7-Day Northern Tanzania Safari with Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

7 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Encounter giant elephant herds among Tarangire's ancient baobab trees
02 Discover Lake Manyara's lush forests, abundant birdlife, and famous tree-climbing lions
03 Experience the endless plains and extraordinary wildlife of the world-renowned Serengeti National Park
04 Track lions, leopards, and cheetahs with the guidance of experienced safari experts
05 Witness the Great Migration in season as wildebeests and zebras cross the savannah
06 Admire breathtaking landscapes from open plains to the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands
07 Descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Experience a 7-day Northern Tanzania safari through Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. Encounter giant elephant herds, tree-climbing lions, abundant birdlife, and the Big Five while exploring some of Africa's most iconic wildlife destinations. Spend unforgettable days discovering the endless plains of the Serengeti, tracking predators, and admiring breathtaking landscapes from the Ngorongoro Highlands to the crater floor.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Mount Meru, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Safari Briefing

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and receive a warm welcome from your representative.
Transfer to your hotel in Arusha, located at the foot of Mount Meru.
Relax at the lodge or explore the city, depending on your arrival time.
Attend a pre-safari briefing and learn more about the exciting journey ahead.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Arusha.

Day 02

Tarangire National Park Game Drive

Depart Arusha after breakfast and travel to Tarangire National Park.
Enjoy a full-day game drive through landscapes dotted with ancient baobab trees and crossed by the Tarangire River.
Search for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, impalas, and numerous bird species.
Experience one of Tanzania's finest wildlife destinations before transferring to your lodge.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Lake Manyara Wildlife Safari

Travel to Lake Manyara National Park after breakfast for a full-day game drive.
Explore lush groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and the alkaline lake.
Search for tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, baboons, and abundant birdlife.
Observe flamingos and other waterbirds along the lake shores.
Transfer to your lodge near Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 04

Journey to Serengeti National Park

Depart after breakfast and travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward Serengeti National Park.
Admire spectacular views of the highlands and endless plains.
Begin a game drive upon entering the Serengeti while heading toward your camp or lodge.
Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and vast herds of grazing animals.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in the heart of the Serengeti.

Day 05

Full-Day Serengeti Exploration

Spend the day exploring the magnificent Serengeti ecosystem.
Track predators and observe large herds of wildebeests and zebras.
Discover hidden corners of the park with the help of your experienced guide.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Return to camp in the evening for dinner and another overnight stay.

Day 06

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands

Enjoy breakfast and a morning game drive in the Serengeti.
Continue exploring the park while gradually making your way toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Admire the changing scenery from open savannahs to the lush highlands.
Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim or in the nearby highlands.
Relax and enjoy spectacular views before dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 07

Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Departure

Descend approximately 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater after an early breakfast.
Explore one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife destinations during a half-day game drive.
Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, and the endangered black rhino.
Enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the stunning scenery of the crater floor.
Ascend the crater and return to Arusha.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Northern Tanzania safari adventure.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 6 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport pick-up and drop-off in Arusha
One night of accommodation in Arusha before the safari
All accommodation during the safari as per the itinerary
All park entry fees and conservation fees
Ngorongoro Crater service fee
Transportation in a customized 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
All meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
Unlimited game drives as per the itinerary
Government taxes and VAT
Wildlife viewing opportunities in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
Emergency first-aid kit in the safari vehicle
Safari briefing before departure
Flying Doctors emergency evacuation coverage
Services of Pure African Expeditions throughout the safari

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Tips and gratuities for safari guides, drivers, and lodge staff
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.)
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
Accommodation before or after the safari (unless specified)
Additional meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal hiking or safari gear
Medical expenses and personal medications
Airport taxes where applicable
Any increase in park fees, taxes, or government levies imposed after booking
Expenses arising from flight delays, cancellations, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances
Items of a personal nature

What to bring

Valid passport and visa documents
Travel insurance information
Lightweight, comfortable clothing in neutral safari colors
Warm jacket or fleece for cool mornings and evenings
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes
Sun hat or cap
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (high SPF)
Insect repellent
Personal toiletries
Personal medications
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
Binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing
Power bank and charging cables
Reusable water bottle
Small backpack or daypack
Rain jacket or poncho (especially during the rainy season)
Lightweight sweater for cooler nights
Cash for tips, drinks, souvenirs, and personal expenses
A sense of adventure and enthusiasm for exploring Tanzania's incredible wildlife and landscapes

Know before you go

This safari is suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups.
A valid passport with at least six months' validity from your date of entry is required.
Most travelers require a Tanzania visa; please check the latest requirements before departure.
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation is highly recommended.
This safari includes game drives in Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, as animals roam freely in their natural environment.
Early morning departures are common to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.
The safari is conducted in a customized 4x4 vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing and photography.
Road conditions in some safari areas can be rough and dusty, particularly during the dry season.
Temperatures vary throughout the day; layered clothing is recommended.
Neutral-colored clothing is recommended for comfort and better wildlife experiences.
Plastic bags are prohibited in Tanzania and should not be brought into the country.
Drones are not permitted in national parks without special authorization.
Credit cards are accepted at many lodges, but carrying some cash for tips and personal expenses is advisable.
Dietary requirements and special meal requests can be accommodated with advance notice.
Electrical outlets at most lodges operate at 220-240V and use British-style three-pin plugs (Type G).
The best wildlife viewing is generally during the dry season from June to October, though safaris operate year-round.
Please follow your guide's instructions and park regulations at all times to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Pure African Expeditions recommends booking early during peak seasons to secure the best accommodations and availability.