7 Days Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro

Package Overview

Tanzania stands as the crown jewel of African safari destinations, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities across its diverse national parks and conservation areas. The 7 Days Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari combines the country’s most spectacular wildlife havens into one unforgettable journey. This carefully crafted Tanzania Safari itinerary takes you through four distinct ecosystems, each hosting unique landscapes and animal populations that collectively showcase the best of East Africa’s natural heritage.

Whether you’re tracking the Great Migration in the endless plains of the Serengeti, marveling at tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara, encountering massive elephant herds in Tarangire, or descending into the “Eden of Africa” at Ngorongoro Crater, this 7 Days Tanzania Safari delivers a comprehensive wildlife experience that few other destinations can match.

7 Days Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Your adventure begins with arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your safari guide will welcome you. After a short transfer to Arusha—the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit—you’ll settle into your accommodation and receive a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming 7 Days Tanzania Safari. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and prepare for the wildlife encounters ahead.

Accommodation: Mid-range or luxury lodge in Arusha Meals included: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, you’ll depart for Tarangire National Park, approximately a 2-hour drive from Arusha. Tarangire is renowned for its massive elephant populations and iconic baobab trees that dot the landscape. The 7 Days Tarangire Lake Manyara Serengeti and Ngorongoro journey truly begins with a full-day game drive in this spectacular park.

Key wildlife to spot:

• Large herds of elephants (often numbering in the hundreds)
• Ancient baobab trees
• Diverse bird species (over 550 varieties)
• Tree-climbing pythons
• Lion prides lounging by the Tarangire River

Your expert guide will navigate the park’s diverse habitats, from riverine forests to grassy savannahs, ensuring optimal wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the day.

Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp within or near Tarangire Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park

Following an early breakfast, you’ll drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its alkaline lake and unique wildlife adaptations. This compact but diverse park sits at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and is home to dense groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and the shimmering soda lake that attracts countless flamingos.

Key attractions and activities at Lake Manyara:

• Famous tree-climbing lions (a rare behavior)
• Large baboon troops
• Thousands of pink flamingos (seasonal)
• Hippo pools
• Stunning birdlife including hornbills and pelicans
• Potential canopy walkway experience (optional add-on)

The 7 Days Tarangire Lake Manyara Serengeti and Ngorongoro activities for this day typically include a game drive and potentially a guided nature walk, offering different perspectives on this ecological treasure.

Accommodation: Lodge overlooking Lake Manyara or in nearby Karatu town Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 4: Serengeti National Park (Central)

Today marks a major highlight of your 7 Days Tarangire Lake Manyara Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari as you journey to the world-famous Serengeti National Park. After breakfast, you’ll drive through the highlands of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, potentially stopping at Olduvai Gorge—the important archaeological site known as the “Cradle of Mankind.”

Upon reaching the Serengeti’s iconic gateway, you’ll immediately begin game viewing across the endless plains. The Central Serengeti offers remarkable year-round wildlife concentrations, regardless of the Great Migration’s current location.

Key wildlife and attractions:

• Big cat sightings (lions, leopards, and cheetahs)
• Resident game including elephants, giraffes, and buffalo
• Hippo pools at the Seronera River
• Impressive kopjes (rocky outcrops) where lions and leopards often lounge

Accommodation: Central Serengeti lodge or tented camp Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 5: Serengeti National Park (Extended Exploration)

A full day dedicated to exploring the magnificent Serengeti allows for deeper immersion into this remarkable ecosystem. Depending on the season of your visit, your guide will strategically plan the day to maximize wildlife sightings, potentially following the Great Migration if it’s in the vicinity.

The 7 Days Tarangire Lake Manyara Serengeti and Ngorongoro itinerary is flexible during this day, allowing your guide to focus on areas with recent predator activity or migration movements. Early morning and late afternoon game drives capitalize on the most active wildlife periods.

Optional activities (additional cost may apply):

• Sunrise hot air balloon safari followed by a champagne breakfast
• Visit to a local Maasai village to learn about their traditional culture
• Specialized photography safari focusing on specific species

Accommodation: Same as previous night or move to different Serengeti region based on migration patterns Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, you’ll journey to the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive itself offers spectacular scenery as you ascend the crater highlands. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your accommodation positioned on the crater rim, offering breathtaking views over this natural wonder.

The Ngorongoro Crater, often called “Africa’s Eden,” is actually a massive caldera formed when a volcano collapsed millions of years ago. This natural enclosure has created a unique ecosystem that supports an exceptional concentration of wildlife.

Evening activities:

• Nature walk along the crater rim (guide accompanied)
• Cultural visit to local Maasai communities (optional)
• Relaxation at the lodge while enjoying panoramic views

Accommodation: Lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater rim Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater and Return to Arusha

The grand finale of your 7 Days Tarangire Lake Manyara Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari begins with an early descent into the crater for an unforgettable game drive. The 600-meter deep, 19-kilometer wide caldera is home to approximately 30,000 animals representing almost all East African species.

Key wildlife in the crater:

• One of the highest densities of lions in Africa
• Critically endangered black rhino
• Large bull elephants with magnificent tusks
• Dense populations of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle
• Hippos at the Ngoitokitok Springs and Gorigor Swamp
• Potential sightings of serval cats and golden jackals

After a picnic lunch inside the crater, you’ll begin your journey back to Arusha, arriving by evening in time for your onward travel arrangements or overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch

7 Days Tarangire Lake Manyara Serengeti and Ngorongoro Price Guide

The cost of a 7 Days Tanzania Safari covering these iconic destinations varies based on several factors:

Budget Option ($2,100 – $2,800 per person)

• Shared safari vehicle (4-6 people)
• Basic but comfortable accommodations (mix of lodges and tented camps)
• Limited services at accommodations

Mid-Range Option ($3,000 – $4,200 per person)

• Shared or private safari vehicle (2-4 people)
• Good quality lodges and permanent tented camps
• More inclusive services and better locations

Luxury Option ($5,000 – $8,000+ per person)

• Private safari vehicle and guide
• Premium lodges and luxury tented camps
• Exclusive locations with superior views and amenities
• Enhanced services and potential for custom experiences

Note: The 7 Days Tarangire Lake Manyara Serengeti and Ngorongoro price fluctuates based on:

• Travel season (high, low, or shoulder)
• Accommodation choices
• Group size
• Vehicle exclusivity
• Optional activities added
• International flights (typically not included)

7 Days Tarangire Lake Manyara Serengeti and Ngorongoro Includes/Excludes

What’s Typically Included:

• All park entry fees and conservation fees
• Professional, English-speaking safari guide
• Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• All game drives mentioned in the itinerary
• Accommodation as specified
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Bottled water during game drives
• Airport transfers in Arusha
• All government taxes and levies

What’s Typically Excluded:

• International flights
• Visa fees (approximately $50-100 depending on nationality)
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Hot air balloon safari in Serengeti (approximately $600 per person)
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Tips for guides and camp/lodge staff (recommended: $10-15 per person per day for guide, $5-10 per person per day for lodge staff)
• Personal items and souvenirs
• Any pre or post-safari accommodation not specified

Best Time to Experience a 7 Days Tanzania Safari

The 7 Days Tarangire Lake Manyara Serengeti and Ngorongoro activities can be enjoyed year-round, but certain seasons offer unique advantages:

Dry Season (June to October)

• Excellent wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources
• Less vegetation makes spotting animals easier
• Comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall
• Great Migration river crossings in Northern Serengeti (July-September)
• Peak season with higher prices and more visitors

Green Season (November to May)

• Lush landscapes with excellent photography opportunities
• Newborn animals (particularly December-March)
• Bird watching is exceptional as migratory birds are present
• Great Migration calving season in Southern Serengeti (January-March)
• Lower prices and fewer tourists (especially April-May during the long rains)

Essential Packing for Your Safari

To fully enjoy the 7 Days Tarangire Lake Manyara Serengeti and Ngorongoro experience, pack these essentials:

• Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors and blue, which attracts tsetse flies)
• Layers for variable temperatures (mornings can be cool, afternoons hot)
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen)
• Comfortable, closed walking shoes
• Camera equipment with extra batteries and memory cards
• Binoculars for distant wildlife viewing
• Insect repellent containing DEET
• Personal medications and basic first aid supplies
• Small daypack for game drives
• Reusable water bottle

Conservation and Responsible Tourism

The 7 Days Tanzania Safari experience comes with responsibility. These magnificent parks face conservation challenges including poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change impacts. Responsible tourists can make a positive impact by:

• Choosing ethical tour operators who support conservation initiatives
• Respecting wildlife by maintaining appropriate distances and not disturbing natural behaviors
• Following all park rules and guide instructions
• Minimizing waste and avoiding single-use plastics
• Supporting local communities through appropriate purchases and cultural interactions
• Considering carbon offset options for your flights

7 Days Tarangire Lake Manyara Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conclusion

The 7 Days Tarangire Lake Manyara Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari represents one of Africa’s most comprehensive wildlife experiences. From the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire to the biodiversity haven of the Ngorongoro Crater, this journey showcases Tanzania’s extraordinary natural heritage. The carefully designed 7 Days Tarangire Lake Manyara Serengeti and Ngorongoro itinerary balances game viewing with comfortable travel times, ensuring you experience the best of northern Tanzania without feeling rushed.

Whether tracking the Great Migration across the Serengeti plains, photographing tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara, or witnessing the incredible density of predators and prey coexisting in the Ngorongoro Crater, this safari delivers unforgettable wildlife encounters. The 7 Days Tanzania Safari consistently ranks among the top wildlife experiences globally, offering visitors a perfect blend of iconic landscapes, remarkable biodiversity, and authentic African wilderness.

For travelers seeking the quintessential East African safari experience, this thoughtfully crafted journey through Tanzania’s northern circuit delivers natural wonders that will remain etched in memory long after returning home.