8-Days Tanzania family Safari Itinerary

Embark on an 8-Day Tanzania Family Safari exploring Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. This itinerary offers thrilling game drives, close encounters with the Big Five, and stunning landscapes. Start in Tarangire with its iconic elephants, journey through the Serengeti’s endless plains, and descend into the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater. Perfectly crafted for families, this safari combines adventure, education, and relaxation in some of Tanzania’s most iconic destinations.

Absolutely! Get ready for an amazing 8-day Tanzanian family safari, perfectly paced to create unforgettable memories for everyone as you explore the wonders of Tarangire, the vast Serengeti, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater! Let’s weave a narrative that brings this fantastic family adventure to life.

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

The warm Tanzanian air, carrying the gentle scent of the African bush, welcomes your family as you step off the plane at Kilimanjaro International Airport. The majestic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro, often peeking through the clouds, stands as a silent, awe-inspiring greeting to your adventure. Your friendly and patient guide, experienced in working with families, will be waiting to greet you with a warm “Karibu!” After a smooth transfer, you’ll arrive at your comfortable family-friendly lodge nestled in the welcoming town of Arusha. Settle in, relax after your journey, and let the sounds of the African evening gently lull you to sleep, filled with excitement for the safari that awaits.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – First Encounters with African Giants

As the Tanzanian sun bathes the landscape in a golden glow, your family adventure truly begins as you journey south towards Tarangire National Park. The drive itself offers glimpses of local life and the changing landscapes. Upon entering Tarangire, prepare for your first thrilling wildlife encounters! This park is renowned for its impressive elephant population. And you’ll likely witness large herds – families of all sizes, with playful youngsters and protective matriarchs, their powerful trunks reaching for leaves and digging in the earth. 

The iconic baobab trees, standing like ancient, upside-down giants, will capture everyone’s imagination. Keep an eye out for giraffes gracefully reaching for the highest branches. Colorful birds flitting through the trees, and perhaps even a family of baboons curiously watching your vehicle. As the day unfolds with exciting sightings, you’ll eventually make your way to the comfortable Lodge, nestled in the highlands near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where a delicious dinner and a restful night await. The lodge’s welcoming atmosphere will make everyone feel right at home. Dinner and overnight at the chosen accommodations. 

Day 3: Karatu to Serengeti National Park – Journey to the Endless Plains

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on an exciting journey towards the legendary Serengeti National Park. The drive is an adventure in itself, as the terrain gradually opens up into the vast, seemingly endless plains that define the Serengeti. The sheer scale of this iconic ecosystem will be awe-inspiring for the whole family. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife even during the drive! As you venture deeper into the Serengeti, the anticipation of spotting its famous awe-inspiring wildlife and breathtaking scenery grows.

Your first game drive in the Serengeti will be an immersive experience, offering opportunities to see lions, zebras, wildebeest, and a variety of other fascinating creatures roaming freely across these iconic plains. As the sun begins to set, painting the sky in breathtaking hues, you’ll arrive at your comfortable family-friendly camp or lodge within the Serengeti for dinner and overnight, where you can share your day’s amazing stories over dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the African night. Dinner and overnight at the chosen accommodations.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park Game Drive – A Day of Wildlife Wonders

Today is dedicated to a full day of exploration within the vast and captivating Serengeti National Park. With your knowledgeable guide, you’ll traverse the plains, searching for the incredible array of wildlife that calls this place home. The Serengeti is famous for its predators, and you’ll have excellent chances of spotting lions, perhaps even cubs playing!

Keep an eye out for swift cheetahs, elusive leopards, and the fascinating patterns of hyenas. The vastness of the plains and the abundance of wildlife will create unforgettable moments for the whole family. Your guide will share interesting facts about the animals and their environment, making it an educational and exciting experience for everyone. Return to your comfortable Serengeti accommodation for another evening filled with the magic of the African bush. Dinner and overnight at the chosen accommodations.

Day 5: Serengeti Family Safari – More Adventures on the Plains

Another exciting day awaits in the Serengeti! You’ll have another opportunity to explore different areas of the park, perhaps tracking a particular animal or witnessing different wildlife behaviors. The beauty of the Serengeti lies in its ever-changing landscape and the constant movement of its inhabitants. 

Your guide will tailor the day to maximize your family’s enjoyment, ensuring everyone has a chance to spot their favorite animals and learn something new. Perhaps you’ll witness a playful interaction between young animals or a dramatic chase scene. As the day draws to a close. You’ll return to your Serengeti accommodation, filled with more incredible memories to share. Dinner and overnight at the chosen accommodations.

Day 6: En Route Game Drive to Ngorongoro Crater – A Journey with Wildlife Surprises

After a final, memorable morning game drive in the Serengeti, soaking in the last glimpses of its vastness, you’ll begin your journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. However, this isn’t just a transfer; it’s an en-route game drive. Offering more opportunities for wildlife sightings as you traverse the scenic landscapes. Your guide will expertly navigate, pointing out any animals you encounter along the way. 

As you ascend the outer slopes of the ancient volcanic caldera, the terrain will change, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Serengeti plains stretching behind you. You’ll arrive at your family-friendly accommodations perched right on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Settle in and enjoy a delicious dinner with an incredible view, the anticipation building for your descent into this natural wonder tomorrow. Dinner and overnight at the chosen accommodations.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive – Discovering a World Within

An early start will have your family descending into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive, 5- 6 hours. This vast, self-contained ecosystem is home to a remarkable concentration of wildlife. Making it an incredible place for families to witness animals in their natural habitat. Within the crater’s diverse landscapes – grasslands, swamps, forests, and a soda lake – you’ll have exceptional chances of spotting the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – in a relatively small area. 

The sheer density of wildlife and the stunning natural beauty of the crater will create lasting memories for everyone. After an exhilarating game drive. You’ll ascend back to the crater rim and begin your journey back to Arusha, filled with incredible stories and photographs to share. You’ll check back into your comfortable lodge in Arusha for your final night.

Day 8: Farewell in Tanzania – Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, perhaps pick up from the hotel and transfer back to Kilimanjaro International Airport, and fly back home.  You’ll depart Tanzania with hearts full of cherished memories, having experienced a truly unforgettable family safari together