12-Day Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Hadza Tribe Cultural Experience

Safari Overview

12-day journey through the heart of Tanzania, a land celebrated for its iconic wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. This expertly curated safari allows you to explore the most enthralling destinations of northern Tanzania, including the majestic plains of Serengeti National Park, the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, the alkaline waters of Lake Natron, and the pristine wilderness of Tarangire.

Beyond the wildlife, this tour provides a rare opportunity to engage with one of Tanzania’s most fascinating indigenous communities—the Hadzabe Bushmen of Lake Eyasi. With a blend of game drives, nature walks, cultural immersions, crater explorations, and village tours, this itinerary promises a deeply enriching and unforgettable African safari experience.

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Tour Highlights

Lake Natron: Discover a surreal landscape dotted with flamingos and alkaline shores, including a hike to Ngare Sero Waterfalls.

Serengeti National Park: Explore the northern and central sections of the Serengeti, renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration and dense predator populations.

Ndutu Region: Witness seasonal wildlife spectacles in the southern Serengeti plains, a prime area for calving and predator-prey encounters.

Ngorongoro Crater: Descend into the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera for exceptional Big Five sightings and photogenic scenery.

Lake Eyasi & Hadzabe Bushmen: Meet and interact with the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers—one of the last true nomadic tribes of East Africa.

Tarangire National Park: Traverse this iconic park known for its ancient baobab trees and high elephant densities.

Cultural Immersion: Take part in village tours around Mto wa Mbu, sample local cuisines, and explore traditional Tanzanian marketplaces.

Your Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha & City Tour

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be warmly received by your professional driver-guide who will brief you on the adventure ahead. You’ll then be transferred to your lodge in Arusha. After check-in and a brief rest, embark on a light city tour where you'll visit the Arusha Museum for a deeper understanding of Tanzania’s cultural and historical tapestry. Cap off the experience with a stop at a local craft market to shop for authentic souvenirs before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Scenic Drive to Lake Natron & Waterfall Hike

After an early breakfast, depart Arusha for Lake Natron, a remote and ethereal destination known for its crimson-hued waters and resident flamingos. Upon arrival, take a scenic drive along the lake's shoreline to enjoy the spectacular views and unique birdlife. After lunch at your lodge, hike to the stunning Ngare Sero Waterfalls, nestled in a rocky gorge. The hike offers rewarding vistas and opportunities to spot exotic bird species like African darters and hornbills. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Natron
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Nature Walk at Lake Natron

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting out on a guided nature walk around Lake Natron. Your guide will interpret the fragile ecosystem and introduce you to the flora and fauna that survive in this harsh yet beautiful landscape. The remainder of the day is at leisure to soak in the peaceful environment, photograph the vivid landscapes, or relax at your lodge.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Natron
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Journey to Northeast Serengeti & Wildebeest Migration

After breakfast, embark on an overland transfer to the northeastern reaches of Serengeti National Park. As you arrive, immerse yourself in the sweeping savannah landscapes during a game drive en route to your lodge. In the afternoon, witness one of nature’s grandest spectacles—the wildebeest migration. Thousands of wildebeests accompanied by zebras, gazelles, and predators move across the plains in search of fresh grazing. Your guide will help position you for the best photographic opportunities before returning to the lodge.

Accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 5 & 6: Full-Day Game Drives in Central Serengeti

Spend two full days exploring the central Serengeti, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife habitats. With packed breakfasts or early morning meals at the lodge, head out for extended game drives to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, and countless bird species. Your guide will help track wildlife based on animal movement, ensuring prime viewing opportunities. Return to your lodge in the evening for a relaxing sundowner and hearty dinner.

Accommodation: Into Wild Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Ndutu Region (Southern Serengeti)

After breakfast, journey southwards to the Ndutu area in the southern Serengeti ecosystem. Renowned for its calving season and excellent predator sightings, the area offers rich photographic opportunities. Enjoy an afternoon game drive where you’ll encounter large herds of wildebeests and zebras, as well as the Big Five in their natural habitat. Settle into your lodge and enjoy a peaceful evening.

Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Visit Olduvai Gorge & Explore Ngorongoro Crater

Depart Ndutu after an early breakfast and drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, stop at Olduvai Gorge—a world-famous paleoanthropological site where early human fossils were discovered. Continue to the crater and descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for an awe-inspiring wildlife drive. Marvel at the rich biodiversity, including rare black rhinos, lions, hippos, and flamingoes. Spend the evening at a charming lodge near the crater rim.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Cultural Encounter with Hadzabe Bushmen at Lake Eyasi

Wake up early and drive to Lake Eyasi, where you’ll meet the Hadzabe Bushmen—one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa. Spend the day learning about their traditional lifestyle, hunting techniques, and cultural rituals. Participate in storytelling sessions and observe their daily activities. It’s a deeply moving and educational experience. Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Village Tour in Mto wa Mbu & Transfer to Tarangire

After breakfast, head to the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, where over 120 tribes coexist. Engage in a guided village tour to visit bustling local markets, taste traditional Tanzanian dishes, and interact with local artisans. After lunch, proceed to Tarangire National Park. Check into your lodge and spend the evening at leisure with views over the baobab-studded landscape.

Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Explore Tarangire National Park – Home of Giants

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading into Tarangire National Park for a comprehensive game drive. The park is famed for its high concentration of elephants and massive baobab trees. Look out for lions lounging under acacias, leopards resting in trees, giraffes grazing on thorny bushes, and vibrant birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and resume your game drive before retiring to your lodge for the final dinner of your adventure.

Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Return to Arusha & Departure

After breakfast, bid farewell to the wild and begin your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha. Reflect on the extraordinary memories you’ve gathered over the past 12 days as you prepare for your departure flight back home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

What's Included?

  • All accommodations as listed in the itinerary
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (as per itinerary)
  • All park entrance fees and conservation levies
  • English-speaking professional safari guide
  • 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
  • Drinking water during safari drives
  • All scheduled activities and excursions in the itinerary
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off

What's not Included?

  • International flights and visas
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Additional excursions not mentioned
  • Alcoholic beverages (wines, spirits, beers)
  • Travel insurance
  • Items of personal nature (e.g. souvenirs, laundry)

More of Tanzania Tours

5 Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Big 5 Safari
12-Day Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Hadza Tribe Cultural Experience
17 Day Kenya & Tanzania Classic Adventure
10 Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Classic Safari

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