Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire 7-Day Luxury

Summary

Serengeti plains, crater lakes and wild mornings in Tanzania

You’ll wake early for sunrise game drives across Serengeti grasslands, sip ginger tea at camp while zebras pass by, spot lions beneath acacias in Tarangire, and descend into Ngorongoro’s ancient crater for rare wildlife sightings. With every day guided by locals who know these lands deeply and nights spent swapping stories under African stars, it’s an experience that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“Hakuna matata — but really, just wait until you see the elephants,” our driver Daniel grinned as we left Arusha. I remember his hands steady on the wheel, windows cracked just enough to let in the dusty morning air mixed with something almost sweet — maybe coffee from the roadside stalls. We’d barely left town before we saw Maasai kids waving at our jeep, their red shukas bright against the pale grass. That first day felt like a slow exhale after months of city noise.

I didn’t expect Tarangire to smell so green. There’s this sharpness from acacia trees and river mud that gets everywhere — even your clothes. Daniel pointed out a herd of elephants crossing right in front of us (I counted seven), ears flapping, little ones sticking close. Lunch was at Maramboi Camp, and I’m not kidding, I still think about that ginger tea they served while zebras wandered nearby. The next day at Lake Manyara, flamingos turned the water pink and monkeys stole half my sandwich when I wasn’t looking — Li laughed so hard she almost dropped her camera.

The drive into Serengeti is long but there’s always something happening outside the window: kids herding goats, women balancing baskets on their heads, clouds piling up over distant hills. When we finally rolled into Nyota Camp, it was dusk — golden light everywhere and dinner already cooking somewhere out of sight (smelled like grilled lamb and woodsmoke). Our guide told stories about migration patterns between bites; I only caught half because I was distracted by how quiet everything got after dark except for hyenas yipping far off. The next morning was all game drives — lions stretched out under thorn trees, wildebeest moving in huge lines that looked endless if you squinted.

Ngorongoro Crater surprised me most. You come over the rim and suddenly it’s this lost world — misty edges, sunlight catching on lakes below. We saw black rhino (from a distance), buffalo everywhere, and more birds than I could name. By then everyone in our group had dust on their shoes and sunburned noses but nobody cared much; there was too much to watch for through binoculars or just with your own eyes. The last night in Karatu felt quieter somehow — maybe everyone thinking about flights home or maybe just full from one last big meal together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and transfer to Arusha

• Pick up from airport
• Transfer to accommodation in Arusha
• Overnight at Grand Melia Arusha

Day 2 — Safari in Tarangire National Park

• Collect from Arusha lodge
• Drive to Tarangire National Park
• Game drive in Tarangire
• Dinner and overnight at Maramboi Luxury Tented Camp

Day 3 — Explore Lake Manyara National Park

• Breakfast at lodge
• Drive to Lake Manyara National Park
• Game drive in Lake Manyara
• Dinner and overnight at Kitela Luxury Lodge

Day 4 — Travel to Serengeti National Park

• Breakfast at lodge
• Drive through Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• View Ngorongoro Crater
• Arrive Serengeti National Park by midday
• Game drive in Serengeti
• Dinner and overnight at Nyota Luxury Camp

Day 5 — Full day Serengeti game drives

• Breakfast at lodge
• Full day game drives in Serengeti
• Dinner and overnight at Nyota Luxury Camp

Day 6 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

• Breakfast at lodge
• Drive to Ngorongoro Crater
• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater
• Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
• Dinner and overnight at Kitela Luxury Lodge

Day 7 — Transfer to airport and departure

• Pick up from accommodation
• Drive to airport
• End of safari

Top questions

How many days is the Tanzania safari?

The safari lasts 7 days including arrival and departure days.

Which parks are included in this safari?

The tour visits Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Is pickup from Arusha airport included?

Yes, airport pickup in Arusha is included at the start of your trip.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Yes, meals are included at each accommodation throughout the safari.

What type of vehicle is used for game drives?

A private safari jeep with an open roof is used for game drives.

Will we see the great migration?

You may witness migrating herds depending on season; ask your guide for timing details.

Is this safari suitable for families with children?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels including families with infants.

Are entry fees to parks included?

All park entry fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

What’s included

Your journey includes private transportation from Arusha airport with a local guide throughout; all park entry fees and taxes covered; overnight stays at luxury lodges or tented camps; daily meals provided along with opportunities to relax by campfires or enjoy local drinks as you swap stories under starry skies before heading back to your accommodation each evening.