Exploring the 7 Day Grand Tanzania Safari: An In-Depth Review
Planning a safari that combines iconic wildlife sightings, stunning landscapes, and a well-rounded adventure can seem daunting. The 7 Day Grand Tanzania Safari by Safari360 promises an experience packed with the best of what Tanzania has to offer — from the Big 5 to the legendary Serengeti migration. This tour has earned a perfect 5-star rating based on reviews, and for good reason.
What we love about this trip is the carefully curated itinerary that balances game drives with cultural touches, all delivered with knowledgeable guides. The opportunity to visit multiple national parks in one trip provides incredible value, immersing you in a variety of habitats and animal communities. Plus, the emphasis on authentic wildlife encounters—like close-up elephants in Tarangire or the crater’s big cats—is genuinely captivating.
That said, some travelers might find the 6-hour drives between parks a bit lengthy, especially if roads are bumpy or weather conditions aren’t ideal. The tour’s price point at $2,800 per person offers great value considering the comprehensive itinerary and all inclusions, but it’s worth contemplating whether you’re comfortable with the early mornings and potentially bumpy terrain.
This safari is best suited for wildlife enthusiasts, cultural explorers, or anyone looking to experience Tanzania’s most famed parks in one seamless trip. If you’re after expert-guided wildlife viewing, comfortable lodges, and a well-organized schedule, this tour could be your ideal match.
Key Points
- Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, covering the highlights of Northern Tanzania.
- Wildlife Focus: Big 5 sightings, large herds of elephants, tree-climbing lions, and the Serengeti migration.
- Expert Guides: Guides like Godlove and Amos receive high praise for their knowledge, safety consciousness, and friendliness.
- Incredible Value: All accommodations, meals, and transfers are included, making it a stress-free experience.
- Authentic Encounters: Opportunities to learn about Maasai culture and enjoy early morning game drives.
- Potential Long Drives: Expect several 6-hour travel days, which may be tiring but are necessary for covering the parks.
Looking for more options in Kilimanjaro? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
The Experience Day-by-Day: A Closer Look
Day 1: Tarangire National Park
Your adventure kicks off with a safari briefing in the morning, followed by about a 2-hour drive into Tarangire. Known for its giant baobab trees and sprawling bush savannah, Tarangire is a haven for elephants, often seen up close amidst the seasonal marshes. The open-sided safari vehicle, with its open roof, offers unmatched views, making you feel part of the landscape.
Reviewers highlight that Tarangire is particularly good for spotting elephants, with one stating it’s “considered one of the best places to view elephants up close.” The park’s habitat also attracts buffalos, zebras, and wildebeests, which draw predators like lions and leopards. Cheetahs, however, are rarely spotted, so don’t hold your breath for a quick glimpse.
In the late afternoon, you’ll leave the park and head to Eileen’s Tree Inn for the night, a cozy stop where travelers note the comfortable lodgings as a welcome break after a day of game viewing.
Day 2: Lake Manyara
After a hearty breakfast, it’s a drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its dramatic location at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park’s shallow soda lake covers much of the area, attracting staggering numbers of flamingos and other birdlife, alongside a rich variety of mammals.
Reviewers often mention the park’s “impressive habitat” and the “large concentration of elephants,” with Manyara also being one of the few places in Africa where tree-climbing lions are frequently seen. The migratory flamingos add bursts of color, creating stunning photo opportunities. The park’s diverse terrain promises varied animal sightings, making it a favorite for many guests.
Day 3 & 4: Serengeti National Park
Heading into the Serengeti, the journey itself offers scenic views as you traverse the Rift Valley slopes followed by the expansive plains. Founded in 1951, Serengeti is a wildlife spectacle with an ecosystem that supports the famous Great Migration.
During your stay, expect several game drives, including morning and afternoon excursions. The Seronera area — the heart of the park — is praised for its high density of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. One reviewer fondly recalls that their guide “cared about safety and was very knowledgeable,” which greatly enhanced the experience.
The second day in Serengeti includes a morning game drive, returning for breakfast, then heading deeper into the park for more sightings. The open landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a photographer’s paradise. Some guests also opt for a hot air balloon ride (at an extra cost), floating silently over the plains and discovering the wildlife from above.
Day 5: Maasai Culture & Ngorongoro
Early morning offers the chance for a sunrise game drive or a hot air balloon ride—reviewers recommend pre-arranging this at an additional cost. The latter offers a unique perspective of the Serengeti landscape, giving you a chance to spot wildlife from a whole new angle.
Post-drive, you’ll visit a Maasai village, where travelers report experiencing a genuine connection with the Maasai people and learning about their traditions. These cultural interactions add a meaningful layer to the safari.
Later, your journey takes you to Ngorongoro, familiar to many as the most dramatic crater in Africa. The drive includes scenic views and opportunities to observe Maasai villages along the way.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
Rising early, you descend into Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and often called the “Garden of Eden.” The crater’s massive caldera is home to over 25,000 mammals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and leopards, along with wild dogs and hyenas.
Guests describe the crater as a “massive, collapsed volcano” teeming with wildlife, and many appreciate the chance to see the Big Five in one concentrated area. The crater’s varied habitats—from marshes to grasslands—offer a balanced view of animal life.
A picnic lunch inside the crater is common, allowing for a relaxed yet exciting day. Reviewers highlight guides’ attentiveness and safety, with one stating that their guide, Godlove, maintained a caring and knowledgeable approach throughout.
Day 7: Return to Arusha
After breakfast, the journey concludes with a drive back to Arusha, generally arriving around midday. The trip ends with a sense of accomplishment and a treasure trove of wildlife memories.
Why You’ll Love This Safari
This tour’s blend of iconic parks, expert guides, and authentic encounters makes it stand out. The well-organized schedule ensures you spend ample time on game drives, maximizing wildlife sightings. The inclusive pricing covers accommodations, meals, and transfers, easing the financial planning process.
Guests repeatedly praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness—notably, guides like Godlove and Amos earn accolades for their caring attitude and local expertise. The diversity of parks ensures you’ll witness everything from elephants in Tarangire to the wildebeest migration in Serengeti and the Big Five in Ngorongoro.
The opportunity to participate in optional activities, such as a hot air balloon ride, adds to the exclusivity and adventure of the experience. This tour strikes a balance between luxury and authenticity, making it suitable for travelers seeking an immersive, well-rounded safari.
Practical Considerations
The price of $2,800 offers significant value considering the inclusions and the number of parks visited. The seven-day duration might feel short for those wanting a more leisurely pace, but it’s ideal for travelers with limited time or a desire to see as much as possible.
Travelers should anticipate long drives—about 6 hours on some days—and prepare for bumpy roads, especially in remote areas. The early start times, often before dawn, are necessary for avoiding crowds and catching animals active during cooler hours.
The Sum Up: Who Is This Safari Best For?
This safari is perfect for wildlife lovers eager to see the Big Five and experience Tanzania’s most renowned parks in one trip. It’s especially suited for those who want a well-organized, guided adventure with an emphasis on authentic sightings and cultural interactions.
Travelers seeking value for money will appreciate the inclusive pricing and the quality of experience delivered. The knowledgeable guides and diverse habitats mean you’ll come away with a genuine appreciation for Tanzania’s wild side.
While the drives are long, the reward of close encounters with elephants, lions, and wildebeest migration makes it worthwhile. If you’re ready for a balanced mix of adventure, nature, and culture, this safari delivers a memorable and thorough Tanzanian safari experience.
FAQ
What is included in this safari?
The tour includes all accommodations, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and transfers between parks, with pickup offered at Kilimanjaro Airport.
Are guides experienced?
Yes, reviews highlight guides like Godlove and Amos as very knowledgeable, caring, and safety-conscious, making the game drives both enjoyable and informative.
How long are the drives between parks?
Most travel days involve about 6 hours of driving, which is necessary for covering the extensive distances between parks and maximizing wildlife sightings.
Can I do optional activities during the tour?
Yes, hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti are available at an additional cost and can be pre-arranged.
Is this tour suitable for families?
While the reviews don’t specify age restrictions, the early mornings and long drives suggest it’s best for older children or adult travelers comfortable with such schedules.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and possibly wild dogs or hyenas. The Ngorongoro Crater is particularly dense with the Big Five.
What is the price per person, and is it good value?
At $2,800, the cost is reasonable given the comprehensive itinerary, all-inclusive lodging, meals, and expert guides. This makes it a solid investment for a full Tanzanian safari experience.
Are meals and accommodations comfortable?
Guests report that lodges like Eileen’s Tree Inn and the camps in Serengeti are comfortable, and meals are included, though some may find the picnic lunches basic.
How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 32 days in advance, indicating good planning ensures availability during peak seasons.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. Shorter notice may forfeit the payment, so planning ahead is wise.
Embarking on this safari guarantees a deep-dive into Tanzania’s wild heart, blending iconic parks, expert guides, and authentic encounters. Whether you’re a wildlife junkie or cultural explorer, it offers a well-rounded adventure that leaves lasting memories.