7 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Big Five Safari

Explore Tanzania's Most Iconic Wildlife Destinations in One Unforgettable Journey

Safari Overview

The 7 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Big Five Safari is one of Tanzania’s most complete and rewarding wildlife itineraries. Designed for travelers seeking a deeper safari experience, this journey combines four of Northern Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations into a perfectly balanced circuit.

Unlike shorter safaris, seven days allows for extended exploration of the Serengeti ecosystem, greater flexibility for wildlife tracking, and increased opportunities to witness iconic African wildlife behavior. From elephant herds beneath ancient baobab trees in Tarangire to predator-filled plains in the Serengeti, the wildlife-rich floor of Ngorongoro Crater, and the lush groundwater forests of Lake Manyara, this safari showcases Tanzania’s remarkable ecological diversity.

This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples, families, and travelers seeking excellent Big Five viewing opportunities without rushing through the parks.

Route

Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Lake Manyara National Park → Arusha

Safari Highlights

  • Large elephant herds in Tarangire National Park
  • Ancient baobab tree landscapes
  • Multiple Serengeti game drives
  • Big Five wildlife opportunities
  • Lion, leopard, and cheetah sightings
  • Ngorongoro Crater safari experience
  • Lake Manyara tree-climbing lions
  • Great Rift Valley scenery
  • Diverse ecosystems and landscapes
  • Exceptional wildlife photography opportunities

Why Choose This 7 Day Tanzania Safari?

Extended Time in the Serengeti

Many safaris rush through the Serengeti. This itinerary includes ample time in Africa’s most famous wildlife destination, allowing guests to explore different sectors of the park and maximize wildlife encounters.

Exceptional Big Five Opportunities

Few safari routes offer such strong chances of seeing all members of the Big Five:

  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Elephant
  • Buffalo
  • Black Rhino

Ngorongoro Crater, in particular, provides one of the best opportunities in Africa to see endangered black rhinos.

Diverse Wildlife Ecosystems

Experience four completely different habitats:

Tarangire

Known for elephants, baobabs, and seasonal wildlife concentrations.

Serengeti

Vast savannah plains supporting the Great Migration ecosystem.

Ngorongoro Crater

A natural wildlife sanctuary with exceptional game density.

Lake Manyara

A compact but diverse park famous for tree-climbing lions and birdlife.

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Your safari begins after breakfast in Arusha with a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park.

Tarangire is often overshadowed by Serengeti and Ngorongoro, yet many experienced safari travelers consider it one of Tanzania’s finest wildlife parks. The park is renowned for its massive elephant population and iconic baobab-dotted landscapes.

Upon arrival, enjoy your first game drive.

Wildlife Commonly Seen

  • Elephants
  • Lions
  • Giraffes
  • Zebras
  • Wildebeest
  • Buffalo
  • Warthogs

The Tarangire River attracts wildlife year-round, making it one of the most productive game viewing areas in Northern Tanzania.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge or tented camp.

Day 2: Tarangire to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park via the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands.

Along the journey, enjoy spectacular views of volcanic landscapes, Maasai grazing lands, and the Great Rift Valley region.

Upon entering Serengeti National Park, wildlife viewing begins immediately.

Afternoon Game Drive

Explore the famous Seronera region, one of the best predator habitats in East Africa.

Possible sightings include:

  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Cheetahs
  • Hyenas
  • Elephants
  • Hippos

Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.

Day 3: Full Day Serengeti Safari

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Serengeti.

The park covers approximately 14,750 square kilometers and supports one of the largest concentrations of wildlife on Earth.

Morning Safari

Early morning is often the best time for predator activity.

Possible sightings:

  • Lions returning from hunts
  • Leopards descending from trees
  • Cheetahs scanning the plains

Afternoon Safari

Continue tracking wildlife across different habitats.

Depending on season, you may encounter:

  • Wildebeest migration herds
  • Zebra concentrations
  • Elephant families
  • Large buffalo herds

Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.

Day 4: Extended Serengeti Exploration

A second full day in Serengeti significantly enhances wildlife viewing opportunities.

Unlike shorter itineraries, this extended stay allows guides to explore remote sections of the ecosystem and focus on special sightings.

Highlights

  • Predator tracking
  • Great Migration encounters (seasonal)
  • River systems and hippo pools
  • Large lion prides
  • Cheetah hunting territories

For photographers, this day often produces some of the trip’s most memorable images.

Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.

Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before departing for Ngorongoro.

The route offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic landscapes.

Arrive at the crater rim during the afternoon.

Crater Rim Experience

Enjoy spectacular views overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.

Dinner and overnight at lodge near the crater.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Lake Manyara

After an early breakfast, descend approximately 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site supports more than 25,000 animals within a relatively compact area.

Wildlife Highlights

  • Black Rhino
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Buffalo
  • Hippo
  • Hyena
  • Zebra
  • Wildebeest

After your crater safari, continue to Lake Manyara for overnight accommodation.

Day 7: Lake Manyara Safari and Return to Arusha

Enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park.

Though smaller than Tanzania’s other major parks, Lake Manyara offers remarkable biodiversity.

Famous Wildlife Attractions

  • Tree-climbing lions
  • Large baboon troops
  • Elephants
  • Hippos
  • Flamingos (seasonal)
  • Waterbirds

The combination of lake shoreline, groundwater forest, and open grassland creates outstanding photographic opportunities.

After lunch, return to Arusha where your safari concludes.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Big Five

  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Elephant
  • Buffalo
  • Black Rhino

Predators

  • Cheetah
  • Hyena
  • Jackal
  • Serval Cat

Plains Game

  • Zebra
  • Wildebeest
  • Thomson’s Gazelle
  • Grant’s Gazelle
  • Impala

Birdlife

Over 600 bird species can be found across this itinerary.

Common sightings include:

  • Flamingos
  • Ostriches
  • Secretary Birds
  • Crowned Cranes
  • Eagles
  • Vultures

Best Time to Visit

June to October

Best For

  • Big Five viewing
  • Dry season wildlife concentrations
  • Excellent road conditions

January to March

Best For

  • Calving season
  • Predator activity
  • Green landscapes

April to May

Best For

  • Lower prices
  • Fewer visitors
  • Excellent photography

November to December

Best For

  • Short rains
  • Migratory birds
  • Scenic landscapes

Safari Inclusions

  • All park entrance fees
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Accommodation for 6 nights
  • All meals during safari
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Government taxes and levies
  • Pick-up and drop-off in Arusha

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Optional balloon safari
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes. This is one of the best Tanzania safari itineraries for first-time travelers because it combines the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations.

Can I see all Big Five animals?

While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, this itinerary offers excellent opportunities to see all Big Five species.

Is the Great Migration included?

Depending on the season, migration herds may be encountered in Serengeti.

Can this safari be customized?

Yes. Accommodation levels, activities, and travel dates can all be customized.

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