7-Day Tanzania Classic Safari | Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Serengeti
Tanzania is the quintessential safari destination—a land of vast savannahs, dramatic craters, and wildlife so abundant it defies belief. This 7-day classic safari journey takes you through three of the country’s most iconic parks, each offering a unique wildlife experience. Begin in Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater—a natural wonder teeming with Big Five wildlife. Finally, explore the endless plains of the Serengeti, where the Great Migration unfolds in one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
This carefully crafted itinerary balances wildlife viewing with comfort and relaxation. Travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing, accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide. Accommodation ranges from comfortable mid-range lodges to luxury tented camps, all selected for their prime locations and exceptional service. All meals, park fees, and activities are included, ensuring a seamless and stress-free safari experience.
Highlights
- 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to Safari
- 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
- 3: Tarangire National Park – Full Day Safari
- 4: Tarangire – Ngorongoro Crater
- 5: Ngorongoro – Serengeti National Park
- 6: Serengeti National Park – Full Day Safari
- 7: Serengeti – Return to Arusha – Departure
Itinerary
Destination: Tanzania (Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti)
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Group Size: Private Tour (2-8 people)
Hotel Category: Mid-range lodges and luxury tented camps
Your Tanzanian adventure begins with arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our representative greets you with a warm welcome. Transfer to your hotel in Arusha, Tanzania's bustling safari capital. Take the afternoon to relax and recover from your journey, or explore the vibrant local markets where Maasai crafts and Tanzanian treasures await. In the evening, enjoy a briefing from your safari guide over a delicious dinner, where you'll learn about the incredible wildlife encounters that lie ahead. Overnight at your Arusha hotel.
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, approximately a 2.5-hour drive through scenic Tanzanian countryside. Tarangire is renowned for its huge herds of elephants—often numbering in the hundreds—as well as its iconic baobab trees that dot the landscape like ancient sentinels. Arrive at your lodge or camp in time for lunch, then set out for an afternoon game drive. Keep your camera ready for lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and over 550 bird species. The park is also famous for its tree-climbing pythons (if you're lucky enough to spot one!). Return to your lodge as the sun sets over the baobabs. Overnight at your Tarangire lodge.
Today is dedicated to exploring Tarangire in depth. Set out on an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active. The Tarangire River serves as a vital water source during the dry season, attracting animals from far and wide. Watch as elephants, buffaloes, wildebeests, and zebras gather along its banks. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the park's ecology and animal behavior. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot in the park, then continue your game drive in the afternoon, exploring different areas of this diverse wilderness. As evening approaches, return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful night under African stars.
After breakfast, journey to the legendary Ngorongoro Crater—one of Africa's most extraordinary natural wonders. The drive takes approximately 3 hours through stunning Rift Valley landscapes. Arrive at the crater rim and check into your lodge with breathtaking views over the caldera. In the afternoon, descend into the crater floor—a 600-meter-deep, 260-square-kilometer natural amphitheater that supports one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The crater is home to lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, hippos, flamingos, and countless other species—your chances of spotting the Big Five are excellent! Return to the crater rim as the sun sets, painting the caldera in hues of gold and amber. Overnight at your Ngorongoro lodge.
Today you journey into the heart of Africa's most famous wilderness—the Serengeti. After breakfast, depart for the Serengeti with a game drive en route. The Serengeti National Park covers over 14,000 square kilometers, supporting an incredible variety of wildlife including lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and vast herds of wildebeests and zebras. Arrive at your luxury tented camp in the central Serengeti (Seronera area) for lunch. In the afternoon, set out on your first Serengeti game drive, exploring the plains that have captured the imagination of wildlife lovers for generations. Return to your camp for sundowners and dinner under the stars. Overnight at your Serengeti camp.
Wake before dawn for an unforgettable sunrise game drive—the best time to witness predators in action. As the sun rises over the Serengeti, lion prides stir from their rest, cheetahs survey the plains, and the vast herds begin their daily movement. The Serengeti's ecosystem supports the Great Migration—over 1.5 million wildebeests and 250,000 zebras—in a constant search for fresh grazing and water. Depending on the time of year, you may witness river crossings, birthing seasons, or dramatic predator-prey interactions. Return to camp for a mid-morning breakfast and rest. In the afternoon, head out for another game drive, exploring different sectors of this vast wilderness. As the sun sets over the Serengeti, enjoy a sundowner in the bush before returning to camp for dinner. Overnight at your Serengeti camp.
After a final breakfast and one last morning game drive in the Serengeti, check out and begin the scenic drive back to Arusha. The journey takes approximately 6 hours, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Maasai lands, with a picnic lunch en route. Arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon. Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, carrying with you the extraordinary memories of your classic Tanzanian safari. Safe travels and pole pole (slowly, slowly) until we meet again!
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- 6 nights' accommodation at mid-range to luxury lodges and tented camps
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) as per itinerary
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entrance fees and crater service fees
- Unlimited game drives as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water throughout
- All transfers
- 24/7 local support
Cost Excludes
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities
- Hot air balloon safari in Serengeti (optional, available at extra cost)
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time is during the dry seasons—June to October and December to February. June to October offers the Great Migration river crossings in the Serengeti. December to February provides excellent wildlife viewing with warm weather. The wet seasons (March-May and November) offer lower prices but may affect road conditions.
Yes! The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places to see all Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Tarangire has excellent elephant sightings, while the Serengeti offers lions and leopards. Rhino sightings are most reliable in Ngorongoro.
The Great Migration is the movement of over 1.5 million wildebeests and 250,000 zebras in search of fresh grazing and water. The herds move in a circular pattern between the Serengeti and Masai Mara. River crossings at the Mara River (July-October) are particularly spectacular. The timing varies each year but generally follows predictable patterns.
Pack neutral-colored, lightweight clothing for game drives, a warm jacket for early mornings, a sunhat, and sunglasses. Bring comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, high SPF sunscreen, and insect repellent. Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens are essential. Pack layers to adapt to varying temperatures.
Yes, this safari welcomes children aged 6 and above. The itinerary includes family-friendly game drives and accommodations. Some lodges offer kids' activities. Please discuss any specific requirements with us when booking.
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania. You can apply for a visa on arrival or online before travel. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival. The visa fee is approximately $50-100 depending on nationality. Check with your local Tanzanian embassy for current requirements.
