Best 7 Days Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Tanzania Safari
This 7 Days Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Tanzania Safari covers 1 night in Arusha City depending on your arrival schedule, 1 day exploration in Arusha National Park, 1 night near/within Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara area, 2 nights within Serengeti National Park, 1 night near/within the Ngorongoro Highlands or Karatu area, and 1 night near Lake Manyara National Park or Karatu area depending on your departure schedule. The safari can start from Arusha Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or Arusha City and is designed specifically for travelers who want to explore Tanzania’s famous northern safari destinations while enjoying excellent wildlife viewing, beautiful landscapes, Mount Meru scenery, birdlife, and unforgettable safari experiences. Accompanied by our professional, certified, experienced and passionate safari guides, this journey offers unforgettable wildlife encounters and memories that will last a lifetime.
Starting from Arusha Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or Arusha City, this safari is one of the best options for travelers who want to experience Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park in one well-planned itinerary. The journey combines Mount Meru views, forest scenery, Momella Lakes, large elephant herds, baobab landscapes, endless Serengeti plains, predator action, crater wildlife, Great Rift Valley scenery, groundwater forest, birdlife, and incredible wildlife diversity that make Tanzania one of Africa’s leading safari destinations.
Your safari journey begins with arrival at Arusha Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or Arusha City. Depending on your arrival time, you may spend the first night in Arusha City before entering the parks. This overnight stay allows you to recover from your flight, organize your safari equipment, meet your guide, receive a safari briefing, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Depending on your travel arrangements, you can be picked up from Arusha Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, your hotel in Arusha, or another designated location. At the end of the safari, you can be dropped at your hotel, Arusha Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or another agreed location depending on your travel plan.
Throughout this safari, you will travel in a comfortable 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof. This provides excellent visibility for wildlife viewing, photography, and enjoying the spectacular landscapes of northern Tanzania.
This 7 Days Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Tanzania Safari is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples, families, solo travelers, nature lovers, birdwatchers, first-time safari travelers, and anyone seeking a complete Tanzania safari experience through national parks, scenic landscapes, and iconic wildlife destinations.
7 Days Tanzania Safari at a Glance
- Safari Name: 7 Days Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Tanzania Safari
- Starting Point: Arusha Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or Arusha City
- Ending Point: Arusha City, Arusha Airport, or Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Accommodation Before Safari: Optional overnight stay in Arusha depending on arrival time
- Night 1: Hotel / Lodge in Arusha City depending on arrival schedule
- Night 2: Lodge / Tented Camp near/within Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara area
- Night 3: Lodge / Tented Camp within Serengeti National Park
- Night 4: Lodge / Tented Camp within Serengeti National Park
- Night 5: Lodge / Tented Camp near/within Ngorongoro Highlands or Karatu area
- Night 6: Lodge / Tented Camp near Lake Manyara National Park, Karatu area, or Arusha depending on departure schedule
- Main Attractions: Arusha National Park, Mount Meru views, Momella Lakes, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Highlands, Great Rift Valley
- Wildlife: Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, rhinos if lucky, flamingos, baboons, blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, antelopes, and many bird species
- Best For: Wildlife lovers, photographers, couples, families, solo travelers, nature lovers, birdwatchers, first-time safari travelers, and safari adventurers
Important Travel Information
| Location | Distance & Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha City | Approximately 50 km | About 1 hour drive depending on traffic and road conditions |
| Arusha Airport to Arusha City | Approximately 8 km | About 15 minutes drive depending on traffic |
| Arusha City to Arusha National Park | Approximately 35 km to 45 km | About 45 minutes to 1.5 hours drive depending on traffic, route, and park entry procedures |
| Arusha National Park Exploration | Half-day to full-day exploration with game drive, Mount Meru views, Momella Lakes, forest scenery, giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys, birdlife, and optional walking safari depending on arrangement |
| Arusha to Tarangire National Park | Approximately 120 km | About 2 to 3 hours drive depending on traffic, stops, and road conditions |
| Tarangire Game Drive | Half-day to full-day wildlife exploration across river areas, baobab landscapes, woodland zones, and open savannah |
| Tarangire / Lake Manyara Area to Serengeti National Park | Approximately 250 km to 280 km | About 5 to 7 hours drive including scenic stops, Ngorongoro transit, wildlife viewing, and park entry procedures |
| Serengeti Game Drives | Full-day wildlife exploration across endless plains, kopjes, river areas, woodland zones, predator territories, and seasonal migration routes |
| Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands | Approximately 145 km | About 3 to 4 hours drive with wildlife viewing along the route |
| Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive | Half-day wildlife exploration inside the crater floor |
| Ngorongoro Highlands / Karatu to Lake Manyara National Park | Approximately 30 km to 60 km | About 45 minutes to 1.5 hours drive depending on accommodation location |
| Lake Manyara Game Drive | Half-day to full-day wildlife exploration across groundwater forest, open grasslands, acacia woodland, wetlands, lake shore areas, and Great Rift Valley scenery |
| Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha | Approximately 125 km | About 2 to 3 hours drive depending on traffic and road conditions |
| Arusha City to Arusha Airport | Approximately 8 km | About 15 minutes drive depending on traffic |
| Arusha City to Kilimanjaro International Airport | Approximately 50 km | About 1 hour drive depending on traffic and road conditions |
Places You Will Visit on This 7 Days Tanzania Safari
Arusha City – Gateway to Northern Tanzania Safari
Arusha City is the main starting point for northern Tanzania safaris and serves as the tourism capital of Tanzania. It offers easy access to Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Mount Meru, and many other safari destinations.
Most travelers arrive through Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport before beginning their safari. Depending on the arrival schedule, travelers may spend a night in Arusha before the safari begins, allowing time to rest, meet the guide, receive a safari briefing, and prepare before entering the wilderness.
Arusha National Park – Mount Meru Views, Forests and Lakes
Arusha National Park is one of the most beautiful and accessible national parks in northern Tanzania. Located near Arusha City, the park is known for Mount Meru views, Momella Lakes, forest landscapes, open grasslands, crater scenery, and peaceful wildlife viewing.
The park is home to giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks, waterbucks, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, flamingos, and many bird species. Although it does not offer the same big cat density as Serengeti or Ngorongoro, it provides a scenic and relaxed introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes.
Visiting Arusha National Park at the beginning of this safari gives travelers an easy and beautiful start before heading deeper into the northern safari circuit.
Tarangire National Park – Elephants and Baobab Trees
Tarangire National Park is one of northern Tanzania’s most rewarding safari destinations and is famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, seasonal wildlife movement, and beautiful river landscapes.
The park is home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and many bird species. During the dry season, animals gather near the Tarangire River, creating excellent game viewing opportunities.
Visiting Tarangire gives travelers a memorable safari experience filled with elephant herds, baobab landscapes, river scenery, and classic northern Tanzania wildlife before continuing towards Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti National Park – Endless Plains and Big Cats
Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and one of the best places in Tanzania for big cats, open savannah landscapes, and unforgettable game drives. The park is also home to the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration.
The park supports large populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species. Its endless plains create one of the most spectacular safari landscapes on Earth.
Spending two nights inside Serengeti allows travelers to explore different wildlife regions and maximize opportunities for predator sightings, photography, migration activity, and classic Serengeti safari experiences depending on the season.
Ngorongoro Highlands – Scenic Views and Cultural Landscapes
The Ngorongoro Highlands are known for their cool temperatures, green hills, forests, farms, Maasai communities, and dramatic views. The region offers some of the most beautiful scenery in northern Tanzania.
The highlands provide an excellent base for visiting Ngorongoro Crater and offer a relaxing contrast to the open plains of Serengeti.
Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Wildlife Eden
Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. The crater floor supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife throughout the year.
Visitors may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, gazelles, and the endangered black rhino within a relatively small area.
Its unique ecosystem and spectacular scenery make Ngorongoro Crater one of the highlights of any Tanzania safari.
Lake Manyara National Park – Scenic Beauty and Birdlife
Lake Manyara National Park is a beautiful safari destination located along the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park is known for its diverse habitats, including groundwater forest, open grassland, acacia woodland, wetlands, and the alkaline lake.
The park is home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, hippos, baboons, monkeys, warthogs, antelopes, flamingos, pelicans, and many other bird species. Its compact size and scenic landscapes make it a rewarding destination for relaxed wildlife viewing and photography.
Visiting Lake Manyara towards the end of this safari adds beautiful scenery, birdlife, forest landscapes, and Great Rift Valley views before returning to Arusha.
Why Choose This 7 Days Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Tanzania Safari?
- Explore five beautiful destinations in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.
- Visit Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park.
- Start conveniently from Arusha Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or Arusha City.
- Experience Arusha National Park’s Mount Meru views, forests, lakes, giraffes, monkeys, and birdlife.
- Experience Tarangire’s elephant herds and baobab landscapes.
- Spend two nights inside Serengeti National Park for excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Visit the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
- Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos if lucky, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and many other wildlife species.
- Enjoy Serengeti’s endless plains, big cat sightings, and seasonal migration routes.
- Discover Ngorongoro Crater’s rich wildlife concentration and spectacular scenery.
- Enjoy Lake Manyara’s forest scenery, birdlife, and Great Rift Valley views.
- Professional English-speaking safari guide.
- Comfortable 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof.
- Outstanding photography opportunities.
- Suitable for couples, families, solo travelers, groups, birdwatchers, photographers, first-time safari travelers, and nature lovers.
- Explore Tanzania’s iconic wildlife destinations and scenic landscapes in one complete safari itinerary.
Best Time for This 7 Days Tanzania Safari
This 7 Days Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara Tanzania Safari can be enjoyed throughout the year, although the dry season from June to October is especially popular for wildlife viewing. During this period, animals often gather around rivers, waterholes, and open plains, making sightings easier and photography more rewarding.
The green season from November to May offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, fresh vegetation, newborn animals, excellent birdwatching opportunities, and beautiful scenery across Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara. This period is also ideal for travelers who enjoy peaceful landscapes, photography, birdlife, and seasonal wildlife activity.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1 -Arusha to Arusha National Park. Game drives and walking tour in the park
- Day 2 - Transfer from Arusha to Tarangire. Game drives in Tarangire
- Day 3 - Transfer to Lake Manyara for game drives
- Day 4 -Transfer to Central Serengeti for afternoon game drives
- Day 5 - Full Day game drives in Central Serengeti
- Day 6 - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu
- Day 7 - Ngorongoro crater tour (5 hours) and afternoon transfer to Arusha
Ensuite Accommodation Packages
Below are packages with a few popular ensuite options for your private tour, starting on Nov 13, 2023, in a group of two adults. Ensuite hotels are tented camps/lodges that can be inside/around national parks. You will have a private room with attached bathroom. Meals are provided by hotels.
Option E1: $2,359 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Crest Safari Lodge
- Day 2 - 4 : Stay at Tukaone Camps, Central Serengeti or similar
- Day 4 - 7 : Stay at Omega View Hotel, Karatu or similar
Option E2: $2,691 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Kutoka Lodge
- Day 2 - 4 : Stay at Migombani Cottage, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park)
- Day 4 - 5 : Stay at Tanzania Bush Camps, Seronera, Central Serengeti
- Day 6: Stay at Rhino Lodge, NCA
Option E3: $3,157 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional Queen, Arusha
- Day 2 - 3 : Stay at Tarangire Tortilis Camp, Tarangire (Within the Park)
- Day 3 - 4 : Stay at Manyara Best View Lodge - Silver Room, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park)
- Day 4 - 5: Stay at Serenity Camp, Central Serengeti
- Day 6 : Stay at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, NCA
Option E4: $3,777 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Hamerkop House by Lemala, Arusha
- Day 2 - 3 : Stay at Nimali Tarangire Camp, Tarangire (Outside the Park)
- Day 3 - 4 : Stay at Manyara Best View Lodge - Platinum Room, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park)
- Day 4 - 5: Stay at Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti - Safari Room, Central Serengeti
- Day 6 : Stay at Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp, NCA
Option E5: $8,373 per adult for safari with Land Cruiser
- Day 1 - 2 : Stay at Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Suite Premium Queen, Arusha
- Day 2 - 3 : Stay at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge - Suite, Lake Manyara (Within the Park)
- Day 3 - 4 : Stay at Lake Manyara KIlimamoja Lodge, Lake Manyara (Outside the Park)
- Day 4 - 5: Stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge - Terrace Suite Water Hole View, Central Serengeti
- Day 6 : Stay at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, NCA - Suite, NCA
TRIP ITINERARY
Day
1
Moshi / Arusha to Arusha National Park back to Arusha
You will be picked off from your specific hotel in Arusha/Moshi early in the morning; get breakfast and drive directly to Arusha National Park where you will start your game drive adventure and walking safari while in the park. Explore the shores of Lake Momella waters, experience the variety of the bronzed bush where the Ngurduto Crater is situated, get to experience buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe, warthogs, zebra and gazelle gatherings and the existence of them. You will also be able to experience Arusha National Park flora and fauna very astounding, accompanied by an armed and knowledgeable ranger who will guide you through forest in which Tululusia waterfall exist. And as you walk in the park you will learn so much about the biodiversity of the Arusha National Park. Also spot different species of black and white Colobus monkeys, well known in the Arusha National Park for their acrobatics. You will then back to Arusha Town in your hotel for the night sleep and prepare for the forthcoming safari to Tarangire National Park.
Day
2
Arusha Town to Tarangire National Park to Mto wa Mbu
On this day with Macpace tours & Safaris, the departure starts from your hotel in the morning and you will stop for breakfast before long drive to the Tarangire National Park, ‘Tarangire River’ a name well known for the river which flows across the park and only source of water available for animal drinking during the dry season. It a fantastic landscape, scattered with Baobab trees and high grasses with its mixture of vegetation compared to the other parks in the Northern part of Tanzania. Tarangire National Park is famous for its wildlife and birdlife; Birds species is over 550 species including yellow-collared lovebird. Animals include some of the BIG FIVEs and others are like Omo, the white giraffe with a genetic condition called laicism: elephant, lions, warthogs, impala, cheetah, buffalo, and baboons. After a full day fantastic game drive in this Tarangire National Park, then head off to Mto wa Mbu in the late afternoon for the dinner and overnight.
Day
3
Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park
The journey will start soon after breakfast in the morning from Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park. The adventures you never seen before in the previous parks begins here. Serengeti National Park is a home of the world's largest concentration of wildlife including zebra, gazelle, lions, wildebeest, elephant and giraffe and generally a BIG FIVEs. Also is the point of the seasonal Wildebeest Migration of which may be your awesome lifetime adventure. Serengeti means 'The land that moves on forever'. You will stop for a break for lunch on a kopje (rock outcropping), gazing down on the incredible views while you eat and preparing yourself for your adventures deeper into the Serengeti National Park. In the evening head to the resting point for the overnight and dinner. On the next day you will have a whole day exploring Serengeti National Park further more.
Day
4
Serengeti National Park Full day Game Drive
The day game drive will begin from your point of accommodation after early breakfast in the center of the endless plain Serengeti National Park. Since we have a full day of game driving, you will be viewing hundreds of the diverse animals (including BIG FIVEs) from their respective habitats of Serengeti’s endless plains in Serengeti National Park. This day is incredible as you will explore the large groups of Tanzanian mammals like lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, and buffalo. You will also have a chance to view some of the animals majestic including, elands, hyenas, gazelles, crocodiles, giraffe, zebras, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos and antelope. Depending on the seasons of the year, visitors have a chance to view thousands of zebra and wildebeest on their Great Migration. The hundreds of bird species, both endemic and migrating from different regions, are a special bonus for bird-watchers and photographers .In addition, You will also be provided with Binoculars to facilitate the view of far distant groups of animals and some bird species .After a long game drive ,you will get to your hotel for dinner and overnight, prepare yourself for the morning short game drive and then transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation for further game safari adventures.
Day
5
Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
On your way leaving the largest Serengeti in the morning after breakfast You will progressively explore Serengeti National Park The park contained the huge concentration of animal groups. This is a day which you will enjoy predators like lions tracking on other animals as their source of food. Perhaps in this day you will see more hippos, troop of monkeys and family of mongoose. After such an early start you will be looking forward for delicious lunch, which will be served in that spectacular National Park. After that in the late afternoon you will head to Ngorongoro Conservation Area for dinner and overnight waiting for the tomorrows’ adventures.
Day
6
Ngorongoro Crater to Mto wa Mbu
In early morning after a delicious breakfast then you will to descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, which is known as “Africa’s Garden of Eden”; as it is unique geological nature. Ngorongoro Crater sides are a barrier to many species migrating in or out, the Ngorongoro Crater is packed full of wildlife, and can get a good chance of spotting Tanzania ‘Big 5’. You could also discover vultures, zebra, hippo, wildebeest and hyenas. The alkaline lake attracts geese, storks and pink clouds of flamingo. Your professional driver guide will make you discover all the wonders of nature in this place. You will rest at accommodation site for the overnight before your next journey to the wonders of Lake Manyara National Park.
Day
7
Lake Manyara National Park to Moshi/Arusha
Your last safari game drive day starts with a breakfast and then head off to the Lake Manyara National Park, which extends along the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Lake Manyara National Park is a stock of forest, arid scrubland, Soda Lake and a paradise for bird lovers. The forest is fascinating with the birdsong and flittering with the antics of monkeys in the forest; giraffe roam the savannah and lions loll in trees, and others resting in the tree shade, while hippo families submerge in the soda lake water. You will get and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch served in that incredible park before driving back to Moshi/Arusha, where your Lifetime memory Safari Adventure ends. We can arrange for a transfer to Arusha/Kilimanjaro Airport on request.
Pre & Post Tour Hotels
Arusha is the base for safari tours in North Tanzania. If you need accommodation in Arusha before/after your safari tour you can check some popular hotel prices on bed and breakfast basis below.
Single Room
- - Crest Safari Lodge - USD 47
- - Kutoka Lodge - USD 64
- - Karama lodge - USD 113
- - The African Tulip - USD 149
- - Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional queen room - USD 205
- - Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 375
Double Sharing room
- - Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- - Kutoka Lodge - USD 49
- - Karama lodge - USD 76
- - The African Tulip - USD 112
- - Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional queen room - USD 120
- - Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 240
Triple Sharing Room
- - Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- - Kutoka Lodge - USD 40
- - Karama lodge - USD 73
- - The African Tulip - USD 93
- - Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation room - USD 180
Transfers
This tour starts from Arusha. Kilimanjaro airport is the nearest international airport and Arusha airport is the nearest domestic airport.
Airport Pickup/Drop
Pickup or drop off at Arusha airport on the day of safari: No extra charge Pickup or drop off at Kilimanjaro airport on the day of safari: USD 30 per vehicle
Airport to Hotel transfers
Transfer from Arusha airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 25 per vehicle Transfer from Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha hotel or vice versa: USD 50 per vehicle
InterCity transfers
Transfer from Moshi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 100 per vehicle Transfer from Nairobi to Arusha or vice versa: USD 275 per vehicle
Flights
We do not book International Flights.
We can book local flights based on availability. Below are indicative additional costs for local flights.
Intercity Flights
- From Zanzibar to Arusha: From USD 100 per person (Morning flight)
- From Dar es salaam to Arusha: From USD 90 per person (Morning flight)
- From Arusha to Zanzibar: From USD 170 per person (Late Afternoon flight)
- From Arusha to Dar es salaam: From USD 110 per person (Late Afternoon flight)
Meals
- Day 1 - Lunch & Dinner
- Day 2 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 3 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 4 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 5 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 6 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 7 - Breakfast & Lunch
Safari Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
Below is a clear breakdown of what is included and excluded in your Tanzania safari package. This helps you understand exactly what to expect before your journey to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and other parks.
What’s Included in Your Safari
What’s Not Included
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