety of halal dishes. Additional features include a swimming pool, gymnasium, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel also provides ample parking, an executive airport shuttle, and travel and tour arrangements.

Day2

Serval Sanctuary - Gold Crest Hotel Arusha, Arusha

Arusha town – Serval Centre: 1.5 hours

Our guide again will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to serval wildlife sanctuary for wildlife encounters then you will spend night there. Get ready for Petting animals, feeding, touching and taking unlimited photo with wildlife including Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Eland, Lion, Serval Cat, Kudu, Waterbuck, Impala etc.

Transfer to Serval Sanctuary.

Serval Wildlife

Serval Wildlife is ideally located in the Siha District of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Accommodation options feature well-appointed villas with panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. The spacious villas have private terraces, living areas, and comfortable beds. Guests can enjoy delicious meals on-site. Facilities include a swimming pool, a spa, a wellness centre, and a pool bar. Area activities include safari expeditions and nature walks.

Gold Crest Hotel Arusha

Gold Crest Hotel Arusha is conveniently located near the heart of Arusha, Tanzania, offering easy access to notable sites like Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Meru. The hotel features spacious, air-conditioned rooms with amenities such as mini-bars, tea and coffee-making facilities, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant, which serves a variety of halal dishes. Additional features include a swimming pool, gymnasium, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel also provides ample parking, an executive airport shuttle, and travel and tour arrangements.

Day3

Tarangire National Park - Farm of Dreams Lodge

Arusha – Tarangire: 2 hours

We begin this day with an early pick-up from your hotel in Arusha and start a scenic drive toward Tarangire National Park while carrying packed lunch boxes, we’ll dive straight into the adventure with exciting game drives through stunning landscapes filled with wildlife and iconic baobab trees. Later in the afternoon, we transfer to Karatu for a delicious dinner and overnight stay.

Game drives Full board

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is a place of pure African romance, where sweeping golden plains meet the gentle curves of the Tarangire River and herds of elephants wander gracefully among towering baobab trees. Here, every moment feels alive lions may be seen stalking their prey, leopards lounging elegantly in the trees, and graceful giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and impalas painting the landscape with motion and life. As the sun sets, the air fills with a warm glow, leading you to your cozy lodge for a delicious dinner, peaceful relaxation, and the soothing whispers of the African night.

Farm of Dreams Lodge

Farm of Dreams Lodge is located in the tourist town of Karatu on the Western south Slopes of Ngorongoro Crater. The accommodation offers well-appointed rooms with mosquito nets, en-suite bathrooms and private terraces with safari chairs. Guests can enjoy delicious meals at the on-site restaurant and lounge bar. Other facilities include a swimming pool, a conference and banquet hall, secure parking and a pool deck with sun beds.

Day4

Central Serengeti - Tukaone Weavers Camp

Karatu– Serengeti: 3 hours

After breakfast, we depart from Karatu to Central Serengeti Park, get ready to watch the open up landscapes as we approach one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Once inside the park, we begin our game drive with great opportunities to spot animals along the way. We will enjoy our packed Lunch at a beautiful place inside the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. In the afternoon, we continue with more exciting wildlife viewing before reaching the camp for a relaxing evening in the heart of the savannah.

Game drives Full board

Central Serengeti

The Serengeti is famous for its large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes that move across the plains. As you explore, get ready to see resident predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, each playing an important part in fulfilling their daily natural circle of life.

Tukaone Weavers Camp

Tukaone Weavers Camp, located in the heart of the Serengeti, offers a serene blend of rustic charm and traditional East African safari elegance. The camp features double, twin, and triple tents, equipped with modern amenities such as private bathrooms, comfortable beds, and mosquito nets. Facilities include a restaurant, a lounge, a bar, a campfire, and Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy activities such as game drives and stargazing.

Day5

Central Serengeti - Tukaone Weavers Camp

After delicious breakfast, we dedicate this for a full day game drives inside Serengeti Park for wildlife viewing to maximize your time with famous and well-known Serengeti Park.

Game drives Full board

Tukaone Weavers Camp

Tukaone Weavers Camp, located in the heart of the Serengeti, offers a serene blend of rustic charm and traditional East African safari elegance. The camp features double, twin, and triple tents, equipped with modern amenities such as private bathrooms, comfortable beds, and mosquito nets. Facilities include a restaurant, a lounge, a bar, a campfire, and Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy activities such as game drives and stargazing.

Day6

Central Serengeti - Safari Haven Serengeti

Get up early and enjoy breakfast, we dedicate this for fully day game drives inside Central Serengeti for wildlife sighting.

Game drives.

Central Serengeti

The Serengeti is famous for its large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes that move across the plains. As you explore, get ready to see resident predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, each playing an important part in fulfilling their daily natural circle of life.

Safari Haven Serengeti

Safari Haven Serengeti is located in the heart of Serengeti National Park, just 5 kilometres from the Seronera Airstrip. The camp provides spacious furnished tents with amenities for a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy delicious meals and refreshing drinks on-site. Guests can take part in activities such as game drives, guided bush walks, or visits to local Maasai villages.

Day7

Central Serengeti - Safari Haven Serengeti

Get up early and enjoy breakfast, we dedicate this for fully day game drives inside Central Serengeti for wildlife sighting.

Game drives.

Safari Haven Serengeti

Safari Haven Serengeti is located in the heart of Serengeti National Park, just 5 kilometres from the Seronera Airstrip. The camp provides spacious furnished tents with amenities for a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy delicious meals and refreshing drinks on-site. Guests can take part in activities such as game drives, guided bush walks, or visits to local Maasai villages.

Day8

Central Serengeti-Ngorongoro Region: Embalakai Authentic Camps Ngorongoro Camp

Serengeti – Ngorongoro: 2 hours

Today wake up early and enjoy magic game drives in Central Serengeti Park, then in the afternoon departure to Ngorongoro for overnight at the accommodation located inside Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This gives you a chance to depart and descend inside the Crater next day in early morning and see many animals when they are still more active.

Game drives Full board

Ngorongoro region

The Ngorongoro Region is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich wildlife. It includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, which is one of the best places in Africa to see a large concentration of animals in a natural setting.

Embalakai Authentic Camps Ngorongoro Camp

Embalakai Authentic Camps Ngorongoro Camp offers stylish accommodation in a natural setting. The luxury tented camps feature private bathrooms and a choice of king-size or twin beds. Guests may unwind in the lounge while enjoying complimentary Tanzanian coffee. Meals are served at the on-site dining area. Additional amenities include a campfire, Wi-Fi access and a 24-hour front desk.

Day9

Ngorongoro Crater - Farm of Dreams Lodge

Ngorongoro – Karatu: 2 hours

After breakfast, we depart for an exciting game drive inside the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, carrying lunch boxes to enjoy along the way. After exploring the crater’s breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, we will continue the journey to Karatu, where a warm dinner and a comfortable overnight stay await.

Game drives Full board

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is a true jewel of Northern Tanzania, famed for its dramatic landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. Encircled by towering highlands, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, a natural amphitheatre teeming with life. Lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and rhinos roam its fertile plains, while flamingos may grace the crater’s soda lakes. With its stunning scenery and rich biodiversity, Ngorongoro offers a magical finale to any safari adventure.

Farm of Dreams Lodge

Farm of Dreams Lodge is located in the tourist town of Karatu on the Western south Slopes of Ngorongoro Crater. The accommodation offers well-appointed rooms with mosquito nets, en-suite bathrooms and private terraces with safari chairs. Guests can enjoy delicious meals at the on-site restaurant and lounge bar. Other facilities include a swimming pool, a conference and banquet hall, secure parking and a pool deck with sun beds.

Day10

Lake Eyasi - Farm of Dreams Lodge, Karatu

Karatu– Lake Eyasi: 2 hours

After breakfast, the safari guide will drive to Lake Eyasi for an unforgettable cultural experience. The day begins with a visit to the Hadzabe tribe, renowned for their traditional hunting skills, where there is the unique opportunity to join them and witness their techniques firsthand. Next, we visit the Datoga tribe, famous for their expert blacksmithing craftsmanship, gaining insight into their rich traditions and artistry. The day also includes a refreshing walk around Lake Eyasi and exploration of the local villages, allowing for deeper immersion in the vibrant local culture. After these remarkable experiences, transfer back to the lodge in Karatu for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Cultural Experience

Lake Eyasi

Tucked between the Kidero Mountains in the south and the Eyasi Escarpment in the north, Lake Eyasi is situated in a remote, dry, arid landscape just south of Tanzania’s renowned Serengeti National Park. This seasonal lake features dry salt beds and is home to a variety of birdlife such as flamingos and pelicans. Beautiful surroundings of woodlands, forests, and ancient baobabs beckon to be explored, with numerous excellent walking trails. Visitors can learn about local cultures by visiting the pastoralist Datoga people as well as the nomadic hunter-gatherer Hadzabe group. Other popular activities include bird watching, hiking, walking safaris, and soaking up the spectacular views. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby enthralling Oldeani Mountain, the atmospheric swampy valley area of Yaeda, and the spectacular Serengeti.

Farm of Dreams Lodge

Farm of Dreams Lodge is located in the tourist town of Karatu on the Western south Slopes of Ngorongoro Crater. The accommodation offers well-appointed rooms with mosquito nets, en-suite bathrooms and private terraces with safari chairs. Guests can enjoy delicious meals at the on-site restaurant and lounge bar. Other facilities include a swimming pool, a conference and banquet hall, secure parking and a pool deck with sun beds.

Day11

Lake Manyara Park - Arusha Planet Lodge

Karatu – Lake Manyara: 35 minutes

After breakfast, depart for a short and scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park with packed lunch boxes for your day’s adventure. Enjoy an exciting game drive through the park’s rich habitats, from dense forests to open grasslands, and along the shimmering lake shores. Later in the afternoon, we will transfer you to Arusha for dinner and overnight.

Game drives

Lake Manyara National Park

The Lake Manyara is a paradise of contrasts and natural charm where emerald forests meet glistening waters and wildlife thrives in abundance. The park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions resting elegantly on acacia branches and its playful colonies of baboons that greet you at nearly every turn. Along the lake’s edge, flocks of flamingos paint the horizon pink, while elephants, giraffes, hippos, and zebras roam freely beneath the lush canopy. It’s a serene and magical setting, the perfect finale to your unforgettable safari adventure.

Arusha Planet Lodge

Nestled in the heart of Arusha, Planet Lodge will captivate you with the natural beauty of the Tanzanian landscape. Each chalet is tastefully decorated with African decor creating a peaceful immersion in the colors and culture of Africa.

Day12

Departure - End of Itinerary

to Airport – For your international flight

After breakfast relax at the lodge and if time allows take a short tour in Arusha city with our local guide for shopping, you will have a good time to explore the local markets, souvenirs shops, cultural sites within the city and if possible, take lunch within the local restaurants to experience different local food taste.

Breakfast

What’s included

  • Transfers/Pick up/Drop off listed in the program
  • Professional English-Speaking safari guide
  • Transportation by 4x4 jeep Toyota Land Cruiser
  • Bottled Mineral water for safari
  • All Park fees, but for Single entry park fees expire 24 hours
  • All Activities listed in the program

Not included

  • International flights
  • VISA
  • All beverages at hotels/lodges/tented camps (Alcoholic beverages)
  • Laundry service
  • Tipping
  • All personal expenses
  • All what is not explicitly included in this program

Best time to go

June July August September October

Make this trip yours

Every safari is tailor-made. Tell us your dates and we will shape it around you.

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