Overview (Highlights)
This 7 days Tanzania Safari Tour provides the perfect immersion into Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. The itinerary covers all major national parks Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Designed with optimal routing, it reduces unnecessary drive time while maximizing wildlife viewing. Expect iconic scenery, Big Five sightings, diverse birdlife, and a rewarding blend of savannah, woodland, and volcanic ecosystems. Whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned safari enthusiast, this journey promises a balanced and unforgettable experience.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your professional safari guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha. This evening is dedicated to relaxation and your exclusive pre-safari briefing, where your guide walks you through the journey ahead, answers questions, and ensures you begin your adventure feeling fully prepared and excited for the days to come.
Accommodation Options:
- Tanzania Safari Lodge
- The African Tulip Hotel
- Rivertrees Country Inn
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, you depart for Lake Manyara National Park, nestled beneath the dramatic cliffs of the Great Rift Valley. This compact yet incredibly diverse park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant populations, flocks of flamingos, and lush groundwater forests. You explore acacia woodlands, baobab cliffs, tropical forests, and open lakeshore plains each teeming with wildlife and bird species. A visit to Maji Moto Hot Springs adds a unique volcanic twist to your experience. After a scenic picnic lunch inside the park, you ascend the Rift Valley toward Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
- Sangaiwe Tented Camp
- Manyara Best View Lodge
- Manyara Secret
Day 3: Serengeti National Park
Today, you begin early, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward the vast and legendary Serengeti. As you enter the golden grasslands, the immensity of the park unfolds—an ancient ecosystem home to millions of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, and an extraordinary population of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The entire day is spent on game drives through diverse landscapes such as riverine forests, open plains, and rocky kopjes. After an exhilarating day, you retire to your lodge or tented camp for a starlit dinner as the Serengeti’s nocturnal sounds echo through the night.
Accommodation Options:
- Eileen’s Trees Inn
- Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge
- Acacia Farm Lodge (Karatu)
Day 4: Full Day in Central Serengeti
Wake up to a breathtaking Serengeti sunrise and prepare for a full day exploring the Central Serengeti—an area sustained year-round by permanent rivers and nutrient-rich grasslands. This region is known for its abundant wildlife, including lions resting on kopjes, elusive leopards lounging in acacia trees, and cheetahs stalking the plains. You enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by wildlife before continuing your exploration through varied habitats: riverine forests, wetlands, and rolling savannah. The day ends with a return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation under the clear African night sky.
Accommodation Options:
- Baobab Serengeti Camp
- Into Wild African Luxury Safari Camp
- Awali Serengeti Camp
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Full Day Exploration
After breakfast, you depart the Serengeti and journey to the Ngorongoro Crater—one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders. Descending 2,000 feet into the crater feels like entering a wildlife amphitheater, where over 30,000 animals thrive, including all of the Big Five. The crater floor hosts a striking mix of ecosystems: grasslands filled with grazing zebras, soda lakes dotted with flamingos, forests where elephants roam, and marshlands frequented by hippos. An optional Maasai cultural visit enhances your experience. By evening, you ascend the crater rim and return to your lodge for dinner.
Accommodation Options:
- Eileen’s Trees Inn
- Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge
- Acacia Farm Lodge
Day 6: Tarangire National Park
This morning you leave the Ngorongoro Highlands and travel to the magnificent Tarangire National Park, known as the “Elephant Capital of the World.” The park features towering baobab trees and vast savannahs where large elephant herds roam freely. The Tarangire River acts as a magnet for wildlife during the dry season, attracting lions, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species. Your game drive follows rich river circuits, offering excellent photographic opportunities. Later, you return to Arusha for a farewell dinner.
Accommodation Options:
- Tanzania Safari Lodge
- The African Tulip Hotel
- Rivertrees Country Inn
Day 7: Departure
Following breakfast, your guide will provide a comfortable transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). As you bid farewell to your guide, you carry with you cherished memories of stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and the magic of Tanzania. “Asante sana” for choosing Tanzania Parks Adventures and “karibu tena,” meaning welcome again!
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
Included in the Safari Package:
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Unlimited game drive mileage
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- All national park entry fees
- Ngorongoro Crater service fee
- Accommodation (Full Board)
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Unlimited bottled drinking water
- AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation cover
- 24/7 ground support throughout the safari
Excluded from the Safari Package:
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel or medical insurance
- Alcoholic & soft drinks not included in meals
- Personal expenditure (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
- Optional add-on activities such as hot air ballooning, Maasai cultural tours, and crater rim walks
