Ultimate 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari : Unforgettable Journey Through Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Arusha.

7-Day Tanzania Safari Safari Overview

This 7 Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari Adventure is a journey through Northern Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations: Arusha, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. From breathtaking wildlife encounters to awe-inspiring landscapes, this itinerary combine adventure, culture, and luxury with options for all budgets. With expert-guided game drives, seamless transfers, and hand-picked lodges or camps, this is your ultimate escape into the wild.

Day 1: Arrival at Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport – Gateway to Safari

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), a representative will meet and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha. Settle into your lodge or hotel, rest after your flight, and prepare for your adventure. If time permits, explore Arusha town, visit a local coffee plantation, or unwind with a sundowner overlooking Mount Meru. Arusha is the ideal launch point for your Northern Circuit safari.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge by Elewana / Gran Meliá Arusha
• Midrange: African Tulip Hotel / Kibo Palace Hotel
• Budget: Green Mountain Hotel / Mc-Ellys Hotel

Day 2: Transfer from Arusha to Serengeti – Into the Wilderness

After an early breakfast, set off on a scenic drive or flight to the Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s most famous wildlife reserves. Watch the terrain evolve from highlands to endless plains rich with game. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at your lodge and head out for your first afternoon game drive, where you might spot lions, elephants, giraffes, or even the elusive leopard. The vast savanna welcomes you with unforgettable views and sounds of the wild.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge / Serengeti Bushtops
• Midrange: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge / Kati Kati Tented Camp
• Budget: Into Wild Africa Camp / Seronera Campsite

Day 3–4: Explore Serengeti National Park – Safari in its Purest Form

Spend two full days exploring the Serengeti’s magic on morning and afternoon game drives led by experienced guides. Marvel at the rhythm of nature, especially during the Great Migration, when thousands of wildebeest and zebra thunder across the plains. Lions bask on kopjes, cheetahs sprint across open ground, and hyenas lurk in the shadows. Return each evening to your camp or lodge to dine under the stars, sharing stories around the campfire.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Lemala Nanyukie / &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas
• Midrange: Thorn Tree Camp / Serengeti Heritage Camp
• Budget: Nyani Public Campsite / Shuhudia Camp

Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – Through the Highlands

After a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, journey southeast toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop en route at Olduvai Gorge, an archaeological treasure where early human fossils were discovered. Arrive at the crater’s rim by late afternoon, where your lodge awaits with stunning views over the caldera. The changing elevation brings a cool, misty ambiance with a perfect contrast to the Serengeti plains.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge by &Beyond
• Midrange: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge / Rhino Lodge
• Budget: Simba A Public Campsite / Crater Forest Tented Camp

Day 6: Explore Ngorongoro Crater – Wildlife in a Natural Amphitheatre

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to over 25,000 animals including the endangered black rhino, massive tuskers, and an abundance of predators. This unique volcanic caldera is one of the best places in Africa to spot all of the “Big Five” in a single day. Explore diverse habitats ranging from forests and lakes to grasslands and swamps with a packed lunch beside a hippo pool. It’s a photographer’s paradise and a nature lover’s dream.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Entamanu Ngorongoro / The Highlands by Asilia
• Midrange: Ang’ata Ngorongoro Camp / Country Lodge Karatu
• Budget: Karatu Safari Camp / Jambo Lodge

Day 7: Ngorongoro to Arusha – Farewell to Tanzania

After a final breakfast in the highlands, depart for Arusha with a heart full of memories. Depending on your flight time, you may visit a local market or enjoy lunch at a café in Arusha. Your driver will ensure timely arrival at the airport for your international flight home or connection to Zanzibar. This farewell is bittersweet—but your journey through Tanzania’s wild wonders will remain unforgettable.

✅ Safari Inclusions:

• Airport transfers (JRO or ARK)
• 6 nights’ accommodation (luxury, midrange, or budget options)
• All meals on safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• Unlimited game drives with park entrance fees
• Bottled water during game drives
• Visit to Olduvai Gorge (optional stop)
• Government taxes and conservation levies

❌ Safari Exclusions:

• International flights and visas
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Tips and gratuities for driver/guide and lodge staff
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
• Optional activities (e.g., balloon safari in Serengeti)
• Alcoholic and soft drinks unless otherwise stated

What is the best time to do this Safari?

The best time to embark on a Northern Tanzania safari covering Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Arusha largely depends on your wildlife interests and travel style. The dry season from June to October is ideal for general game viewing, with animals gathering around water sources and excellent chances to see the Big Five, along with dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration in the northern Serengeti.

Alternatively, the calving season from December to March offers thrilling predator-prey interactions in the lush southern Serengeti, especially around Ndutu, where wildebeest give birth. While April and May bring the long rains and fewer visitors, it’s a great budget-friendly option with vibrant green landscapes and excellent birding.

The short rains in November are lighter, making it a decent time to visit with fewer crowds and good value. Overall, June to October and December to March stand out as the best periods for an unforgettable safari experience.

Step-by-Step Safari Booking Guide

1. Define Your Travel Dates and Budget
Start by choosing your preferred travel window based on weather, wildlife migrations, or personal vacation time. Decide on your approximate budget (luxury, midrange, or budget), which will help guide accommodation and activity options.

2. Customize Your Itinerary
Work with the tour operator to customize your itinerary based on your preferences. Decide how many days you want to spend in each location (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Arusha), the type of lodging, and any add-ons like hot air balloon safaris or cultural village visits.

3. Confirm Availability and Book Accommodations
Safari lodges and camps especially luxury ones fill up months in advance during peak seasons. Once your itinerary is set, your tour operator will secure accommodations and internal transfers. Pay a deposit to confirm your booking.

4. Arrange International Flights and Travel Documents
Book your international flight into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha (ARK). Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and apply for a Tanzanian tourist visa online or on arrival. Also, consider travel insurance for coverage.

5. Prepare for Travel and Pack Accordingly
After full payment (typically 30–60 days before departure), your operator will send you a travel pack with details. Get required vaccinations (e.g., Yellow Fever if coming from an endemic country), pack light safari gear, and prepare for an unforgettable experience in Tanzania’s wild heart.