This carefully crafted 7-day Tanzania safari takes you deep into the heart of Northern Tanzania’s most spectacular national parks, where you’ll witness incredible wildlife up close, from massive elephant herds and rare black rhinos to the dramatic Great Migration in the Serengeti. Starting and ending in Arusha, this journey combines thrilling game drives, stunning landscapes, and a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride over the vast plains. You’ll explore Tarangire National Park with its ancient baobab trees and thousands of elephants, the unique Lake Manyara famous for tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled lakes, the wildlife-packed Ngorongoro Crater – a UNESCO wonder often called the “eighth wonder of the world” – and the legendary Serengeti, home to endless horizons and nature’s greatest show on earth. The highlight? Floating silently in a hot air balloon at sunrise over the Serengeti, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush – pure magic! With options for luxury lodges boasting panoramic views, comfortable mid-range camps, or budget-friendly stays, this safari suits every traveller. Expert guides, private vehicles, and seamless transfers ensure a stress-free adventure. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a wildlife enthusiast, this 7-day itinerary delivers the best of Tanzania’s northern circuit in one unforgettable trip. Pack your binoculars and sense of wonder – Africa’s wild heart awaits!

Best Time for This 7-Day Tanzania Safari:

This thrilling 7-day safari explores Tanzania’s northern highlights: massive elephant herds in Tarangire, tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara, rare black rhinos in Ngorongoro Crater, and the endless plains of Serengeti with its hot air balloon adventure. If your top priorities are witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, excellent birding, and prime wildlife viewing, timing is everything. Here’s the ideal window to make your trip unforgettable.

Best Time: July to October (Peak Dry Season) & December to February

For the ultimate combination of the dramatic Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti, outstanding general wildlife sightings across all parks, and solid birding opportunities, plan your safari between July and October.

  • Wildebeest Migration — Herds gather in the Western Corridor (June-July) for Grumeti River crossings, then move to Northern Serengeti (August-October) for the iconic Mara River crossings – full of action, predators, and massive numbers.
  • General Wildlife — Dry conditions concentrate animals around water sources in Tarangire (huge elephant herds among baobabs), Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater (excellent Big Five chances, including black rhinos), and Serengeti (big cats thriving).
  • Birding — Resident birds are active and easier to spot; while not the absolute peak for migrants (November-April), you’ll still see flamingos at Lake Manyara, hornbills, lovebirds in Tarangire, and raptors everywhere.

This period offers clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and your hot air balloon ride will have perfect visibility over the migrating herds. Note: It’s peak season, so book early! Alternative: If birding is your top priority alongside some migration action, consider November-December (short rains bring migrants, lush scenery, fewer crowds), but expect possible showers and less predictable migration in central/southern areas.

Why This 7-Day Wildlife Safari Is for You

This itinerary is perfect if you want a comprehensive yet manageable taste of Tanzania’s northern circuit without rushing. It balances iconic parks, diverse wildlife (from elephants to rhinos to big cats), the magic of a balloon safari, and comfortable lodges – all in one week. Whether you’re a first-timer dreaming of the migration or a return visitor seeking that balloon perspective, this safari delivers excitement, relaxation, and lifelong memories at a pace that lets you truly absorb Africa’s wild beauty.

What to Expect on This 1-Week Safari

Expect daily game drives packed with sightings: thousands of elephants in Tarangire, flamingos and tree-climbing lions at Manyara, the dense wildlife paradise of Ngorongoro Crater, and the vast Serengeti with its predators and migration drama. Highlights include sunrise ballooning over endless plains (with a champagne breakfast!), picnic lunches in stunning spots, and evenings relaxing at scenic lodges. You’ll have expert guides, private vehicles, and a mix of landscapes – baobab-dotted savannas, soda lakes, crater floors, and open grasslands. It’s an immersive, hassle-free adventure full of “wow” moments!

7 Days Safari from Arusha:

Located in northern Tanzania, Arusha is a popular gateway to several national parks, including Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti. If you choose to start from Arusha, you’ll have easy access to these remarkable wildlife destinations and can begin your safari journey without any additional travel.

7 Days Safari from Zanzibar:

If you’re planning to explore the beautiful beaches and cultural treasures of Zanzibar before your safari, starting from Zanzibar is an excellent option. After enjoying the wonders of the island, you can easily connect to the mainland and embark on your 7-day safari adventure by flying into Arusha Airport, where you will be picked to begin your game drive.

7 Days Safari from Dar es Salaam:

As Tanzania’s largest city and major international gateway, Dar es Salaam offers convenient connections for travellers arriving by air. If you choose to start your safari from Dar es Salaam, you can seamlessly transition from the bustling city to the serene wilderness of Tanzania’s national parks.

No matter which starting point you choose, your 7-day safari will provide extraordinary wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you prefer to begin your journey from Arusha, Zanzibar, or Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s natural wonders await you.

Arrival: On arrival to Tanzania, you will be picked up by a Tranquil Kilimanjaro staff and be transported to your point of accommodation

Day 1

Arusha - Tarangire National Park

Upon arrival in Arusha, Tanzania, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Check in and settle in before meeting with your experienced tour guide to discuss the exciting itinerary ahead. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling game drive in Tarangire National Park. This park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including over 5,000 elephants, majestic lions, elusive leopards, graceful giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest. Immerse yourself in stunning landscapes and capture unforgettable moments. As the day comes to an end, return to your comfortable hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation

Luxury: Grand Melia Lodge / Mount Meru Hotel / Arusha Coffee Lodge

Mid-range: Ilboru Safari Lodge / Arusha Planet Lodge/ Airport Planet Lodge

Budget: Outpost Lodge / Tulia Boutique Hotel  / Green Mountain Hotel

Day 2

Tarangire National Park - Lake Manyara

Continue your exploration of Tarangire National Park with another exhilarating game drive. Witness the fascinating behaviors of the park’s inhabitants and marvel at the breathtaking natural scenery. In the afternoon, depart for Lake Manyara National Park. This park is famous for its unique tree-climbing lions, as well as its abundant flamingos, zebras, and giraffes. Check-in to your lodge in Lake Manyara National Park and unwind in the tranquil surroundings.

Accommodation

Luxury: Kitela Lodge / Lake Manyara Kilima Moja / The Retreat at Ngorongoro

Mid-range: Eileen’s Tree Inn / Endoro Lodge / Karatu Simba Lodge

Day 3

Lake Manyara National Park

Embark on a memorable game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Encounter a rich array of wildlife and be captivated by the park’s picturesque beauty. In the afternoon, journey to the renowned Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a natural wonder teeming with over 25,000 animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and black rhinos. Arrive at your lodge within the crater and enjoy the breathtaking views that surround you.

Accommodation

Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge / Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp

Mid-range: Rhino Lodge / Angata Ngorongoro Camp

Day 4

Ngorongoro crater

Prepare for an immersive full-day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater’s abundant wildlife population offers incredible opportunities for sightings of lions, elephants, rhinos, black rhinos, zebras, wildebeest, and more. Marvel at the remarkable interactions between species and witness the circle of life in action. As the day draws to a close, return to your lodge within the crater and relish the serenity of the surroundings.

Accommodation

Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge / Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp

Mid-range: Rhino Lodge / Angata Ngorongoro Camp

Day 5

Ngorongoro - Serengeti

Depart from the Ngorongoro Crater and journey to the iconic Serengeti National Park. This vast wilderness is renowned for the Great Migration, an awe-inspiring spectacle where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of greener pastures. Arrive at your lodge in Serengeti National Park and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty and raw wilderness that surrounds you.

Accommodation

Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp / Melia Serengeti Lodge / Four Season Serengeti

Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp / Embalakai Camp / Acacia Central Camp

Day 6

Serengeti National Park

Embark on an unforgettable game drive in Serengeti National Park. Witness the abundant wildlife and marvel at the untamed landscapes. In the afternoon, take to the skies for a thrilling hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti. As you soar above the plains, enjoy a unique perspective of the park’s vastness and spot animals from a bird’s-eye view. Capture breathtaking photographs and create lasting memories. Return to your lodge in the evening and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Accommodation

Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp / Melia Serengeti Lodge / Four Season Serengeti

Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp / Embalakai Camp / Acacia Central Camp

Day 7

Depart

Start the day with a captivating morning game drive in Serengeti National Park, savoring every moment in this remarkable ecosystem. In the afternoon, bid farewell to the Serengeti as you drive back to Arusha, where your incredible safari journey comes to an end. Depart from Arusha with unforgettable memories of the wildlife, landscapes, and rich cultural experiences you encountered during your Tanzanian adventure.

The cost for the whole 7 Days Tanzania safari includes and excludes the following items

Tanzania Safari Price includes

Park fees

Game drives and activities

All accommodation

A professional driver/ safari guide

All transportation

All Taxes/VAT

Roundtrip airport transfer

Meals

Water / Coffee / Tea or Soft Drinks

Price Excludes

International flights

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tanzania Visa

Gratuity

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Meals not listed above

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

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