There are safari itineraries that try to do too much, packing five parks into seven days and leaving you exhausted. And then there is this 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour. Designed for travelers who want the absolute best of northern Tanzania without the fatigue of endless road transfers, this itinerary focuses on two world famous destinations: the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. The Serengeti offers the Great Migration, endless plains, and exceptional predator viewing. The Ngorongoro Crater offers the densest concentration of large mammals on earth, including the endangered black rhino. For travelers booking a 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour, this combination delivers the complete safari experience. You will spend three nights in the Serengeti, giving you time to explore different sectors of the park. You will spend one night on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, descending at dawn for a full day of game viewing. You will also visit Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara for elephant herds and baobab trees. At Nomara Safaris, we have guided hundreds of travelers on this 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour. We know the best guides, the best lodges, and the best times to be at each location. This page provides the complete itinerary, pricing, accommodation options, and everything you need to book.
This 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour follows the classic northern circuit. You begin in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. From there, you drive to Tarangire National Park for elephant viewing among ancient baobab trees. Then you continue to the Ngorongoro Crater rim for an overnight stay. The next morning, you descend into the crater at dawn for a full day of game viewing. Finally, you spend three nights in the Serengeti, exploring different sectors depending on the season and the location of the Great Migration. The tour ends with a flight from the Serengeti back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. This 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour uses internal flights to minimise driving time. You spend more time watching wildlife and less time on the road. The pace is relaxed but productive, with morning and afternoon game drives daily. Accommodation ranges from comfortable mid range lodges to luxury tented camps.
| Day | Destination | Activities | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arusha | Arrival, transfer to hotel | Arusha Hotel |
| 2 | Tarangire NP | Afternoon game drive | Tarangire Lodge |
| 3 | Ngorongoro Crater | Full day crater game drive | Crater Rim Lodge |
| 4 | Serengeti NP | Afternoon game drive | Serengeti Camp |
| 5 | Serengeti NP | Full day game drive | Serengeti Camp |
| 6 | Serengeti NP | Morning game drive, flight to Arusha | Arusha Hotel |
| 7 | Depart | Transfer to airport | – |
This 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour is available as a private safari, meaning you have your own vehicle and guide. The itinerary can be customized based on your preferences, fitness level, and budget. Some travelers prefer to add an extra night in the Serengeti. Others prefer to substitute Lake Manyara for Tarangire. Nomara Safaris works with you to design the perfect 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour.
Your 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour begins at Kilimanjaro International Airport. A Nomara Safaris representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha, approximately one hour away. Arusha is the safari capital of Tanzania, a bustling city at the foot of Mount Meru. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You can rest after your flight, explore the town, or visit the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre. In the evening, you will meet your safari guide for a briefing on the days ahead. Your guide will review the itinerary, answer questions, and check your equipment. Overnight at your Arusha hotel. Accommodation options include the Arusha Coffee Lodge, Mount Meru Hotel, or Rivertrees Lodge. Dinner is at the hotel.
After breakfast, you depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park. The drive takes approximately two hours. Upon arrival, you begin your afternoon game drive. Tarangire is famous for two things: elephant herds and baobab trees. During the dry season from June to October, the Tarangire River attracts hundreds of elephants, some in herds of over 100 individuals. The ancient baobab trees, some over 1,000 years old, provide a stunning backdrop. You will also see lion, leopard, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, and giraffe. The park is less crowded than the Serengeti, offering a more intimate experience. After your game drive, you transfer to your lodge for overnight. Accommodation options include Tarangire Treetops, Little Oliver’s Camp, or Maramboi Tented Camp. Dinner and overnight at your Tarangire lodge.
Today is the highlight of your 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour. You wake early and drive to the Ngorongoro Crater rim, approximately two hours from Tarangire. After checking in at the crater gate, you descend the steep road to the crater floor. The descent is an adventure in itself, with the mist clearing to reveal the expanse below. You spend a full day on the crater floor, stopping for a picnic lunch at a designated site near the hippo pool. The Ngorongoro Crater is the best place in Africa to see the Big Five in one day. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino are all present. The crater floor also supports large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and gazelle. In the late afternoon, you ascend back to the crater rim and transfer to your lodge. Accommodation options include andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, or Rhino Lodge. Dinner and overnight on the crater rim.
After breakfast, you depart for the Serengeti National Park. The drive takes approximately three to four hours, depending on the season and the location of the herds. You will travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing through the gate at Naabi Hill. Upon entering the Serengeti, you will immediately notice the change in landscape. The endless plains stretch to every horizon, dotted with acacia trees and rocky kopjes. You begin your afternoon game drive almost immediately, searching for the Great Migration herds or resident predators. The Serengeti supports over 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, and 500 cheetahs. Your guide will position you for the best sightings. In the late afternoon, you transfer to your camp for overnight. Accommodation options include a mobile camp that follows the Migration, or a permanent lodge like Serengeti Serena or Four Seasons Safari Lodge. Dinner and overnight in the Serengeti.
This is a full day of game driving in the Serengeti. Your 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour gives you two full days in the park, allowing you to explore different sectors. Depending on the season, your guide will take you to the southern plains for calving season (January to March), the western corridor for Grumeti River crossings (April to June), or the northern Serengeti for Mara River crossings (July to October). You will carry a picnic lunch, allowing you to stay out from dawn until dusk. The morning drive focuses on predator activity, as lions and hyenas are most active at dawn. The afternoon drive focuses on elephants, giraffes, and the herds. Your guide will also help you find leopards, which are most active at dusk. In the late afternoon, you return to your camp for dinner and overnight.
On your final morning in the Serengeti, you enjoy one last game drive. The early morning light is perfect for photography, and the animals are still active after the night. After breakfast, you transfer to the Serengeti airstrip for your flight back to Arusha. The flight takes approximately one hour, saving you a full day of driving. Upon arrival in Arusha, you are transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You can rest, shop for souvenirs, or visit a local coffee plantation. Overnight at your Arusha hotel. Dinner is at the hotel or at a local restaurant.
Your 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour concludes today. After breakfast, you are transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. If your flight is in the afternoon, you may have time for a morning activity such as a visit to the Arusha National Park or a coffee tour. Nomara Safaris can arrange additional activities upon request.
For travelers booking a luxury 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour, Nomara Safaris recommends the following properties. In Arusha: Arusha Coffee Lodge or Legendary Lodge. In Tarangire: Little Oliver’s Camp or Treetops. On the Ngorongoro Crater rim: andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. In the Serengeti: Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Singita Grumeti, or a luxury mobile camp. These properties offer private plunge pools, butler service, gourmet dining, and exceptional service. Prices range from USD 800 to USD 1,500 per night.
For travelers booking a mid range 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour, Nomara Safaris recommends the following properties. In Arusha: Mount Meru Hotel or Rivertrees Lodge. In Tarangire: Maramboi Tented Camp or Tarangire Safari Lodge. On the Ngorongoro Crater rim: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge or Rhino Lodge. In the Serengeti: Serengeti Serena Lodge, Serengeti Kati Kati Camp, or a mid range mobile camp. These properties offer comfortable accommodation, good food, and excellent service at more accessible prices. Prices range from USD 300 to USD 600 per night.
This 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour includes the following:
This 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour excludes the following:
The best time for this 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour depends on your priorities. For the Great Migration river crossings in the northern Serengeti, book from July to October. For calving season and predator action in the southern Serengeti, book from January to March. For fewer crowds and green season landscapes, book from November to December or April to May. For a balance of weather and wildlife, June and October are the best months. Nomara Safaris can advise on the optimal timing for your 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour.
How much does this 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour cost?
The cost of this 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour depends on accommodation level and season. A mid range safari costs approximately USD 3,500 to USD 5,000 per person. A luxury safari costs approximately USD 7,000 to USD 10,000 per person. These prices are based on double occupancy. Single travelers pay a supplement. Nomara Safaris provides a detailed quotation based on your specific travel dates and preferences.
Can I see the Great Migration on this tour?
Yes, you can see the Great Migration on this 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour if you book during the right season. From July to October, the herds are in the northern Serengeti. From January to March, the herds are in the southern Serengeti for calving season. Your guide will position you in the correct sector of the Serengeti based on the season. The river crossings are unpredictable, but three nights in the Serengeti give you a good chance.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
The best time for this 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour is the dry season from June to October, when wildlife viewing is at its peak. However, the green season from January to March offers calving season action and lower prices. Nomara Safaris recommends June or October for a balance of good weather, good wildlife, and manageable crowds.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes, most nationalities require a visa for Tanzania. Visas can be obtained on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or online before travel. The cost is approximately USD 50 for US citizens. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity. Nomara Safaris can advise on visa requirements for your specific nationality.
This 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour is available as a private safari with guaranteed departures. Nomara Safaris requires a deposit of 30 percent to confirm your booking, with the balance due 60 days before travel. Gorilla permits and internal flights are non refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation. Contact Nomara Safaris to book your 7-day Tanzania wildlife tour. Provide your preferred travel dates, group size, and accommodation preferences. We will respond with a detailed quotation within 24 hours.