8 Day Tanzania Mid-Range Safari – Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Natron Explorer
Explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire & Lake Natron on an 8-day mid-range Tanzania safari. Wildlife, comfort & stunning landscapes in one epic journey.
Overview
Discover the wonders of Northern Tanzania on this 8-day mid-range safari, a carefully curated adventure that blends iconic wildlife destinations, dramatic landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences—all with the comfort of well-chosen accommodations and personalized service. This itinerary is ideal for couples, families, photographers, and nature lovers who want to experience the best of Tanzania without the luxury price tag.
Your journey begins in Tarangire National Park, where ancient baobab trees tower over grassy plains filled with elephants, lions, and migratory herds. Famous for its large elephant population and seasonal wildlife concentrations along the Tarangire River, this park offers a strong start to your safari.
Next, head to the world-famous Serengeti National Park, a vast ecosystem that supports one of the richest wildlife populations on Earth. Spend several days exploring the endless golden plains, where lions hunt, cheetahs sprint, giraffes graze, and—during certain seasons—you may witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Whether it’s the predator-filled central Serengeti or the remote north during migration season, each day here promises thrilling encounters.
From there, descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a collapsed volcano teeming with wildlife including rhinos, hippos, hyenas, elephants, and big cats. With its year-round water and grass, the crater offers one of the best chances to see the Big Five in one day.
Your final destination is the surreal and striking landscape of Lake Natron, one of East Africa’s most unique and off-the-beaten-path gems. Known for its crimson-colored waters and as the breeding ground of thousands of flamingos, Natron also offers cultural interaction with the Maasai, scenic waterfalls, and dramatic volcanic backdrops near Ol Doinyo Lengai.
Throughout the safari, you’ll travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, guided by a professional local expert who ensures you don’t miss a thing. Accommodations are in comfortable mid-range lodges and tented camps, offering hot showers, hearty meals, and beautiful settings close to nature.
This 8-day experience offers the perfect blend of wildlife, scenery, and culture, making it one of the most diverse and enriching mid-range safaris available in Tanzania.
Safari Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you'll be warmly greeted by your Tanzaniatrail driver-guide and transferred to your comfortable mid-range lodge in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax at the lodge or enjoy an optional short Arusha city tour or coffee estate visit. Arusha, known as the “safari capital,” offers a peaceful base to begin your adventure.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, located about two hours from Arusha. Known as a hidden gem, Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and a year-round presence of predators and grazers. Enjoy a full-day game drive along the Tarangire River, where animals gather to drink and cool off. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, and possibly big cats like lions and leopards, along with rich birdlife including hornbills, bee-eaters, and eagles. After a picnic lunch inside the park, continue your journey to Karatu, a peaceful town in the highlands near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you’ll arrive for dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
After breakfast, begin the spectacular journey toward Serengeti National Park. Drive through the lush Ngorongoro highlands, with a brief stop at the Ngorongoro Crater rim viewpoint for incredible photo opportunities. Descend onto the Serengeti plains, where the scenery opens into a vast savannah dotted with acacias, kopjes, and wildlife as far as the eye can see. Enjoy a game drive en route to your camp, as you begin to explore one of Africa’s greatest wildlife habitats.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive—this is when wildlife is most active and the golden light paints the savannah beautifully. Spend the day exploring the endless plains of the Serengeti in search of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) and other wildlife like cheetahs, jackals, hyenas, zebras, and gazelles. Depending on the season, you may also witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras move across the ecosystem in search of fresh grazing. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and continue exploring different zones of the park before returning to camp for dinner and a relaxing evening around the fire.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
After an early breakfast and a final morning game drive in Serengeti, begin your drive back toward Ngorongoro Crater. Arrive at the crater rim and descend 600 meters into this UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as “Africa’s Eden.” The crater floor is home to an amazing concentration of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, lions, buffalo, hyenas, flamingos, and the rare black rhino. You’ll enjoy a half-day game drive and a scenic picnic lunch near the hippo pool. Later in the afternoon, ascend and return to Karatu for overnight rest.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
After breakfast, head northeast toward Lake Natron, a dramatic and less-visited region at the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai—the sacred active volcano of the Maasai. The road is rough and remote, but the landscapes are surreal and breathtaking. Arrive in the afternoon and visit the lake’s shores, which are known for their vibrant red coloring and thousands of flamingos. You may also take a short hike to the nearby Engaresero waterfalls, where you can cool off in natural pools.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Lake Natron
Wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over Lake Natron, with flamingos reflecting in the shallow waters. After breakfast, begin your drive back to Arusha, passing through dramatic Maasai lands and small local villages. It’s a long but scenic drive, giving you time to reflect on your incredible journey. Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening in Arusha for your final night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
On your final day, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your departure flight, or begin your exciting extension to Zanzibar, where you can relax on the beautiful beaches and explore the rich Swahili culture of the island.
Meals: 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!
