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8-Day Tanzania Melia Lodges Fly-in Experience & Big Five Safari
Tanzania Safari

8-Day Tanzania Melia Lodges Fly-in Experience & Big Five Safari

Safari price
From $10,590
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Safari Escort journey

Trip Overview

The 8-Day Tanzania Melia Lodges Fly-in Experience & Big Five Safari begins in Arusha and finishes in Zanzibar. Its route includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Mount Meru, and Zanzibar, following the destination order and transfers set out in the day-by-day itinerary.

The journey is shaped around a sunrise balloon safari and scheduled domestic flights, linked by the premium lodges, camps or flights named in the itinerary.

Every safari day brings a different perspective on Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife. Explore the route below to see how activities, journeys between destinations and overnight stays fit together. Our local team can help you consider seasonal wildlife movements, the time available and accommodation preferences before you make a decision.

Where every day follows the rhythm of the journey
Wildebeest moving across the plains of Serengeti National ParkSerengeti
Zebra and wildlife habitat inside Ngorongoro CraterNgorongoro Crater
Flamingos and lakeshore scenery in Lake Manyara National ParkLake Manyara
Cheetah in the grasslands of the Serengeti ecosystemSerengeti Wildlife
Moments along the route
Safari Highlights

Your Journey Highlights

  • Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to the WildContinue along the mountain route at a measured pace, moving through changing terrain and preparing carefully for the next stage.
  • Flight to Serengeti – Into the Heart of the WildTravel across the Serengeti with time for game viewing, adapting the day’s route to current wildlife activity and seasonal conditions.
  • Full-Day Safari – Explore the Central SerengetiTravel across the Serengeti with time for game viewing, adapting the day’s route to current wildlife activity and seasonal conditions.
  • Sunrise Balloon Safari & Wildlife DriveSee the landscape from above on the scheduled balloon experience, then continue the day with the route and activities described in the itinerary.
  • Scenic Drive to Ngorongoro – Highland AdventureDescend into the Ngorongoro Crater for guided wildlife viewing across grassland, woodland and wetland habitats.
  • Crater Safari – Explore a Natural WonderDescend into the Ngorongoro Crater for guided wildlife viewing across grassland, woodland and wetland habitats.

Your Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to the Wild

  • Activity: Arrival & Transfer
  • Meals Included: Dinner

Meet your Safari Escort representative at the confirmed arrival point and transfer to Gran Meliá Arusha. After check-in, keep the remainder of the day open to rest, dine and adjust to the local time before the fly-in safari begins. Your team will reconfirm the onward flight, luggage requirements and next pickup so you can prepare without rushing. This calm first evening provides a practical start to the northern wildlife journey.

Accommodation

Gran Meliá Arusha

Gran Meliá Arusha is a full-service hotel set in landscaped grounds in Arusha with Mount Meru forming part of the wider setting. Contemporary rooms and suites provide a polished arrival or departure base before journeys into northern Tanzania. The property offers several dining spaces, gardens and wellness facilities, allowing time to rest without adding another transfer into the itinerary. Its Arusha location works especially well around flights, safari briefings and connections to Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

LocationArushaStay styleOvernight accommodation
Day 02

Flight to Serengeti – Into the Heart of the Wild

  • Activity: Fly-in Safari & Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for your scheduled flight to Serengeti National Park. In the afternoon, head out for a wildlife-filled game drive in the central Serengeti. Your guide will shape the route around current wildlife activity, road conditions and the best available viewing areas. Stops are unhurried, allowing time to observe animal behaviour, photograph the landscape and understand how the park’s habitats connect. Rather than chasing a checklist, the day follows the rhythms of the ecosystem and the guide’s local knowledge. Breaks are arranged at suitable points while keeping the experience comfortable, focused and respectful of the wildlife.

Accommodation

Meliá Serengeti Lodge

Meliá Serengeti Lodge is a full-service safari lodge inside Serengeti National Park, designed around views of the surrounding plains. Its rooms, terraces and common spaces provide hotel-style comfort while keeping guests within the protected landscape. On-site dining and leisure facilities support longer stays between private or scheduled game drives. The lodge works well for fly-in and road itineraries that want a consistent central Serengeti base with a broader range of services than a small mobile camp.

LocationSerengetiStay styleSafari lodge
Day 03

Full-Day Safari – Explore the Central Serengeti

  • Activity: Fly-in Safari & Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is dedicated to discovering the wonders of the Serengeti. With your experienced guide, you’ll explore different areas of the park, tracking lions, elephants, giraffes, and if lucky, cheetahs or leopards. Relax in the afternoon before an evening sundowner on the deck. Your guide will shape the route around current wildlife activity, road conditions and the best available viewing areas. Stops are unhurried, allowing time to observe animal behaviour, photograph the landscape and understand how the park’s habitats connect. Rather than chasing a checklist, the day follows the rhythms of the ecosystem and the guide’s local knowledge. Breaks are arranged at suitable points while keeping the experience comfortable, focused and respectful of the wildlife.

Accommodation

Meliá Serengeti Lodge

Meliá Serengeti Lodge is a full-service safari lodge inside Serengeti National Park, designed around views of the surrounding plains. Its rooms, terraces and common spaces provide hotel-style comfort while keeping guests within the protected landscape. On-site dining and leisure facilities support longer stays between private or scheduled game drives. The lodge works well for fly-in and road itineraries that want a consistent central Serengeti base with a broader range of services than a small mobile camp.

LocationSerengetiStay styleSafari lodge
Day 04

Sunrise Balloon Safari & Wildlife Drive

  • Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Fly-in Safari
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Start your day with a spectacular hot air balloon flight at sunrise—float above the Serengeti as animals stir below. After landing, enjoy a champagne bush breakfast before continuing your game drive. Your guide will shape the route around current wildlife activity, road conditions and the best available viewing areas. Stops are unhurried, allowing time to observe animal behaviour, photograph the landscape and understand how the park’s habitats connect. Rather than chasing a checklist, the day follows the rhythms of the ecosystem and the guide’s local knowledge. Breaks are arranged at suitable points while keeping the experience comfortable, focused and respectful of the wildlife.

Accommodation

Meliá Serengeti Lodge

Meliá Serengeti Lodge is a full-service safari lodge inside Serengeti National Park, designed around views of the surrounding plains. Its rooms, terraces and common spaces provide hotel-style comfort while keeping guests within the protected landscape. On-site dining and leisure facilities support longer stays between private or scheduled game drives. The lodge works well for fly-in and road itineraries that want a consistent central Serengeti base with a broader range of services than a small mobile camp.

LocationSerengetiStay styleSafari lodge
Day 05

Scenic Drive to Ngorongoro – Highland Adventure

  • Activity: Cultural Experience & Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart Serengeti for Ngorongoro via the scenic highlands. En route, enjoy game drives and a stop at Maasai villages or Olduvai Gorge (optional). Unwind and enjoy a tranquil evening surrounded by nature. Your guide will shape the route around current wildlife activity, road conditions and the best available viewing areas. Stops are unhurried, allowing time to observe animal behaviour, photograph the landscape and understand how the park’s habitats connect. Rather than chasing a checklist, the day follows the rhythms of the ecosystem and the guide’s local knowledge. Breaks are arranged at suitable points while keeping the experience comfortable, focused and respectful of the wildlife.

Accommodation

Meliá Ngorongoro Lodge

Ngorongoro Lodge, a Meliá Collection property, is positioned on the Ngorongoro Crater rim with the caldera forming the centre of the experience. Rooms and public spaces are oriented toward the highland landscape, providing a fixed lodge base close to crater access. Dining and lounge areas allow guests to remain at the rim after returning from the crater floor. The property suits high-comfort itineraries where location, views and a smooth early start into Ngorongoro are priorities.

LocationNgorongoro highlandsStay styleSafari lodge
Day 06

Crater Safari – Explore a Natural Wonder

  • Activity: Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater—home to Africa’s densest population of large animals. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a chance to see rhinos, lions, elephants, and flamingos in one of the world’s most unique wildlife environments. After a picnic lunch, ascend back to the rim for your final night in the highlands.

Accommodation

Meliá Ngorongoro Lodge

Ngorongoro Lodge, a Meliá Collection property, is positioned on the Ngorongoro Crater rim with the caldera forming the centre of the experience. Rooms and public spaces are oriented toward the highland landscape, providing a fixed lodge base close to crater access. Dining and lounge areas allow guests to remain at the rim after returning from the crater floor. The property suits high-comfort itineraries where location, views and a smooth early start into Ngorongoro are priorities.

LocationNgorongoro highlandsStay styleSafari lodge
Day 07

Lake Manyara & Flight to Arusha – Scenic Exit

  • Activity: Fly-in Safari & Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing transfer through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Manyara airstrip. Optional short game drive along the way, depending on your timing. Your guide will shape the route around current wildlife activity, road conditions and the best available viewing areas. Stops are unhurried, allowing time to observe animal behaviour, photograph the landscape and understand how the park’s habitats connect. Rather than chasing a checklist, the day follows the rhythms of the ecosystem and the guide’s local knowledge. Breaks are arranged at suitable points while keeping the experience comfortable, focused and respectful of the wildlife.

Accommodation

Gran Meliá Arusha

Gran Meliá Arusha is a full-service hotel set in landscaped grounds in Arusha with Mount Meru forming part of the wider setting. Contemporary rooms and suites provide a polished arrival or departure base before journeys into northern Tanzania. The property offers several dining spaces, gardens and wellness facilities, allowing time to rest without adding another transfer into the itinerary. Its Arusha location works especially well around flights, safari briefings and connections to Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

LocationArushaStay styleOvernight accommodation
Day 08

Departure – Farewell Tanzania

  • Activity: Departure & Island Experience
  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, we’ll arrange your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international flight. If you’d like to extend your journey, we can assist in arranging a luxurious beach retreat in Zanzibar or another destination of your choice. The day is paced around your confirmed onward schedule, leaving enough time for final preparations and the planned transfer. Your guide will reconfirm the departure point, expected travel time and check-in requirements before setting out. Keep essential documents and valuables accessible during the journey, while the team assists with luggage and routing. The service concludes after you reach the agreed airport, ferry terminal or city drop-off for the next stage of your travels.

Plan your safari
Your Safari Package

Included & Excluded

Included

Included in the published itinerary

  • All Park and Conservation Fees
  • All internal flights (Arusha–Serengeti, Lake Manyara–Arusha)
  • Private game drives with a professional safari guide
  • 3 nights at Meliá Serengeti Lodge
  • 2 nights at Meliá Ngorongoro Lodge
  • 2 nights at Gran Meliá Arusha
  • All meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Alcoholic and soft beverages during lodge stays
  • Hot air balloon safari with champagne breakfast
  • All airport, airstrip, and lodge transfers
  • Bottled drinking water throughout
  • Wi-Fi at accommodations
Not included

Additional costs

  • International flights to/from Tanzania
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Spa treatments and optional activities not listed
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Personal expenses
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Before you go

Safari Questions,
Simply Answered

Ask our safari team

8 days / 7 nights. The day-by-day itinerary shows where each overnight falls. Check arrival and departure flight times before arranging onward travel, and ask us if you would prefer a slower pace or an extra night.

From $10,590 per person. Ask for a quote for your dates and group size. The final quote depends on travel dates, group size, room choice and any flights or extras. Request a written breakdown of park fees, accommodation, meals, transfers and exclusions before you book.

Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara. Use the day-by-day route above to see the order of visits. Ask for estimated road or flight times between stops for your chosen dates; that is often more useful than counting destinations alone.

Gran Meliá Arusha, Meliá Serengeti Lodge, Meliá Ngorongoro Lodge. Exact properties and room types depend on availability. Ask us to confirm each stay, its location, meal plan and any proposed alternative in writing before paying a deposit.