9-Day Tanzania Cultural and Wildlife Safari with Lake Natron Exploration

📆 ALL YEAR AROUND

From $. 2,861 USD* / 24/7 service | 9 days  Safari

Price p.p. incl. guide, safari-jeep, Accommodations and park entrance fees, excl. international flight. (Based on 6 persons)

Explore Tanzania with Purpose:

A transformative journey with Tanzania Active Women Safaris, a proudly women-led and locally owned safari company dedicated to offering enriching, responsible travel experiences. This truly unique and immersive 9-day safari that brings together Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant indigenous cultures. This thoughtfully crafted itinerary takes you far beyond the typical safari experience, combining traditional game drives with off-the-beaten-path adventures and cultural encounters that few travelers experience. Beginning with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, this journey introduces you to the heart of northern Tanzania.

Your adventure begins in Arusha and soon takes you to the baobab-filled plains of Tarangire National Park, home to large elephant herds and diverse birdlife. From there, you’ll head to the remote and otherworldly Lake Natron, a surreal landscape of volcanic formations and alkaline waters that attract thousands of flamingos. During your time in Natron, you’ll enjoy an authentic cultural immersion in a traditional Maasai village, where you’ll witness the daily life and rituals of one of Africa’s most famous indigenous tribes.

The next leg of the journey takes you into the legendary Serengeti National Park for two full days of spectacular game drives. Here, you’ll search for the Big Five and, depending on the time of year, may even witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration. Your wildlife encounters continue with a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife including endangered black rhinos, lions, and flamingos on the soda lake below.

From Karatu, you’ll explore Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and scenic views. This safari also includes deeply enriching cultural experiences, such as a visit to the Mbulu tribe, known for their music, crafts, and farming traditions. On your final day, you’ll engage in interactive cultural activities with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, two of Tanzania’s oldest ethnic groups. The Hadzabe, among the last hunter-gatherers on earth, will take you on a short bush walk, while the Datoga will share blacksmithing and storytelling traditions.

This itinerary offers a rare opportunity to not only see Tanzania’s wildlife wonders but to deeply connect with its diverse people and cultural landscapes. It’s ideal for travelers who seek adventure with meaning—an expedition that touches the soul. With experienced local guides, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable scenery, this tour promises more than just sightseeing—it offers true connection. Whether it’s watching a lion stalk the plains of the Serengeti or sharing stories with a Hadzabe elder, every moment is designed to inspire.

Get ready for a safari experience that nourishes your curiosity, supports local communities, and reveals the untamed spirit of Tanzania from every angle.

9-Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary:

Featuring Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Lake Natron, lake Eysai, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
With 5% of profits supporting local communities via Tanzania Impact Vision

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Welcome to Tanzania!

Recommended Arrival Time: 24/7

Accommodation:

Standard: Planet Lodge Arusha | Luxury: The Arusha Hotel By Four Point | High-end: Gran Melia Arusha.

Meals: Dinner

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly greeted by your professional driver-guide, who will transfer you to your lodge in nearby Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania. After check-in, take some time to rest, enjoy the gardens, or sip your first cup of Tanzanian coffee while you receive a short safari briefing.

What to Expect: Relaxed arrival, cultural introductions, pre-safari preparation.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National park:

Day program: Breakfast at the hotel at 06:30 AM, departure from hotel at 08:00 AM and drive to Tarangire National Park (120 km, around 2 hours). Game drive from 10:00 until 16:00 PM (lunch on the picnic site inside the park). After the game-drive drive to the Karatu town for dinner and overnight in at the accommodation we will agree on the final itinerary.

  • Meals of the day: Breakfast – Picnic Lunch – Dinner.
  • Accommodation:
    • Standard: Siafu Serenity Lodge | Luxury: Serian Tarangire Camp | High-end: Tarangire Kuro Treetop Lodge

Area’s to explore in Tarangire National Park:  Lemiyon Triangle area: Giant baobab trees, raptors, beautiful landscapes, photographic opportunities. Matete Area: Oryx and lesser kudu, leopard viewing, Engelhard bridge, Lolkisale mountain. Silale Area: Rock pythons, Sambu mountains, predators. Burungi Circuit Area: Lesser kudu and eland, candelabra trees, lake Burunge. Kitibong Hill Area: Wild dogs, buffalos, hornbills. Tarangire River Area: Elephants, lions, top raptor viewing.

Day 3: Karatu to Lake natron:

Off the beaten track and away from the masses, drive about 100km to Lake Natron, on arrival you will check-in at the lodge and have lunch, and some rest, afternoon you walk to the Source of the Engaresero River, Visiting Lake Natron breeding season for Lesser Flamingos.

  • Meals of the day: Breakfast at the hotel – Picnic Box Lunch – Dinner at the hotel.
  • Accommodations:
  • Standard: Maasai Giraffe Eco lodge | Luxury: Africa Safari Camp Lake Natron | High-end: Lake Natron Camp

Day 4: Lake Natron Maasai Village Full Day:

Day program: The main focus today is to follow the activities of the Maasai people. Arrive when the Maasai are getting their cattle out for gazing, your personal Maasai guide is explaining the life, past and today’s life of the Tanzania Maasai, Men will join other warriors for grazing and will guide you along their paths and explain your typical medicinal plants, extraordinary trees, tracks and the local wildlife. In addition to that, the usage of local tools, hunting techniques and fire preparation is a part your unforgettable bush excursion.

Women will join other Maasai women for their daily activities including fetching water, building small house and later you will learn how the do milking from the cows.

Today’s Highlights:  Maasai Boma and millions of flamingos on the lake.

During the sunset a group of Maasai men and woman gathering around for the traditional singing & dancing performances. This evening experience a traditional Maasai goat ceremony and join them dancing.

  • Meals of the day: Breakfast at the hotel – Picnic Box Lunch – Dinner at the hotel.
  • Accommodations:
  • Standard: Maasai Giraffe Eco lodge | Luxury: Africa Safari Camp Lake Natron | High-end: Lake Natron Camp
  • Option: Oldonyo Lengai Hike during the night

Day 5&6: Serengeti National Park Full Days:

Day program: Start very early (6 AM) taking the breakfast box from the hotel and spending some time down in the Ngorongoro Crater before heading towards the central Seronera area. On the way and in the area of Serengeti Seronera game drives and wildlife viewing (total distance 145 km +/- 3 hrs, plus game driving).  Afterwards drive to hotel and dinner + overnight at the Serengeti Seronera accommodation.

  • Meals of the day: Breakfast at the hotel – Picnic Box Lunch – Dinner at the hotel.
  • Accommodations:
  • Standard: Suenos De Africa Tented Camp| Luxury: Serengeti Sametu Camp | High-end: Four Season Serengeti

Area’s to explore in Central Serengeti:  Retina Pool Area: View hippos on foot, beautiful forest and colorful birds. Turners Spring Area: Excellent for lions and leopards, giraffes here are especially habituated. Maasai Kopjes Area: Towering granite kopjes, Maasai lion pride. Simba Kopjes Area: Tallest kopjes in Serengeti, flamingos at Lake Magadi, excellent area for lions. Seronera River Area: Highest concentration of leopards. Long Grass Plain Area: Termite mounds, aardvark and pangolin. Makoma Area: Large herds of buffalo, giraffe and elephants.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Tour -overnight karatu:

Day program: Breakfast at the hotel at 06:30 AM, departure from hotel at 07:30 AM and first drive to Ngorongoro Crater, afterwards game drive into the crater until late afternoon (descend 600 meters). Besides the Ngorongoro crater also, if time permits, visit the Empakaai (flamingos?) and Olmoti craters as well. Lerai forest offers a beautiful atmospheric, yellow fever tree forest. Later afternoon you will drive to Karatu town for dinner and overnight.

  • Meals of the day: Breakfast at the hotel – Picnic Box Lunch – Dinner at the hotel.
  • Accommodations:
  • Standard: Ngorongoro Forest Tented Camp| Luxury: Pakulala Tented Camp | High-end: The Highlands Ngorongoro Lodge.

Notes for photographers: A lot of fog (in early morning until late morning) in the crater offering sometimes incredible backgrounds and dramatic light and views (good for landscape photography).

Area’s to explore in Ngorongoro Crater: Munge stream area: Bull elephants, scenic area with beautiful views, leopard, crowned cranes. Mandusi Swamp Area: Striking hippo pool, jackal, servat cat, birds. Rumbe Hills Area: Herds of buffalo, lions, rolling hills and scenic views, mountain reedbuck. Central plains Area: Black rhino, lion and hyena. Lerai Forest Area: Bull elephants, leopard, colourful birds, vervet monkeys. Ngoitokitok Springs Area: Bull elephants, hippo pool. Gorigor Swamp Area: Lion and hyena viewing, black rhino, serval cats, birds. Lake Magadi Area: Pink hued flamingos, jackal, rhinos, elands, lions, unique alkaline lake habitat.

Day 8: Lake Manyara Safari and Mbulu tribe cultural tour:

Day program: Breakfast at the hotel at 06:30 AM, departure from hotel at 07:30 AM and drive to Lake Manyara for game drive (focus on tree lions). (distance 75 km, 1:30 hrs -Southern Gate). Lunch during the game drive.  Late afternoon drive continue from Northern Gate to Lake Eyasi and on the way visit Mbulu (Mbugwe/Iraqw) tribes. (distance 84 km, 2 hrs from the Manyara NP to lodge).

  • Meals of the day: Breakfast – Picnic Lunch – Dinner.
  • Accommodation:
    • Standard: Siafu Serenity Lodge | Luxury: Manyara Secret | High-end: Lake Manyara Kilima moja Lodge.
  • Park Highlights: Lake Manyara National Park is one of best the parks in Africa for birdwatchers, furthermore well known for the tree climbing lions, the soda ash lake attracts thousands of pink flamingos and breath-taking scenery.
  • Wildlife Highlights: Elephants, tree climbing lions, Impala, zebra, hippo, hygena, monkeys
  • Birdlife Highlights: Great flock of flamingos,

Area’s to explore in Lake Manyara NP: 

  • Ground water forest area: Blue monkey, baboon troop, colorful birds, dramatic rift valley views. Floodplains Area: Walkway overlooking hippo pool, birds. Acacia Woodlands Area: Concentrations of elephants, tree-climbing lions, best leopard viewing. Lake Manyara Area:  300 species of birds, alkaline lake, hippo viewing, walkway overlooking flamingos

Day 9: Tribe activities (Hadzabe, Datoga) – Airport

Day program: The morning (as early as 05:00 AM, breakfast box with us from the accommodation) will start by the hunt with Hadzabe and visit Datoga and Barabaig Tribes. Afterwards we will drive back to Arusha, have lunch in Arusha, Afterwards transfer to airport for the flight to your other destination or back home.

Extension Option: Zanzibar Beach Holiday

We offer customizable Zanzibar beach extensions for guests looking to unwind after the adventure. Whether you’re interested in the historic Stone Town, the spice plantations, or simply relaxing by the turquoise sea, we’ll happily organize this for you.

Let us know at booking if you’d like to extend your journey to Zanzibar.

All rates quoted are in US Dollars and are per person based on group size:

Group Size

Standard Safari

Luxury trip

High End trip

2 – 3 Pax

                  3,809

                      4,739

        6,753

4 – 5 Pax

                  3,098

                      4,037

        6,051

6 – 7 Pax

                  2,861

                      3,803

        5,817

Child Policy:

  • Children (When shared a room with Adult) are paid 50% of Adults rate – Children are considered to be 5 to 15 years.
  • Children (When shared their own room) are paid 75% of Adults rates.
  • Children under 5 years are free of Charge.

Rooming: 

  • Double or Twin Rooms

Different room arrangement is available on Request.

 

✅ Included in the Safari Package:

  • All Airport Transfers – Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

  • Private Safari Vehicle – Custom 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, window seat guaranteed.

  • Professional Female Safari Guide – Experienced and English-speaking throughout the trip.

  • All Park Entry Fees – Tarangire, Serengeti (Northern & Central), and Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Accommodation – 7 nights in handpicked mid-range to luxury lodges/tented camps (based on double occupancy).

  • Meals – All meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

  • Bottled Drinking Water – Provided in the safari vehicle throughout the trip.

  • Cultural Visit – Visit to a Maasai Boma, Tanzanite shop, and women-led community-based projects.

  • Airport Departure Assistance – On final day of the tour.

  • Shared Group Safari – Great opportunity for solo travelers to connect with like-minded women.

  • Flying Doctors Insurance – Emergency medical evacuation cover.

  • Government Taxes & VAT – All applicable taxes included in the price.

❌ Excluded from the Safari Package:

  • International Flights – To/from Tanzania.

  • Visa Fees – Tourist visa to enter Tanzania (approx. $50–100 depending on nationality).

  • Travel Insurance – Strongly recommended for medical, baggage, and trip interruption coverage.

  • Tips and Gratuities – For guides, hotel staff, etc. (Suggested $10–$20 per day).

  • Personal Expenses – Laundry, drinks, souvenirs, etc.

  • Optional Zanzibar Extension – Available on request (note below).

  • Pre- or Post-Safari Hotel – In Arusha, unless specified in custom quote.

Here are some popular add-ons  offered for the 8 Days Women-Only Group Safari to enhance the experience and make it even more personalized and memorable:

🌟 Optional Safari Add-Ons

🦁 Hot Air Balloon Safari (Serengeti)

  • Experience: Sunrise flight over the Serengeti followed by a champagne bush breakfast.

  • Availability: Day 4 or 5 in Northern Serengeti.

  • Additional Cost: Approx. $550 per person.

  • Note: Highly recommended during the migration season!

📸 Professional Photography Package

  • Experience: Travel with a wildlife photographer who captures high-quality memories for you.

  • Availability: Full trip or select days.

  • Add-on Includes: Edited digital album and optional prints.

  • Additional Cost: Approx. $300/Day per Group.

💃 Private Maasai Cultural Workshop – Free

  • Experience: Participate in Maasai bead-making, traditional cooking, and storytelling with local women.

  • Location: Near Ngorongoro/Manyara area.

  • Time:  Maasai Boma visit on day 8

🧘‍♀️ Safari Wellness Add-On

  • Experience: Daily guided yoga sessions, bush meditation, or wellness talks.

  • Availability: Can be added for 3–5 days during the safari.

  • Led By: Local or international female wellness instructors (depending on availability).

  • Additional Cost: Approx. $30 per person.

🌊 Zanzibar Beach Extension

  • Experience: 3–5 nights on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar after the safari.

  • Includes: Flights from Arusha or Serengeti, beach hotel, spice tour, Stone Town visit.

  • Note: Can be fully customized based on travel style (relaxation or adventure).

  • Additional Cost: Approx. $300/Day per person.

🎨 Local Market & Tanzanite Shopping Tour – Free

  • Experience: Visit women-run local art and jewelry markets, learn about Tanzanite.

  • Location: Arusha on Day 8.

  • Add-on: Private guide and assistance with purchases.

  • A deposit of 20% is required to confirm the booking; this amount is for booking accommodations and domestic flights if applicable. (Refundable up to 30-days before Departure date).
  • Children under 6-years must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
  • A small amount of walking May involved, carry with you hiking shoes.
  • The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.
  • A Yellow fever vaccination is recommended  when enters Tanzania.
  • Visas are available on arrival. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler.