Tanzania safari with Mafia island

PRICE:  from $3 284 p/person sharing

During this 10-day experience, you’ll visit the Northern Circuit and the less visited Mafia Island. This safari includes the park with the highest population of big cats, Serengeti National Park. It also includes Tarangire National Park known as the elephants’ playground and the Ngorongoro Crater. You will have 3 days on Mafia Island at the end of your trip – a stunning tropical island to end your visit to Tanzania. 

Best time for this tour is December to end of February, and June to October.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO ARUSHA

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by one of our representatives. All of our guides are local Tanzanians and, with over 10 years of experience, they know this country and its secrets well. After a meet-and-greet you will be transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay.

Accommodation: Mvuli Hotel
Meals: Bed & breakfast
Drinks not included

DAY 2:  ARUSHA TO TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast at your hotel your driver guide will pick you up and head off to Tarangire National Park. Despite the relative secrecy of Tarangire, during the dry season it is part of the migratory movement, and is second only to Ngorongoro Crater in concentration of wildlife. There are more than 500 species of birds in Tarangire National Park. Thousands of parched animals flock to the watering holes and thousands more make their long way to the permanent water of the Tarangire River. Transit time 2 hrs.

Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Meals: All meals included
Drinking water 1.5 litres (other drinks not included)

DAY 3:  KARATU TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast transfer to the iconic Serengeti, which is known for the highest number of the big cats in Africa. Drive through the plains of the singing grass and the magnificent rocky outcrops – the Kopjes. Serengeti has it all! Transit time 4 hrs.

Accommodation: Into the Wild Africa
Meals: All meals included
Drinking water 1.5 litres (other drinks not included)

DAY 4:  SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Today you will enjoy a full game drive in the Serengeti. Overnight at Into the wild Africa.

Accommodation: Into the Wild Africa
Meals: All meals included
Drinking water 1.5 litres (other drinks not included)

DAY 5:  SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK TO NGORONGORO CRATER TO KARATU

After breakfast at the lodge, drive to the crater floor. Just 10 miles wide, Ngorongoro Crater was formed from a collapsed volcano. It is now a self-sustaining ecosystem with the densest predator population in all of Africa – you may be able to spot the Big 5 in a single afternoon. Later in the afternoon head off to Karatu for overnight. Transit time 3 hrs.

Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Meals: All meals included
Drinking water 1.5 litres (other drinks not included)

DAY 6:  KARATU TO ARUSHA AIRPORT TO MAFIA ISLAND

After breakfast you’ll be transferred to Arusha airport for your flight to Mafia island. At Mafia airstrip, you will be transferred to your lodge for your overnight stay. A short ride across the island from the airport and the main town of Kilindoni, the lodge overlooks Chole Bay in the Mafia Island Marine Park. This intimate and lovely resort, situated in an old cashew and coconut plantation, provides a luxury stay amidst stylish décor and magnificent natural surroundings of the protected marine park. The swimming pool is surrounded by verdant gardens with sunbeds and alfresco lunchtime seating on the pool terrace. Transit time 3 hrs.

Accommodation: Kinasi Lodge
Meals: All meals included
Drinking water 1.5 litres (other drinks not included)

DAY 7 – 9:  MAFIA ISLAND

Over the next three days you can organize your own activities at your lodge (optional). Your lodge is not far from the main town of Kilindoni.

On your last day, transfer from the lodge to Mafia airport and then to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es salaam for your return flight home.

Accommodation: Kinasi Lodge
Meals: All meals included
Drinking water 1.5 litres (other drinks not included)

Price includes:

  • All accommodation as per the itinerary
  • Meals and activities as specified on detailed quote
  • Drinking water 1.5 litres per day
  • Park fees
  • English speaking driver guide
  • Land cruiser 4×4, with open roof, 2-way radio, fridge and a pair of binoculars
  • Tourism Levy & Conservation Fees
  • Flight from Arusha to Mafia
  • All the transfers including Mafia Island

Price excludes:

  • International flights
  • Visa fees (if applicable)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Some meals, drinks & activities as specified on detailed quote (on request)
  • Items of a personal nature – e.g. tips for driver guide and the accommodation’s telephone, laundry etc.

Note:  Availability is subject to change at the time of confirmation.

BOOK THIS TOUR

We're ready to plan your perfect safari in Tanzania. Our team have traveled extensively for more than a decade throughout East Africa, and we provide in-depth knowledge and advice. The above itinerary can be customised to suit your requirements.  Contact us now to get started!

Tripadvisor Reviews

  • star rating  A once in a lifetime experience - Anne was the best tour organiser She was very patient and worked with me to figure out the best safari format on a very short notice.
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    4 March 2026
  • star rating  One in a lifetime Safari with local tour provider  - I came across Long Way Expeditions from responsibletravel.com when looking for a travel provider that was local and eco-conscious. We promptly heard from Ann, one of the owners, and after... Read more

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    21 February 2026
  • star rating  Amazing and best safari ever  - This was my best safari by far,and I have done many. I found Longway expeditions through Responsible travel. From my very first contact with Ann, I found her... Read more

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    12 November 2025
  • star rating  Trip of a lifetime with Longway Expeditions  - We have just returned from a 19 day safari in Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. We wanted to work with a local company and were so fortunate to find Ann and... Read more

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    26 October 2025
  • star rating  Superb experience  - This is a local business owned by Ann and Abu. Arranging our trip with Ann was perfect. We gave our budget, listed our interests and Ann suggested a bespoke... Read more

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    12 October 2025
  • star rating  Excellent safari experience for our Anniversary!  - We celebrated our 30 year anniversary on Safari in Tanzania. Anne and Abu took such great care of us. We initially planned a Kilimanjaro hike, but knee problems... Read more

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    30 August 2025
  • star rating  Unforgettable Safari with Long Way Expeditions - From the start, Long Way Expeditions stood out as the best choice for our safari. Led by the wonderful local couple Anne and Abu, they were professional, responsive, and deeply... Read more

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    24 August 2025
  • star rating  Amazing personalised safari led by experienced locals  - Having engaged with a few providers when researching, it quickly became clear that Longway Expeditions was the right choice and they were amazing from start to finish, going above and... Read more

    avatar thumb Victoria B
    14 August 2025

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