Tanzania · Safari

7-Day Tanzania Safari through Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Maasai Life

7 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater with exceptional Big Five wildlife encounters
  • 02 Experience Maasai culture and hands-on village life in Mto wa Mbu, including traditional cooking activities
  • 03 Relax with exclusive bush lunches and private sundowners in scenic wilderness settings
  • 04 Enjoy a coffee estate lunch and visit Shanga social enterprise before departure or a Zanzibar extension

Experience a seven-day Tanzania safari combining wildlife, culture, and luxury across the iconic northern circuit. Explore Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti plains, and Ngorongoro Crater on guided game drives showcasing the Big Five and diverse ecosystems. Engage in Maasai cultural visits and hands-on experiences in Mto wa Mbu, including traditional cooking and village exploration. Enjoy scenic bush lunches, sundowners, and an optional hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti plains at sunrise. Conclude with relaxation at a coffee estate, a visit to Shanga, and departure or an optional Zanzibar extension.

An optional early morning hot air balloon safari provides a silent aerial view of the savannah and wildlife moving across the plains.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Tanzania and Welcome to Arusha

  • Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport marks the beginning of the journey into the wild beauty of Tanzania, with a warm welcome introducing the spirit of East Africa.
  • A comfortable private transfer to Arusha follows, passing through landscapes of lush greenery, local villages, and distant views of Mount Meru.
  • Depending on arrival time, an optional relaxed Arusha city experience offers insight into local culture, daily rhythm, and authentic life in the region.
  • Arrival at the hotel, set in tranquil natural surroundings, provides time to unwind, settle in, and prepare for the safari days ahead.

Overnight: Upper - Mid Range: Arusha Serena Hotel
Luxury: Gran Meliá Arusha

2
Day 02

Tarangire National Park with Elephants and Baobabs

  • The morning drive from Arusha begins as the safari unfolds towards Tarangire National Park, with changing landscapes of countryside, villages, and open plains.
  • Entry into the park reveals a dramatic wilderness of towering baobab trees and golden savannah, where wildlife activity becomes immediately visible.
  • Game viewing includes elephants moving in herds, giraffes feeding among acacias, and predators blending into the natural surroundings.
  • A hot bush lunch is enjoyed at a carefully selected scenic spot within the park, surrounded by untouched wilderness.
  • Afternoon exploration continues deeper into the park, followed by a private sundowner experience in a stunning location as the day closes in golden light.

Overnight: Upper - Mid Range: Tarangire Conserve Camp
Luxury: Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge

3
Day 03

Maasai Encounters and Mto wa Mbu Village Life

  • The day begins with a deeper cultural immersion into Tanzania's living traditions beyond wildlife experiences.
  • A morning visit to an authentic Maasai village offers direct interaction with the community, learning about traditional homes, cattle care, storytelling, customs, and daily practices.
  • The journey continues towards Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant and diverse cultural village known for its rich local life.
  • A local family visit includes a hands-on cooking experience with Leo and his wife, preparing traditional Tanzanian dishes and sharing a meaningful meal together.
  • Guided exploration includes a walk through banana plantations and rice fields, followed by a visit to the bustling village market filled with colours, flavours, and daily interactions.

Overnight: Upper - Mid Range: Ngorongoro Farm House
Luxury: The Manor at Ngorongoro

4
Day 04

Journey to the Serengeti and the Endless Plains

  • An early breakfast in the cool highlands of Ngorongoro marks the start of a scenic journey towards Serengeti National Park.
  • Travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers dramatic landscapes and early wildlife sightings along the route.
  • Descent into the Serengeti reveals vast open plains and endless horizons that define this iconic ecosystem.
  • A bush lunch is enjoyed in a scenic wilderness location surrounded by untouched nature.
  • An afternoon game drive introduces the Serengeti wildlife experience, followed by a private sundowner in a stunning setting as the sun sets over the plains.

Overnight: Upper - Mid Range: Moyo Tented Camp
Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

5
Day 05

Full-Day Serengeti Safari in Search of Big Cats

  • The day is fully dedicated to immersive exploration of the Serengeti, with every moment offering unique wildlife encounters.
  • An optional early morning hot air balloon safari provides a silent aerial view of the savannah and wildlife moving across the plains.
  • A full-day game drive continues at a relaxed pace with expert-guided tracking of predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
  • The landscape reveals shifting scenery from vast open plains to kopjes, with seasonal migration herds of wildebeest and zebra creating dramatic wildlife scenes.
  • Picnic moments in the wilderness accompany continuous exploration, offering a deep connection with nature throughout the day.

Overnight: Upper - Mid Range: Moyo Tented Camp
Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

6
Day 06

Ngorongoro Crater, Africa's Natural Wonder

  • After breakfast, the journey continues towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with scenic drives through changing landscapes from the Serengeti plains to lush highlands.
  • Arrival at the crater rim offers breathtaking panoramic views before a 600-metre descent into the Ngorongoro Crater.
  • Game viewing inside the crater reveals a unique ecosystem with a high concentration of wildlife and opportunities to spot the Big Five, including black rhino.
  • Exploration of the crater floor continues amid dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife, followed by a scenic picnic lunch in a peaceful setting often shared with grazing animals.
  • The day concludes with an ascent from the crater and a return to accommodation in the highlands.

Overnight: Upper - Mid Range: Ngorongoro Farm House
Luxury: Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá

7
Day 07

Return to Arusha with Coffee Estate and Departure

  • The return journey to Arusha passes through diverse landscapes, offering time to reflect on the safari experience.
  • En-route cultural insights from the guide add context to the regions and communities along the way.
  • Arrival at a coffee estate includes a relaxed lunch experience surrounded by lush plantations.
  • A visit to Shanga social enterprise offers interaction with artisans creating handmade crafts and meaningful community work.
  • A transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport follows, with an optional extension to Zanzibar for beach relaxation.
Tarangire National Park baobab-studded savannah, Serengeti National Park endless plains and kopjes, Ngorongoro Crater dramatic caldera floor

Where this trip takes you

Tarangire National Park baobab-studded savannah, Serengeti National Park endless plains and kopjes, Ngorongoro Crater dramatic caldera floor

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arusha 5 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All park fees for all national parks
  • All meals and accommodation during the entire tour
  • A high-quality safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, stocked with soft drinks, water, wines, beers, and snacks
  • Unlimited mileage on safari
  • Bush meals and sundowner
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • A highly experienced safari guide
  • All government taxes
  • AMREF Flying Doctors emergency rescue

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Travel visa
  • Gratuities ($20 per person per day)
  • Drinks at the lodges
  • Balloon safari ($540 per person)
  • Any other things not mentioned in the itinerary

What to bring

  • Lightweight and comfortable safari clothing in neutral colours (khaki, beige, green, or brown)
  • A warm jacket or fleece for early morning and evening game drives
  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes
  • A sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • A camera with extra batteries and memory cards for wildlife photography
  • Binoculars for better wildlife viewing experiences
  • Personal medications and basic toiletries
  • Insect repellent and lip balm
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A small backpack or daypack for daily excursions
  • A travel adapter and chargers for electronic devices
  • Your passport, travel insurance documents, and travel visa documents
  • A lightweight rain jacket during the rainy season
  • A swimsuit for lodge pools or Zanzibar beach extensions
  • Casual evening wear for lodges and camps
  • A sense of adventure and excitement for an unforgettable Tanzanian safari experience

Know before you go

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity from the date of travel is required.
  • Most travellers require a Tanzanian tourist visa, which can be obtained online or on arrival depending on nationality.
  • Yellow fever vaccination may be required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever risk country.
  • Travel insurance covering medical emergencies, cancellations, and evacuation is highly recommended.
  • Tanzania uses Type D and G power sockets with a 230V electricity supply.
  • The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), though USD is widely accepted in tourism areas.
  • It is recommended to carry small USD notes for tips, local purchases, and personal expenses.
  • Safari days often start early to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Domestic luggage on safari should preferably be packed in soft bags rather than hard suitcases.
  • Weather can vary between destinations, with cooler mornings and evenings in safari regions.
  • Wi-Fi is available in most lodges and hotels but may be limited in remote safari camps.
  • Respect for local cultures and communities is an important part of the travel experience.
  • Wildlife sightings are natural and unpredictable, making every safari unique and exciting.
  • English is widely spoken throughout Tanzania, especially in tourism areas.
  • Drinking bottled or filtered water is recommended during the trip.
  • Tipping safari guides, lodge staff, and camp teams is customary and appreciated.
  • Balloon safari experiences in the Serengeti should be booked in advance due to limited availability.
  • Zanzibar beach extensions can easily be added before or after the safari for relaxation.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour start
Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Maasai Village, Mto wa Mbu, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 7 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

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Starting from

USD 4,359 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $4,359.00 — $5,128.00
Double Sharing $4,359.00 — $5,128.00

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