3 DaysNgorongoro Crater · Tarangire3-Day Tanzania Safari
Compact 3-day safari covering Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. Perfect for travellers short on time who want big wildlife sightings.
From $640/personAsk About This Safari →
Direct operator since 1978
★ 4.8/5 TripAdvisor · 149 reviews
Trusted by 4,000+ travelers since 1978
Private safaris from $1,400/person
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★★★★★4.8/5 · 149 TripAdvisor Reviews · 49 YEARS · NO BROKER MARKUP
Tanzania Safari Itineraries
4 to 18 days. Private vehicles. Direct-operator pricing from $640/person. Chat with Kassim on WhatsApp for a personal recommendation — or browse all 18 itineraries below. Need help choosing? Kassim replies within 2 hours.
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Share your dates, group size, and budget. Kassim replies with the best-fit safari and exact direct-operator pricing — no broker markup, no obligation.
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How to Read Our Safari Itinerary Cards
Every card below shows the starting direct-operator price, route, duration, and a WhatsApp path to an itemized quote. No brokers, no hidden markup.
| Duration | Starting price | Best fit | What changes | How to choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3–5 days | $640–$1,248 | Short trips, first safari, tighter budgets | Fewer park nights; same private guide and vehicle standards | Start with a 5-day Northern Circuit card if Serengeti is important |
| 7 days | $1,716–$2,548 | Most couples, families, and first-time visitors | More Serengeti time and a lower rush factor between parks | Choose a 7-day card when you want the best price-to-experience balance |
| 10+ days | $2,704+ | Photographers, migration trips, Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar combinations | Longer camp stays, optional extensions, and more flexible pacing | Use these cards when international flights make a longer trip worthwhile |
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We own the vehicles and employ the guides
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Every quote includes park fees, meals, guide, vehicle, and planned accommodation
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Kassim can adjust dates, lodge tier, and family rooming before you pay
3 to 5 days
Short Safaris — Best Value
Ideal for those with limited time or budget. These itineraries pack Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire into a compact, well-paced trip.
3 DaysNgorongoro Crater · Tarangire
4 DaysMikumi & Ngorongoro4-Day Budget Safari
Ideal for short trips. Mikumi National Park and Ngorongoro Crater on a tight budget without sacrificing wildlife encounters.
From $926/personAsk About This Safari →
5 DaysSerengeti · Ngorongoro · Tarangire5-Day Northern Circuit
The classic northern Tanzania loop. See the Big Five across three iconic parks in five days.
From $1,144/personAsk About This Safari →
5 DaysTarangire · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara5-Day Family Safari
Child-friendly pacing, family-appropriate accommodations, and maximum big-five sightings. Built for families.
From $1,248/personAsk About This Safari →
5 DaysSerengeti · NgorongoroBudget Tanzania Safari
Our most affordable safari. Quality accommodations, private guide, all the wildlife of the northern circuit at a modest price.
From $884/personAsk About This Safari →
5 DaysTarangire · Lake Manyara · NgorongoroFamily Explorer Tanzania
A thoughtfully paced itinerary for families with younger children. Shorter game drives, lodge stays, and plenty of flexibility.
From $1,300/personAsk About This Safari →
7 days
Classic 7-Day Safaris
The most popular duration for Tanzania. Enough time to explore all northern parks without rushing. Most guests consider this the sweet spot.
7 DaysSerengeti · Ngorongoro · Tarangire7-Day Tanzania Safari
Our most popular itinerary. Full northern circuit with ample time in each park. The benchmark Tanzania safari.
From $1,716/personAsk About This Safari →
7 DaysSerengeti · Ngorongoro Crater7-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Extended time in the Serengeti paired with the world's largest intact caldera. Excellent for Big Five sightings.
From $1,872/personAsk About This Safari →
7 DaysSerengeti (Mara River)7-Day Great Migration
Timed for the wildebeest river crossings. Positioned in the northern Serengeti during the best crossing months, June to October.
From $2,288/personAsk About This Safari →
7 DaysSerengeti · Ngorongoro · Lake Manyara7-Day Honeymoon Safari
Private, romantic, and exclusively yours. Premium tented camps, candlelit dinners in the bush, and complete discretion.
From $2,548/personAsk About This Safari →
10+ days
Extended & Premium Itineraries
The unhurried Tanzania experience. More time in each park, combination trips, and complete circuit coverage for those who want everything.
8 DaysKilimanjaro · Serengeti · Ngorongoro8-Day Kilimanjaro & Safari
Climb Kilimanjaro and safari the northern circuit. One trip, two African icons. Physically demanding but unforgettable.
From $2,912/personAsk About This Safari →
10 DaysAll northern parks10-Day Tanzania Safari
More time in each park, fewer early mornings, and a slower pace. The extended northern circuit for the unhurried traveller.
From $2,704/personAsk About This Safari →
10 DaysTarangire · Serengeti conservancies · Ngorongoro Crater10-Day Diamond Luxury Tanzania
Our most exclusive safari. Private conservancies, private vehicle throughout, NGORONGO Crater rim lodge, and the finest luxury tented camps. The Diamond tier.
From $5,720/personAsk About This Safari →
10 DaysNorthern circuit + Zanzibar10-Day Ultimate Tanzania
The fullest Tanzania experience. All northern parks plus three days on Zanzibar Island. Wildlife and beach combined.
From $3,328/personAsk About This Safari →
14 DaysSerengeti · Ngorongoro · Tarangire · Lake Manyara14-Day Grand Migration Safari
Two weeks in Tanzania's northern circuit. Full wildebeest migration viewing in the Serengeti, crater game drives, and extended time in Tarangire. The complete northern Tanzania safari.
From $2,856/personAsk About This Safari →
12 DaysRuaha & Nyerere (Selous)Southern Circuit Safari
Remote, wild, and barely visited by tourists. Ruaha's lion prides and Nyerere's riverside game drives are unlike anything in the north.
From $3,224/personAsk About This Safari →
11 DaysSerengeti · Ngorongoro · ZanzibarTanzania Safari & Zanzibar
Wildlife safari followed by Zanzibar beach. The complete Tanzania trip — bush and coast in one journey.
From $3,016/personAsk About This Safari →
5 DaysZanzibar · Serengeti5-Day Zanzibar Safari Combo
A condensed safari plus Zanzibar beach. Perfect for those with limited time who want both Tanzania highlights.
From $1,664/personAsk About This Safari →
18 DaysKilimanjaro · Northern circuit · Southern circuit · ZanzibarComplete Tanzania
Everything. Kilimanjaro, all northern parks, the southern circuit, and Zanzibar. 18 days that cover the entire country.
From $4,368/personAsk About This Safari →
8 DaysSerengeti · Ngorongoro · TarangireSmall Group Tanzania Safari
Join a small group of 4–8 travellers on a scheduled departure safari. Same route as our classic itinerary, shared costs, private guide.
From $2,496/personAsk About This Safari →
7 DaysSerengeti · Ngorongoro · Tarangire7-Day Photographic Safari
A photography-focused safari in Tanzania: prime locations, optimal light, expert guide assistance, and unhurried time at the best wildlife spots.
From $4,680/personAsk About This Safari →
4 DaysZanzibar Island4-Day Zanzibar Beach Extension
Add a Zanzibar beach extension to any Tanzania safari. Stone Town, spice tours, and tropical beaches — the perfect way to end a safari.
From $456/personAsk About This Safari →
6 DaysGombe Stream · Mahale Mountains6-Day Gombe & Mahale Chimpanzee Trek
Track wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks. Swim in Lake Tanganyika and explore Tanzania's most remote wilderness.
From $3,952/personAsk About This Safari →
5 DaysMafia Island · Indian Ocean5-Day Mafia Island Whale Shark Safari
Swim with whale sharks, dive pristine reefs, and explore Mafia Island — Tanzania's best-kept marine secret, far from the crowds.
From $1,872/personAsk About This Safari →
Not sure which?
How to Pick the Right Itinerary
First time in Tanzania?
Start with the 7-Day Tanzania Safari. It hits all the iconic northern parks at a comfortable pace.
See 7-day itineraries →On a tight budget?
The 5-Day Budget Safari covers the highlights without the premium price tag. From $884/person all-inclusive.
See budget options →Want the full experience?
The 10-Day Ultimate Tanzania or Complete Tanzania 18-day package leave nothing out.
See extended trips →Or take our 2-minute Safari Quiz — it will recommend the right itinerary based on your dates, group size, and interests.
Take the Safari QuizOn every safari
Wildlife Guide — Northern Tanzania Parks
Our northern circuit parks are among the most wildlife-rich places on earth. Here is what you can expect to see in each park, and when.
Serengeti National Park
Great Migration, Big Five, predator density
Best time: Year-round — migration moves through different areas each month
Wildebeest
1.5 million participate in the Great Migration — the largest movement of land animals on earth. River crossings at the Mara River are dramatic: crocodiles wait below, lions and hyenas prowl the banks.
African Elephant
Large herds of 50+ elephants move through the central Seronera area year-round. The Serengeti elephant population has recovered strongly from poaching and is now one of the healthiest in Africa.
Lion
The Serengeti has the highest lion density in Africa — approximately 3,000 individuals. The central plains around Seronera are particularly good for sightings. Lions are most active at dawn and dusk.
Cheetah
The Serengeti has the highest cheetah population in the world, estimated at 1,200–1,500. The southeastern plains (ndutu area) are excellent for cheetah mothers with cubs, especially January–March.
African Wild Dog
The Serengeti wild dog population is one of the last viable populations in East Africa — roughly 800 individuals. They hunt in the early morning. Seeing a pack hunt is one of Africa's rarest wildlife experiences.
Ngorongoro Crater
Big Five in one morning, world's largest caldera
Best time: Year-round — crater floor stays green always
Black Rhino
The Ngorongoro Crater holds approximately 30–40 black rhinos — the highest density of black rhinos anywhere. The crater floor is one of the few places in Tanzania where you are almost guaranteed a rhino sighting.
Cape Buffalo
Large herds of 500+ buffalo are resident on the crater floor year-round. They spend the mornings in the swampy Lerai Forest and graze the open plains in the afternoon.
Flamingo
Thousands of lesser flamingos feed in the alkal Lake Magadi on the crater floor, creating a spectacular pink fringe to the lake's edge. Best seen in the mornings when they are most active.
Hippo
A large pod of hippos lives in the Ngaruka Swamp on the crater floor. They are most active at night but can be seen wallowing in the shallows during the day, often with crocodiles nearby.
Elephant & Lion
The crater's elephants are the largest in Tanzania — males frequently exceed 6 tonnes. Lions are abundant and relaxed around vehicles, often hunting on the open crater floor where zebras and wildebeest congregate.
Tarangire National Park
Elephant super-herds, ancient baobabs, dry-season refuge
Best time: July–November — elephants concentrate at the river as other water sources dry up
African Elephant
Tarangire holds Tanzania's largest elephant population — more than 3,000 individuals. During the dry season, herds of 300+ elephants gather along the Tarangire River, making it one of Africa's most reliable elephant-viewing destinations.
Baobab Tree
Tarangire is famous for its ancient baobab trees, some over 1,000 years old. The park has more baobabs than anywhere else in Tanzania. These trees are critical ecosystem providers — elephants strip their bark and the trees' hollows provide shelter for numerous species.
Kudu
Tarangire has Tanzania's largest population of greater kudu. The males' dramatic spiral horns can reach 180cm. They are most commonly seen in the wooded areas near the river, especially in the morning.
Lion
Tarangire's lions are known for their tree-climbing behaviour — unusual for lions in East Africa. They scale thorny acacia trees to rest and escape tsetse flies. The park's riverine habitat makes for dramatic predator-prey interactions.
Aardvark & Aardwolf
These nocturnal, elusive creatures are seen more often in Tarangire than anywhere else in Tanzania. Your guide will look for them on night drives — one of the optional extra activities available on request.
Planning your trip
When to Go — Month-by-Month Safari Guide
Tanzania's safari season runs year-round. Each month offers a different experience. Here is our honest month-by-month guide based on 48 years of operating safaris.
JanuaryPeak
Calving season in the southern Serengeti. Excellent predator action as lions and cheetahs hunt vulnerable newborns. Dry, wildlife concentrates around water.
FebruaryPeak
Last month of the calving season. Green season rates available. Hot and dry. Best time for cheetah and lion cubs.
MarchGreen
Long rains begin. The Serengeti is at its most beautiful — emerald grass, dramatic skies, few tourists. Some camps reduce prices significantly.
AprilGreen
Peak of the long rains. Some roads become impassable in remote parks. The Ndutu area is muddy but spectacular. Best for photographers.
MayGreen
Rains begin to ease. The Serengeti's western corridor and northern Lobo areas become accessible again. Rates still low. Excellent birdwatching.
JuneShoulder
Rains end. Wildebeest begin moving north from the southern plains. Short grass makes wildlife easier to spot. Northern Serengeti starts filling up.
JulyPeak
Wildebeest arrive at the Mara River. The first river crossings begin. The northern Serengeti is spectacular. Tarangire elephants concentrate at the river. Best all-round month.
AugustPeak
Mara River crossings in full swing. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest cross daily. The Grumeti River crossings also happen now (western corridor). Peak prices and availability.
SeptemberPeak
Continued crossings in the northern Serengeti. A second wave crosses into Kenya's Masai Mara. Predator action is exceptional — lions, leopards, and crocodiles all active.
OctoberPeak
Last crossing month in the northern Serengeti. Wildebeest begin moving south again. Good for large herds and dramatic predator action. Shoulder pricing begins late in the month.
NovemberShoulder
Short rains return. The Serengeti's short-grass plains begin to green up. The migration is in transition. Excellent value — shoulder season pricing, fewer crowds.
DecemberPeak
Wildebeest calve once again in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area. Christmas and New Year peak pricing. Warm, occasional afternoon storms. Wildlife spectacle returns.
Know before you go
What Affects Your Safari Price
Safari pricing varies based on several factors. Understanding these helps you choose the right itinerary and avoid unexpected costs.
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Season & Timing
Peak season (July–October, December–January) commands the highest prices due to demand and premium park fees. Green season (March–May) offers the lowest rates — the Serengeti is lush, wildlife is easier to spot, and camps offer discounts of 20–40%.
Book 3–6 months ahead for peak season.
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Accommodation Tier
Budget camping: $62–$104/person/night. Mid-range tented camps: $156–$364/person/night. Luxury lodges: $416–$1,040+/person/night. This is typically the largest variable in your total safari cost.
Mid-range is our standard offering.
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Group Size
Per-person prices decrease as your group grows because vehicle and guide costs are shared. Solo travellers pay a single supplement of approximately 40–60% above the per-person rate. Pairs get the best value.
Two people sharing = best balance of cost and space.
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Transport Mode
Road safaris (in our Land Cruiser) are the most cost-effective. Domestic flights (Arusha to Seronera) add $187–$260 per person each way but save 6 hours of driving. Charter flights to remote parks (Ruaha, Selous) cost $416–$832 per person each way.
Longer safaris benefit from mixing road + flight.
See our full Tanzania Safari Cost Guide for detailed park fees, accommodation breakdowns, and transport pricing. Or Safari itineraries? Chat with Kassim for a personalised quote based on your dates and preferences.
Side by side
Itinerary Comparison Guide
Compare key details across our most popular Tanzania safari itineraries. All prices are per person based on two or more travellers.
| Itinerary | Days | Parks Covered | From Price | Best For | Wildlife Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Northern Circuit | 5 | Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti | $1,144 | First-time visitors, tight schedule | Big Five, elephant herds, crater wildlife |
| 5-Day Budget Safari | 5 | Mikumi, Ngorongoro | $926 | Budget travellers, short trips | Rhino, lion, elephant |
| 5-Day Family Safari | 5 | Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro | $1,248 | Families with children | Tree-climbing lions, flamingos, elephants |
| 7-Day Tanzania Safari | 7 | Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti | $1,716 | Classic northern circuit, most popular | Great Migration (Jul–Oct), Big Five |
| 7-Day Great Migration | 7 | Serengeti (Mara River) | $1,872 | Migration river crossings, July–October | Mara River crossings, crocodiles, lions |
| 7-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro | 7 | Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater | $1,872 | Big Five in one trip, extended park time | All Big Five, predator density |
| 8-Day Kilimanjaro & Safari | 8 | Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Ngorongoro | $2,912 | Summit + safari combo | Big Five from summit to plains |
| 10-Day Tanzania Safari | 10 | All northern parks | $2,704 | Thorough coverage, unhurried pace | Maximum wildlife variety, all seasons |
| 10-Day Ultimate Tanzania | 10 | Northern circuit + Zanzibar | $3,328 | Complete Tanzania experience + beach | Big Five + marine life |
All prices include private 4x4 vehicle, professional guide, park fees, meals, and accommodation. International flights and visa not included.
Common questions
Itinerary FAQs
How much does a Tanzania safari cost?
A private 5-day safari starts from $1,144/person all-inclusive. 7-day trips from $1,716. 10-day from $2,704. These are direct-operator prices with no middleman markup. All prices include private 4x4 vehicle, professional guide, all park and crater fees, meals, and accommodation.
What is included in the price?
Everything except international flights, Tanzania visa ($52 at arrival), travel insurance, and tips. Included: private Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, English-speaking professional guide, all park and crater fees, all meals, accommodation, airport transfers, bottled water, and Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover.
Are these group tours or private safaris?
Every itinerary listed is a private safari. You choose your own dates, travel at your own pace, and have a dedicated guide and vehicle. Group tours are not offered — this is how Safaris Tanzania has operated since 1978.
Can I customise an itinerary?
Absolutely. Every safari is private and fully customisable. Want to add an extra night in the Serengeti? Skip Lake Manyara? Combine two shorter itineraries? Safari itineraries? Chat with Kassim with your ideas and he will build a custom proposal within 2 hours.
What is the best itinerary for first-time visitors?
The 7-Day Tanzania Safari (northern circuit) is the most popular for first-timers. It covers the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire — the three most iconic parks — in a comfortable timeframe. See our full breakdown in our Safari Quiz.
Which itinerary is best for the Great Migration?
The 7-Day Great Migration is specifically timed for the Mara River crossings (June–October). For the calving season (January–February), the 7-Day Tanzania Safari with an extended Serengeti stay is ideal. Kassim will advise on timing based on your travel month.
Is there a single supplement for solo travellers?
Safari pricing is based on two people sharing a vehicle and accommodation. Solo travellers pay a single supplement of approximately 40–60% above the per-person rate, since all costs are absorbed by one traveller rather than split. However, we can often pair solo travellers with others heading to the same destination on similar dates — Safari itineraries? Chat with Kassim to check current availability.
What is the best age for children on a Tanzania safari?
Most operators recommend children be at least 5 years old for game drives, due to early morning starts, long hours in the vehicle, and the need to sit still near wildlife. Some itinerary pages note specific age recommendations. For families with younger children, our 5-Day Family Safari is specifically designed with shorter drives, child-friendly accommodations, and more flexibility.
Can I combine Tanzania with Kenya or a Kilimanjaro climb?
Yes. Tanzania and Kenya share the Mara ecosystem — the wildebeest migration crosses into Kenya's Masai Mara from July to October. We can arrange cross-border extensions. For Kilimanjaro, the 8-Day Kilimanjaro & Safari combines a climb with the northern circuit. Zanzibar beach extensions are available on any itinerary from 7 days upward — see our 10-Day Ultimate Tanzania or Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar options.
How far in advance should I book?
For peak season (July–October) and the calving season (January–February), we recommend booking 3–6 months ahead. Popular luxury camps and lodges can fill 6–12 months in advance. For the green season (March–May) or mid-range options, 4–8 weeks is often sufficient. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible — Safari itineraries? Chat with Kassim to check current availability.
How much should I tip on safari?
Tipping is customary and appreciated but never mandatory. A typical guideline: $16–25 per person per day for the guide, and $5–10 per person per day for camp/lodge staff, split among the team. Our guides are salaried employees — tips are entirely at your discretion and go directly to the guide. Read our full Safari Tipping Guide for a detailed breakdown.
Is Tanzania safe for tourists?
Tanzania is generally very safe for tourists. The main risks are road travel (drive carefully between parks), sun exposure, and minor ailments like traveller's diarrhoea. All our guides are trained in first aid and our vehicles carry a comprehensive medical kit. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. Read our Health & Safety guide for pre-departure advice.
Making the right choice
Luxury Safari vs Mid-Range Safari — What's the Difference?
Accommodation: Mid-range means quality tented camps with en-suite facilities. Luxury means five-star lodges, private plunge pools, and butler service.
Vehicle: Both include private 4x4. Luxury adds extended battery life, fridge, and premium sound system.
Guide: Our mid-range guides have 5+ years field experience. Luxury assignments go to our most senior guides with specialist expertise.
Pricing difference: Budget safaris start from $926/person. Our luxury itineraries reach $3,328+ per person. The gap reflects accommodation tier and exclusive access.
Not Sure Which Safari Is Right for You?
Tell Kassim your travel dates, group size, and what you want to see most. He will send the perfect itinerary and exact pricing within 2 hours — no obligation.
Or email travel@safaris-tanzania.com · No brokers · No markup · Direct since 1978