8 days luxury family safari

Trip Overview
Itinerary
Cost Info

Trip Overview

8-day luxury family safari with Gardenia African Safaris blends premium comfort with thrilling wildlife experiences across Tanzania’s most iconic destinations. Start with a night at the elegant Gran Meliá Arusha or Kiliseason Hotel before heading to Tarangire National Park, where you’ll stay at exclusive properties like Tarangire Treetops or Maramboi Tented Lodge. Then venture to the vast Serengeti, with luxurious stays at lodges such as Gran Meliá Serengeti, Kubu Kubu, or Serena Serengeti. Explore the Ngorongoro Crater while enjoying top-tier service at Kitela Lodge or Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge. Finally, unwind in Zanzibar’s tropical bliss with luxury beachfront stays at The Z Hotel or Gran Meliá Zanzibar. Each stop combines world-class comfort, personalized service, and unforgettable family adventures in the heart of wild Africa.

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1
Arrival – Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha Luxury Arrival
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Gardenia African Safaris representative will greet you and transfer your family to the luxurious Gran Meliá Arusha or Kiliseason Hotel. Nestled in lush gardens with views of Mount Meru, these elegant properties offer refined comfort, fine dining, and exceptional hospitality. After a long flight, settle into spacious rooms and enjoy a gourmet dinner under the stars. Your safari guide will meet you to brief you on your upcoming adventure. If time allows, enjoy a dip in the pool, a spa session, or a short excursion into Arusha town. This day is all about resting and preparing for the wildlife wonders ahead in style and comfort.

Accommodation: Gran Meliá Arusha or Kiliseason Hotel.

Meals: Full Board
Day 2
Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Into the Wild in Style
After a delicious breakfast, set out in your private safari vehicle to Tarangire National Park. The journey takes you through scenic Maasai plains before reaching the park, famous for its giant baobabs and vast elephant herds. Enjoy a game drive with a picnic lunch amidst breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife. Tarangire offers frequent sightings of lions, giraffes, zebras, and hundreds of bird species. Tonight, unwind at the luxurious Tarangire Treetops Lodge, perched in giant baobab trees with sweeping views, or the elegant Maramboi Tented Lodge near Lake Manyara. Sip sundowners as zebras wander nearby, and savor a fine dinner in the bush. This is a day of wild encounters and elevated experiences in a magical setting.

Accommodation: Maramboi Tented Lodge

Meals: Full Board
Day 3
Tarangire to Serengeti – Journey to Africa’s Crown Jewel
Your journey continues toward Serengeti National Park, with scenic stops through the Ngorongoro Highlands. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route, spotting wildlife and admiring the views. Enter the Serengeti, where endless savannahs await—home to the legendary Great Migration and Big Five. Enjoy an en-route game drive as you head to your luxury lodge: Gran Meliá Serengeti Lodge, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, or Serena Serengeti Lodge. These upscale lodgings offer panoramic views, elegant rooms, and top-tier service. After a gourmet dinner, relax by the fireplace or your private terrace as the sounds of the wild serenade you. This is safari at its finest—untamed, immersive, and indulgent.

Accommodation: Gran Meliá Serengeti Lodge,

Meals: Full Board
Day 4
Serengeti Full-Day Game Drive – The Big Five Experience
Rise early for a full-day game drive across the vast Serengeti plains. Follow wildlife along the Seronera Valley or explore central Serengeti, depending on the season and animal movement. Expect close-up views of lions, leopards lounging in acacia trees, herds of elephants, and possibly a cheetah hunt. During migration season, witness thousands of wildebeests and zebras crossing the plains—a spectacle like no other. Enjoy a chef-prepared picnic lunch in the bush, then continue your exploration with your expert guide. Return to your luxury lodge for a hot shower and gourmet dinner. Share stories over dessert and drinks as you watch the stars twinkle over Africa's most iconic park.

Accommodation: Gran Meliá Serengeti Lodge,

Meals: Full Board
Day 5
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – Earth’s Eden Unveiled
After breakfast, enjoy a final Serengeti game drive en route to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After a scenic drive and lunch stop, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater—an ancient volcanic caldera teeming with life. Spot black rhinos, hippos wallowing in pools, lions stalking prey, and large herds of buffalo and zebra. The crater floor is a microcosm of African wildlife, offering unbeatable photography and learning opportunities for all ages. In the late afternoon, ascend and head to your luxury lodge: Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge or Kitela Lodge, both offering stunning highland views, fireplaces, and refined Swahili-inspired elegance. This is a perfect blend of natural wonder and world-class comfort.

Accommodation: Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge or Kitela Lodge

Meals: Full Board
Day 6
Flight to Zanzibar – Tropical Escape Begins
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar Island. Upon arrival, a Gardenia African Safaris host will escort you to your oceanfront resort—either The Z Hotel, a chic boutique property on Nungwi Beach, or the luxurious Gran Meliá Zanzibar with its private beach and serene setting. After check-in, relax by the pool, take a beach stroll, or indulge in a sunset cocktail. This shift from the bush to the beach is a perfect way to transition into pure relaxation. Dinner is served seaside, with fresh seafood and tropical flavors. The island’s tranquil rhythm begins to sink in.

Accommodation: Gran Meliá

Meals: Full Board
Day 7
Full Day Leisure in Zanzibar – Indian Ocean Bliss
Wake up to the sounds of waves and a gentle ocean breeze. Spend your day entirely at leisure—whether lounging on pristine beaches, snorkeling in coral gardens, or enjoying a spa treatment at your luxury resort. Families may opt for a spice tour, Stone Town exploration, or a dolphin-watching excursion. For nature lovers, a guided visit to Jozani Forest offers a chance to see Zanzibar’s endemic red colobus monkeys. Your resort provides exceptional full-board service, so you can focus on unwinding and enjoying family time. As the sun sets, enjoy your final dinner in paradise, celebrating an unforgettable safari and island journey.

Accommodation: Gran Meliá

Meals: Full Board
Day 8
Departure – Farewell from Zanzibar
Enjoy a final breakfast with ocean views before your private transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight. As your luxury safari adventure comes to an end, you’ll carry home lasting memories—from elephants and lions on the savannah to the serene beaches of Zanzibar. Gardenia African Safaris has crafted a journey that perfectly balances wild exploration with indulgent comfort and cultural depth. Your family safari has not only brought you closer to nature but also to each other. Tanzania awaits your return—Karibu tena!