7 Days Tanzania Safari | Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara & Hadzabe
Customer Reviews
4.8
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Start Arusha
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End Arusha
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Age 12+
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Language English
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Cancel Free
Safari Description
The 7 days Tanzania safari is a breathtaking journey through Tanzania’s most iconic wilderness areas and cultural treasures. Traverse the elephant-filled plains of Tarangire, the vibrant ecosystems of Lake Manyara, the endless savannas of the Serengeti, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and connect with the ancient traditions of the Hadzabe tribe near Lake Eyasi. With expert guides, comfortable lodges, and thrilling game drives in a 4x4 vehicle, this adventure blends raw nature with immersive cultural encounters, creating memories that will linger long after the journey ends.
Trip Highlights
- Witness majestic elephant herds and ancient baobab trees in Tarangire National Park.
- Marvel at tree-climbing lions and vibrant flamingo flocks in Lake Manyara’s lush landscapes.
- Chase the Great Migration and spot predators in the Serengeti’s golden plains.
- Explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with the Big Five.
- Immerse yourself in the Hadzabe tribe’s ancient hunter-gatherer way of life.
- Travel in comfort with expert guides and 4x4 safari vehicles tailored for adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire – A Journey into the Wild
8:00 AM: Begin your adventure in Arusha with a warm breakfast, followed by a scenic 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Along the way, glimpse village life and rolling landscapes. Once inside the park, iconic baobabs and vast savannas greet you. Embark on a thrilling game drive, watching elephants gather at the Tarangire River, zebras graze the open plains, and predators hide in the shade. Enjoy a picnic lunch under an acacia tree before continuing your exploration. As the sun sets, head to your cozy lodge or camp near Tarangire or in Karatu.
Accommodation at:
- Tarangire/Karatu (e.g., Tarangire Safari Lodge or Karatu Simba Camp)
Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge/camp)
Day 2: Tarangire to Lake Manyara – A Tapestry of Wildlife
7:00 AM: After breakfast, travel 1.5 hours to Lake Manyara National Park. A lush forest welcomes you as baboons chatter and birds flit through the trees. Spend the day on a game drive searching for tree-climbing lions, hippos in the water, flamingos on the lake, and elephants in the bush. Pause for a scenic picnic lunch before exploring more of the park’s vibrant ecosystems. Later, transfer to your lodge near Lake Manyara or in Karatu to relax and dine.
Accommodation at:
- Lake Manyara/Karatu (e.g., Lake Manyara Wild Camp or Karatu Acacia Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast (lodge/camp), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge/camp)
Day 3: Lake Manyara to Serengeti – Into the Endless Plains
6:30 AM: After an early breakfast, drive 4–5 hours through the Ngorongoro highlands to Serengeti National Park. The landscape unfolds dramatically as you enter the legendary plains, where wildlife roams in every direction. Begin an en-route game drive, spotting prides of lions, fast-moving cheetahs, and, in season, the spectacular Great Migration. Stop for lunch under the shade of an acacia before continuing to your Serengeti lodge or camp as the golden light of dusk sets the savanna aglow.
Accommodation at:
- Serengeti (e.g., Serengeti Wild Camp or Serengeti Serena Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast (lodge/camp), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge/camp)
Day 4: Full Day in Serengeti – Wildlife Immersion
6:00 AM: Start your day with a sunrise game drive, witnessing the wilderness awaken. Return to your lodge for breakfast, then venture deeper into the Serengeti’s central region, where predators and prey share the same ancient paths. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a riverbank or kopje. Spend the afternoon tracking giraffes, elephants, and vibrant birds before returning to camp for dinner and stargazing around the fire.
Accommodation at:
- Serengeti (e.g., Serengeti Wild Camp or Serengeti Serena Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast (lodge/camp), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge/camp)
Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro – From Plains to Highlands
6:00 AM: Squeeze in one last Serengeti game drive before breakfast. Then set off toward Ngorongoro, traveling 3–4 hours through changing landscapes. Pause for a picnic lunch en route, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way. Reach the crater rim by late afternoon, where sweeping views await. Settle into your lodge, high above the crater floor, for a peaceful evening.
Accommodation at:
- Ngorongoro/Karatu (e.g., Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge or Karatu Acacia Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast (lodge/camp), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge/camp)
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater & Hadzabe Tribe – Wildlife Meets Culture
6:00 AM: Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive in this wildlife-packed caldera. Watch for black rhinos, lions, hippos, and flocks of flamingos near soda lakes. After a picnic lunch, ascend and journey 1.5 hours to Lake Eyasi. Here, engage with the Hadzabe tribe—one of the last hunter-gatherer societies. Learn their survival skills and hear stories passed through generations. Return to your Karatu lodge for dinner and reflection.
Accommodation at:
- Ngorongoro/Karatu (e.g., Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge or Karatu Acacia Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast (lodge/camp), Lunch (picnic), Dinner (lodge/camp)
Day 7: Hadzabe to Arusha – Farewell to Tanzania
8:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast in the tranquil Lake Eyasi region. Optional: participate in a morning hunt or cultural session with the Hadzabe before beginning your 3-hour return to Arusha. As you drive back through the heart of Tanzania, memories of wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural moments accompany you. Drop-off at your Arusha hotel or the airport marks the end of your unforgettable journey.
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast (lodge/camp), Lunch & Dinner (not included)
Map
Gallery
Safari Packages with Accommodations
These prices may vary depending on the number of travelers.
Budget Packages
| Accommodation Combo (6 Nights) | Included | Price per Person (Low Season) | Price per Person (High Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tumbili Public Campsite (Serengeti) + Ngedere Lodges & Camps (Mto wa Mbu) + Twiga Lodge & Campsite (Mto wa Mbu) + Tumbili Public Campsite (Serengeti) + Ngorongoro Simba Campsite + Lake Eyasi Simple Camp | Meals, park fees, game drives, transfers | $1,550 | $1,750 |
| Tumbili Public Campsite (Serengeti) + Ngedere Lodges & Camps (Mto wa Mbu) + Twiga Lodge & Campsite (Mto wa Mbu) + Tumbili Public Campsite (Serengeti) + Karatu Simba Camp + Lake Eyasi Simple Camp | Meals, park fees, guided drives, transfers | $1,580 | $1,800 |
Mid-Range Packages
| Accommodation Combo (6 Nights) | Included | Price per Person (Low Season) | Price per Person (High Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aardvark Safari Lodge + Lake Manyara Serena Lodge + Serengeti Serena Lodge + Serengeti Serena Lodge + Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge + Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge | Meals, park fees, game drives, transfers | $2,000 | $2,250 |
| Aardvark Safari Lodge + Lake Manyara Serena Lodge + Serengeti Serena Lodge + Serengeti Serena Lodge + Karatu Acacia Lodge + Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge | Meals, park fees, guided drives, transfers | $2,050 | $2,300 |
Luxury Packages
| Accommodation Combo (6 Nights) | Included | Price per Person (Low Season) | Price per Person (High Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Safari Lodge Tarangire + Lake Manyara Tree Lodge + Serengeti Four Seasons Lodge + Serengeti Four Seasons Lodge + Ngorongoro Serena Lodge + Lake Eyasi Luxury Lodge | All meals, park fees, private game drives, transfers, luxury services | $3,000 | $3,300 |
| Four Seasons Safari Lodge Tarangire + Lake Manyara Tree Lodge + Serengeti Four Seasons Lodge + Serengeti Four Seasons Lodge + Ngorongoro Crater Lodge + Lake Eyasi Luxury Lodge | All meals, park fees, private game drives, transfers, luxury services | $3,100 | $3,400 |
Included:
- Park fees and government taxes
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Professional English-speaking guide
- All safari drives in a 4x4 vehicle
- Transfers from/to Arusha
- Comfortable lodges or camps with essential amenities
- Bottled water during activities
Not Included:
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Visa and passport fees
- Travel and health insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, beverages)
Optional Add-ons
Enhance your 7 days Tanzania safari with these optional add-ons:
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: Float above the Serengeti plains at sunrise for spectacular aerial views. Price: $550–$650 per person, including champagne breakfast.
- Walking Safari: Guided walks in safe areas around Tarangire or Ngorongoro for a closer connection with nature. Price: $80–$120 per person for 2–3 hours.
- Maasai Village Visit: Experience Maasai culture and traditions. Price: $30–$50 per person, including local guide fees.
- Private Game Drives: Upgrade to a private vehicle for a personalized experience. Price: $150–$250 per vehicle per day.
Pre- and Post-Safari Hotel Stays
Stay in Arusha before or after your safari for added convenience:
- Budget: Arusha Backpackers or Mount Meru Hotel – clean and affordable.
- Mid-range: Arusha Coffee Lodge – boutique lodge with gardens and pool.
- Luxury: Arusha Serena Hotel – spacious rooms and fine dining.
Pre-safari stays allow for briefings and rest, while post-safari hotels provide a comfortable spot before departure.
Travel Logistics
Transfers
Transfers ensure a smooth and safe journey:
- Airport Pickup/Drop: Private transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. Price: $50 per way.
- Hotel to Safari Park Transfers: 4x4 safari vehicle transfers between Arusha/Moshi and parks. Price: $100 from Arusha to Moshi, $100 from Moshi to Arusha.
- Intercity Transfers: Comfortable road transfers in 4x4 jeeps, included in the safari package unless otherwise arranged.
Transfers are customizable based on arrival/departure times and comfort preferences.
Driving Hours
Expect 4–8 hours of driving per day, with early departures to maximize wildlife sightings.
Distance Covered Per Day
- Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire (~120 km).
- Day 2: Tarangire to Lake Manyara (~70 km).
- Day 3: Lake Manyara to Serengeti (~205 km).
- Day 4: Serengeti exploration (variable).
- Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro (~145 km).
- Day 6: Ngorongoro to Hadzabe (Lake Eyasi) (~80 km).
- Day 7: Hadzabe to Arusha (~180 km).
Meals
Meals are included based on the accommodation package:
- Breakfast at the lodge.
- Lunch as a picnic or at lodges.
- Dinner at the lodge after game drives.
- Special dietary needs accommodated with advance notice.
Tips
Tipping is customary:
- Driver/Guide: $10–15 per day per person
- Lodge staff: $5–10 per day per person
- Optional: Balloon safari or Maasai village guides $5–10 per person
Passport & Visa
A valid passport is required. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival (~$50) or via eVisa. Check requirements before travel.
Vaccination
Health recommendations:
- Yellow fever vaccination (mandatory for some countries).
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended.
- Routine vaccinations (tetanus, polio, hepatitis A/B).
Insurance
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and safari activities is advised.
Clothing
Dress for safari conditions:
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing.
- Warm layers for early mornings in Ngorongoro.
- Closed-toe shoes or boots.
- Hat, sunglasses, and scarf for dust protection.
What to Bring
Essentials for your safari:
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Reusable water bottle and snacks.
- Travel documents and medications.
- Small daypack for game drives.
For Children
- Discounts for Kids: Free for children under 5 with two adults; discounts for ages 6-12.
- Activity Suitability: Family-friendly with some restrictions for add-ons.
- Supervision and Safety: Parental supervision required.
Other Terms
A deposit is required at booking, with the balance due 30 days before departure. Cancellations over 30 days incur a small fee; within 30 days, non-refundable. Travel insurance is recommended. Itineraries may adjust due to weather or park regulations. Luggage limit: one checked bag and one carry-on.
Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
Review Summary
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Transportation:
4.8
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Value for Money:
4.7
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Support Services:
4.9
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Organization:
4.8
Recent Reviews
150 reviews
"An incredible 7-day safari! The wildlife in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro was stunning, and the Hadzabe cultural visit was a unique highlight. Our guide was fantastic!"
"Perfect balance of wildlife and culture. The Hadzabe experience was eye-opening, and the lodges were very comfortable."
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