10 Day Tanzania Mid-Range Safari & Orphanage Visit
Embark on a 10-day Tanzania mid-range safari that combines thrilling wildlife adventures in Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro with rich cultural encounters and a meaningful orphanage visit. Experience authentic Tanzania in comfort—ideal for families, couples, and curious travelers.
Overview
On a Tanzania safari, the excitement of encountering the Big Five—elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—is like nothing else on Earth. While herds of elephants are commonly seen in Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park, gracefully moving through woodlands or gathering at waterholes, and buffaloes seem to be around nearly every corner, it takes a sharp eye—and a skilled guide—to spot the rarer members of this iconic group.
In the vast Serengeti, you’ll witness lions in their prime: entire prides basking under acacia trees or stalking prey across golden plains. But it’s the elusive leopards and endangered black rhinos that truly test your safari instincts. Leopards, with their stealthy and solitary nature, are masters of camouflage, often active during twilight or nighttime. Rhinos, critically endangered and heavily protected, are particularly rare—especially in the wild. In the Ngorongoro Crater, where only about 16 black rhinos remain, even a glimpse is a rare privilege.
Fortunately, our highly trained safari guides have years of experience tracking animal movements, understanding behavior, and knowing where and when to look. Their deep connection with the land means you’re in expert hands—they’ll go the extra mile, rising early, adjusting routes, and using real-time updates from fellow rangers to increase your chances of encountering these magnificent creatures.
Beyond the Big Five, you’ll be surrounded by an astounding variety of wildlife—giraffes, zebras, hippos, wildebeests, cheetahs, hyenas, and hundreds of bird species. Every day brings new surprises: a cheetah chasing its prey, elephants protecting their calves, or a group of monkeys playing in the trees. From sweeping plains to dense forests and volcanic craters, the landscape shifts as dramatically as the wildlife it supports.
With Tanzaniatrail, your journey isn’t just about ticking off the Big Five—it’s about immersing yourself in the rhythm of the wild, guided by passionate experts who make each sighting meaningful, personal, and unforgettable.
Safari Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be greeted by your personal Tanzaniatrail guide and transferred to your cozy mid-range lodge in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll have time to relax, explore the lush garden setting of the lodge, and prepare for the adventure ahead. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and safari briefing where your guide will explain the itinerary in detail, ensuring you're ready for the diverse landscapes and wildlife that await.
Meals: Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Start your adventure with a full-day exploration of Arusha National Park—one of Tanzania’s most underrated gems. Begin the day with a guided walking safari, allowing you to get up close to giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and more in their natural habitat, accompanied by a professional ranger. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful canoeing experience on Momella Lake, with scenic views of Mount Meru and chances to spot flamingos, hippos, and waterbirds. This day blends relaxation with active exploration, perfect for easing into the safari rhythm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
After breakfast, head out for a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, approximately two hours from Arusha. Known for its iconic baobab trees and massive elephant herds, Tarangire offers spectacular wildlife viewing, especially along the life-giving Tarangire River. During your full-day game drive, you’ll likely encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, wildebeest, and an impressive variety of bird species. With fewer crowds and a wild atmosphere, Tarangire delivers a classic safari experience. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and storytelling around the fire.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Rise early for a truly immersive cultural experience as you journey to Lake Eyasi, home to the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Spend the morning with the Hadzabe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in East Africa. Join them on a traditional hunt and learn about their survival techniques, language, and way of life. Later, meet the Datoga blacksmiths who showcase their metalworking skills, creating tools and jewelry using primitive techniques. This day offers an unforgettable glimpse into Tanzania's ancient cultures and traditions.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
After breakfast, depart from Karatu and begin your drive towards the Serengeti, passing through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands. The journey itself is part of the adventure, with sweeping views, Maasai villages, and chances to see wildlife en route. Enter Serengeti National Park in the early afternoon and enjoy your first game drive across its vast plains, alive with wildlife. Arrive at your comfortable tented camp just before sunset, where you’ll unwind with dinner under the stars and prepare for two full days in Africa’s most iconic national park.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti, one of the most renowned wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration—an awe-inspiring movement of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. Even without the migration, the Serengeti teems with life: lions lounging on kopjes, cheetahs stalking prey, elephants grazing, and countless antelope species crossing the plains. Your guide will tailor the route to maximize sightings, and you'll enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild. Return to your camp for another magical night in the bush.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Another day to soak in the splendor of Serengeti's wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Begin with an early morning game drive when predators are most active, capturing stunning photographs in the golden light. Explore different ecosystems including river valleys, rocky outcrops, and open plains. Visit hippo pools, track leopards in the woodlands, and admire the sheer abundance of animals that make the Serengeti so iconic. After a thrilling day, return to your camp for a warm shower, a hearty dinner, and a peaceful sleep under canvas.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Today begins with a game drive as you exit the Serengeti and make your way toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to spot the endangered black rhino. The crater floor offers a stunning variety of habitats and a dense concentration of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, lions, and flamingos. After a picnic lunch by a hippo pool, drive to your Karatu lodge nestled on the highlands for dinner and rest.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
After breakfast, explore Lake Manyara National Park, known for its lush forests, hot springs, and dramatic escarpment views. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and vibrant birdlife including pelicans and flamingos. A leisurely game drive through this scenic park offers a relaxing end to your safari circuit. Later in the afternoon, drive back to Arusha, arriving in time to freshen up at your lodge or hotel and reflect on your journey with a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
On your final day in Arusha, you’ll have the option to visit a local orphanage for a meaningful and heartwarming experience. If you choose to go, you’ll spend time interacting with the children, learning about the community projects, and offering any support or donations you may have brought. It’s a powerful way to give back before ending your journey. Alternatively, you can relax at your lodge, explore Arusha’s local markets, or prepare for your transfer to the airport. Whether heading to Zanzibar for more adventure or flying home, this day marks the end of an unforgettable Tanzanian experience.
Meal: Breakfast
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
FAQs
A mid-range safari is a travel experience that offers great comfort and value. You stay in good quality lodges or tented camps with private bathrooms, enjoy professional guided game drives, delicious meals, and comfortable 4x4 vehicles—without the high cost of luxury safaris.
The average cost ranges from $350 to $550 per person per day, depending on the season, number of people, and parks visited. This includes accommodation, meals, transport, park fees, and guides.
You’ll travel in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing. The vehicle is shared or private, depending on your booking, and has charging ports, cooler boxes, and large windows for perfect wildlife photos.
Yes, many Mid-Range lodges provide reliable Wi-Fi, especially in public areas or guest rooms. However, due to remote locations, speeds may vary, and this is often seen as an opportunity to digitally detox and immerse yourself in nature.
Tanzania is a wildlife paradise, home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo—as well as cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, crocodiles, hippos, hyenas, jackals, and over 1,100 species of birds. The diversity is staggering and changes by season and region, with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro offering year-round sightings.
Mid-range offers comfort with a romantic touch—cozy lodges, ensuite tents, great service.
Luxury adds exclusivity—private plunge pools, butler service, high-end amenities, and often fly-in safaris for convenience and style.
Definitely. Many luxury safaris conclude with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar, known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and luxury resorts. Direct flights from Serengeti or Arusha make this transition seamless and stress-free.
Of course! We can arrange visits to Maasai villages, coffee farms, or Spice Island tours in Zanzibar. These experiences offer beautiful insight into local life and traditions—perfect for meaningful memories together.
Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before travel. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Also, bring insect repellent and consider travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.
A Mid-Range safari can range from 5 to 12 days, depending on your travel goals. A typical itinerary includes 2–3 nights each in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, allowing time for slow travel, relaxation, and exploration.
While last-minute safaris are possible, we highly recommend booking at least 2–5 months in advance, especially during the high season. Luxury accommodations are limited and tend to fill up quickly due to their exclusivity.
Booking is easy! Contact us via info@tanzaniatrail.co.tz or WhatsApp +255 764 987 596. Our experienced team will help craft your personalized luxury safari itinerary based on your travel dates, preferences, and budget. We handle everything from start to finish.
Yes—if you book at the right time and location. The Great Migration moves across the Serengeti, and we can customize your trip to follow the herds during river crossings or calving season.
Absolutely. While there are standard routes, mid-range safaris can be tailored to fit your dates, number of days, interests (e.g., birdwatching, photography), and budget.
Explore Tanzania`s Beauty
Exclusively set apart from the rest, we focus on giving you life affirming and intimately designed experiences throughout Africa. We have safari packages that will suit your needs and budget, We also curate tailor-made safari itineraries. Travel with us today!
