10-Day Tanzania Ultimate Cultural Safari
This 10-day safari blends Tanzania’s world-class wildlife with deep cultural immersion, including Lake Eyasi, home to the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and Datoga pastoralists. Travelers will explore Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Lake Eyasi, engaging with local communities, experiencing traditional lifestyles, and enjoying remarkable wildlife encounters. This journey is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive safari with authentic cultural experiences.
Highlights
Game drives in Tarangire, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater.
Dedicated cultural day at Lake Eyasi meeting the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers.
Visit Datoga pastoralists and Maasai communities.
Explore Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of humankind.
Capture wildlife photography opportunities including the Big Five.
Optional hot air balloon safari over Serengeti plains.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha Arrival
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying a welcome dinner while preparing for the safari.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Arusha Backpackers
Mid-range: Mount Meru Hotel
Luxury: Arusha Serena Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park – Karatu
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park. Spend the day on game drives photographing elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and diverse birdlife. In the late afternoon, drive to Karatu for overnight, enjoying scenic highlands and a comfortable lodge stay.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Fig Tree Lodge
Mid-range: Mount Meru Game Lodge
Luxury: Ngorongoro Farm House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive, observing rhinos, lions, elephants, hippos, and flamingos in one of Africa’s densest wildlife habitats. In the afternoon, visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about local customs, jewelry, and dances before returning to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Fig Tree Lodge
Mid-range: Mount Meru Game Lodge
Luxury: Ngorongoro Farm House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Karatu – Serengeti National Park
Depart Karatu and drive to Serengeti National Park. En route, stop at Olduvai Gorge to explore its archaeological significance as the cradle of humankind. Arrive in Serengeti for an afternoon game drive, capturing predators and grazing herds before checking into your lodge or camp.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Nyani Campsite
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp
Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti National Park
Spend the day exploring Serengeti on morning and afternoon game drives. Witness predator-prey interactions, vast herds of wildebeest and zebras, and dramatic Serengeti landscapes. A picnic lunch in the bush maximizes wildlife viewing. Optional sunrise hot air balloon safari offers a stunning aerial perspective. Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Nyani Campsite
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp
Luxury: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Full-Day Serengeti National Park
Enjoy another full day in the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. Focus on photographing wildlife, capturing predators, and exploring different parts of the park for varied scenery. Picnic lunch in the bush allows uninterrupted wildlife viewing. Evening return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Nyani Campsite
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp
Luxury: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Lake Eyasi – Meeting the Hadzabe Tribe
After breakfast, drive to Lake Eyasi for a full-day cultural experience. Meet the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers, learn their traditional hunting and gathering techniques, observe daily life, songs, and dances. Also visit the Datoga pastoralists to understand their cattle-herding culture. Return to Karatu in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Fig Tree Lodge
Mid-range: Mount Meru Game Lodge
Luxury: Ngorongoro Farm House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Karatu – Lake Manyara National Park
Drive to Lake Manyara National Park for morning game drives. Spot tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, and flamingos along the lakeshore. Afternoon at leisure in Karatu, relaxing at your lodge or exploring the scenic highlands.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Fig Tree Lodge
Mid-range: Mount Meru Game Lodge
Luxury: Ngorongoro Farm House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Karatu – Arusha
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha with stops at scenic viewpoints or local markets. Arrive in Arusha for leisure time and a farewell dinner at your hotel.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Arusha Backpackers
Mid-range: Mount Meru Hotel
Luxury: Arusha Serena Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Arusha Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha for your onward journey, concluding your 10-day ultimate cultural safari.
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Add-ons (Optional)
Hot air balloon safari over Serengeti plains
Additional Maasai, Hadzabe, or Datoga village visits
Walking safari in Lake Manyara or Arusha National Park
Extra nights in Arusha, Serengeti, or Karatu
Included
Accommodation as per itinerary
Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Park entry fees and Ngorongoro Crater service fee
Drinking water during safari
Excluded
International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Drinks at lodges/camps (unless stated)
Optional activities (balloon safari, cultural visits, etc.)