Overview

The 7-Day Classic Tanzanian Safari is a dream journey through the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Witness the dramatic landscapes of the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara. This safari offers unparalleled opportunities to spot the Big Five, marvel at the Great Migration (seasonal), and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of East Africa’s untamed wilderness.
Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season for best wildlife viewing) and December to February (calving season in the Serengeti)

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

• Activities:
  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha.
  • Meet your guide for a safari briefing and itinerary overview.

Accommodation: Luxury: Gran Melia Arusha / Mid-Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel / Budget: Arusha Tourist Inn.
Meals: Dinner at your hotel.

Recovery: Relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

• Activities:
  • Depart after breakfast for Tarangire National Park, famous for its giant baobab trees and large herds of elephants.
  • Enjoy a full-day game drive, spotting wildlife such as lions, giraffes, zebras, and leopards.

Highlights:

• Wildlife along the Tarangire River, a vital water source during the dry season.
• Scenic picnic lunch inside the park.

Accommodation: Luxury: Tarangire Treetops / Mid-Range: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge / Budget: Tarangire Campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

• Activities:
  • Drive to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and vibrant flamingos.
  • Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from groundwater forests to soda lakes.

Highlights:

• Spot elephants, hippos, and hundreds of bird species.
• Visit a viewpoint for stunning panoramas of the Rift Valley escarpment.

Accommodation: Luxury: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge / Mid-Range: Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp / Budget: Panorama Campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park

• Activities:
  • Travel to the Serengeti, Tanzania’s most famous national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Afternoon game drive en route to your lodge or camp.

Highlights:

• Experience the vast plains and dramatic landscapes of the Serengeti.
• Spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, and the wildebeest herds (seasonal Great Migration).

Accommodation: Luxury: Four Seasons Serengeti / Mid-Range: Serengeti Tortilis Camp / Budget: Serengeti Public Campsites.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drives

• Activities:
  • Spend the day exploring the Serengeti, focusing on key wildlife hotspots and predator action.
  • Optional early morning balloon safari for a bird’s-eye view of the park (additional cost).

Highlights:

• Witness the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo.
• Marvel at the savannah’s beauty and its thriving ecosystem.

Accommodation: Same as Day 4.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

• Activities:
  • After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a unique biosphere teeming with wildlife.
  • Descend into the crater for a half-day game drive.

Highlights:

• Spot rhinos, lions, hyenas, and flamingos in the crater’s diverse habitats.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool.

Accommodation: Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge / Mid-Range: Rhino Lodge / Budget: Simba Campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7: Ngorongoro to Arusha and Departure

• Activities:
  • Visit a local Maasai village (optional) to learn about their culture and traditions.
  • Drive back to Arusha for a farewell lunch and transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport.

Highlights:

• Cultural insights from the Maasai people.
• Scenic views of the Great Rift Valley on your return drive.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Tour Highlights

1. Big Five and More: Spot lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo, along with countless other species.
2. Diverse Ecosystems: Explore lush forests, open savannahs, soda lakes, and volcanic craters.
3. Cultural Encounters: Optional visits to Maasai villages for a deeper understanding of Tanzania’s heritage.
4. Scenic Beauty: Marvel at stunning landscapes, including the Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro Crater.
5. Great Migration (Seasonal): Witness the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti (timing dependent).

Accommodations

Luxury: Serengeti Four Seasons, Tarangire Treetops, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
Mid-Range: Tortilis Camp Serengeti, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Rhino Lodge.
Budget: Serengeti Public Campsites, Panorama Campsite, Simba Campsite.

Meals

• Breakfast: Freshly prepared at lodges or camps.
• Lunch: Picnic-style meals during game drives.
• Dinner: Hearty dinners served at lodges or camps, featuring local and international cuisines.

Who Is This Tour For?

• Wildlife enthusiasts seeking an in-depth safari experience.
• Families, solo travelers, or small groups eager to explore Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems.
• Adventurers interested in combining luxury, mid-range, or budget-friendly options.

Key Features

• Safari Distance: ~1,500 km over 7 days.
• Inclusions:
  • Professional driver-guide and 4×4 safari vehicle.
  • Park entry fees for all destinations.
  • Accommodations and meals as specified.
  • Round-trip airport transfers.
• Exclusions:
  • Optional activities (e.g., balloon safari).
  • Tips for guides and staff.

Pricing Estimate

Cost: $2,500–$6,000 USD per person, depending on:

• Accommodation level (luxury, mid-range, or budget).
• Group size (discounts for larger groups).
• Optional add-ons (e.g., balloon safari, Maasai village visits).