Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Start the day with a scenic drive from Arusha to Tarangire. The park welcomes you with golden grasslands and towering baobabs. Spend the day tracking large elephant herds, lions resting in the shade, and giraffes feeding along the riverbanks. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before settling at your lodge or campsite.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Tarangire Campsite / Roika Tented Lodge
- Mid-range: Tarangire Safari Lodge / Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
- Luxury: Tarangire Sopa Lodge / Tarangire Treetops
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, drive toward the Great Rift Valley escarpment and enter Lake Manyara National Park. Explore its lush groundwater forest filled with monkeys, elephants, and colorful birdlife. Continue to the open plains where tree-climbing lions and large hippo pools create exciting photographic moments. Later in the afternoon, head to your lodge in Karatu.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Panorama Campsite / Flamingo Campsite
- Mid-range: Manyara Tortilis Camp / Country Lodge Karatu
- Luxury: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge / Escarpment Luxury Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park (Central)
Leave Lake Manyara after breakfast and drive through rolling highlands toward Serengeti. Enter the park through Naabi Hill Gate and begin exploring its vast savannahs where lions, cheetahs, zebras, and wildebeest roam. Enjoy an afternoon game drive as you make your way to your camp in central Serengeti.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Nyani Public Campsite
- Mid-range: Serengeti Tortilis Camp / Serengeti Heritage Camp
- Luxury: Serengeti Serena Lodge / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Spend the full day uncovering the depth of wildlife that fills the Serengeti Plains. Follow predator tracks, watch herds of antelope feeding in the open grasslands, and enjoy multiple wildlife moments around Seronera Valley. Your guide will help you explore areas rich with big cats, elephants, and dazzling birdlife.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Nyani Public Campsite
- Mid-range: Serengeti Tortilis Camp / Serengeti Heritage Camp
- Luxury: Serengeti Serena Lodge / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Start with a sunrise game drive to catch early wildlife activity. After breakfast, continue exploring Serengeti as you make your way to Ngorongoro. Reach the crater rim in the afternoon and enjoy stunning highland views before checking into your lodge.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Simba Public Campsite
- Mid-range: Country Lodge Karatu / Marera Valley Lodge
- Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge / Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive – Karatu
Descend early into Ngorongoro Crater for a full day packed with wildlife action. Watch black rhinos grazing, lions patrolling their territory, hippos lounging in pools, and thousands of zebra and wildebeest spreading across the crater floor. In the afternoon, drive back to your lodge in Karatu.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Simba Public Campsite
- Mid-range: Country Lodge Karatu / Marera Valley Lodge
- Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge / Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Karatu – Arusha
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed drive back to Arusha. Take in the scenic farmlands and gentle highlands along the way. Arrive in Arusha by midday or early afternoon, marking the end of your 7-day Tanzania wildlife adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
ESTIMATED COST PER PERSON (Based on 6 People Sharing)
Budget Option:
USD 1,850 – 2,200 per person
Campsites or simple tented lodges, park fees, transport, meals as listed.
Mid-range Option:
USD 2,750 – 3,300 per person
Comfortable lodges or mid-range tented camps, private facilities, quality services.
Luxury Option:
USD 4,200 – 5,200 per person
High-end luxury lodges or luxury tented camps, premium comfort, and top-level service.
Best Time to Travel
- June to October: Best wildlife viewing; dry season makes animals easy to spot
- December to July: Excellent time for the Great Migration in the Serengeti
- Avoid: Late March to May due to heavy rains