7-Day Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara

Summary

Mid-Range Tanzania Safari with Game Drives & Local Culture

You’ll spot wildlife up close in legendary parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, stay in comfortable lodges, and meet local guides who know every hidden corner. If you want real adventure with a touch of comfort—and stories you’ll tell for years—this Tanzania safari is for you.

What’s the experience like?

The day we left Arusha, the air was still cool and a bit dusty—typical for early mornings here. Our guide, Joseph, handed out picnic lunches as we loaded up the Land Cruiser. By the time we rolled into Lake Manyara National Park, the sun was already warming up the grasslands. We pulled over near a cluster of acacia trees to eat, watching elephants shuffle by in the distance. There’s this faint, sweet smell from the wildflowers mixed with the earthy scent after last night’s rain—something you don’t forget.

After lunch, we climbed up the Rift Valley escarpment. The view from Isoitok Manyara Camp is something else—Lake Manyara glimmers below, and you can hear distant chatter from local kids herding goats. Dinner at Fanaka lodge felt relaxed; I remember the sound of crickets outside my window as I drifted off.

The next morning, you get options: guided walks at the top of the escarpment (the guides know every plant and what it’s used for), or another game drive if you’re hooked on spotting wildlife. Some folks tried mountain biking or visited a nearby village—there’s always something going on if you want it.

Driving toward Ngorongoro, we passed through Karatu’s farming fields—women balancing baskets on their heads, kids waving as we drove by. The rainforest rim of the crater is often misty and cool, even when it’s hot below. Lunch at our lodge came with a view straight into the crater itself. Later, we descended onto the crater floor—honestly, I lost count of how many lions and zebras we saw in just one afternoon. The guides really know where to look; they’re quick to spot even the shy rhinos hiding in the tall grass.

The Serengeti leg started with a stop at Olduvai Gorge. Standing there, you get this odd sense of time—our guide explained how some of the earliest human fossils were found right under our feet. Once inside Serengeti National Park, it’s just endless plains and animals everywhere you look. At night in Osinoni Tented Camp, you’ll hear hyenas whooping and sometimes lions roaring—not scary, just part of the soundtrack out here.

On our last morning, we caught a short flight back to Arusha. There was time for a quick wander through the local market—picked up some coffee beans and Maasai beadwork—before lunch at a busy spot locals love (can’t beat their grilled tilapia). Before heading to the airport, we had a few hours to relax at a hotel nearby—hot shower, cold drink, and a chance to scroll through all those safari photos before flying home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arusha to Lake Manyara

• Drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park, game drive
• Evening transfer to Isoitok Manyara Camp

Day 2 — Lake Manyara Activities

• Guided ethno-botanical walks or game drive in Lake Manyara
• Optional mountain biking, hiking, cultural village walks

Day 3 — Ngorongoro Crater Visit

• Drive to Ngorongoro Crater, lunch at lodge
• Afternoon game drive on crater floor

Day 4 — Serengeti and Olduvai Gorge

• Morning drive to Serengeti National Park, stop at Olduvai Gorge
• Stay at Serengeti Osinoni luxury Tented Camp

Day 5 — Return to Arusha and Airport

• Morning flight to Arusha, city tour and shopping
• Transfer to hotel near Kilimanjaro Airport

Top questions

Is this Tanzania safari suitable for families with young children?

Yes, families are welcome! Child seats are available and most areas are stroller-friendly. Just let us know your needs when booking.

Are vegetarian or special dietary options available during the safari?

Absolutely—vegetarian and other dietary needs can be accommodated. Please mention your preferences when you book so we can prepare ahead.

How much time do we spend on game drives each day?

Game drive times vary by day, but expect several hours each day exploring parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro with plenty of breaks.

Will there be opportunities to interact with local communities?

Yes! There are optional cultural walks and village visits where you can meet locals and learn about daily life in Tanzania.

What’s included

Your safari includes airport transfers, all game drives in a custom 4x4 Land Cruiser with an English-speaking guide, full board accommodation at mid-range lodges and camps, bottled water throughout, and a detailed safari briefing at the start. Vegetarian meals are available—just let us know your preference when booking.