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9-Day The Grand Tanzania Premium Safari – Lemala Lodges Experience
Tanzania Safari

9-Day The Grand Tanzania Premium Safari – Lemala Lodges Experience

Safari price
From $14,900
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Safari Escort journey

Trip Overview

The 9-Day The Grand Tanzania Premium Safari – Lemala Lodges Experience begins in Arusha and finishes in Zanzibar. Its route includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, 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
Elephant habitat and baobab landscape in Tarangire National ParkTarangire
Cheetah in the grasslands of the Serengeti ecosystemSerengeti Wildlife
Moments along the route
Safari Highlights

Your Journey Highlights

  • Arrival in Arusha – A Soft Landing in East AfricaMeet the local team, complete the planned transfer and settle in before the active part of the journey begins.
  • Fly to Serengeti – Begin Your Safari in Legendary LandsTravel across the Serengeti with time for game viewing, adapting the day’s route to current wildlife activity and seasonal conditions.
  • Explore the Serengeti – The Land of Endless WondersTravel across the Serengeti with time for game viewing, adapting the day’s route to current wildlife activity and seasonal conditions.
  • Serengeti by Air – Balloon Safari & RelaxationSee the landscape from above on the scheduled balloon experience, then continue the day with the route and activities described in the itinerary.
  • From Serengeti to Ngorongoro – Changing Landscapes, Constant WonderDescend into the Ngorongoro Crater for guided wildlife viewing across grassland, woodland and wetland habitats.
  • Descend into Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Garden of EdenDescend into the Ngorongoro Crater for guided wildlife viewing across grassland, woodland and wetland habitats.

Your Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha – A Soft Landing in East Africa

  • Activity: Arrival & Fly-in Safari
  • Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

Meet your Safari Escort representative at the confirmed arrival point and continue by private transfer to Lemala Hamerkop House in Arusha. Check in and enjoy the residence and gardens at your own pace after the journey. Your guide will confirm the next morning’s departure, the first park visit and any practical details for the lodge-to-lodge route. The arrival evening is kept flexible so you can begin the premium safari rested.

Accommodation

Lemala Hamerkop House

Lemala Hamerkop House is a private-style Arusha property designed as a calm beginning or end to a northern Tanzania safari. The house setting offers a more intimate alternative to a large city hotel, with shared lounge, dining and garden spaces arranged for resident guests. Meals and hosting are managed on site, allowing travellers to settle in without another city transfer. Its Arusha position supports airport connections and the next day’s journey toward Tarangire, Ngorongoro or a domestic flight.

LocationArushaStay styleOvernight accommodation
Day 02

Fly to Serengeti – Begin Your Safari in Legendary Lands

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

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport and board your scheduled flight to the Serengeti. From the moment you descend, wildlife sightings begin—zebras, giraffes, and antelopes may greet you from the airstrip. Settle into your luxury suite with sweeping views and enjoy sundowners overlooking the plains. 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

Lemala Nanyukie Lodge

Lemala Nanyukie Lodge lies in the eastern-central Serengeti, an area of grassland, rocky kopjes and seasonal wildlife movement. Its tented suites combine canvas construction with private living space and views into the surrounding park. Dining, lounge and pool areas provide a comfortable base between drives while preserving the open Serengeti setting. The lodge is well placed for itineraries exploring the Seronera and eastern plains before moving toward Ngorongoro or another Serengeti region.

LocationSerengetiStay styleSafari lodge
Day 03

Explore the Serengeti – The Land of Endless Wonders

  • Activity: Game Drive & Transfer
  • Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

Today, dive deep into the Serengeti ecosystem with a full-day game drive. Your expert guide will help you track lions, leopards, elephants, and possibly witness a part of the Great Migration depending on the season. Stop for a gourmet picnic lunch under the shade of an acacia tree before continuing your wildlife adventure into the golden afternoon.

Accommodation

Lemala Nanyukie Lodge

Lemala Nanyukie Lodge lies in the eastern-central Serengeti, an area of grassland, rocky kopjes and seasonal wildlife movement. Its tented suites combine canvas construction with private living space and views into the surrounding park. Dining, lounge and pool areas provide a comfortable base between drives while preserving the open Serengeti setting. The lodge is well placed for itineraries exploring the Seronera and eastern plains before moving toward Ngorongoro or another Serengeti region.

LocationSerengetiStay styleSafari lodge
Day 04

Serengeti by Air – Balloon Safari & Relaxation

  • Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Wake up before dawn for a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari. As the sun rises, float silently above the Serengeti, watching herds roam and predators prowl from the air. After landing, indulge in a champagne bush breakfast. Spend your afternoon relaxing—enjoy the infinity pool, schedule a spa session, or simply watch wildlife from your private deck.

Accommodation

Lemala Nanyukie Lodge

Lemala Nanyukie Lodge lies in the eastern-central Serengeti, an area of grassland, rocky kopjes and seasonal wildlife movement. Its tented suites combine canvas construction with private living space and views into the surrounding park. Dining, lounge and pool areas provide a comfortable base between drives while preserving the open Serengeti setting. The lodge is well placed for itineraries exploring the Seronera and eastern plains before moving toward Ngorongoro or another Serengeti region.

LocationSerengetiStay styleSafari lodge
Day 05

From Serengeti to Ngorongoro – Changing Landscapes, Constant Wonder

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

Begin with a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, then set off towards the lush green highlands of Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Pass through shifting ecosystems, rural villages, and Maasai country. 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

Lemala Osonjoi Lodge

Lemala Osonjoi Lodge is located on the eastern side of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area close to Lemala Gate. That position supports earlier crater access and avoids relying solely on the busier western descent routes. Guest suites and shared dining and lounge areas provide a refined highland stay before or after the crater floor. The lodge is particularly relevant to itineraries seeking a quieter approach to Ngorongoro while continuing between the Serengeti and Karatu regions.

LocationSerengetiStay styleSafari lodge
Day 06

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Garden of Eden

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

After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions. Explore this UNESCO-listed site with chances to see the Big Five—including the elusive black rhino. Watch lions patrol the grasslands, spot flocks of flamingos along Lake Magadi, and enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pool.

Accommodation

Lemala Osonjoi Lodge

Lemala Osonjoi Lodge is located on the eastern side of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area close to Lemala Gate. That position supports earlier crater access and avoids relying solely on the busier western descent routes. Guest suites and shared dining and lounge areas provide a refined highland stay before or after the crater floor. The lodge is particularly relevant to itineraries seeking a quieter approach to Ngorongoro while continuing between the Serengeti and Karatu regions.

LocationSerengetiStay styleSafari lodge
Day 07

Ngorongoro to Tarangire – Baobabs and Elephants Await

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

This morning, enjoy a scenic drive toward Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem often overshadowed by its famous neighbors. After check-in, embark on an evening game drive, a prime time for spotting elephants, lions, and leopards as the sun sets behind ancient baobab trees. 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

Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge

Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge is set on a ridge in the Tarangire landscape with wide views over the park and surrounding valley. Tented suites and elevated decks are positioned to keep the scenery present throughout the stay. The central lodge provides dining, lounge and pool spaces for the hours between game drives. Its outlook and access make it a strong Tarangire base for itineraries that favour a refined lodge experience and more than one opportunity to explore the park.

LocationTarangireStay styleSafari lodge
Day 08

Final Game Drive in Tarangire – Return to Arusha

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

Enjoy one last guided game drive in Tarangire, known for its large elephant herds and seasonal swamps that attract a wealth of birdlife and predators. After a delicious brunch, depart for Arusha by flight at 04:30 PM. 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

Lemala Hamerkop House

Lemala Hamerkop House is a private-style Arusha property designed as a calm beginning or end to a northern Tanzania safari. The house setting offers a more intimate alternative to a large city hotel, with shared lounge, dining and garden spaces arranged for resident guests. Meals and hosting are managed on site, allowing travellers to settle in without another city transfer. Its Arusha position supports airport connections and the next day’s journey toward Tarangire, Ngorongoro or a domestic flight.

LocationArushaStay styleOvernight accommodation
Day 09

Departure – Until We Meet Again

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

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your outbound flight. Alternatively, you may continue your journey with a beach extension to Zanzibar, available upon request. 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 national park and conservation fees
  • All internal flights (Arusha–Serengeti–Arusha)
  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with expert English-speaking driver-guide
  • 8 nights at Lemala luxury lodges and tented camps
  • Daily meals, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages
  • Hot air balloon safari with champagne breakfast
  • Private airport and lodge transfers
  • Wi-Fi and laundry services at most properties
  • Bottled drinking water and refreshments on game drives
Not included

Additional costs

  • International flights to/from Tanzania
  • Tanzania entry visa and travel insurance
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips & gratuities (at guest’s discretion)
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Safari Questions,
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9 days / 8 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 $14,900 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 – Gateway to Northern Tanzania, a peaceful base, Serengeti National Park – Endless savannah, home of the Great Migration, Ngorongoro Crater – A World Heritage-listed caldera teeming with wildlife, Tarangire National Park – Known for massive elephant herds and baobab trees

Lemala Hamerkop House, Lemala Nanyukie Lodge, Lemala Osonjoi Lodge, Lemala Mpingo Ridge 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.