7 Day Tanzania Safari Tours

7 Day Tanzania safari, itinerary and Price

Embark on an exhilarating 7-day Tanzania safari expedition through the renowned northern parks of Tanzania. Prepare to be enchanted by the diverse landscapes and prolific wildlife of Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of animals traverse the Serengeti plains in search of greener pastures.

Encounter iconic African species such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos as you venture through these pristine habitats. With expert guides leading the way, this immersive journey promises unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery at every turn. Experience the raw beauty and untamed wilderness of Tanzania's northern parks on this remarkable 7-day safari adventure.

7 Day Tanzania Tour Highlights

Day 1: Pickup from Arusha, transfer to Tarangire National Park for safari game drives.
Day 2: Morning transfer to Serengeti for more safari game drives.
Day 3 - 5: Full-day safari in Serengeti National Park.
Day 6: Final game drive in Serengeti before heading to Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 7: Early descent to Ngorongoro Crater for safari game drives, then transfer back to Arusha in the afternoon.

Tour Features

Best Lodge and Campsite Guarantee

Can be Customized

Can start any day

Suitable for all ages

Arrival

You'll be collected from the airport.
Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1 Depart Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Today marks the beginning of your adventure as you depart from Arusha, the starting point for safaris in Northern Tanzania, heading towards the enchanting Tarangire National Park via the scenic Arusha – Dodoma highway. Along the way, you have the option to make a stop at a supermarket for any last-minute essentials. Traverse the picturesque Masai Steppe, with Tarangire National Park just about 2 hours away.

Upon arrival, your driver will handle the necessary park paperwork before embarking on your first thrilling game drive. Tarangire is famed for its large elephant herds and majestic baobab trees dotting the landscape. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a designated picnic site, followed by afternoon game drives until the sun sets.

Finally, settle in for the night at your chosen accommodation—Heart and Soul Lodge, Country Lodge, or similar—in Karatu. Lunch and dinner are provided.

Accommodation:
Name: Heart and Soul Lodge / Kizumba Campsite
Type: Lodge / Camping
Level: Mid-range / Budget

Day 2 Tarangire National Park to the Serengeti National Park.

After enjoying breakfast in Tarangire National Park, we embark on an early departure, beginning our journey across the floor of the Great Rift Valley. As we ascend the escarpment and make our way through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you'll be treated to a delightful scenic drive, offering captivating views of the surrounding landscapes.

The journey through the conservation area unfolds as a leisurely and pleasant experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and marvel at the breathtaking vistas along the way.

Upon our arrival in the Serengeti National Park during the afternoon, we dive straight into an exhilarating game drive, eagerly anticipating the wildlife encounters that await us. Our exploration continues until late in the day, soaking in the beauty of the Serengeti's vast plains and diverse ecosystems.

For lunch, we stop at one of the picturesque picnic sites, typically located at the Naabi Hill Gate. Here, you'll have the opportunity to stretch your legs and take in the surroundings while our guide takes care of necessary registrations and paperwork.

As the day draws to a close, we settle into our camp or lodge, where a warm campfire awaits us. Dinner is served, offering a chance to savor delicious meals while sharing stories of the day's adventures. Finally, we retire for the night, surrounded by the tranquility of the Serengeti wilderness. Your accommodation for the evening will be at either Thorntree Camp or Serengeti Heritage tented Camp, ensuring a comfortable and restful stay. All meals are included, ensuring you're well-fed and energized for the adventures that lie ahead.

> Accommodation:

✓ Name: Serengeti Heritage tented Camp / Nyani Campsite
✓ Type: Lodge / Camping
✓ Level: Mid-range / Budget

Day 3 - 5 Full day at the Serengeti National Park.

Rise early to embark on a sunrise game drive, a golden opportunity to encounter elusive nocturnal creatures and witness the awakening of diurnal species. Experience the magic of animals gathering along the roadsides to evade the morning dew, offering a chance for up-close encounters with wildlife. Following breakfast at the camp, indulge in a full day of game drives within the expansive Serengeti National Park.

Named after the Maasai word 'Siringit,' translating to "plains without end," the Serengeti lives up to its name with vast stretches of African Savannah awaiting exploration. Traverse these endless plains in search of a plethora of wildlife species, from the iconic wildebeests to majestic elephants, powerful lions, swift cheetahs, and elusive leopards. Amidst the rich tapestry of wildlife, witness the graceful movements of zebras, elegant elands, and a diverse array of resident and migratory bird species.

Retreat to the comfort of Thorntree Camp or Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp for a restful overnight stay, with all meals included. Experience the wonders of the Serengeti, where every moment promises adventure and discovery amidst the untamed beauty of nature.

> Accommodation:

✓ Name: Serengeti Heritage tented Camp / Nyani Campsite
✓ Type: Lodge / Camping
✓ Level: Mid-range / Budget

Day 4 Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 6 Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater.

After enjoying breakfast at your accommodation, we will prepare to depart for one final exhilarating game drive in the Serengeti. Led by our professional safari guide, you will have the opportunity to explore the Seronera River Valley, renowned for its rich diversity of wildlife and bird species. Alternatively, your guide may suggest other promising locations within the Serengeti based on their expertise and insights.

Throughout the journey, your safari guide will maintain communication with other guides via VHF high-frequency radios installed in our safari vehicles. This ensures that your guide stays informed about wildlife sightings and can lead you to the most promising areas for exploration.

In the afternoon, we will commence our journey back to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where we will check into Heart and Soul Lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation. Nestled amidst the natural beauty of the area, Heart and Soul Lodge offers a comfortable and inviting retreat after a day of adventure. Enjoy a hearty dinner and restful overnight stay, with all meals included for your convenience.

> Accommodation:

✓ Name: Heart and Soul Lodge / Migombani Campsite
✓ Type: Lodge / Camping
✓ Level: Mid-range / Budget

Day 7 Ngorongoro Crater – back to Arusha – End of safari

Start your day with breakfast at the lodge before embarking on an early descent to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive experience. It's advisable to begin your descent right after breakfast or even opt for a packed breakfast to maximize your chances of encountering rare wildlife like the Black Rhinos. Spend the morning exploring the diverse habitats of the crater, known for its towering walls and remarkable concentration of wild animals, often dubbed as a natural zoo. With luck, you might even spot the iconic Big Five during your adventure.

After immersing yourself in the wonders of the Ngorongoro Crater until lunchtime, enjoy a picnic lunch at the designated hippo poolside site. Following your satisfying meal, ascend the crater rim and bid farewell to the conservation area. Your journey continues as you head back to Arusha, arriving later in the afternoon. This full-day excursion includes both breakfast and lunch, ensuring you're fueled up for an exciting day of exploration.

7-Day Safari Tanzania Prices

Prices in Lodge Accommodations

A Group of 2 Persons – USD 2875 per person sharing (Double room or Twin room)
A Group of 4 Persons – USD 2445 per person sharing (2 Double rooms or Twin rooms)
A Group of 6 Persons – USD 2250 per person sharing (3 Double rooms or Twin rooms)
Single Traveler – Ask for price

Prices in Camping Accommodations

$2,262 per person when 2 persons travel together
$1,845 per person when 3 persons travel together
$1,751 per person when 4 persons travel together
$1,661 per person when 5 persons travel together

Related Tour in Tanzania

2 Day Tanzania Safari

500$pp to 798$pp

3 Day Tanzania Safari

800$pp to 1237$pp

4 Day Tanzania Safari

867$pp to 1,644$pp

5 Day Tanzania Safari

1030$pp to 2080$pp

6 Day Safari from Zanzibar

1,846$pp to 2,421$pp

5 Questions About 7-Day Tanzania Safaris

Is 7 days a good length for a safari in Tanzania?

A 7-day safari in Tanzania offers ample time to immerse yourself in the experience without feeling rushed. This allows you to avoid the busiest spots often visited on shorter safaris. Tanzania is an incredible wildlife destination, with nearly a third of its land protected in various parks and reserves. Each park is unique, so it’s impossible to see everything in one trip.

Seven days is a good amount of time to explore one of Tanzania’s three main safari circuits. Even then, you’ll need to make choices about what to see. It’s a common mistake to try to fit too much into a vacation. Remember, this is a holiday, not a military operation.

I prefer to take my time and soak in the atmosphere of each place rather than rushing from park to park. Even if you revisit the same area, you’ll see different wildlife each time. Sometimes, it’s worth returning to a spot, like a lion kill, to see if hyenas have arrived later. Each day on safari brings new surprises.

What can I fit in during a 7-day safari in Tanzania?

Planning a 7-day safari in Tanzania? There are plenty of options to choose from, making it a bit tricky to decide. Most tours focus on one of two main safari circuits.

The Northern circuit is the most popular. It centers on the vast Serengeti and includes the stunning Ngorongoro Crater. With seven days, you can also add a night or two in Lake Manyara National Park or Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is especially good in the Dry season when elephants gather around the river. However, you don't have to see everything. Spending more time exploring the Serengeti and Ngorongoro and skipping Manyara and Tarangire is also a great option.

The Southern circuit offers a different kind of safari. The parks and reserves here are more low-key with fewer lodges and tented camps, giving you an authentic wilderness experience. Some of the best guides work in Ruaha National Park, and you can enjoy activities like boating and walking in both Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) and Ruaha. You might visit Mikumi National Park on the way, which is the most convenient stop on a southern road safari. If you want to stretch your legs, consider a side trip to Udzungwa Mountains National Park for a hike in the rainforest and to see the Sanje waterfall.

What kind of accommodation can I expect?

When going on a safari in Tanzania, there are various types of accommodations to choose from. For those on a tight budget or who enjoy camping, camping safaris are a popular and cost-effective choice. Many operators specialize in these safaris, providing high-quality tents and necessary equipment, along with a dedicated chef who prepares fresh meals.

If camping isn't for you, budget-friendly lodgings are available just outside the parks. Within the parks, there is a range of accommodations, including mid-range lodges that offer modern amenities and spectacular views, despite sometimes lacking character.

At the top end, luxury lodges are small and exclusive, often with only six to eight units. These can be either solidly built or themed as tented camps and are usually booked on fly-in safaris. Luxury lodges offer the highest standard of service, food, and guiding.

Which animals can I expect to see?

A 7-day safari in Tanzania will astound you with the sheer abundance of wildlife you can encounter. Tanzanian parks are known for their high animal densities, ensuring that every drive offers something extraordinary. The Northern safari circuit is ideal for spotting the Big Five. Elephants and buffalo are plentiful, lions are remarkably easy to find, while leopard sightings can be more unpredictable. Nonetheless, a week-long safari offers a good chance to spot one of these elusive cats.

The Ngorongoro Crater almost guarantees black rhino sightings, though outside of this area, opportunities to see them diminish. Visiting the Serengeti during the annual wildebeest migration is a highlight, especially if you can witness a river crossing, although timing these events can be tricky. Beyond the Big Five, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and black-backed jackals are also popular, and you might even catch a glimpse of rare nocturnal carnivores like honey badgers or servals.

The southern parks provide a unique charm. While the pace may be less frenetic, these parks offer sightings of rarer species. The endangered wild dog is particularly sought after, and observing a pack in action is an unforgettable experience.

How much will this 7-day safari cost?

The cost of a 7-day safari in Tanzania varies widely. Budget options typically range from about $1,250 to $2,500 per person, while mid-range tours cost between $2,500 and $3,000. Luxury tours usually fall between $3,000 and $4,500, but high-end safaris can be significantly more expensive.

Several factors influence the price of a 7-day safari, with accommodation being a major one. Options range from basic budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels and high-end luxury lodges and tented camps. Private tours tend to be slightly more expensive than shared tours, especially for solo travelers.

If you don't mind driving on bumpy roads between parks, a road safari is an excellent choice as it allows you to see more of the country. Fly-in safaris, although generally more expensive, offer convenience, comfort, and save valuable time.

Prices can also vary throughout the year. You might save money by traveling during the off-season or shoulder months. While rain is common in the low season, it rarely lasts for days. This time of year offers lush, green landscapes, an abundance of baby animals, quieter lodges, and fewer vehicles on game drives.