8 Days Best of Tanzania Safari with Meliá Collection Accommodation

Experience Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations while staying at some of the country’s finest luxury properties from the renowned Meliá Collection. This carefully crafted 8-day safari combines the spectacular landscapes of Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park with the comfort and elegance of Meliá’s premium accommodations. The itinerary features stays at Gran Meliá Arusha, Meliá Serengeti Lodge, and Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection. These properties are among Tanzania’s leading luxury safari lodges, offering exceptional service, stunning views, and excellent access to wildlife areas.

Safari Overview

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital. Nestled between Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha serves as the gateway to the country’s famous Northern Safari Circuit.

Your accommodation for the evening is the luxurious Gran Meliá Arusha. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped coffee and tea plantations, the hotel offers a perfect setting to recover from your international flight.

Spend the remainder of the day relaxing by the pool, enjoying the spa facilities, or exploring the lush gardens while taking in views of Mount Meru.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart for the remarkable Tarangire National Park.

Tarangire is famous for its giant baobab trees, seasonal swamps, and one of the largest elephant populations in East Africa. During your game drive, you may encounter large elephant herds, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and numerous antelope species.

The Tarangire River serves as a lifeline for wildlife, particularly during the dry season when animals congregate along its banks.

Predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs are regularly spotted, while bird enthusiasts can enjoy sightings of over 500 bird species.

Following a picnic lunch in the park, continue exploring before heading to your lodge in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Journey to Serengeti National Park

Following breakfast, begin your journey toward the legendary Serengeti National Park.

The drive takes you through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands before descending onto the vast Serengeti plains. The word “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai language, meaning “endless plains,” and the landscape certainly lives up to its name.

Wildlife sightings often begin long before reaching your lodge. Zebras, giraffes, gazelles, and elephants frequently appear alongside the road.

Arrive at the luxurious Meliá Serengeti Lodge in the afternoon. The lodge features elegant rooms inspired by Maasai culture, an infinity pool overlooking the savannah, spa facilities, and exceptional dining experiences.

Enjoy a sunset game drive before returning for dinner under the African stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Full Day in Central Serengeti

Wake before sunrise for one of the most exciting safari experiences available.

The early morning hours offer excellent opportunities to witness predators in action. Lions often remain active after a night of hunting, while leopards may still be visible before retreating into the shade.

Throughout the day, explore the diverse habitats of Central Serengeti, including the famous Seronera Valley.

This region is renowned for its year-round wildlife concentrations and exceptional predator sightings. Cheetahs patrol the open plains, while hyenas and jackals search for opportunities around the abundant herbivore populations.

A picnic lunch allows you to maximize your time in the wilderness.

Return to your lodge in the evening for relaxation by the infinity pool overlooking the endless plains. The lodge’s location provides spectacular views and luxury amenities that complement the safari experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Another Day Exploring the Serengeti

Spend another full day discovering different regions of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Depending on the season, you may witness sections of the Great Migration, one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles. Millions of wildebeests, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, move across the ecosystem in search of fresh grazing.

Even outside migration periods, wildlife viewing remains exceptional. The Serengeti supports large populations of resident animals throughout the year.

Optional activities include:

• Hot air balloon safari
• Bush breakfast
• Sundowner experiences
• Photographic safaris
• Cultural interactions

As evening approaches, enjoy another unforgettable sunset over the African plains.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro

After breakfast and a final morning game drive, depart the Serengeti and travel toward the Ngorongoro Highlands.

The dramatic change in scenery is remarkable. Open grasslands gradually give way to forests, rolling hills, and volcanic landscapes.

Arrive at the spectacular Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection perched on the crater rim.

This luxury lodge offers breathtaking views of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Every room enjoys panoramic crater vistas, creating one of Africa’s most memorable accommodation experiences.

Spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the views while preparing for the next day’s crater safari.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Today you descend into one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural wonders: the Ngorongoro Crater.

The crater floor forms a self-contained ecosystem supporting approximately 25,000 large animals. It is one of the best locations in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day.

As you explore the crater, look for:

• Black rhinos
• Lions
• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Leopards
• Hippos
• Hyenas
• Wildebeests
• Zebras
• Flamingos

The combination of wildlife density and stunning scenery creates an unforgettable safari experience.

Enjoy a picnic lunch beside a hippo pool before continuing your exploration.

In the afternoon, return to the crater rim and your luxury lodge for a final evening in the Tanzanian wilderness.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Arusha.

Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for souvenir shopping, a coffee plantation visit, or relaxation before your airport transfer.

As your safari concludes, you leave Tanzania with memories of extraordinary wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional luxury hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Highlights

Gran Meliá Arusha

• Luxury city hotel
• Mountain views
• Spa and wellness facilities
• Fine dining restaurants
• Ideal safari gateway

Meliá Serengeti Lodge

• Infinity pool overlooking the savannah
• Luxury rooms with private terraces
• Spa and fitness facilities
• Excellent Serengeti location
• Premium safari experiences available

Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection

• Crater rim location
• Panoramic crater views
• Luxury suites and rooms
• Spa facilities
• Exceptional dining experiences

Estimated Safari Cost (Per Person Sharing)

The price typically includes accommodation, park fees, game drives, professional safari guide, transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle, meals, and airport transfers.

This itinerary represents one of the finest ways to experience Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, combining world-class wildlife viewing with the comfort and sophistication of the Meliá Collection’s luxury properties.