7 Days Tanzania Safari Itinerary and Cost
This classic seven-day Tanzania safari includes six nights and visits Lake Manyara, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. Start with an arrival night in Arusha, spend two nights in the Serengeti, and finish with a transfer from Tarangire to Arusha or the airport.
This seven-day Tanzania safari itinerary focuses on the mainland northern circuit, combining forest and lakeside scenery, open savannah and crater game viewing. Compare the accommodation categories and seasonal price tables to choose the arrangement that fits your group.
For a shorter or longer mainland trip, compare the routes in our private Tanzania safaris.
Overview - Tanzania Itinerary 7 Days
- Day 1 - Kilimanjaro & Arusha
- Day 2 - Lake Manyara
- Day 3 - Serengeti
- Day 4 - Serengeti
- Day 5 - Ngorongoro
- Day 6 - Tarangire
- Day 7 - Departure From Arusha
Day 1
Arrival to Tanzania
Pick up from Kilimanjaro Airport
First Night in Tanzania
Meet and greet upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight stay at full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
Day 2
Lake Manyara National Park
Canopy Walk and Safari Game Drives
Lake Manyara National Park is your first destination. Known for its stunning diversity, the park is home to tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, and countless bird species. The park’s centerpiece is the alkaline Lake Manyara, which attracts flamingos and other waterfowl. You’ll enjoy a game drive before overnighting in a lodge near the park.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
High-End
Day 3 & 4
Big Cat's Serengeti Exploration
Big Cats and Residences of Central Serengeti
Day 3: Safari En Route to Serengeti
Your journey continues to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. Known for its vast plains and the Great Migration, Serengeti offers unrivaled wildlife encounters. You’ll enjoy game drives in search of the park’s resident predators and grazers. Spend the night in a lodge within the Serengeti.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
A full day in the Serengeti allows for in-depth exploration. Witness the dynamic ecosystem and experience the thrill of tracking wildlife on the endless savannah. Another night in your Serengeti camp awaits.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
Day 5
Ngorongoro Crater
Black Rhinos of Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Crater
Prepare for a thrilling day at the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This unique ecosystem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts incredible wildlife diversity, including the Big Five. You’ll descend into the crater for a full day of game viewing, followed by an overnight stay in the Karatu area.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
Day 6
Tarangire National Park
The Elephants of Tarangire and Baobab Trees
A day spent in Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania unfolds as a thrilling encounter with nature and wildlife in one of the country’s most diverse and picturesque landscapes.
Morning: Game Drive and Elephant Sightings
– The day typically starts at dawn when the wildlife is most active. As you venture out on a morning game drive, the park’s landscape, dotted with ancient baobab trees and acacia woodlands, creates a stunning backdrop.
– Tarangire is renowned for its large elephant population. Early mornings often provide the best opportunities to see these majestic creatures as herds gather at the Tarangire River or meander through the grasslands.
– Besides elephants, you may spot giraffes, waterbucks, and various bird species, including the colorful lilac-breasted roller and the large ground hornbill.
Midday: Picnic and Relaxation
– As the day heats up, you might stop for a picnic lunch at one of the park’s designated areas, often with views overlooking the river or a landscape teeming with wildlife.
– This time is also perfect for rest, perhaps at a lodge or a shaded spot in the park, as animals retreat from the midday sun.
Afternoon: Further Exploration and Predator Sightings
– As the afternoon cools, another game drive takes you through different parts of the park. This is an excellent time to spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, which become more active as the day cools.
– The park’s diverse habitats, including swamps and savannah, support a rich variety of wildlife. You might see herds of buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, and smaller animals like mongooses, dik-diks, and warthogs.
Evening: Sunset and Reflection
– As the sun sets, the skies often turn into brilliant shades of orange and red, providing a perfect backdrop for reflection on the day’s experiences.
– Evening game drives or time spent at a campsite or lodge offer a chance to listen to the sounds of the African bush, a peaceful yet thrilling conclusion to a day in Tarangire.
A day in Tarangire National Park is a journey through a landscape filled with natural beauty and abundant wildlife, offering a serene yet exciting safari experience.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
Day 7
Drop off at the Airport
Last Day with Us
Join us for a morning safari in Tarangire before checking out of the park to continue to the airport or Arusha town for an onward journey.
See you next time!