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9 Days - Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti (3 nights), Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire

Duration - 9 days

This itinerary includes Arusha National Park(1N), known for its scenic walking safaris, colobus monkeys, and views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro; Lake Manyara National Park(1N), with diverse habitats, rich birdlife and tree-climbing lions; Central Serengeti(3N), a haven for big cats and varied wildlife; Ngorongoro Crater(1N), renowned for its breathtaking views and high wildlife density; and Tarangire National Park(2N), known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, before returning back to Arusha.


A dazzle of zebras strolling near the escarpment of Great Rift Valley in Lake Manyara National Park

Short Itinerary

Day 1 (December 05, 2025) - Arusha to Arusha National Park for game drives and walking tour
Day 2 (December 06, 2025) - Arusha to Lake Manyara. Game drives at Lake Manyara
Day 3 (December 07, 2025) - Transfer to Central Serengeti. Afternoon game drives in Central Serengeti
Day 4 (December 08, 2025) - Central Serengeti full day game drives
Day 5 (December 09, 2025) - Central Serengeti full day game drives
Day 6 (December 10, 2025) - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu
Day 7 (December 11, 2025) - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Karatu/Tarangire
Day 8 (December 12, 2025) - Tarangire full day game drives
Day 9 (December 13, 2025) - Tarangire game drives and afternoon transfer to Arusha

Choose Date

Safari tour prices vary depending on the starting date, your group size, and the choice of stay.

Ensuite Accommodation Packages

Below are packages with a few popular ensuite options for your tour, starting on December 05, 2025, in a group of two adults . Ensuite hotels are tented camps/lodges that can be inside/around national parks. You will have a private room with attached bathroom. Meals are provided by hotels.

Click to know more about safari accommodations (ensuite camps/lodges) .

Option E1: Value Accomodations Option E2: Classic Accomodations Option E3: Comfort Accomodations Option E4: Superior Accomodations Option E5: Luxury Accomodations Option E6: Signature Accomodations

A detailed list of inclusions is shared below. We have many more accommodations and addon tours to offer. Please share with us your requirements by clicking on the "Request Quote" button below, and our reservations team will get in touch with you.

Basic Camping Packages

Below are packages with basic camping for your tour, starting on December 05, 2025, in a group of two adults . On basic camping tours, you sleep in small dome tents that are pitched at campsites & bathrooms are shared. A cook travels with you & prepares meals.

Click to know more about how basic/budget camping safaris work

Option C1:

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arusha to Arusha National Park

Pick up at 8:30 AM from your Hotel in Arusha & depart for Arusha National Park. Walking with an Armed Ranger, you will have picnic lunch and game drive in the Park. The park is at the base of Mount Meru, which is good for climbing. It has a range of habitats including forest – home to the black-and-white colobus monkey – and is excellent for birding. Several lakes often host flocks of flamingo. The park's appeal is mainly its scenery. The habitat diversity spans from montane (mountain) rain forest to moist savannah to alpine moorland. Post the game drive, you will head back to your camp/lodge where a delicious dinner awaits you.

Day 2 - Arusha to Lake Manyara

Pick up at 8:30 AM from your hotel in Arusha and depart for Lake Manyara National Park with a picnic lunch for a full day game drive. As you enter the national park, lush forests of Acacia and Mahogany trees begin to set the mood for what is waiting ahead. The game drive will go on till evening with a small break for picnic lunch. During the game drive watch out for buffaloes, giraffes, impalas, baboons and the blue monkeys. Another spectacle of Lake Manyara National park is the tree climbing lions, however spotting them is a game of luck. In the right season, you can see the shoreline turning pink with millions of flamingos flocking there. Post the game drive, you will head back to your camp/lodge where a delicious dinner awaits you.

Day 3 - Lake Manyara to Central Serengeti

After breakfast we head towards the Serengeti National Park, via the beautiful high lying farmland of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Leaving the highlands behind, we descend into the heart of wild Africa - the Serengeti National Park - with its endless plains, rolling into the distance as far as the eye can see. We head to the central park area, known as the Seronera area, one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park, featuring the Seronera River, which provides a valuable water source to this area and therefore attracts wildlife well representative of most of the Serengeti's species. We arrive in time for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Serengeti National Park.

Day 4 & Day 5 - Central Serengeti

You can either have a relaxed breakfast and depart for full day game drives around 9:00 AM with packed lunch and return back to lodge late afternoon around 6:00 PM. Or you can depart at 6:00 AM on an early morning game drive. Later return to accommodation for breakfast and relax for a bit and depart on an afternoon game drive with packed lunch. You will explore the central portion of the Serengeti National Park today. The legendary Serengeti National Park is the most renowned safari destination for its incredible population of lions and leopards. The central portion of the Serengeti - known as Seronera area is one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park. It features the Seronera River, which provides a valuable water source to this area and therefore attracts wildlife well representative of most of the Serengeti’s species. During the off season of the migration, one must really look out for the many lion pride that thrive in this region. The interactions and survival of these lion pride provide an excellent game viewing experience all year round. Along with a picnic lunch during the full day game drive, the day will come to a close by around 5PM. The long day comes to an end with a heavy dinner and a good night’s rest in your accommodation.

Day 6 - Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro

After breakfast, you will have a morning game drive in Serengeti National Park. Later depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area with picnic lunch. Ngorongoro Crater is the largest collapsed volcanic crater in the world and fourteen kilometers of isolated natural beauty. Ngorongoro Crater is surrounded by a ring of extinct volcanoes and the floor, dotted with watering holes, shelters some 30,000 animals. The eventful day comes to an end with a heavy dinner and a good night’s rest in your accommodation.

Day 7 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) to Tarangire

After an early breakfast, descend to the crater floor for game drive(5 hours). You can expect to see lions, elephants, Zebras, Hippos, Flamingos, Jackals, Rhinos Antelopes and many birds. The birds seen here include eagle, vulture, and flamingos in the Crater Lake, stork, bats, giant vulture, sacred ibis, kori bustard, blacksmith plover, long necked heron and the cattle eagle. Post the picnic lunch at the beautiful Hippo pool, you will begin a steep ascend to the top exit of the crater. With a 2hr drive left to your accommodation in Karatu, the day will come to a close. Freshly made delicious dinner is kept ready for you at your chosen accommodation. All these days of the safari, will have you quite tired and a good rest is essential. The next day you will begin the last leg of your safari.

Day 8 - Tarangire

Your day will begin after a breakfast by about 8AM with a full day game drive in Tarangire National Park ahead of you. The national park is extremely famous and special for its diverse landscape and nine different vegetation zones. As you begin your game drive, you will be welcomed by the ancient and gigantic Baobab trees, which make even animals like the giraffe look tiny. The game drive goes on till about late afternoon and includes a small stop for a picnic lunch. The 3,000 Sq Kms park gets its name from the Tarangire river that flows through it. The river attracts a lot of diverse animals and you should be able to spot a lot of elephants, giraffe, lions, antelopes and zebras. If it’s your lucky day, you might be able to spot the tree climbing python and the long necked Gerek. The Tarangire National Park has the highest concentration of elephants, which offers a unique chance for you to observe interactions between elephant families. Don’t forget to capture this beautiful scenery with your camera ready at hand. Post the game drive, you will head back to your camp/lodge where a delicious dinner awaits you. Have a good night’s sleep for tomorrow's adventure.

Day 9 - Tarangire to Arusha

The final day of your safari will begin as usual by 8:00 AM after a luscious breakfast. The destination for today is Arusha to Tarangire National Park where you will have a half day game drive. Tanzania’s third largest National park is known for its majestic baobab trees that dot the landscape, dwarfing the animals that feed beneath them. The Tarangire River is the centerpiece of this park which is famous for some of the largest herds of elephants in Africa. Here you may see lion, leopard, cheetah, lesser kudu, buffalo, Oryx, eland, giraffe and zebra. By mid afternoon, you will branch out and head towards Arusha where you will be dropped off to your preferred location by about 6PM in the evening. With an incredible experience and loads of memories to cherish, this is the time you bid goodbye to your team.

Maps

Weather Information

Arusha

In December, Arusha, Tanzania typically experiences warm and wet weather. Historical averages indicate daytime temperatures usually range from 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F). This month marks the start of the rainy season, so it’s also common to see increased humidity and rainfall, with December receiving a significant amount of precipitation. Visitors should expect occasional showers, especially in the latter part of the month. Overall, it’s a warm climate with a mix of sunshine and rain.

NCA

In December, NCA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area) in Tanzania typically experiences a warm and humid climate. Historically, average daytime temperatures range from about 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F). Nights can be cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F).

This month marks the beginning of the rainy season, with December generally receiving increased rainfall compared to previous months. Average rainfall can vary, but it often ranges from 60 mm to 100 mm (2.4 to 3.9 inches), with occasional heavy downpours. The scenery during this time is lush and vibrant, attracting various wildlife and enhancing the overall experience of the conservation area.

Tarangire

In December, Tarangire, Tanzania typically experiences warm weather as it is part of the wet season. Average daytime temperatures usually range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Nighttime temperatures are cooler, averaging around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).

December sees a significant increase in rainfall compared to the preceding months, with average rainfall amounts around 100mm to 150mm (approximately 4 to 6 inches). Additionally, you can expect a mix of sunny and cloudy days, with thunderstorms becoming more common as the month progresses. The lush landscape created by the rains makes this a vibrant time for wildlife and plant life in the area.

Karatu

In December, Karatu, Tanzania typically experiences warm and wet weather. The average high temperature is around 26-28°C (79-82°F), while the average low temperature is about 15-18°C (59-64°F). December falls within the short rainy season in this region, so you can expect increased humidity and frequent rainfall, often in the form of afternoon showers. On average, December can see around 100-150 mm of rainfall throughout the month. Overall, it’s a lush and green time of year due to the precipitation.

Lake Manyara

In December, Lake Manyara, Tanzania, typically experiences warm and humid weather as it falls within the short rainy season. Historical averages indicate daytime temperatures usually range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 16°C to 20°C (61°F to 68°F).

This month often sees increased rainfall, with average precipitation being around 100 to 150 mm. Showers may be frequent, but they are generally short-lived, allowing for plenty of sunshine between rains. Humidity levels tend to be high, contributing to a lush landscape that is ideal for wildlife viewing in the area.

Central Serengeti

In December, the Central Serengeti, Tanzania typically experiences warm and wet weather. Historical averages indicate daytime temperatures generally range from about 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Nights can be cooler, dropping to around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).

December marks the start of the short rainy season, with an increase in precipitation. It is not uncommon to see rain showers, especially in the second half of the month. Humidity levels can also be higher during this time, contributing to a lush landscape and vibrant wildlife activity. Overall, it’s a beautiful time to visit, with the scenery being particularly green and lively after the rains.

Pre & Post Tour Hotels

Arusha is the base for safari tours in North Tanzania. If you need accommodation in Arusha before/after your safari tour you can check some popular hotel prices on bed and breakfast basis below (Prices are per person).

Single room:

Double sharing room:

Triple sharing room:

All of the above prices are on per person per night on bed and breakfast basis. More hotel options can be shared upon request

Transfers

This tour starts from Arusha. Kilimanjaro airport is the nearest international airport and Arusha airport is the nearest domestic airport. Please check our page on how to get to Arusha

Airport Pickup/Drop
Pickup or drop off at Arusha airport on the day of safari: No extra charge
Pickup or drop off at Kilimanjaro airport on the day of safari: USD 30 per vehicle

Airport to Hotel transfers
Transfer from Arusha airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 25 per vehicle
Transfer from Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 50 per vehicle

InterCity transfers
Transfer from Moshi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 100 per vehicle
Transfer from Nairobi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 275 per vehicle


Flights

We do not book International Flights.
We can book local flights based on availability. Below are indicative additional costs for local flights.

Intercity Flights
From Zanzibar to Arusha: From USD 100 per person (Morning flight)
From Dar es salaam to Arusha: From USD 90 per person (Morning flight)
From Arusha to Zanzibar: From USD 170 per person (Late Afternoon flight)
From Arusha to Dar es salaam: From USD 110 per person (Late Afternoon flight)

**
This tour starts & ends at Arusha with road transfers between all locations. Central Serengeti is the farthest location you will be visiting in this tour and it is 7 hours from Arusha, each way. You can check about driving and flying to Serengeti here. To save drive time, you can directly fly into Central Serengeti where your safari vehicle with guide will be waiting to directly start the safari and cover other parks over the next few days making your way to Arusha by road on the last day. We will reroute the itinerary such that you cover all the parks included in the original itinerary with the same choice of accommodations & same number of nights as included in the original itinerary. This is called a Fly-in Safari

We can also reroute the itinerary such that you start with driving from Arusha on day 1 and cover other parks before you drive to Serengeti. We end the safari tour at Central Serengeti on the last day from where you can fly out to Ausha (or other cities). We will reroute the itinerary such that you cover all the parks included in the original itinerary with the same choice of accommodations & same number of nights as included in the original itinerary. This is called a Fly-out Safari.

Fly Into Serengeti
From Arusha to Central Serengeti: From USD 310 per person
From Zanzibar to Central Serengeti: From USD 370 per person
From Dar es Salaam to Central Serengeti: From USD 370 per person

Fly out of Serengeti
From Central Serengeti to Arusha: From USD 200 per person
From Central Serengeti to Zanzibar: From USD 420 per person
From Central Serengeti to Dar es salaam: From USD 420 per person

Note 1: Rates mentioned above are indicative and subject to change based on airlines and party(group) size
Note 2: In the Fly into Serengeti rates mentioned above, in addition to airfare, above rates also include cost to send the safari landcruiser with guide a day in advance to Serengeti, in time for your arrival & additional park fees that results due to rerouting of itinerary.
Note 3: Flights into Serengeti land at around 10:30 AM and game drives can start soon after landing while flights out of Serengeti depart around 11:00 AM and game drives can be done till about 45 min before flight departure.

Meals

Day 1 (December 05, 2025) - Lunch & Dinner

Day 2 (December 06, 2025) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 (December 07, 2025) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 (December 08, 2025) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 (December 09, 2025) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 (December 10, 2025) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 (December 11, 2025) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 (December 12, 2025) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 (December 13, 2025) - Breakfast & Lunch

Transfer Times

Day 1 (December 05, 2025) - Arusha to Arusha National Park takes about 1 to 1.5 hours (40 km)
Day 2 (December 06, 2025) - Arusha to Lake Manyara takes about 2.5 to 3 hours (114 km)
Day 3 (December 07, 2025) - Lake Manyara to Central Serengeti takes about 4 to 4.5 hours (192 km)
Day 4 (December 08, 2025) - No transfers
Day 5 (December 09, 2025) - No transfers
Day 6 (December 10, 2025) - Central Serengeti to NCA takes about 3 to 3.5 hours (151 km)
Day 7 (December 11, 2025) - NCA to Tarangire takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (108 km)
Day 8 (December 12, 2025) - No transfers
Day 9 (December 13, 2025) - Tarangire to Arusha takes about 2.5 to 3 hours (106 km)


Note: These are estimated drive times. Because of the traffic, location of the accommodations, and several other factors, actual drive times may vary. Driving distances are approximate and do not account for exact places.

Inclusions

  • All Taxes and VAT.

  • Meals as per itinerary.

  • Drinking water while on safari (2 litres per person per day).

  • Daily game drives while on Safari.

  • 4x4 Land Cruiser.

  • Concession/ Camping Fees.

  • A professional English speaking driver/ guide.

  • Park Fees (for Non-Residents).

Exclusions

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Unless mentioned otherwise).

  • Tips (Tipping guidelines).

  • Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, etc.).

  • International flights.

  • Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Airport Transfers (Unless mentioned otherwise).

  • Government imposed increase of Taxes and or Park Fees.

Addons

Add-on tours in Serengeti
Hot Air Balloon Ride: USD 540 per person
Rhino Tracking: USD 130 per person
Short Walking Tour (upto 4 hours): USD 45 per person
Long Walking Tour (upto 6 hours): USD 60 per person
Information on Serengeti Add-on tours

Add-on tours in Ngorongoro
Masai Village Tour: USD 25 per person
Olduvai Gorge museum visit: USD 35 per person
Ngorongoro Crater Rim Hike: USD 35 per person
Information on Ngorongoro Add-on tours

Add-on tours in Lake Manyara
Canoeing in Lake Manyara: USD 74 per person
Night Game drives in Lake Manyara NP: USD 114 per person
Treetop Walkway: USD 54 per person
Information on Lake Manyara Add-on tours

Add-on tours in Tarangire
Hot Air Balloon Ride: USD 540 per person
Short Walking Tour (upto 4 hours): USD 45 per person
Long Walking Tour (upto 6 hours): USD 60 per person
Night Game Drives (for clients staying inside): USD 100-200 per person depending on lodge

Add-on tours in Karatu
Coffee Plantation Tour: USD 20 per person
Iraqw Village Tour: USD 25 per person
Endoro Falls & Elephant Caves visit: USD 35 per person
Information on Karatu Add-on tours

Add-on tours in Arusha NP
Canoeing in Lake Momella: USD 79 per person

9 Days - Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti (3 nights), Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire

Duration - 9 days

This itinerary includes Arusha National Park(1N), known for its scenic walking safaris, colobus monkeys, and views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro; Lake Manyara National Park(1N), with diverse habitats, rich birdlife and tree-climbing lions; Central Serengeti(3N), a haven for big cats and varied wildlife; Ngorongoro Crater(1N), renowned for its breathtaking views and high wildlife density; and Tarangire National Park(2N), known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, before returning back to Arusha.


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Reasons to Book with us
Safety First

We use equipment of international standards & our guides are trained in First aid & personal protection equipment


Customer Satisfaction

We reward our staff based on your feedback & that results in all of us working towards making your trip memorable


Personalized Service

Our guides are trained to pay attention to each clients requirements & situation & customize the program accordingly


Guaranteed Departure

Once a tour is booked, its guaranteed to go, even if there is only single client for the entire trip


Easy Booking

Book by paying advance by card on our website. Balance can be paid upon arrival, before the tour


Daily Departures

Our minimum requirement for operation is only one client. So we can offer the tour any day of the year for you


Our Reviews

Fantastic Safari Experience!

"I just returned from a fantastic 2 week family vacation in Tanzania that included a 5 day, 4 night safari with Monkey Adventures to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro......"

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Great Safari experience

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THE BEST SAFARI EVER!

"My boyfriend and I travel from Chile, we do the safari Serengeti and Ngorongoro tour! And it was the best experience! Monkey adventures help us with everything (hotels, tours, weather, transfer,......"

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Animal Smorgasbord

"Monkey were professional from start to finish. Our guide Masai created an atmosphere that was friendly, relaxed and entertained us with his humour......"

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Incredible safari in Tanzania

"After a long and exhausting climb to the top of Kilimanjaro, it was time to relax and take a look at the beautiful national parks of Tanzania and its colorful inhabitants......"

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Awesome experience! Tanzanian safari

"We went with monkey adventures to Arusha national park, terangerie national park, Serengeti and ngorongoro and we loved it......"

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"I want to begin by saying, this trip was an outstanding, unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience that I highly recommend......"

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An Unbelievable 9 Day Safari. Could Not Be Better

"We booked a 9 day Tanzania safari thru a company called Mojhi (also excellent) who used Monkey Adventures as our tour guide......"

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"This company cannot do enough for you! We had a fantastic Safari from beginning to end. Good communication from when we made the booking until the tour began. We were welcomed the morning of our......"

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"We did a private 6 days safari tour around the north parks of Tanzania with Monkey Adventure & what an experience!! the guide David was amazing, very funny, i didn't feel for one second that he......"

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"We just completed a 13 day , 3 camp safari in the Serengeti, with Monkey Adventures and had a blast. Our driver was a 15 yr veteran of the Serengeti and took us into places some didn't get to see......"

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