8 Day Safari The Best of Tanzania & Lake Eyasi

Traveling through Tanzania on an 8-day safari offered by Benson Safaris is something that promises a mix of iconic wildlife encounters, culture, and breathtaking scenery. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, it’s clear from glowing reviews and detailed itineraries that it offers a well-rounded experience for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

What stands out most? First, the guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making every game drive both informative and fun. Second, the variety of stops—from the famous Serengeti to the Maasai villages—ensures you’ll get both the wild and the human stories behind Tanzania’s landscape.

A potential consideration is that the tour’s pace can be quite full, with long days in the vehicle, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with ample outdoor time and early mornings. This safari appeals most to those seeking a comprehensive Tanzanian adventure, particularly if seeing the Big 5 and connecting with local tribes are priorities.

Key Points

Expert Guides: Many reviews highlight guides like Obi, Zablon, and Michael as outstanding — knowledgeable, passionate, and attentive. Their insights turn game drives into stories you’ll remember.

Diverse Landscapes: From the expansive Serengeti to the lush Lake Manyara, each stop offers unique scenery and wildlife, making this a visually stunning journey.

Cultural Encounters: Visiting Maasai villages and Lake Eyasi gives travelers a chance to connect with Tanzania’s indigenous cultures, adding depth beyond the animals.

Comfortable Accommodation: Staying in lodges nestled in the bush area ensures you’re close to the action, with some guests praising the quality of food and amenities.

Value for Money: At $3,834 per person, this tour covers all fees, park entry, transfers, meals, drinks, and expert guiding — making it a well-priced package considering the scope of experiences.

Flexible Booking & Small Group Feel: The tour is private, with pickups included, and offers group discounts, ideal for families or small groups wanting an intimate experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your Benson Safaris driver and transferred to your lodge. The first day is relaxed — a good chance to recover from travel, explore Arusha, or simply unwind. Many reviews appreciate that the tour begins smoothly, with a welcoming transfer and flexible options for the rest of your day.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

After a hearty breakfast, the journey to Tarangire begins. Known as one of Africa’s lesser-known gems, Tarangire impresses with its large herds of elephants and ancient baobab trees — believed by Maasai to be the first tree in creation. This park’s landscape is surprisingly diverse, featuring river valleys, open plains, and termite mounds.

Expect a full-day game drive where you’ll see plentiful wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and possibly some elusive predators. The park’s water sources in the dry season concentrate animals, making sightings more predictable. Reviewers emphasize that Tarangire’s quiet, spacious atmosphere is perfect for wildlife photography and appreciating nature without the crowds.

Day 3: Serengeti National Park

The drive to the Serengeti is a highlight in itself — as you head across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, expect expansive vistas and a sense of awe at the vastness of this land. The Serengeti, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to countless animals and bird species, and it’s where you’ll truly feel the size of Africa.

Optional: Visiting a Maasai village in Ngorongoro Highlands introduces you to a culture that’s been nomadic for generations. Many travelers find these visits enlightening, offering a glimpse into traditions unchanged for centuries.

Day 4: Serengeti Game Drive

A full day of game drives in the Serengeti allows you to chase the Big 5 — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino — along with cheetahs, giraffes, and countless antelopes. Guides often use their expertise to find animals in the vast plains, and many reviews mention sightings of rare behaviors and interactions.

Expect long hours in the vehicle, with stops for meals and breaks. The scenery shifts from open grasslands to acacia trees, with plenty of opportunities to photograph the iconic African savannah.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater is a highlight — it’s often called “Africa’s Garden of Eden” for its dense wildlife and lush vegetation. The crater has a natural water supply that supports a large concentration of animals, including rare black rhinos.

From the rim, the descent is about 610 meters into this natural amphitheater, where you’ll spend your day spotting a variety of species, including wildebeest, zebras, and elephants. Many reviews praise the abundance of wildlife here, making it one of the best locations for game viewing.

Day 6: Lake Eyasi and Cultural Immersion

A different kind of experience awaits at Lake Eyasi. Early morning, you meet the Hadzabe bush people — Tanzania’s last remaining hunter-gatherers — and the Datoga Tribe. Joining them in their daily activities like hunting with bows or gathering roots offers a rare window into a lifestyle largely untouched by modernity.

Later, you can explore the caves they call home. This cultural segment is often highlighted as a memorable contrast to the wildlife safaris — an authentic look at indigenous traditions. You’ll return to your lodge in the afternoon, where you can relax by the pool or enjoy a drink, appreciating the quiet beauty of Lake Eyasi.

Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park

The final game drive takes you to Lake Manyara, famous for its giant fig trees, flamingos, and the elusive tree-climbing lions. The park’s varied habitats — flood plains, woodlands, soda lakes — host diverse animals, from herds of buffalo to tiny dik-diks.

Ernest Hemingway once called Lake Manyara the “loveliest I had seen in Africa,” and many visitors agree. Expect another day of wildlife spotting, with great chances for close-up encounters and scenic photos. The park’s backdrop of volcanic peaks and the Rift Valley escarpment makes for stunning views.

Day 8: Departure from Arusha

Your adventure concludes with a transfer back to Arusha and onward to Kilimanjaro Airport. Many travelers comment on how smoothly the logistics are handled, leaving you free to reflect on your experiences or plan your next trip.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

At a price of $3,834 per person, this safari covers all essentials — park fees, meals, drinks, transportation, and expert guides. Reviews praise the accommodations as “sensational,” with many mentioning the comfort and quality of the lodges. The inclusion of cultural visits, especially to Maasai villages and Lake Eyasi, adds meaningful depth to the trip that other safaris may overlook.

The small group/private tour format ensures an intimate experience. The open-roof Land Cruisers make wildlife viewing easier, and with guides that reviews describe as “outstanding,” your chances of spotting animals or learning about their behaviors are high.

This tour is particularly good for travelers wanting a comprehensive taste of Tanzania, blending wildlife, scenery, and cultural encounters. Families, couples, or small groups will find it flexible enough, with optional activities and personalized attention.

Who Will Love This Safari?

This safari suits those who want more than just wildlife viewing. If you’re intrigued by Maasai customs or want to explore beyond the usual parks, this trip delivers. It’s ideal for first-time safari-goers who appreciate a structured yet varied itinerary, and for those who value knowledgeable guides and comfortable lodges.

However, be prepared for some early mornings and long days in the vehicle — this is a true safari experience, not a leisurely tour. If you’re comfortable with outdoor conditions and love nature, you’ll find it hard to beat this adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes. The tour uses custom-built, open-roof 4WD safari Land Cruisers with fridges and inverters, designed for comfort and excellent wildlife viewing.

Are meals included?
Yes, most meals are included, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided during the trip. Drinks during game drives are also included, with one bottle of water and two sodas per person per day.

What about accommodations?
The lodges are situated in the heart of the Tanzanian bush, offering a satisfying mix of comfort and convenience. Many reviews mention the quality of food and the peaceful surroundings.

Can I customize this tour?
It’s a private tour, so you might have some flexibility in activities and timings. Group discounts are available, making it a good choice for families or small groups.

How long are the game drives?
Expect full days of wildlife viewing, often lasting around 12 hours including breaks. Early mornings are typical to catch the animals when they’re most active.

What is the best time to do this safari?
While the reviews don’t specify seasons, Tanzania’s dry season (June to October) usually offers the best wildlife sightings due to animals gathering around water sources.

Final Thoughts

This 8-day safari from Benson Safaris is a well-balanced package that combines game drives, cultural experiences, and scenic drives across Tanzania’s most iconic parks. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable lodges, and a thoughtfully curated itinerary, it promises a chance to see the Big 5, learn about Maasai traditions, and enjoy some of Africa’s most stunning landscapes.

For anyone craving an authentic, inclusive adventure that covers both wildlife and culture, this tour hits the mark. It’s best suited for travelers looking for a comprehensive, guided experience that doesn’t skimp on the details while providing excellent value.

Whether you’re a first-time safari explorer or a seasoned traveler, this trip offers a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re ready for the real Africa — wild, warm, and welcoming — this safari might just be your perfect match.