The estimated time of arrival (ETA) from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Arusha city is approximately 1 hour by road. The distance is about 50 kilometers (31 miles), but travel time can vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
8 Days Tanzania Safari — Full Itinerary, Costs & Travel Tips Safari
Why Choose an 8 Days Tanzania Safari?
An 8-day safari gives you enough time to relax and explore without rushing. It also gives you a chance to:
- Visit four to five national parks
- See the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino)
- Enjoy beautiful landscapes
- Meet local people and cultures
- Stay in comfortable lodges or tented camps
It’s one of the most balanced safari packages, giving you value for both time and money.
Tour Summary
Duration
8 Days
Vehicle Type
4WD Safari
Tour Type
Private
Languages
Any Language
Places to Visit
Tour Itinerary
Day-by-Day 8 Days Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Day 1:
Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your guide/driver will warmly welcome you and provide a short briefing about your safari. After the introduction, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha, a journey of approximately one hour. This transfer allows you to take in the beautiful Tanzanian landscapes as you begin your adventure.
Once you arrive at your lodge or hotel in Arusha, you can relax and settle in for the night. This is the perfect time to rest after your journey and prepare for the exciting safari days ahead. Enjoy a delicious meal and a comfortable stay before setting off on your wildlife adventure.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Transfer From Jro Airport
Arusha City Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Arusha City
- Room Type: STANDARD CHALET
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Travel Time
Day 2:
Arusha to Tarangire National Park to Karatu
After breakfast, you will leave Arusha and drive for about three hours to reach Tarangire National Park. This park is well known for having many elephants. Once you arrive, you will enjoy a game drive where you can see different animals in their natural home. You will also have a picnic lunch inside the park. The park has big open land, many baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which brings many animals to drink water, especially in the dry season.
During the game drive, you may see animals like zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, and many types of antelopes. Lions can also be seen here, and sometimes they rest on tree branches. You might also see hyenas and, if lucky, a cheetah. Tarangire is a great place to enjoy nature and wildlife. After the game drive, you will continue your journey to Karatu, where you will have dinner and rest for the night.
Tarangire National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Karatu
- Room Type: STANDARD
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Tarangire Game Drive
Wildlife Experience
In Tarangire, you will see many animals like elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions, and more. The park is full of wildlife, and you may also see tree-climbing lions and many birds. It’s a great place to enjoy nature and watch animals up close.
Looking for a 8 Days Tanzania Safari — Full Itinerary, Costs & Travel Tips for your dates?
Receive a free Tanzania safari quote straight to your email within 6 hours! Customize your preferences, and we’ll craft a unique experience just for you. Prices vary based on group size and accommodation choice.
CONTINUE TO SERONERA - SERENGETI CENTRAL
Day 3:
Karatu to Serengeti Central for Game Drive
After breakfast, you will leave Karatu and begin a beautiful drive to the famous Serengeti National Park. The drive takes about four hours, and along the way, you will see amazing landscapes and local villages. Once you arrive, you will start your exciting game drive in the central part of the Serengeti, a place full of wild animals and beautiful views.
Serengeti is known all over the world for its large number of animals. If you are lucky, you might see the great wildebeest migration, where millions of animals move across the land. You will also have a chance to see the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and many more. The open plains, rocky hills, and rivers make the Serengeti a perfect place for a true safari adventure.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Serengeti Central Game Drive
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Seronera - Serengeti Central
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
Wildlife Experience
Enjoy a third-day wildlife safari that includes a 4×4 game drive to see diverse African wildlife, including the Big Five
Travel Time
The estimated travel time from Karatu to Central Serengeti is about 4 to 5 hours, depending on road conditions and any wildlife sightings along the way. The journey takes you through the beautiful Ngorongoro Conservation Area before reaching the wide-open plains of Serengeti National Park.
CONTINUE TO KOGATENDE - NORTHERN SERENGETI
Day 4:
Serengeti Central to North Kogatende
After breakfast, you will begin your journey from Central Serengeti to the northern part of the park, known as Kogatende. This area is famous for the great wildebeest migration, especially during the dry season when thousands of animals cross the Mara River. The drive itself is like a game drive, giving you more chances to see wildlife and enjoy the changing landscapes along the way.
As you travel, you’ll pass through beautiful areas like the Togoro plains and the Mbuzi Mawe kopjes—small rocky hills where animals often rest. You’ll move through woodlands, open grasslands, and rolling hills, all filled with wildlife. You might see small animals like dik-diks, as well as bigger ones like giraffes, elephants, and even predators like lions or leopards. It’s a full day of adventure in the wild Serengeti.
Kogatende Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Northern Serengeti - Kogatende
- Room Type: Safari Tent
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Serengeti Central To North Game Drive
Wildlife Experience
Enjoy a 4-day wildlife safari that includes a 4×4 game drive to see diverse African wildlife, including the Big Five
Day 5:
Full Day Serengeti North Kogatende Wildebeest Migration Experience
After breakfast, you will head out for a full-day game drive in the northern part of Serengeti, known as Kogatende. This area is one of the best places to see the great wildebeest migration, especially when the herds are crossing the Mara River. You will spend the day following the movement of thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and other animals as they search for fresh grass and water.
The wildebeest migration is one of the most amazing sights in nature. Watching the large groups gather, move, and sometimes face the danger of crossing rivers full of crocodiles is something you will never forget. Along the way, you may also see lions, cheetahs, elephants, and many other animals. It’s a full day of adventure, excitement, and unforgettable views in the heart of the wild
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Kogatende - Northern Serengeti National Park
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Full Day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Game Drive - River Crossing
Wildlife Experience
Day 6:
Serengeti North (Kogatende) to Central Serengeti (Seronera)
After breakfast, you will begin your journey from the northern part of Serengeti back to the central region, known as Seronera. This area is rich with wildlife and offers great chances to spot the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. As you drive, you’ll enjoy a game drive along the way, passing through beautiful areas like Lobo and woodlands before entering the wide open grasslands of central Serengeti.
The central Serengeti is well known for its large number of animals, especially lion prides that live in this area all year round. During the drive, you may see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and many types of antelope. You will have a picnic lunch during the journey and enjoy wildlife sightings along the way. After a long day of adventure, you will arrive at your camp or lodge in Seronera for dinner and a restful night.
Serengeti National Park Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Seronera - Serengeti Central
- Room Type: Standard
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Game Drive From North Serengeti To Central Serengeti
Wildlife Experience
The wildlife experience from North Serengeti to Central Serengeti is full of excitement. Along the way, you may see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and many types of antelopes. As you get closer to Seronera, the chances of seeing big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs are very high. The central area is also home to many hyenas, buffalos, and sometimes even rhinos. This route offers a great chance to see a wide variety of animals in different landscapes, from hills and woodlands to open grassy plains.
Day 7:
Serengeti Central to Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
After breakfast, you will drive for about three hours to reach the Ngorongoro Crater, a place famous for its incredible wildlife, including the Big Five. Once you arrive, you will descend into the crater for a game drive, where you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and see a variety of animals in their natural environment. The crater is home to lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and many more species.
During the drive, you will stop for a picnic lunch at the famous hippo pool, where you can relax and watch the hippos in the water. After lunch, you will continue your exploration of this amazing place, taking in the stunning views and the diverse wildlife that makes the Ngorongoro Crater a unique and unforgettable experience.
Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive Photos
OVERNIGHT & MEAL PLAN
- Location: Karatu
- Room Type: STANDARD
- Meal Plan: FB – Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
- It's Reviews: TripAdvisor Reviews
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Game Drive In Ngorongoro Crater
- Serengeti Central Game Drive
Day 8:
Karatu to Kilimanjaro International Airport – Flight Back Home
Karatu to Kilimanjaro International Airport for Flight back home
Upon completion of your exciting adventure and depending on your flight schedule (Late Evening Flight), you will be picked up from your Karatu accommodation and transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your late evening flight, where you will depart for home with unforgettable memories and captivating photos.
DAY ACTIVITIES
- Transfer To Jro Airport
Karatu to Kilimanjaro International Airport Photos
Cost of an 8 Days Tanzania Safari
The price of an 8-day safari in Tanzania can vary based on group size, travel season, and lodge choice. Here’s a general guide:
| Safari Type | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| Budget Safari | $1,900 – $2,300 |
| Mid-Range Safari | $2,500 – $3,200 |
| Luxury Safari | $4,000 – $6,000+ |
Looking for a 8 Days Tanzania Safari — Full Itinerary, Costs & Travel Tips for your dates?
Receive a free Tanzania safari quote straight to your email within 6 hours! Customize your preferences, and we’ll craft a unique experience just for you. Prices vary based on group size and accommodation choice.
🕒 Best Time to Go on an 8 Days Tanzania Safari
You can enjoy this safari all year round, but here’s the best time to go based on your route:
🌞 June to October – Best for Wildlife
- Dry season with sunny days and clear skies.
- Easy to spot animals as they gather around water.
- Best time to see the Wildebeest Migration in Kogatende (July–September).
- Tarangire is full of elephants and big herds.
✅ Top pick for game drives, river crossings, and big cats.
🌿 November to March – Green and Beautiful
Short rains begin, but the parks are lush and green.
Fewer tourists and great for photos.
Still great for wildlife in Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
✅ Best for birdwatchers, photographers, and peaceful safaris.
🌧️ April to May – Rainy but Quiet
Some rain, but also the lowest prices.
Fewer crowds, very green scenery.
Some areas may be muddy, but still doable with good planning.
✅ Great if you want a quiet safari and don’t mind a little rain.
🎯 Our Tip:
For the best overall experience, go between July and September—perfect for seeing the big five and the migration.
👉 Plan your perfect 8 Days Tanzania Safari with Seko Tours Adventures—we’ll take you at the best time for the best sights!
We've got you covered
Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
Includes
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
Excludes
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
How to plan your Tanzania safari
Connect
Call us or enquire online. Share your wish list and we’ll start planning your adventure.
Customise
Your dedicated travel expert will be in touch within 12hrs to start designing your bespoke African itinerary.
Confirm
We won’t stop refining your plans until we get the perfect trip at the best price.
Travel
Receive your Seko Tours documents, pack your bags and set off on your trip of a lifetime.
Popular questions about Tanzania Safari 8 Days Tanzania Safari — Full Itinerary, Costs & Travel Tips
The Wildebeest Migration is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move between the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Maasai Mara (Kenya) in search of fresh grazing. The Mara River crossing is the most dramatic and thrilling part of the journey.
The best time is July to October when the herds gather at the riverbanks, preparing to cross into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This is the peak migration season and offers the best chances to see dramatic river crossings.
This safari takes you through Serengeti National Park (Central & Northern Serengeti), Maasai Mara Game Reserve, and other key migration areas like Kogatende and Togoro Plains.
Game drives typically last between 4 to 8 hours daily, depending on wildlife movement and your preference. Some days will include full-day game drives with picnic lunches.
You will travel in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, providing excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. These vehicles are built for comfort and off-road driving.
Besides wildebeest, you will see zebras, gazelles, elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, hyenas, and many bird species. The river crossings also attract powerful predators like crocodiles and big cats.
Safari guides ensure you get as close as possible while maintaining a safe and ethical distance. Expect to be within a few meters of lions, elephants, and even massive herds of wildebeest.
While sightings are never guaranteed, spending multiple days in the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) and Maasai Mara increases your chances of witnessing a river crossing.
Yes, a hot air balloon safari is available for an extra cost. It’s an amazing way to see the Serengeti at sunrise.
This tour includes multiple private game drives, allowing you to explore different areas of Serengeti.
Some lodges provide Wi-Fi, but the connection may be slow due to the remote location.
We will monitor your flight and adjust your transfer and game drive schedule accordingly.
Domestic flights usually allow soft-sided bags with a 15kg (33 lbs) weight limit. Hard suitcases may not be accepted.
Yes, Serengeti is safe. You will always be accompanied by an experienced guide and follow strict safety protocols.
Yes, you can add a hot air balloon safari for an extra cost of around $600 per person.
Bring light clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, a camera, and binoculars.
If your question is not listed, please contact us from here.
