10 Day Tanzania Safari - Fly-In Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
Start with a flight into Northern Serengeti for the migration, then follow a classic northern Tanzania route through central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire with one guide and a flexible pace.
10 day fly-in Tanzania safari overview
This 10 day Tanzania safari begins with a scenic flight to Northern Serengeti and then follows a slow, classic circuit through central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire. The route keeps you in good wildlife areas without rushing, which suits both first time visitors and guests who have already been on safari.
You fly directly to the north to be close to the migration during the dry season, then work south by road so that you see changing landscapes as well as big game. Camps and lodges are chosen for a balance of comfort and value, and your private 4x4 with one guide stays with you from start to finish. Flying Doctor cover, use of Nikon binoculars in the vehicle and bottled water on drives are all included to round out the experience.
For an overview of how this fits against shorter or longer trips you can also refer to the dedicated Tanzania safari cost guide.
10 day Tanzania safari itinerary
Routing and lodge names can shift slightly with season and availability while maintaining the same pace and overall feel.
Day 1. Arrival at Kilimanjaro and transfer to Arusha
After you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport a Hazina Afrika visa host meets you in the arrivals area, assists with the visa procedure and helps with luggage and customs. Outside the secure zone a transfer representative welcomes you to Tanzania and begins the road transfer to Arusha, which usually takes about one hour. On arrival at Ilboru Safari Lodge you can check in, freshen up and enjoy dinner while your host runs through the next day plan and a short safety and comfort briefing.
Day 2 and 3. Fly to Northern Serengeti and follow the migration
In the morning a short transfer takes you to Arusha airport for the scheduled flight to Kogatende in Northern Serengeti. The flight normally passes the Ngorongoro highlands, southern Serengeti plains and central woodlands, so keep a camera handy. On landing your private driver guide meets you at the airstrip and your first game drive begins straight away.
Over these two days you explore the river lines, rolling hills and open plains of the north. In the dry season the Great Migration often pushes close to the Mara River, which increases the chances of seeing large herds and possibly a crossing. At the same time there are resident lions, leopards and other predators that hunt this area even when the bulk of the herds move away. You spend two nights at Ang'ata Migration Camp, which places you close to the main wildlife routes.
Day 4 and 5. Lobo and central Serengeti
From Northern Serengeti you start working south through Lobo Valley, an area where permanent water draws both resident and migratory wildlife. Game drives here often include elephants, buffalo and all three big cats. As you continue into central Serengeti the scenery changes again, with open grasslands, acacia stands and the famous kopjes that lions and leopards use as viewpoints and resting places.
These two days are spent exploring the Seronera Valley and surrounding areas with flexibility on start and finish times. You can head out before dawn for first light, return to camp for a mid-day rest or stay out for full days with picnic lunches depending on energy and interests. Two nights at Kati Kati Tented Camp place you in the heart of central Serengeti for easy access to good game viewing routes.
Day 6. Olduvai stop and Ngorongoro highlands
After a final morning drive in central Serengeti you start your journey toward the Ngorongoro highlands. On the way there is time to visit the Olduvai region and its small museum, which explains why this gorge is often called the cradle of humankind. Displays show the work of the Leakey family and the hominid and animal fossils that have been found there.
Later in the day the road climbs to the cool air of the highlands and reaches Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge on the rim of the crater. When weather is clear you look directly across the caldera and down to the floor, a dramatic view that sets the scene for the next day.
Day 7. Ngorongoro Crater day
The day begins with an early descent into Ngorongoro Crater to make the most of quiet hours before most vehicles arrive. This is one of the best places in Tanzania to look for black rhino, large buffalo herds and relaxed lions. While your guide works the main game areas you enjoy a picnic breakfast at a quiet spot as the light spreads across the floor.
Throughout the day the mix of habitats, from open plains to wetlands and small forest patches, gives a wide variety of sightings in a relatively small space. In the afternoon you leave the crater and head to the town of Karatu for dinner and overnight at Country Lodge.
Day 8. Lake Manyara and onward to Tarangire area
After breakfast at Country Lodge you drive to Lake Manyara National Park, which lies at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. The first part of the park is a lush groundwater forest, very different from the open plains of Serengeti and the crater. Birdlife is strong, with plenty of forest species near the road, and you often see elephants, primates and other general game as you move toward the lakeshore.
Manyara is sometimes mentioned for tree climbing lions although the dense forest makes sightings less predictable. Rather than focus only on that possibility, this day is usually treated as a change of scenery, an easy drive and a good chance to enjoy the forest, lake views and birdlife. In the afternoon you continue to Osupuko Tarangire Lodge, located just outside the Tarangire gate, for dinner and overnight.
Day 9. Full day in Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is known for its elephant herds and for the sculpted shapes of its baobab trees. In the dry season the river is one of the only remaining water sources in the wider ecosystem, so wildlife gathers along its course. Full day game drives give you time to work the river lines, small valleys and open clearings at an unhurried pace.
Herds of several hundred elephants are possible in the height of the dry months, and there is also a good mix of plains game and predators. Breaks can be taken at picnic sites with views over the river before you return to Osupuko Tarangire Lodge for a second night.
Day 10. Final Tarangire drive and return to Arusha
There is time for a last game drive in Tarangire this morning, either as a short loop close to the gate or a longer circuit if flight times allow. Later in the day you leave the park and travel back toward Arusha. A day room or full overnight in town can be arranged if your onward flight is late.
When it is time to leave, your driver guide continues with you to Kilimanjaro International Airport and assists with timing and drop off for check in. This closes the 10 day northern Tanzania circuit.
Route and flight plan
This itinerary combines one internal flight with a well balanced road circuit. The idea is to gain time by flying directly to Northern Serengeti at the beginning and then enjoy changing landscapes as you drive back through the rest of the parks.
Arusha to Northern Serengeti by air
A scheduled light aircraft flight carries you from Arusha to Kogatende. Flight time and routing vary by season but often include views of Ngorongoro, southern plains and central Serengeti. Luggage limits on these flights usually sit around 15 kilograms per person in soft bags.
Road link across the classic circuit
From Northern Serengeti the journey continues by road to central Serengeti, then onward to Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Tarangire. Distances are managed so that you are not on the road all day, and most moves are combined with game viewing around the parks you pass through.
Typical price for this 10 day Tanzania safari
Prices are per person in USD for two adults sharing. Final quotes depend on the exact season, lodge selection and any route changes you request.
- Prices include one internal flight to Northern Serengeti, private 4x4, professional driver guide, park and conservation fees, full board at listed lodges and drinking water in the vehicle.
- They exclude international flights, some drinks, visas, travel insurance and tips, which stay at your discretion.
For wider context on how different lengths and comfort levels compare you can also review the Tanzania safari cost guide.
Best time for this 10 day fly-in safari
The northern circuit works all year, although the feeling shifts with the seasons. Your dates help decide how much emphasis to place on the Mara River, central Serengeti cats, or the elephant and baobab scenes in Tarangire.
June to October
Dry months with good chances for migration activity in Northern Serengeti and strong elephant viewing in Tarangire. Clear air and cool mornings suit guests who like early starts and full days out.
November
Short rains bring fresh grass and softer light. Some herds begin to move away from the far north, and there are often fewer vehicles on the roads compared to peak season.
December to March
Herds tend to gather on the southern plains rather than the far north, but the circuit still works well for general wildlife, predators and varied landscapes. The same structure can be adapted slightly to lean more toward the Serengeti calving region if you prefer.
April and May
These months are greener and quieter. Roads can be muddy in places yet photography often benefits from soft light, cloud build up and fresh vegetation. Good for guests who prefer fewer vehicles around.
What is included and not included
Included
- Internal flight from Arusha to Northern Serengeti on day 2, subject to schedule.
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop top roof and fridge for drinks for the full road circuit.
- Professional driver guide from arrival in the Serengeti to the final airport drop.
- Park, conservation and concession fees for all national parks and areas on the route.
- Accommodation on a full board basis at Ilboru Safari Lodge, Ang'ata Migration Camp, Kati Kati Tented Camp, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, Country Lodge Karatu and Osupuko Tarangire Lodge or similar alternatives in the same category.
- Airport transfers at the start and end of your trip.
- Flying Doctor emergency evacuation cover while on safari and drinking water in the vehicle during all game drives.
Not included
- International flights to and from Tanzania.
- Visa fees for entry to Tanzania if applicable.
- Travel insurance, some lodge drinks, laundry and personal expenses.
- Optional extras such as balloon safaris, additional village visits or special experiences not listed in your confirmed program.
- Tips for your guide, lodge staff and other service providers.
Scenes from recent 10 day safaris
Images from recent trips on similar itineraries give a simple picture of what this style of safari can feel like in practice.
Shorter Tanzania safari options
If ten days feels too long, you can still see key highlights of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro on a shorter program.
4 Day Fly-In Safari from Zanzibar
Beach to Serengeti return with a focus on big cats and resident wildlife.
View 4 day fly-in
5 Day Tanzania Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire
Condensed version of the classic circuit that still includes the crater and two parks.
View 5 day safari
7 Day Tanzania Migration Safari
Ndutu plains and Serengeti focus with a strong migration and calving angle.
View 7 day migrationFrequently asked questions about this 10 day Tanzania safari
Is this 10 day safari only for the dry season
It is shaped with the dry season and migration in Northern Serengeti in mind, but the route can also be adapted for other months. Outside July to October we may suggest slightly different lodge locations so that you stay close to the best wildlife at that time.
Can I start or finish in Zanzibar instead of Arusha
Yes. It is possible to add nights on Zanzibar either before or after the safari. We simply adjust domestic flights and transfers so that the timing is smooth.
Is this 10 day itinerary suitable for families
Many families enjoy this style of trip. Drive times, picnic stops and lodge choices can be tuned for younger travelers and we can sometimes include larger family rooms where available.
Can I swap Lake Manyara for an extra day in Serengeti
That change is possible. Some guests prefer to spend more time in the Serengeti rather than visit Lake Manyara, especially if their main focus is big cats or photography. In that case we rework the drive days and lodge selection accordingly.
How far in advance should I book a 10 day fly-in safari
For peak months such as July to October it is wise to book several months ahead so that flights to Northern Serengeti and the best located camps can be secured. Outside those dates there is usually more flexibility, although early planning still helps.
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