10 Days Lodge + Camping Tanzania Safari + Materuni Cultural Tour

An incredible 10-day lodge and camping safari adventure in Tanzania is a versatile experience to taste the best of both ways of staying while on safari in the bush. Combining both lodge safaris and tented camping safaris has an added advantage, as there are very many options to suit your style and budget, while at the same time getting the best out of your safari at your pleasure, as you explore the country’s most renowned national parks and experience the wonders of African wildlife. This itinerary takes you to Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park for ten good days, offering an immersive safari experience filled with breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife sightings.

In short, you get the authentic, heart-pounding bush nights AND the pampered recovery days — and most people who do it this way say it was the perfect balance.

With this 10-day safari trip, you have the flexibility to make it work for you, depending on your budget, with an option to upgrade your accommodation options according to your preferred level of comfort and affordability. You’ll have the opportunity to witness the famous Wildebeest Migration, spot the Big Five, and indulge in the rich culture of the local communities. With comfortable accommodations and knowledgeable guides, this safari promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Tanzania’s natural treasures. This 10-day safari also has a bonus day for a cultural immersion tour around Materuni Village for a coffee day tour.

10-Day Lodge + Tented Camp Tanzania Safari Highlights

Explore the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife of Tarangire National Park
Witness the great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park
Spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo)
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a unique safari experience
Visit Lake Manyara National Park and observe its birdlife and animals
Engage in a coffee tour in the Materuni village
Immerse yourself in the local culture with Chagga songs and dances
Enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious meals throughout the safari
Benefit from knowledgeable safari guides who share their expertise and insights

Day-by-Day Itinerary Summary:

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Day 3: Serengeti National Park (Central)
Day 4: Serengeti
Day 5: Serengeti
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Day 7: Crater to Karatu
Day 8: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha
Day 9: Kilimanjaro and Cultural Activity
Day 10: Onwards Travel

Advantages of Mixing Lodges & Tented Camps on a Tanzania Safari

In this ever-evolving world, the smartest travellers no longer choose between the plush comfort of a lodge and the raw thrill of sleeping under canvas; they choose both. A well-planned safari that mixes permanent lodges (think crater-rim fireplaces, infinity pools, and stone-walled suites) with authentic tented or mobile camps (where lions prowl past your veranda and you shower beneath the Milky Way) delivers the ultimate balance: total immersion in the wilderness when location matters most, followed by proper beds, hot water, and spa treatments when your body demands recovery. The contrast doesn’t just save money and energy; it heightens every moment, turning a great safari into the perfectly paced, unforgettable adventure most people only dream about

(Why the “lodge + camp” combo is the smartest way to travel)

Best of Both Worlds: Comfort + Immersion
Lodges give you proper beds, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and swimming pools after dusty game drives. Tented camps put you in the heart of the wilderness where you fall asleep to hyena whoops and wake to lions roaring 100 m away. Mixing them means you never sacrifice comfort OR the raw bush feeling.
Perfect Energy Management on a 10-Day Trip
After 4–5 intense days of 5:30 a.m. starts in mobile/tented camps (especially during Migration season), a beautiful lodge with a spa, fireplace, and three-course dinner feels like heaven and recharges you completely.
Budget Optimisation Without Losing Quality
Luxury tented camps in prime Serengeti locations often cost the same (or more) than crater-rim lodges. Spend 3–4 nights in high-end mobile camps where location is everything, then “downgrade” to a gorgeous mid/luxury lodge for the Ngorongoro/Karatu section and save $800–$1,500 per person while still staying in stunning properties.
Variety of Atmosphere & Photography Opportunities
- Tented camps: canvas walls, bucket showers, star beds → intimate, cinematic photos.
- Lodges: dramatic architecture (treehouses, crater-rim views, glass domes) → completely different portfolio of images.
Better for Mixed Groups or Multi-Generational Families
Grandparents or less-adventurous safari goers love the solid walls and en-suite bathrooms of lodges. Younger or hardcore travellers get their tented-camp fix. Everyone stays happy.
Strategic Placement
- Prime Migration areas (Northern Serengeti, Ndutu) usually only have tented/mobile camps — you must stay in tents to be close to the action.
- Ngorongoro Crater rim and Karatu coffee plantations have spectacular permanent lodges that are actually better than any camp could be there.
Romantic & Surprise Factor
Start with luxury lodges, then “surprise” your partner with a remote fly-camp or star bed in the Serengeti — or vice versa. The contrast makes both experiences feel even more special

Feel free to let us know if you need to have a Zanzibar Beach addon with this safari.

Day 1

Arrival in Arusha

Welcome to Arusha! Upon your arrival at the airport for your 10-day lodge and camping safari, a representative from Tranquil Kilimanjaro will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha. Take this day to relax and prepare for the upcoming adventure. You can enjoy the facilities of your chosen accommodation and get ready for the exciting days ahead.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Grand Melia Lodge / Mount Meru Hotel / Arusha Coffee Lodge
Mid-range: Ilboru Safari Lodge / Arusha Planet Lodge / Airport Planet Lodge
Budget: Outpost Lodge / Tulia Boutique Hotel / Green Mountain Hotel

Dinner and Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge

Day 2

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, your safari guide will pick you up from your accommodation and drive you to Tarangire National Park. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. Tarangire is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and continue exploring the wilderness. In the afternoon, you’ll head to your accommodation, where you can relax, have dinner, and spend the night.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kitela Lodge / Lake Manyara Kilima Moja / The Retreat at Ngorongoro
Mid-range: Eileen’s Tree Inn / Endoro Lodge / Karatu Simba Lodge
Budget Camping: Lilac Campsite / Panorama Campsite

Day 3

Serengeti National Park (Central)

After breakfast, you’ll drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you can catch a glimpse of the stunning Ngorongoro Crater. Continuing to Serengeti National Park, you’ll arrive around midday. Serengeti is the largest park in Tanzania and offers a diverse range of landscapes and wildlife. This is the beginning of an extensive game drive to explore the park’s grassy plains, savannahs, and abundant wildlife. Later, head to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp / Melia Serengeti Lodge / Four Seasons Serengeti
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp / Embalakai Camp / Acacia Central Camp
Budget Camping: Nyani Campsite

Day 4

Serengeti

Today is dedicated to game drives in the Serengeti. Marvel at the vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope as they migrate across the plains in search of greener pastures. Keep an eye out for predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs that roam the Serengeti. Enjoy the thrill of spotting wildlife and capture memorable photographs. In the evening, return to your lodge or camp for a delicious dinner and relaxation under the starry African sky.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp / Melia Serengeti Lodge / Four Seasons Serengeti
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp / Embalakai Camp / Acacia Central Camp
Budget Camping: Nyani Campsite

Day 5

Serengeti National Park

Start your day with an early morning game drive, witnessing the sunrise over the Serengeti plains. This is an ideal time to spot predators in action as they hunt for their morning meal. Alternatively, you can choose to add a sunrise hot air balloon safari and a champagne breakfast to your itinerary (additional cost). After breakfast, we begin a full-day exploration of the park with a packed lunch. Your experienced driver will choose the best routes to maximise your chances of encountering the famous Wildebeest Migration and the Big Five. Return to your accommodation for dinner and another restful night.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp / Melia Serengeti Lodge / Four Seasons Serengeti
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp / Embalakai Camp / Acacia Central Camp
Budget Camping: Nyani Campsite

Day 6

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

Enjoy another game drive in the Serengeti after breakfast. Later, depart for the Ngorongoro Crater. As you approach the crater’s edge, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the lush caldera. Spend the night at a lodge near the crater, with anticipation for the adventure that awaits you on the following day.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge / Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
Mid-range: Rhino Lodge / Angata Ngorongoro Camp
Budget Camping: Simba Campsite

Day 7

Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Karatu

After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable safari experience. This unique ecosystem is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). Capture incredible moments as you observe predators and other animals in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, depart for Karatu, where you’ll spend the night.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kitela Lodge / Lake Manyara Kilima Moja / The Retreat at Ngorongoro
Mid-range: Eileen’s Tree Inn / Endoro Lodge / Karatu Simba Lodge
Budget Camping: Lilac Campsite / Panorama Campsite

Day 8

Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park. This diverse park is known for its birdlife, including flamingos, and a variety of animals such as monkeys, giraffes, zebras, and elephants. Explore the park’s different landscapes, from grassy plains to woodlands and cliffs. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty of the park before returning to Arusha in the late afternoon.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Grand Melia Lodge / Mount Meru Hotel / Arusha Coffee Lodge
Mid-range: Ilboru Safari Lodge / Arusha Planet Lodge / Airport Planet Lodge
Budget: Outpost Lodge / Tulia Boutique Hotel / Green Mountain Hotel

Day 9

Kilimanjaro and Cultural Activity

On this day, you’ll leave Arusha in the early morning and drive to Kilimanjaro Materuni village for a coffee tour. Learn about the cultivation, drying, roasting, and processing of coffee. Join in the traditional coffee grinding accompanied by Chagga songs and dances, immersing yourself in the local culture. If the weather permits, catch a glimpse of the majestic Kilimanjaro summit. In the late afternoon, return to Moshi, savouring the coffee you made and enjoying the views of the surrounding Montane rainforest.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Grand Melia Lodge / Mount Meru Hotel / Arusha Coffee Lodge
Mid-range: Ilboru Safari Lodge / Arusha Planet Lodge / Airport Planet Lodge
Budget: Outpost Lodge / Tulia Boutique Hotel / Green Mountain Hotel

Day 10

Depart

It’s time to say goodbye to Tanzania. A representative from Tranquil Kilimanjaro will transfer you from your accommodation to the airport for your onward travel marking an end to your 10 day Lodge, tented camp and cultural safari.

The cost for the whole 10 Days Tanzania Lodge + Tented Camp safari includes and excludes the following items