10 Days / 9 Nights Tanzania Mid Range Safari Mafia Tours

10-Day Tanzania Safari & Mafia Island Family Holiday | Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Beach Escape

An Unforgettable 10-Day Mid Range Safari Experience in Tanzania

Safari Overview & Highlights

This 10-day Tanzania safari and beach itinerary offers a seamless journey from the vibrant town of Arusha through the iconic wildlife destinations of Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, before transitioning to the tranquil shores of Mafia Island. Designed for families and comfort-focused travelers, the itinerary combines exciting game drives, rich cultural encounters, and world-class marine experiences, including snorkeling, coral reef exploration, and seasonal whale shark sightings. With well-planned logistics, scenic routes, and carefully selected midrange lodges, this bush-to-beach adventure delivers a perfect balance of wildlife, relaxation, and authentic Tanzanian experiences.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Follow your complete day-to-day schedule, wildlife tracking routes, meal plans, and premier lodge stays for this 10-day East African expedition.

Day 1 Arrival & Scenic Transfer to Tarangire National Park

Depart Arusha and drive across the Maasai Steppe to Tarangire National Park, celebrated for its ancient baobab trees and enormous elephant populations. Enter the park and begin an afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River circuit, the permanent water source that draws wildlife from across the northern circuit.

Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge / Tarangire Safari Lodge / Maramboi Tented Camp Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner (Full Board)

Day 2 Full Day Exploring Tarangire National Park – Big Five Wildlife & Landscapes

Full day in Tarangire National Park. Witness massive congregations of elephants digging for water in sandy riverbeds, flanked by herds of oryx, wildebeests, zebras, and impalas. Keep your eyes trained on the branches of grand acacia trees for Tarangire's famous tree-climbing lions and leopards. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch overlooking the river valley.

Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge / Tarangire Safari Lodge / Maramboi Tented Camp Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Full Board)

Day 3 In-Depth Safari Exploration in Tarangire National Park

Explore the remote Silale Swamps in southern Tarangire, a vital wetland feeding hundreds of bird species, African wild dogs, pythons, and giant bull elephants. Savor a peaceful sundowner as dusk paints the baobab silhouettes against the fiery orange sky.

Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge / Tarangire Safari Lodge / Maramboi Tented Camp Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Full Board)

Day 4 Transit Game Drive to Serengeti National Park

After a hearty breakfast at your lodge, depart for Serengeti National Park. Drive through the scenic highlands and enter the boundless golden plains of Serengeti National Park, "the place where the land moves on forever." Enjoy game viewing en route through the central Seronera Valley, home to large lion prides, cheetahs on the prowl, and sweeping herds of grazers. Arrive at your safari camp for sunset dinner around the campfire.

Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge / Serengeti Sound of Silence Camp / Ang'ata Serengeti Camp Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Full Board)

Day 5 Full Day Exploring Serengeti National Park – Big Five Wildlife & Landscapes

Dedicate a full day to tracking the legendary wildlife of the Serengeti. Following the seasonal movements of the Great Wildebeest Migration or central predator territories, navigate through diverse ecosystems including riverine woodlands, open savannahs, and towering granite kopjes. Enjoy an open-air picnic lunch in the wild surrounded by untamed African wilderness.

Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge / Serengeti Sound of Silence Camp / Ang'ata Serengeti Camp Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Full Board)

Day 6 In-Depth Safari Exploration in Serengeti National Park

Explore the northern or southern corridors of the Serengeti depending on the seasonal migration movements. Marvel at dramatic predator-prey dynamics, spot hyena dens, towers of giraffes browsing on whistling acacias, and vibrant raptors. Savor sundowners overlooking the endless horizon.

Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge / Serengeti Sound of Silence Camp / Ang'ata Serengeti Camp Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Full Board)

Day 7 Transit Game Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater

After a hearty breakfast at your lodge, depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater. Ascend the slopes of the ancient Ngorongoro volcanic massif into the mist-shrouded highlands. Take in panoramic vistas from the crater rim overlook, gazing 600 meters down onto the caldera floor below. Settle into your lodge perched on the rim or in the nearby Karatu coffee estates, preparing for tomorrow's descent.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House / Marera Valley Lodge / Country Lodge Karatu Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Full Board)

Day 8 Full Day Exploring Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater – Big Five Wildlife & Landscapes

Descend 600 meters down steep forested crater walls into the world's largest unbroken volcanic caldera. The crater floor is an enclosed wildlife paradise sheltering over 25,000 large mammals. Spend the day tracking the critically endangered black rhino, dense prides of black-maned lions, giant old-tusker elephants, and spotted hyenas. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the hippo pool at Ngoitoktok Springs.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House / Marera Valley Lodge / Country Lodge Karatu Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Full Board)

Day 9 Flight / Transfer to Zanzibar Island & Tropical Beaches – Tropical Coastline

Board your flight or transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. Your private driver greets you and transfers you to your beachfront resort on the north coast (Nungwi / Kendwa) or historic Stone Town. Settle in, dip your toes in the warm turquoise Indian Ocean, and enjoy a tropical sunset seafood dinner overlooking the calm waves.

Accommodation: Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort / Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Full Board)

Day 10 Morning Beach Leisure & Departure Transfer (Zanzibar Island & Tropical Beaches)

Enjoy a leisurely tropical breakfast overlooking the azure ocean waves. Spend your final morning strolling the beach or shopping for handcrafts before your driver transfers you to Zanzibar Airport for your departure flight.

Accommodation: Drop-off at Airport or City Hotel Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch En Route

What's Included & Excluded

Included in Package

Exclusive transport in a 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and high-clearance suspension
Services of a professional, licensed English-speaking safari guide & driver
All national park conservation fees, concession fees, and government entry permits
Full-board accommodation at selected safari lodges and luxury tented camps as per itinerary
Daily game drives with unlimited mileage within statutory park hours
Unlimited chilled bottled mineral drinking water in the safari vehicle throughout the tour
AMREF Flying Doctors 24/7 Emergency Medical Evacuation Cover across East Africa
All government taxes, tourism development levies, and 18% VAT included
Complimentary airport meet-and-greet road transfers upon arrival and departure
Domestic flight / scheduled transfer to Zanzibar / coastal beach destination
Guided historical Stone Town walking tour and organic spice farm excursion

Excluded in Package

International and intercontinental airfares to and from East Africa
Tourist entry visa fees (Kenya ETA $35 / Tanzania Single Entry Visa $50-$100)
Comprehensive international travel, baggage, and medical cancellation insurance
Discretionary gratuities and tips for your safari driver-guide ($15–$25 per car per day) and lodge staff
Optional hot air balloon safari with champagne bush breakfast ($599 per person)
Optional cultural visits to Maasai or Hadzabe tribal villages ($30–$50 per person)
Premium alcoholic beverages, vintage wines, and personal laundry services at lodges
Personal expenses, telephone calls, souvenir shopping, and excess baggage fees