7 Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

Most Diverse Ecosystem Safari | Explore Northern Tanzania’s Four Iconic Wildlife Destinations

Safari Overview

The 7 Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari is one of Tanzania’s most diverse wildlife itineraries, showcasing four distinct ecosystems that collectively offer some of the finest safari experiences in Africa.

From the elephant-filled plains of Tarangire and the lush groundwater forests of Lake Manyara to the predator-rich grasslands of Serengeti and the extraordinary wildlife density of Ngorongoro Crater, this safari delivers remarkable variety in both landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Ideal for photographers, first-time safari travelers, families, couples, and wildlife enthusiasts, this itinerary balances game viewing, scenic beauty, and ecosystem diversity while providing excellent opportunities to see the Big Five and many other iconic African species.

Route

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

Safari Highlights

  • Large elephant herds in Tarangire National Park
  • Ancient baobab tree landscapes
  • Lake Manyara tree-climbing lions
  • Flamingos and waterbirds (seasonal)
  • Full Serengeti game drives
  • Lion, leopard, and cheetah sightings
  • Ngorongoro Crater Big Five opportunities
  • Great Rift Valley scenery
  • Exceptional wildlife photography opportunities
  • Four distinct ecosystems in one safari

Why Choose This Safari?

Maximum Ecosystem Diversity

Few Tanzania safari itineraries offer as much ecological variety as this route.

You will experience:

Tarangire National Park

  • Savannah grasslands
  • Baobab forests
  • River ecosystems

Lake Manyara National Park

  • Groundwater forests
  • Soda lake habitats
  • Rift Valley escarpment

Serengeti National Park

  • Endless open plains
  • Migration ecosystems
  • Predator territories

Ngorongoro Crater

  • Volcanic caldera ecosystem
  • Dense wildlife concentrations
  • Highland scenery

Excellent Wildlife Variety

This safari provides opportunities to encounter:

  • Big Five wildlife
  • Predators
  • Plains game
  • Primates
  • Waterbirds
  • Rare species

Outstanding Photography Opportunities

The changing landscapes create unique photographic opportunities every day.

Highlights include:

  • Elephant silhouettes beneath baobab trees
  • Flamingo-lined lake shores
  • Serengeti sunsets
  • Ngorongoro crater panoramas

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart Arusha and travel to Tarangire National Park.

Tarangire is famous for hosting some of East Africa’s largest elephant populations and its dramatic baobab tree landscapes.

Enjoy an afternoon game drive upon arrival.

Wildlife Highlights

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

Dinner and overnight at lodge or tented camp.

Day 2: Full Day Tarangire Safari

Spend a full day exploring Tarangire National Park.

The Tarangire River serves as a critical water source and attracts large concentrations of wildlife throughout the dry season.

Photography Highlights

  • Elephant family groups
  • Baobab landscapes
  • River crossings
  • Birdlife

Dinner and overnight near Tarangire.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, proceed to Lake Manyara National Park.

Despite its relatively small size, Lake Manyara offers remarkable biodiversity.

Famous Attractions

  • Tree-climbing lions
  • Flamingos (seasonal)
  • Hippos
  • Large baboon troops
  • Groundwater forests

The park sits beneath the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment, creating stunning scenery.

Dinner and overnight in Karatu.

Day 4: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park

Travel through the Ngorongoro Highlands toward Serengeti National Park.

Wildlife viewing begins immediately upon entering the park.

Afternoon Safari

Explore Central Serengeti, one of the best predator habitats in Africa.

Possible sightings include:

  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Cheetahs
  • Elephants
  • Hyenas

Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.

Day 5: Full Day Serengeti Safari

Spend the entire day exploring Serengeti National Park.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site supports one of the world’s largest wildlife populations.

Wildlife Opportunities

  • Lion prides
  • Cheetahs
  • Leopards
  • Elephants
  • Wildebeest herds
  • Zebras

Depending on the season, migration activity may also be present.

Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy a morning game drive before departing Serengeti.

Travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with scenic stops along the route.

Arrive at the crater rim in the afternoon.

Scenic Highlights

  • Volcanic highlands
  • Maasai grazing lands
  • Crater viewpoints

Dinner and overnight near Ngorongoro.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a final safari experience.

The crater floor offers one of the highest wildlife densities in Africa.

Wildlife Highlights

  • Black rhino
  • Lions
  • Buffalo
  • Elephants
  • Hippos
  • Hyenas

After a picnic lunch, return to Arusha where the safari concludes.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Big Five

  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Elephant
  • Buffalo
  • Black Rhino

Predators

  • Cheetah
  • Hyena
  • Jackal
  • Serval

Plains Wildlife

  • Wildebeest
  • Zebra
  • Impala
  • Gazelle
  • Eland

Primates

  • Olive baboons
  • Vervet monkeys

Birdlife

Over 600 bird species occur across the Northern Circuit.

Common sightings include:

  • Flamingos
  • Secretary birds
  • Crowned cranes
  • Eagles
  • Hornbills
  • Ostriches

Best Time to Visit

June to October

Best For

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

January to March

Best For

  • Green season photography
  • Calving season
  • Predator activity

November to December

Best For

  • Birdwatching
  • Fewer crowds
  • Scenic landscapes

Safari Inclusions

  • Park entrance fees
  • Professional 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
  • Optional hot air balloon safari
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this safari good for photographers?

Yes. The combination of four ecosystems offers exceptional photographic variety.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Yes. This itinerary offers excellent opportunities, particularly in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Are flamingos always present at Lake Manyara?

Flamingo numbers vary depending on water levels and seasonal conditions.

Can this safari be upgraded to luxury accommodation?

Yes. Luxury lodges and premium tented camps can be incorporated throughout the itinerary.

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7 Day Serengeti Migration Safari
7 Day Serengeti Big Five Safari
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