7 Day Best of Northern Tanzania Safari
The 7 Day Best of Northern Tanzania Safari is one of the most complete wildlife adventures in East Africa, combining the most famous national parks of Tanzania in one unforgettable journey. This 7 day Tanzania safari package is perfect for travelers who want to experience the Serengeti National Park, the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, and the elephant paradise of Tarangire National Park.
Tanzania
7 Days
Leisurely
Game Drive
2,300 m (7,546 ft)
Jun-Oct, Dec-March
Lodges/Camps
Included
Kilimanjaro Airport
Country
Tanzania
7 Days
Leisurely
Game Drive
2,300 m(7,546 ft)
Jun-Oct, Dec-March
Lodge/Camps
Included
Safari Highlights
- Explore four of the best national parks in Tanzania
- Experience multiple Serengeti game drives in one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations
- Discover the Ngorongoro Crater, home to one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa
- See large elephant herds in Tarangire National Park
- Binoculars, wildlife books, and activity packs provided for kids
- Opportunity to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti
- Visit Maasai Boma to experience Maasai culture, traditions, and daily life
- Professional English-speaking safari guide and private 4x4 safari vehicle
- Ideal for first-time safari travelers and wildlife photographers
7 Day Best of Northern Tanzania Safari Overview
This Northern Tanzania safari itinerary is designed for travelers looking for a classic Serengeti safari experience, including multiple game drives across the endless plains of the Serengeti where the Great Wildebeest Migration, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs can often be seen. The safari also includes a full-day game drive inside the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best wildlife destinations in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its incredible concentration of animals including the rare black rhino.
During this 7-day Tanzania wildlife safari, you will explore Tarangire National Park, famous for its giant baobab trees and large herds of elephants. You will also visit a Maasai Boma to experience Maasai culture, traditions, and daily life.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers searching for a best Tanzania safari package, Serengeti safari tour, or luxury Tanzania safari experience, offering excellent wildlife viewing, comfortable lodges or luxury tented camps, and professional safari guides.
With expert planning and personalized service from Hike Kilimanjaro, this safari offers the perfect balance of adventure, wildlife, and comfort while exploring the most iconic parks of Northern Tanzania.
7 Day Best of Northern Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be welcomed by a representative from Hike Kilimanjaro Ltd and transferred to Planet Lodge or to the similar accommodation in Arusha. (1-hour transfer to your lodge in Arusha), you will have a full briefing with your guide to ensure you’re fully prepared for the safari.
Planet Lodge Arusha
Note:
Your pre-safari briefing will be conducted at your hotel. If you arrive before 5:00 PM on the day prior to your safari, the briefing will take place that evening. If you arrive later, your guide will meet you for the briefing on the morning of your safari before departure. This ensures you’re fully prepared and have the opportunity to ask any last-minute questions.
Please also note that hotel check-in is from midday (12:00 PM). If your flight arrives early in the morning, kindly let us know in advance. We can arrange a day-use room for you, or, if you prefer, we can organize some short activities to keep you engaged until your check-in time.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire – Game Drive
Drive time: 2 hours.
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its ancient baobabs and large herds of elephants. Enjoy a leisurely game drive with a picnic lunch. Kids will love spotting zebras, giraffes, and lions along the Tarangire River. Evening: Drive to Farm Of Dreams Lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Farm Of Dreams Lodge
Day 3: Karatu to Serengeti – Game Drive
Drive time: 4 to 5 hours with game viewing en route
After an early breakfast, depart for the legendary Serengeti National Park, entering through the Naabi Hill Gate. Enjoy an en-route game drive and arrive at your lodge or camp by evening. Witness the endless plains and possibly spot predators in action.
Lunch en route, then begin your Serengeti game drive.
Evening: Check in at Embalakai Camp for dinner and overnight or similar accommodation
embalakai camp
Day 4: Full-Day Serengeti Safari
Full day in Serengeti! After breakfast, depart with packed lunch and water. Explore Seronera Valley in search of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and more.
Picnic lunch inside the park, followed by more game viewing.
Evening: Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
embalakai camp
Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands
Drive time: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours with game drive stops
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti as you begin your journey toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. You’ll travel with packed lunch and bottled water, with a scenic picnic stop along the way.
On this day, you also have the option to visit Oldupai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, for an additional $36 per person.
Afterward, continue your journey and check in at your camp near the crater rim.
Overnight: Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp or similar.
embalakai ngorongoro camp
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Maasai Boma Visit – Return to Arusha
Drive time: 1 hour descent into crater, 4-5 hours return to Arusha.
Early breakfast, Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for game drive, spot the “Big Five” and a wide variety of birdlife. After a picnic lunch, visit a traditional Maasai Boma to learn about Maasai culture. Return to Arusha in the evening for overnight.
Planet Lodge Arusha
Day 7: Departure Day
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a relaxed breakfast.
Drive time: 1 hour to Kilimanjaro Airport
We’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight home with unforgettable safari memories from Hike Kilimanjaro.
- Breakfast only
Note:
Check-out time at the hotel is 10:00 AM. If your flight is scheduled for the evening or night, you may book a day-use room to rest and freshen up before your departure. Please inform us in advance if you would like us to reserve a room for you.
The best airport to fly into is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about 45 km from Moshi and 50 km from Arusha. It is the most convenient airport for Kilimanjaro climbers.
Hike Kilimanjaro Ltd can arrange airport transfers between JRO and your hotel for an additional cost. Just send us your flight details in advance.
If you cannot fly directly to Kilimanjaro, you may also arrive via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Kenya or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Tanzania. From there, you can take a connecting flight to JRO or travel by shuttle bus or private transfer to Moshi or Arusha. Nairobi is closer and often has more international flight options.
Airlines flying to Kilimanjaro include KLM, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Condor, Precision Air, and RwandAir.
Domestic flights within Tanzania are available with Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Regional Air, Coastal Aviation, Fly540, ZanAir, and Air Excel.
We can also arrange daily shuttle buses or private transfers between Nairobi, Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam, and Mombasa for an additional fee. Contact us for schedules and rates.
Price For 7 Day Best of Northern Tanzania Safari
Number of Pax
Price Per Person
1
USD 4,230 pp
2
USD 2,765 pp
3 to 5
USD 2,200 pp
6 to 7
USD 1,935 pp
Inquire Now
Looking for personalized experience? We organize privately guided journey which is mainly designed to fit your taste and interest. Please fill out the form below to get started.
Price Includes
- Airport transfers (to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Two nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (one night before and one night after safari, with breakfast only included)
- Full-board accommodation throughout the safari
- Daily packed lunch and unlimited drinking water
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- All park and conservation fees
- Maasai Boma cultural visit
- All airport transfers
Price Excludes
- Optional activities (e.g. Hot air balloon safari – $550 per person)
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks at lodges and camps
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities for the guide and lodge staff
- International and domestic flights
- Personal travel insurance
Packing List for 7 Day Best of Northern Tanzania Safari
To ensure a safe and comfortable safari experience with Hike Kilimanjaro Ltd, we recommend bringing the following essential gear and equipment. Being well-prepared is the key to enjoying your adventure in Tanzania to the fullest.
Clothing Recommendations
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, ideal for game walks and exploring campsites
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun protection and to guard against insects
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime (e.g., t-shirts, shorts, or dresses)
- A light jacket or sweater for chilly mornings and evenings
- Hat or cap for sun protection
Safari Gear Essentials
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing (1 provided in each safari vehicle; extras available on request)
- Insect repellent (preferably with DEET) to keep mosquitoes and bugs at bay
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards to capture every moment
- Flashlight or headlamp for use in camps and lodges after dark
- High-SPF sunscreen to protect against strong sun exposure
- Sunglasses with UV protection for eye comfort and safety
Other Travel Essentials
- Valid passport and visa (Visa can be obtained online prior to arrival)
- Essential medications and prescriptions for personal use
- Travel insurance documents for peace of mind
- Reusable water bottle (we'll provide one for you at the start of your safari)
- First aid kit with basic medical supplies (available in the safari vehicle)
- Light snacks for the journey (e.g., granola bars, nuts, dried fruit)
Miscellaneous Items
- First aid kit with basic medical supplies (available in the safari vehicle)
- Waterproof bag or cover to protect electronics from dust or rain
- Cash in small denominations for tips, souvenirs, and incidentals
- Swimsuit, as some lodges and camps offer swimming pools
Important Information – 7 Day Best of Northern Tanzania Safari
Safari Start & End Point
This 7 Day Northern Tanzania Safari begins and ends in Arusha, the main gateway for safaris in northern Tanzania. Pick-up and drop-off can be arranged from your hotel or from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Safari Vehicle
All game drives are conducted in a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for excellent wildlife viewing and photography.
Accommodation Options
This safari can be arranged as a luxury safari, mid-range safari, or budget camping safari, depending on your travel style and budget.
Professional Safari Guides
Your safari will be led by an experienced English-speaking driver-guide with extensive knowledge of wildlife and the national parks of northern Tanzania.
National Parks Visited
This itinerary includes game drives in Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.
Best Time for This Safari
This safari can be done year-round, but the dry season from June to October offers excellent wildlife viewing, while December to March is ideal for seeing the Great Wildebeest Migration calving season.
Customizable Safari
This itinerary can be customized to match your travel dates, accommodation preferences, and budget.
Family Safari Holiday in Tanzania Map
These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Hike Kilimanjaro previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.
Trip Photos
What makes this trip
different?
Hike Kilimanjaro
Company
- At Hike Kilimanjaro, we are committed to supporting the communities surrounding our trekking routes and wildlife safaris. We believe that tourism should be a force for good, and we actively give back to those who help make your adventure possible.
- A portion of our profits goes toward providing food, clothing, books, pens, and other essentials to orphaned children helping improve access to education and basic needs. By traveling with us, you directly contribute to creating a positive impact in local lives.
Sustainability and Responsible Tourism
- Of the few Travelife Certified companies in Tanzania, Hike Kilimanjaro is one. We respect the procedures for sustainable tourism. Our excursions are socially and environmentally conscious, leaving the lowest possible impact in the Tanzanians.
- 100% of Hike Kilimanjaro Company's staff members are natives of the regions where our trips are organized. It is one of our sustainable and responsible efforts to help local communities, support small businesses, and promote regional culture and way of life.
Related Information
Why Choose This 7 Day Northern Tanzania Safari
This 7 Day Best of Northern Tanzania Safari is one of the most popular safari itineraries for travelers who want to experience the very best wildlife destinations in Tanzania in one well-planned journey. The itinerary combines four iconic national parks: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park, offering an incredible variety of landscapes and wildlife encounters.
Travelers choosing this 7 day Tanzania safari package enjoy extended time in the Serengeti, the heart of Africa’s wildlife viewing, where you can search for lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and possibly witness the famous Great Wildebeest Migration. A full-day safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers one of the best chances in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day.
This safari is also designed for comfort and efficiency, minimizing long drives while maximizing wildlife viewing time. Guests travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced professional guide, ensuring a personalized safari experience and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.
Whether you are planning your first African safari, a luxury Tanzania safari holiday, or a private Serengeti safari tour, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and unforgettable wildlife experiences across the most famous parks of Northern Tanzania.
Best Time to Do the 7 Day Northern Tanzania Safari
The 7 Day Best of Northern Tanzania Safari can be enjoyed throughout the year, as wildlife viewing in Tanzania is excellent in all seasons. The national parks included in this itinerary, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park — offer great wildlife viewing year-round.
However, the best time for a Tanzania safari depends on what type of wildlife experience you are looking for.
June to October – Best Overall Wildlife Viewing
This is the dry season and one of the most popular times for a Serengeti safari. Animals gather around rivers and water sources, making wildlife easier to spot. It is also the best time to see predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
December to March – Best Time for the Great Migration Calving Season
During this period, thousands of wildebeest give birth in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area, creating dramatic wildlife scenes with many predators nearby.
November and April–May – Green Season Safari
These months offer beautiful landscapes, fewer visitors, and excellent birdwatching. The parks are lush and scenic, making it a great time for photographers and travelers seeking a quieter safari experience.
No matter when you travel, this 7 day Tanzania safari itinerary provides an incredible opportunity to explore the most famous wildlife destinations of Northern Tanzania with expert guides from Hike Kilimanjaro.
Wildlife You Can See on the 7 Day Best of Northern Tanzania Safari
This 7 Day Best of Northern Tanzania Safari offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities across four of Tanzania’s most famous national parks: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park.
During this safari, travelers have the opportunity to see a wide variety of African wildlife, including the famous Big Five:
- Lions
- Leopards
- Elephants
- Buffalo
- Rhinos
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Africa to spot the endangered black rhino, while Tarangire National Park is famous for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.
The endless plains of the Serengeti are home to thousands of animals including zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, and antelope species. Depending on the season, visitors may also witness the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the Serengeti ecosystem.
With expert safari guides from Hike Kilimanjaro, each game drive is carefully planned to maximize wildlife sightings and give travelers the best possible Tanzania safari experience.
Who This Safari Is Perfect For
This 7 Day Northern Tanzania Safari is ideal for:
- Travelers looking for the best Tanzania safari itinerary
- Visitors who want to see the Serengeti and Ngorongoro in one trip
- Couples and families wanting a private Tanzania safari
- Photographers searching for a Serengeti wildlife safari
- Travelers who want a luxury or mid-range Tanzania safari experience
Why Choose Hike Kilimanjaro for your Tanzania Safari?
Because we deliver more than game drives, we create unforgettable journeys deep into the heart of Africa. With expert local guides, custom private 4×4 Land Cruisers, and handpicked lodges in the best locations, your safari is crafted for comfort, authenticity, and adventure. Whether you’re chasing the Great Migration river crossings, exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, or relaxing in a luxury tented camp under the stars, we make every moment seamless and extraordinary. When you travel with us, you’re not just a visitor, you’re part of something real, personal, and wild.
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