7-Day Tanzania Camping Safari through Serengeti and Ngorongoro

7 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit Lake Manyara National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and diverse birdlife.
02 Experience four unforgettable days exploring the endless plains of Serengeti National Park.
03 Enjoy exceptional opportunities to spot the Big Five and a wide variety of African wildlife.
04 Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal), one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles.
05 Camp under the African stars in carefully selected public campsites for an authentic bush experience.
06 Explore the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's best wildlife destinations.
07 Search for the endangered black rhino within the Ngorongoro Crater.
08 Discover Tarangire National Park, renowned for its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds.

Set out from Arusha on a 7-day camping safari through Tanzania's most celebrated wildlife destinations. Explore the lush forests and flamingo-lined shores of Lake Manyara, spend multiple days on immersive game drives across the endless plains of the Serengeti, and descend into the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey also includes Tarangire National Park, known for its giant baobab trees and massive elephant herds. Designed for maximum wildlife viewing and an authentic bush experience, this safari ends back in Arusha.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

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

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Lake Manyara Game Drive and Wildlife Discovery

Your adventure begins with a morning departure from Arusha, followed by a drive of about two hours to Lake Manyara. This park is small but incredibly diverse, with lush forests, open plains, and the shimmering lake itself. During your game drive, you may spot tree-climbing lions, troops of baboons, hippos wallowing in the water, and flamingos painting the lake pink. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the hundreds of species found here. After a picnic lunch, continue exploring until evening. Overnight at a lodge or camp near Manyara, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodations: Flamingo Lodge Karatu

Activities: Game drive

Overnight: Flamingo Lodge Karatu

Day 02

Scenic Journey to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, you head out toward the Serengeti, passing through the dramatic Ngorongoro Highlands. The drive itself is scenic, with rolling hills and Maasai villages along the way. By early afternoon, you arrive in Central Serengeti, the beating heart of the park. An afternoon game drive introduces you to lions lounging in the grass, cheetahs scanning the horizon, and herds of wildebeest and zebras grazing. Dinner and overnight at a Serengeti lodge or tented camp, where the vast plains stretch endlessly around you.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodations: Nyani Campsite.

Activities: Game drive, wildlife viewing

Overnight: Nyani Campsite

Day 03

Full-Day Serengeti Wildlife Exploration

Wake up early for a sunrise game drive, when predators are most active. The Serengeti is renowned for its abundance of wildlife, and today you'll spend the entire day exploring different areas. You might witness a cheetah sprint, elephants moving in family groups, or hyenas scavenging. Picnic lunch is enjoyed under the shade of an acacia tree. In the afternoon, continue your drive, perhaps following the migration herds if the season is right. Overnight again in Serengeti.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodations: Nyani Campsite

Activities: Game drive

Overnight: Nyani Campsite

Day 04

Deeper into the Serengeti Plains

A second full day in Serengeti allows you to go deeper into the park. You can explore river valleys, kopjes (rock outcrops), and open plains. Optional activities like a balloon safari at dawn give you a bird's-eye view of the wildlife below. Spend the day tracking different species, from giraffes and buffalo to elusive leopards. Return to camp for dinner and storytelling around the fire.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations: Nyani Campsite

Activities: Game drive

Overnight: Nyani Campsite.

Day 05

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Begin with an early morning game drive to catch the last action in Serengeti. After brunch, start the journey toward Ngorongoro. The drive takes you through varied landscapes, and you may spot wildlife along the way. By late afternoon, you reach the crater rim. Your lodge offers sweeping views into the caldera, a natural amphitheater teeming with animals. Overnight at Ngorongoro lodge, with cool highland air and dramatic scenery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations: Simba Ngorongoro Campsite

Activities: Game drive

Overnight: Simba Ngorongoro Campsite

Day 06

Ngorongoro Crater Full-Day Safari

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at dawn for a full-day game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World" because of its extraordinary density of wildlife. You'll see elephants, buffalo, hippos, flamingos, and possibly the rare black rhino. Lions are common here, and the crater floor offers unmatched opportunities for close encounters. Enjoy a picnic lunch by a hippo pool before continuing your exploration. Overnight again at Ngorongoro lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations: Kudu Lodge Karatu

Activities: Game drive

Overnight: Kudu Lodge Karatu

Day 07

Tarangire Elephants and Return to Arusha

After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, about three hours away. Spend the morning and early afternoon on game drives in this park, famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. You'll also see zebras, wildebeest, and predators like lions and leopards. Birdlife is abundant, with colorful species filling the skies. After lunch, begin the return journey to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon where your safari concludes.

Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be transferred according to your travel arrangements, either to your preferred hotel for an overnight stay or to the airport for your onward flight. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable African safari experience.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Activities: Tarangire game drive, transfer to Arusha, hotel drop-off or airport transfer.

End of safari.

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

Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide/driver.
All national park entrance and conservation fees.
Accommodation at public campsites as per the itinerary.
Camping equipment (spacious tent, sleeping mattress, chairs, and table).
Services of a safari cook throughout the trip.
Three freshly prepared meals daily while on safari (as specified in the itinerary).
Bottled drinking water during game drives.
Government taxes and VAT.
Game drives as outlined in the itinerary.

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights.
Tanzania visa fees.
Travel and medical insurance.
Sleeping bag (available for rent if required).
Alcoholic and soft drinks.
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, telephone calls, etc.).
Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon safari, Maasai village visit, Olduvai Gorge tour).
Tips and gratuities for the safari guide, cook, and camp staff.
Accommodation before or after the safari unless specified.

What to bring

Valid passport and any required travel documents.
Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, beige, or brown).
A warm fleece or jacket for early morning and evening game drives.
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals.
Sun hat or cap and sunglasses.
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.
Insect repellent.
Personal toiletries and any prescription medications.
Camera, extra batteries, memory cards, and binoculars.
Small daypack for daily essentials.
Reusable water bottle.
Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries.
Power bank and charging cables (charging opportunities may be limited at campsites).
Sleeping bag (if not provided by your tour operator).
Light rain jacket (especially during the rainy season).
Cash in small denominations for tips, souvenirs, and personal purchases.

Know before you go

A valid passport is required, and most travelers need a Tanzania visa before or upon arrival.
Consult your healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention before traveling.
This is a camping safari, so expect shared campsite facilities and an authentic outdoor experience close to nature.
Early morning departures are common to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, as animals roam freely in their natural habitat.
Luggage is limited to soft-sided bags (recommended maximum 15-20 kg / 33-44 lbs) for easier transport in safari vehicles.
Wear comfortable, neutral-colored clothing to blend into the environment and avoid attracting insects.
Evenings and early mornings can be cool, so bring a warm jacket or fleece.
Bring sufficient cash (preferably US Dollars printed from 2009 onwards or Tanzanian Shillings) for tips, drinks, souvenirs, and optional activities, as card payments are not accepted everywhere.
Electricity at campsites may be limited, so carry a power bank and charge devices whenever possible.
Follow your guide's instructions at all times and never leave the safari vehicle unless permitted in designated areas.
Respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance, avoiding loud noises, and never feeding animals.
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation is strongly recommended.
Drinking water is provided during the safari, but staying hydrated throughout your journey is important.