Complete 7-Day Classic Tanzania Safari Itinerary Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
This seven-day classic safari takes you through the heart of Tanzania's most celebrated northern safari circuit. You'll experience Tarangire's mighty elephant herds, the boundless savannah of the world-famous Serengeti with three full days of game viewing, and the unparalleled wildlife concentration of the Ngorongoro Crater. Traveling in a private, open-roof 4x4 vehicle with an expert guide, you'll enjoy extensive game drives, comfortable mid-range accommodations, and the opportunity to witness Africa's iconic wildlife in its natural habitat at a relaxed pace.
Arrival Day
Arrival in Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Take time to relax and recover from your trip. In the evening, you'll meet your safari guide for a pre-safari briefing about the upcoming adventure. Enjoy dinner and overnight at your comfortable hotel.
After breakfast at your hotel, depart from Arusha for Tarangire National Park. Known for its massive baobab trees and large elephant populations, Tarangire offers fantastic year-round game viewing. Spend the day on game drives, searching for lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous bird species. The Tarangire River is a key attraction, drawing thirsty animals during the dry season. In the late afternoon, exit the park and drive to your comfortable lodge located nearby for dinner and overnight.
Drive Time: ~2 hours
Game Viewing: Full day
Accommodation: Tarangire Osupuko Lodge
Day 2
Tarangire to Central Serengeti National Park
Enjoy an early breakfast before embarking on the trip to the legendary Serengeti. The drive passes through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering stunning views of the crater from a distance. Arrive in the central Seronera region by midday. This area is rich in wildlife due to its permanent rivers. After lunch at your lodge, head out for an afternoon game drive across the iconic Serengeti plains. Look for predators like lions and cheetahs, vast herds of herbivores, and stunning landscapes. Return to your comfortable lodge for dinner and overnight, listening to the sounds of the African night.
Drive Time: ~5-6 hours
Game Viewing: Afternoon drive
Accommodation: Bao Bab Central Serengeti
Day 3
Full Day Exploration in Central Serengeti
Rise early for a sunrise game drive when predators are most active. Witness the Serengeti coming to life as the sun paints the savannah in golden hues. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, then head out again for a full day of exploration. Your expert guide will navigate the Seronera Valley, known for its high concentration of wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, and vast herds of zebras and wildebeests. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing your afternoon game drive. Return to your lodge as the sun sets, followed by dinner under the stars.
Game Viewing: Full day with picnic lunch
Activities: Sunrise & afternoon game drives
Accommodation: Bao Bab Central Serengeti
Day 4
Full Day Exploration in Central Serengeti
Another full day to explore the endless plains of the Serengeti! Today you might venture to different areas of the central region, perhaps visiting the Seronera River valley or exploring the kopjes (rock outcroppings) that dot the landscape. These rocky areas are favorite haunts for lions and leopards. Your guide will tailor the day based on wildlife movements and your interests. Enjoy the flexibility of a private safari vehicle, allowing you to spend more time at sightings that captivate you. Return to your lodge for a final night in the Serengeti, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past days.
Game Viewing: Full day with picnic lunch
Activities: Flexible game drives
Accommodation: Bao Bab Central Serengeti
Day 5
Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy an early morning game drive in the Serengeti to catch predators at their most active. After breakfast, begin your transfer towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, you may choose to visit a Maasai village for a cultural experience (optional extra cost). Arrive at the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater in the afternoon and check into your camp. The views from the crater rim are absolutely spectacular, overlooking the 260-square-kilometer caldera below. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at your comfortable camp, perched on the edge of this natural wonder.
Drive Time: ~3-4 hours
Activities: Morning game drive & travel
Accommodation: Embarakai Ngorongoro Camp
Day 6
Ngorongoro Crater Tour & Transfer to Karatu
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a morning of incredible wildlife viewing in what is often called "Africa's Eden." The crater is home to a high density of animals, including the Big Five, and offers excellent chances to see the rare black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool surrounded by stunning scenery. After a final game drive, ascend the crater walls in the early afternoon and drive to the nearby town of Karatu, nestled in the lush highlands. Check into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Crater Tour: 5-6 hours
Drive to Karatu: ~1 hour
Accommodation: Kankari Lodge Karatu
Day 7
Karatu to Lake Manyara & Return to Arusha
After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, massive flocks of flamingos, and diverse birdlife. The park offers a variety of habitats from groundwater forests to the alkaline lake itself. Enjoy a morning game drive through this compact but beautiful park, watching for elephants, hippos, giraffes, and the famous Manyara tree-climbing lions. After lunch, begin your trip back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon. You will be dropped off at your hotel or at the airport for your onward travel, marking the end of your memorable classic Tanzania safari.
Game Viewing: Morning drive in Manyara
Drive to Arusha: ~2.5 hours
Accommodation: End of safari services
Package Details
What's Included & Excluded in Your 7-Day Classic Tanzania Safari
Inclusions
Everything covered in your 7-day mid-range safari package
Park & Conservation Fees
All national park entrance fees and Ngorongoro Crater vehicle fee
Accommodation
6 nights' accommodation in comfortable mid-range lodges and camps as per itinerary (1 night Arusha, 1 night Tarangire, 3 nights Serengeti, 1 night Ngorongoro rim, 1 night Karatu)
All Meals on Safari
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner from dinner on arrival day to lunch on Day 7
Drinking Water
Unlimited bottled drinking water throughout the safari
Safari Transport
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser or similar with open roof for game viewing and experienced driver-guide
All Game Drives
All game drives as mentioned in the itinerary in your private vehicle
Airport Transfers
Complimentary arrival and departure airport transfers (Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport)
Exclusions
Additional costs not covered in the standard safari package
International Flights
Airfare to and from Tanzania is not included
Tanzania Entry Visa
Visa fees are the responsibility of the traveler
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is required but not provided
Alcoholic Beverages
Beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks are not included
Optional Activities
Hot air balloon rides, Maasai village visits, etc., are at extra cost
Tips & Gratuities
Tips for your guide, driver, and lodge staff are at your discretion
Note that: This is a private safari package. For group safari rates, single traveler supplements, or alternative accommodation options, please contact our team for a customized quote.
Miona Tanzania Safari
Plan your Tanzania trip
Send your dates, group size and preferred accommodation. We will prepare a quotation for your itinerary.
Enjoy comfortable mid-range accommodations strategically located for optimal wildlife viewing and relaxation.
Arusha
Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha
A comfortable hotel in the heart of Arusha, offering well-appointed rooms, friendly service, and modern amenities. The perfect place to begin and end your safari adventure with a swimming pool and tranquil garden setting.
Free Wi-Fi
Swimming Pool
On-site Restaurant
Breakfast Included
Tarangire National Park
View Lodge Website
Tarangire Osupuko Lodge
Nestled on a hill overlooking the Tarangire River Valley, Osupuko Lodge offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The lodge features spacious thatched-roof bungalows with private verandas, modern amenities, and traditional Tanzanian architecture.
A comfortable lodge nestled in the heart of the Serengeti, offering pleasant accommodations with views of the endless plains. Each room features modern comforts, private verandas, and friendly service, providing the perfect base for exploring the Seronera Valley's abundant wildlife.
Perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, this comfortable camp offers spectacular views of the caldera below. Experience a authentic safari stay with spacious tents, en-suite bathrooms, and friendly service, all while being just minutes away from the crater descent.
Situated in the lush green highlands of Karatu, this charming lodge offers a peaceful retreat after days of adventure. Surrounded by coffee plantations and rolling hills, Kankari Lodge features comfortable rooms, beautiful gardens, and warm hospitality.
Free Wi-Fi
Swimming Pool
Coffee Plantation
Beautiful Gardens
Note: All accommodations include en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, comfortable beds with mosquito netting, 24-hour electricity, and daily housekeeping. Accommodations are subject to availability. Click the links above to learn more about each property.
Need different accommodation? We can customize your stay with various lodge and camp options.
Safari Airport Pickup Information
Send us your arrival airport, flight number and landing time. We will confirm the meeting point, transfer vehicle and cost in your quotation.
Our comprehensive pickup service includes:
Meet & Greet: Our representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name.
Assisted Luggage Handling: We help with your luggage and guide you to your waiting vehicle.
Comfortable Transfers: Direct transfer in a clean, private vehicle to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Briefing Session: Your safari guide will often meet you at the hotel for a pre-safari briefing about the upcoming adventure.
Flexible Timing: Service is available 24/7 to match your flight schedule, whether you arrive day or night.
Return Transfers: At the end of your safari, we'll transfer you back to the airport for your departure flight.
Please ensure you provide us with your detailed flight itinerary well in advance to arrange the perfect pickup.
What makes this classic safari special:
This 7-day classic Tanzania safari is the perfect introduction to Tanzania's world-renowned Northern Circuit, offering an exceptional balance of extensive wildlife viewing, comfort, and great value. Designed for travelers who want quality accommodations and expert guiding at a mid-range price point, this itinerary takes you to four of Africa's most spectacular wildlife destinations in one seamless trip with ample time in each park.
In seven days, you'll experience the very best of Tanzania's wildlife: from Tarangire's elephant herds to three full days in the Serengeti's endless plains, Ngorongoro's unique crater ecosystem, and Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions.
Why Book This 7-Day Classic Tanzania Safari?
This carefully curated package is designed to offer the ideal balance of authentic wildlife experiences, comfortable accommodations, and exceptional value. It's the perfect safari for travelers seeking comprehensive Northern Circuit exploration with quality mid-range lodgings and private guiding.
This safari features the highlights of Tanzania's world-famous Northern Circuit with extended time in the Serengeti, maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities while ensuring comfortable overnight stays.
Key benefits of choosing this package:
Comprehensive Park Selection: Visits four of Tanzania's most iconic and wildlife-rich parks: Tarangire, Serengeti (3 full days), Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara
Quality Mid-Range Comfort: Stay in well-appointed lodges and camps that offer comfortable facilities, good locations, and friendly service at an accessible price point
Private Guided Experience: Travel in your own private 4x4 vehicle with a professional, English-speaking driver-guide with extensive knowledge of animal behavior and park ecosystems
All-Inclusive Value: The package includes park fees, accommodation, all meals, private transport, and drinking water, making budgeting straightforward
Relaxed Pace: Three full days in the Serengeti allow for unhurried exploration and the chance to witness different areas and wildlife behaviors
Flexibility & Customization: The private itinerary offers complete flexibility, and optional activities like balloon safaris or Maasai village visits can be added
Ready to Experience the Wonders of Tanzania?
Our safari experts are ready to answer your questions and secure your spot on this unforgettable 7-day classic Tanzania adventure. Contact us today to book your trip into the heart of the African wild.
Optional Adventure
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Elevate your safari experience with a breathtaking sunrise balloon flight over the endless plains.
See the Savannah from the Sky
Add an unforgettable perspective to your safari with a hot air balloon flight. Glide silently above the landscape at dawn, witnessing wildlife and the awakening plains from a unique vantage point. This optional activity is available during your days in the Serengeti.
Aerial Wildlife Viewing
Spot herds of elephants, giraffes, and antelope from above
Sunrise Flight
Experience the magic of an African sunrise from the balloon basket
Bush Breakfast
Celebrate your landing with a full champagne breakfast in the bush
Your Balloon Morning
4:30 AMPick-up from lodge
5:30 AMSunrise balloon flight
7:00 AMChampagne breakfast
8:30 AMFlight certificate
Consider Balloon safaris are weather-dependent and require advance booking due to popularity. Flights operate from several locations within the Serengeti depending on the season and wildlife movements.
You visit: Tarangire · Lake Manyara · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Visit Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro on this 7-day route. Read the day-by-day programme for the park visits, transfers and overnight arrangements.
A private route for families, with time for game drives and breaks along the way. See each day’s programme and discuss room arrangements for your group.
