7-Day Tanzania Camping Safari through Serengeti and Ngorongoro

7 Days Round trip from Babati Rural Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Spot herds of elephants along the Tarangire River, with zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, and warthogs nearby
02 Visit famous Maasai bomas and experience traditional Maasai dance and village culture
03 Enjoy a sunrise game drive on the Serengeti plains, one of the best times to see predators in action
04 Explore Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best places to spot the endangered black rhinoceros
05 Discover Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and rich birdlife

Join us on this Big 5 safari through Tanzania's Northern Circuit national parks. Spot lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, hippos, Cape buffalo, hyenas, cheetahs, giraffes, enormous herds of wildebeest, zebras, and much more as you explore Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Arusha National Park. Along the way, enjoy a Maasai boma visit, a sunrise game drive on the Serengeti plains, and time at Chemka Hot Springs after your wildlife adventure.

Book this 7-day Tanzania Camping Safari through Serengeti and Ngorongoro with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a licensed Tanzania tour operator based in Arusha since 2017. Every itinerary can be tailor-made to your travel dates, budget and interests, and combined with Serengeti and Ngorongoro safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs or Zanzibar beach stays.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

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

Languages English, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Tarangire Wildlife and Maasai Village Views

Pass by beautiful Maasai villages and the open plains that have become synonymous with images of Tanzania.
The Tarangire River attracts regular visits from large herds of elephants, as well as other wildlife such as zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, and warthogs, famously known as "Pumba" in The Lion King movie, which was partly filmed in the great Serengeti plains.
A picnic lunch with a spectacular view of the Tarangire River is a great way to take it all in, though you will need to keep a sharp eye on your lunch around the local monkeys.
Later, take a deeper drive into the wild for the chance to see lions, leopards, Cape buffalo, and a large variety of antelopes. If luck is on your side, you might even spot endangered animals such as the fringe-eared oryx and the great kudu.
After a spectacular day in Tarangire, you will retire to your selected accommodation for dinner and a good night's sleep.

Day 02

Journey to Serengeti via Ngorongoro and Maasai Boma

We depart for Serengeti National Park from Arusha via Ngorongoro Crater, enjoying a game drive en route. Once in the Serengeti, you will be amazed by the spectacular views while enjoying a picnic lunch on a small hill in an otherwise flat area.
Visit a Maasai boma and get close to the Maasai community by participating in a traditional Maasai dance and taking a walk through the village. You will learn about Maasai culture, once known for lion hunting as a mark of warrior status and for drinking raw cow blood, though most of these traditions are now things of the past, with the exception of drinking blood. You will also have time for souvenir shopping at the local Maasai market.
After lunch at the picnic area, it is time to explore the endless plains of the Serengeti. You will be amazed by the wide range of animals that wander across Africa's iconic savannah landscape.
For dinner and overnight, stay in the centre of Serengeti National Park in the quality of accommodation requested.

Day 03

Sunrise Game Drive and Transfer to Ngorongoro

You will wake up early for breakfast, followed by a sunrise game drive on the Serengeti plains, which offers one of the best opportunities to see lions, leopards, and other predators in action. The Serengeti also offers a stunning sunrise, as the rising sun seems to set the savannah alight.
You will enjoy a picnic lunch with spectacular views from a small hill in an otherwise flat area. After lunch at the picnic site, it is time to continue exploring the endless plains of the Serengeti.
You will be amazed by the wide range of animals that wander across Africa's iconic savannah landscape as you travel onward to Ngorongoro for dinner and an overnight stay at your requested accommodation.

Day 04

Ngorongoro Crater Big Five Safari

Ngorongoro Crater is home to a remarkable variety of species, including the Big Five. It is one of the prime safari destinations in the world and one of the best places to spot the endangered black rhinoceros. You will also enjoy a meal close to the hippo pool, which offers great views of the lake and a large number of hippos cooling off in the water.
From the comfort of your open-roof 4x4 Land Cruiser, you will have the chance to photograph and observe some of Africa's most recognizable wildlife.
After the chills and thrills of the day, you will have a picnic lunch by the famous hippo pool.

Day 05

Lake Manyara Birdlife and Tree-Climbing Lions

After breakfast, you will depart from your accommodation for Manyara National Park. After a summary of the market, you will proceed to Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions that seem to pose for photographs.
Bird lovers will find Lake Manyara an absolute delight, with a huge variety of birds on display. You will not only be amazed but also surprised by large flocks of flamingos and many other bird species, as it is a renowned birding destination. The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the finest game-viewing opportunities in the world.
You will then drive back to your chosen location or accommodation in Arusha for dinner and a good night's sleep.

Day 06

Arusha National Park Walking, Canoe, and Game Drive

Walking safari: A guide will stay close to you as you stretch your legs through the park. Arusha National Park is home to buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, black-and-white colobus monkeys, crowned eagles, lanner falcons, and Levaillant's cuckoos.
Canoe safari: A canoe safari is available at an extra cost. You will be guided by one of our guides and have the chance to spot hippos, majestic giraffes, bushbuck, buffaloes, and the endless forest around Momella Lake.
Game drive: Half-day or full-day game drives are available, depending on how much you want to explore. Travel across the Momella Lake area to see a greater variety of bird species in the thick forest of Momella and visit Ngurdoto Crater, in some cases known as the "Little Serengeti".

Day 07

Serval Wildlife and Chemka Hot Springs

The serval is an elegant wild cat known for its exceptional jumping ability. It is a rare but fascinating sight during the trip to the ranch.
These natural springs, also called Kikuletwa Hot Springs, offer a serene escape in Tanzania. They feature clear turquoise water surrounded by lush greenery, while their geothermal heat and mineral content provide a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
We offer convenient and comfortable transportation from Chemka Hot Springs or your lodging directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport, ensuring a smooth departure and allowing you to cherish your Tanzanian experiences before heading to your next destination.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Babati Rural 7 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All accommodations.
All activities, unless indicated as optional.
All transportation, unless labelled as optional.
Meals, as specified in the day-by-day section.
Taxes / VAT.
Bath towels.
All transport by road.
Camping equipment.
Park fees.
Professional guide.
Sleeping bags.
Drinking water on all days.
Government-imposed increases of taxes and/or park fees.
All meals on safari.
Quality safari jeep.
Guide wages.
Airport pickup.
Air-conditioned car.
Drinks.

What's Not Included

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour.
International flights.
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.).
Tips (tipping guideline: USD 10–15 per person per day for your guide).

What to bring

Luggage: Use a durable, waterproof, lockable duffel or soft-sided bag. Keep valuables in a separate day pack and leave sentimental or high-value items at home.
Clothes: Pack layers for hot days and cool nights. Choose breathable, sun-protective clothing in mid-tone colours like olive, green, and khaki. Avoid white, bright, or dark colours. Casual wear is suitable for lodge evenings. Bring a waterproof coat and check the weather before travelling.
Shoes: Bring light hiking boots and sports sandals for daytime and camp walks. Flip-flops are useful for showers.
Sun protection: The African sun can be brutal, so bring a good pair of sunglasses, a hat, sun cream, and lip salve.
First aid supplies: Antiseptic ointment, antihistamine cream and tablets, painkiller (e.g. Nurofen), eye drops, anti-diarrhoea medication, bandages, personal medication for allergies/asthma, and insect repellent with DEET.
Photography and electrical equipment: We recommend bringing a strong bag or carry case to protect your camera, spare batteries, memory or storage media (2 memory cards in case one gets corrupted), and binoculars.
Electrical charging and power supply.

Know before you go

Your safety on safari: Our 4x4 Land Cruisers are checked and serviced before every trip, every vehicle carries a first aid kit, and our guides are first-aid trained. Guides carry radios to stay in contact where there is no internet, including with park rangers, and you can reach our Arusha office at any time by WhatsApp or phone call.

Our representative will collect you from the airport and take you to your accommodation in Arusha for the night.
We are happy to book accommodation before and after your safari if needed.
Flying into Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airports is quite straightforward. English is widely spoken and used for signs and directions.
Arusha Airport is a 30-minute drive from Arusha.
Kilimanjaro Airport is roughly a one-hour drive from Arusha. If you arrive on an international flight, clearing immigration can take some time.
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling. US dollars and euros are widely accepted. Most places will not accept older US dollar bills printed before 2006.
If you intend to use your credit or debit card to withdraw funds, we suggest taking more than one card with you, as you may find that your card is not accepted at the first ATM. Visa and Maestro cards tend to work best.
We recommend informing your bank that you will use your card abroad to avoid it being blocked. ATMs are available in Arusha and allow you to withdraw local currency.
We advise you to arrive in Arusha at least one day before your trip begins. Return flights can be booked for the late afternoon or evening of the final day of your safari, but please ensure your guide is aware of this so that you can arrive at the airport in plenty of time for your flight.
Please check with the relevant embassy in your country for up-to-date visa and passport information. Ensure your passport will not expire within six months of your trip and that it has at least three clear pages.
You will probably need a visa to enter Tanzania. Check with your country's government travel website to find out how to get your visa. Most visas can be bought on arrival in the country.
You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we cannot give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. However, the following vaccinations are generally recommended for Tanzania: tetanus, polio, hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, yellow fever, and malaria. Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory when you enter Tanzania from a country with yellow fever.
Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. If you are entering Tanzania from a country that does not have yellow fever, vaccination is not needed. Please visit the World Health Organization website for an up-to-date list.
In some areas we visit, there is a risk of contracting malaria. You should know that whatever malaria tablets you take offer only partial protection. They must be coupled with physical efforts to avoid being bitten, which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset, so you should wear long sleeves and trousers from this time. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing DEET applied.
We strongly recommend that you have extensive travel insurance to cover your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safekeeping. Your policy should include adequate medical emergency and repatriation coverage.
Tanzania has a well-established tipping culture.
Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is USD 10-15 per person per day.
In Tanzania, the year is loosely divided into the "short" rains (November) and the "long" rains (March to May). The rains usually last one or two hours daily and are followed by hot, sunny weather. Nights can be surprisingly cold at higher altitudes, such as Ngorongoro Crater.