9 Days Tanzania Cultural Heritage Safari
From
$2,200
Tour Overview
This unique 9-day itinerary combines Tanzania’s iconic national parks with cultural and natural experiences. From Mount Meru’s forests and Materuni waterfalls, to the healing waters of Kikuletwa, the elephant herds of Tarangire, the remote Lake Eyasi tribes, the endless plains of Serengeti, and the legendary Ngorongoro Crater—you’ll encounter Tanzania in all its diversity. A perfect balance of adventure, wildlife, and community interaction.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrival – Arusha City
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your lodge. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the lodge or explore the vibrant town of Arusha with an optional local market or cultural center visit.
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge / Similar
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Arusha National Park Safari
Today, enjoy a full-day game drive in Arusha National Park, one of Tanzania’s most scenic parks featuring Mt. Meru, the Momella Lakes, and Ngurdoto Crater. Expect to see giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, and plenty of birds—plus optional canoeing or walking safari. Return to your lodge in Arusha in the evening.
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Materuni Waterfalls & Kikuletwa Hot Springs
After breakfast, drive to the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro for a guided hike to the Materuni Waterfalls, followed by a local coffee-making experience with the Chagga people. After lunch, head to the Kikuletwa Hot Springs (Chemka) for a relaxing swim in warm, turquoise waters. Return to Arusha in the evening.
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Depart Arusha after breakfast and drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for baobab trees and large elephant herds. Enjoy a full-day game drive through its diverse landscapes, rich in wildlife including lions, giraffes, zebras, and antelope. In the evening, continue to a nearby lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Tarangire – Lake Eyasi
After a short morning drive or optional early game viewing, continue on to Lake Eyasi, a remote, cultural destination. Arrive in time for a short walk or village visit in the afternoon to get oriented with the local Datoga tribe who are skilled blacksmiths and cattle herders.
Accommodation: Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Hadzabe Experience – Eyasi Cultural Immersion
Rise early for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: join the Hadzabe bushmen on a traditional morning hunt using bows and arrows. Learn about their survival skills, foraging techniques, and way of life. Later, visit a Datoga blacksmith village for insight into their metalworking and traditions. Return to the lodge to relax or explore the lakeshore at sunset.
Accommodation: Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Lake Eyasi – Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, head north through the Ngorongoro Highlands toward the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park. Enjoy a game drive en route through the southern and central Serengeti. Wildlife sightings may include lions, cheetahs, elephants, and—depending on the season—the Great Migration.
Accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Camp / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Full Day in Serengeti
Spend a full day exploring the legendary Serengeti. Choose between morning and afternoon game drives or a full-day adventure with picnic lunch. The Serengeti is rich with wildlife and dramatic landscapes—ideal for photographers and nature lovers. Optional: Hot air balloon safari at sunrise (advance booking required).
Accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Camp / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Return to Arusha
Depart early for a game drive en route to the Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into the caldera for a half-day safari on the crater floor, home to rhinos, lions, hippos, elephants, and more. After a picnic lunch, begin the drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon. Optional drop-off at the airport or hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Book Now
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking guide
- All park fees & Ngorongoro Crater descent fee
- Guided experiences in Materuni, Kikuletwa, and Lake Eyasi
- 8 nights’ accommodation in lodges and camps
- All meals as specified
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Cultural tours: Hadzabe hunt, Datoga blacksmith, coffee tour
- Government taxes
Exclusions
- International & domestic flights
- Tanzanian visa fees
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities (hot air balloon, canoeing, cultural add-ons)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and souvenirs