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

Summary

Serengeti sunrise, elephants in Tarangire, Maasai stories by the crater rim

You’ll travel across Tanzania’s wildest places: waking up in luxury camps on the Serengeti plains, watching elephants roam Tarangire at sunset, sharing laughs with Maasai villagers near Ngorongoro Crater. With expert guides handling every detail—transfers, park fees, bush lunches—you get real adventure without losing comfort. There’s always something unexpected waiting outside your tent.

What’s the experience like?

What’s it like to wake up in the Serengeti with the sound of something moving outside your tent? I didn’t expect to feel so awake at 5am, but there I was — listening to birds and distant hyenas while the camp staff poured me strong coffee. Our guide Joseph had already spotted lion tracks before we’d even left camp. He joked that the lions were probably laughing at us for being so slow in the mornings (he might’ve been right). The air felt cool and dry on my skin, with a faint smell of dust and woodsmoke from last night’s fire still clinging to my jacket.

The first day started in Arusha — honestly, I barely remember landing because I was so tired from the flight, but someone from the team was waiting with a sign and a big grin. We drove past motorbikes and little shops painted every color you can think of. If you arrive early enough they’ll take you to see coffee plantations or even the Arusha Declaration Museum (I didn’t make it but heard it’s worth a look if you’re into history). The next morning we headed for Tarangire — those baobab trees are as weird as everyone says, like upside-down roots poking into the sky. Elephants everywhere. At one point we stopped just to watch them for ages; their skin looked almost blue-grey in the late sun.

I still think about that lunch out in the bush — Joseph unpacked these hot dishes right there by the jeep while we watched zebra picking their way through yellow grass. It’s strange how quiet it gets sometimes; just wind and insects and your own heartbeat thumping because you know there could be a leopard nearby. Later in Serengeti, we met some Maasai kids who wanted to teach us how to jump (I’m hopeless) — Li laughed when I tried to say “asante sana” properly. The days blurred together after that: game drives at dawn, sunsets that made everything gold, dinners under canvas with stories about buffaloes stealing shoes (apparently that really happened once).

Ngorongoro Crater was our last stop — it’s hard to describe how big it feels down there. We saw rhinos grazing far off and hippos snorting near our picnic spot (don’t drop your sandwich). On the drive back toward Arusha I found myself already missing those early mornings and muddy boots. So yeah…if you’re thinking about a day trip Machu Picchu Cusco style adventure but want animals instead of ruins, this Tanzania safari is something else entirely.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and rest in Arusha

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport
• Meet driver-guide and safari briefing
• Transfer to retreat in Arusha
• Optional city or coffee tour
• Rest at lodge surrounded by gardens

Day 2 — Game drive in Tarangire Park

• Breakfast at camp
• Drive to Tarangire National Park
• Full-day game drive by Tarangire River
• Settle into luxury tented camp
• Dinner under the stars

Day 3 — Travel to Serengeti via Ngorongoro

• Breakfast at camp
• Drive through Ngorongoro highlands
• Game drive en route to Serengeti
• Arrive at Seronera wilderness camp
• Dinner and relax at camp

Day 4 — Explore Central Serengeti wildlife

• Breakfast at camp
• Full day game drive in Central Serengeti
• Hot bush lunch in the wild
• Sunset photography and campfire dinner

Day 5 — Morning game drive and leisure

• Early sunrise game drive
• Optional hot-air balloon safari
• Afternoon leisure at camp
• Enjoy Serengeti golden hour

Day 6 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro visit

• Breakfast at camp
• Final Serengeti game drive
• Visit Maasai village
• Arrive at camp near crater rim
• Dinner with crater views

Day 7 — Ngorongoro Crater and return

• Early breakfast
• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater
• Game drive spotting Big Five
• Picnic lunch by hippo pool
• Drive back to Arusha

Top questions

How many days is this Tanzania safari?

This safari lasts 7 days and 6 nights from Arusha through Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

Is pickup from Kilimanjaro Airport included?

Yes, airport transfers are included both on arrival and departure.

Are meals included during game drives?

Bottled water is provided throughout game drives; hot bush lunches are included on full-day outings.

Can children join this safari?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in luxury lodges or tented camps as listed in the itinerary.

Is visiting a Maasai village part of this tour?

An optional brief cultural visit to a Maasai village near Ngorongoro is included.

Do I need high fitness levels for this trip?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended; not suitable for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Are park entry fees covered?

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

What’s included

Your journey includes private airport pickup and drop-off, all park entry fees for Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, six nights’ luxury accommodation at handpicked camps or lodges with daily breakfasts and bush lunches during game drives—plus bottled water along every dusty mile so you don’t have to worry about logistics or comfort while out spotting wildlife.