7 Days Safari. Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater.

Setting out on a safari in Tanzania is high on many travelers’ bucket lists, and this 7-day adventure from Habari Adventure offers a well-rounded experience of the country’s most iconic wildlife spots. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a clear picture of an authentic, well-organized expedition that truly puts you in close contact with Africa’s Big Five.

What stands out most about this trip? First, the knowledgeable guides like Michael, Steve, Shirima, and Hillary are repeatedly praised for their expertise and friendly attitude — making each game drive both informative and fun. Second, the stunning scenery and wildlife sightings seem to be top-notch, from lion hunts in Serengeti to elephants congregating by the Tarangire River. Third, the delicious meals and comfortable accommodations appear to add a touch of luxury, despite the adventure setting.

One potential consideration? The daily schedule involves some early starts and long game drives—if you’re not a morning person or prefer a slower pace, this might feel intense. But for those who want to maximize wildlife viewing and have a full experience, this itinerary delivers.

This tour really suits travelers who crave authentic wildlife encounters, enjoy guided storytelling, and appreciate well-organized trips with high attention to detail. It’s perfect for adventurous spirits, honeymooners, or wildlife enthusiasts eager to see the Big Five in their natural habitat.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Guides like Michael and Hillary are praised for their knowledge, patience, and ability to spot elusive animals.
• Wildlife Encounters: From lions during hunts to tree-climbing lions and flamingos, you’ll encounter a wide variety of iconic species.
• Incredible Scenery: The parks are scenic, with large baobabs, the Ngorongoro crater’s unbroken caldera, and the lush Lake Manyara setting.
• All-Inclusive Value: The price of $1,850 includes most meals, park fees, transportation, and accommodations—making it a good value for a week-long safari.
• Flexible, Private Tour: As a private experience, your group can enjoy personalized attention and tailored game drives.
• Long Days, Full Experience: Expect 6-10 hour game drives, packed with wildlife spotting and memorable moments.

An In-Depth Look at the 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tarangire National Park

Starting early at 6:00 am, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and headed to Tarangire, known for its impressive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Expect about three hours of game drive inside the park, with animals congregating along the winding Tarangire River. The landscape here is quite scenic, with vast savannahs dotted with giant baobabs—these trees alone can be worth the trip.

A highlight from reviews is the chance to see large herds of elephants and giraffes, and the park’s unique scenery makes for exceptional photos. You’ll pause for a box lunch inside the park, which many reviewers describe as simple but satisfying. Afterward, you’ll settle into your campsite or lodge for the night, where you can relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Serengeti National Park

The drive to Serengeti takes about 3-4 hours, crossing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area—not the crater itself, but the highlands offer stunning views and scenic landscapes. Arriving in Serengeti, the game drive begins immediately, and the park’s vastness is immediately apparent.

Many travelers mention the Serengeti’s unbeatable wildlife diversity. As one reviewer noted, “The Serengeti is a huge park and you will get the chance to travel a bit further from the camp.” Expect to see lions, cheetahs, elephants, and possibly the elusive leopard, especially on late afternoon drives. You’ll stay overnight at a campsite or lodge set within the park, allowing you to wake up to the sounds of nature.

Day 3 & 4: Full Days in Serengeti Heritage

These days are packed with full-day game drives, giving you ample time to explore different areas of the park. You can expect to see a variety of predators and prey, with chances to witness lion hunts, cheetah sightings, and perhaps even zebra or wildebeest migration patterns.

Reviewers highlight the full-day drives as “incredible,” emphasizing the ability to see animals in their natural behavior. Many mention the guides’ skills in locating animals and sharing fascinating insights about flora and fauna. Expect picnics in the wild, and plenty of opportunities for long, memorable photography sessions.

Day 5 & 6: Ngorongoro Crater

The journey to Ngorongoro adds a different flavor to your safari. The crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lush, unbroken caldera with an abundance of wildlife—over 25,000 animals call it home. You’ll descend about 600 meters into the crater early in the morning for a 4-6 hour game drive, where the density of wildlife is remarkable.

One reviewer described it as “a haven of African wildlife,” with sightings of rhinos, elephants, lions, and possibly the rare black rhino. The high altitude (around 7,500 ft) makes it cooler, so packing a light sweater or gloves is advisable.

On Day 6, a full day inside the crater allows for multiple game drives. Travelers have expressed awe at the unspoiled views and the chance to see predators on the hunt or resting peacefully. Many also appreciate the well-organized logistics, with outside-of-crater accommodations providing comfort after a busy day.

Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park & Departure

Your final day takes you to Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and vibrant birdlife. Expect about 4-5 hours in the park, soaking in the scenery and wildlife. The lake itself is a mirror-like surface that attracts diverse bird species, perfect for birdwatchers.

After your game drive, the journey back to Moshi takes approximately 4 hours, giving you time to reflect on an action-packed week filled with unforgettable moments.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

Transportation & Comfort: The tour uses air-conditioned vehicles equipped with onboard WiFi, making those long drives more comfortable. As a private tour, your group will enjoy personalized attention, and the vehicle’s size (likely a 4×4) is suited for game drives.

Guides & Knowledge: The reviews repeatedly praise guides like Michael, Steve, Shirima, and Hillary for their expertise. They are not just drivers but storytellers, helping you understand animal behaviors, park history, and conservation issues.

Wildlife & Scenery: Expect to see some of Africa’s most iconic species—lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, flamingos, and possibly rhinos. The vastness of Serengeti coupled with the high concentration of animals in Ngorongoro makes for staggering sights.

Meals & Accommodations: Meals are included daily—most days featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with some options for brunch. Reviewers mention the quality of food and the comfort of accommodations, which are mostly outside the parks but conveniently located near key sites.

Timing & Length: Early starts (around 6:00 am) are standard, with game drives lasting up to 10 hours. This maximizes wildlife sightings but requires good stamina and a love for adventure.

Value for Money: At $1,850 per person, the price covers most costs, including park fees, meals, pickup, and transportation. Many travelers found this to be a fair price considering the length and quality of the safari, especially with small group sizes and private guides.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re passionate about wildlife and want a comprehensive safari experience in Tanzania, this 7-day trip covers all the highlights with high-quality guides and scenic landscapes. It offers a good balance between adventure and comfort, with most reviews praising the organization, food, and the expertise of guides like Michael and Hillary.

However, be prepared for early mornings and long days—the adventure is intense and full of wildlife sightings, which is exactly what many travelers seek. It’s ideal for those who want to see the Big Five, enjoy expert-guided game drives, and appreciate the natural beauty of Tanzania’s parks.

This safari is especially suited for first-time visitors looking for a reliable, well-reviewed package that minimizes hassle while maximizing wildlife encounters. Honeymooners, wildlife lovers, or families with adventurous spirits will find this tour ticks all the boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does the safari last?
The tour runs for 7 days, with each day packed with game drives, sightseeing, and wildlife encounters.

Are meals included?
Yes, most meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are included throughout the trip, with some days offering brunch options.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs $1,850 per person, covering park fees, transportation, meals, and accommodations.

Is this a private or group tour?
It’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates, allowing for more personalized experiences.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with onboard WiFi is used, suitable for game drives and long distances.

Who are the guides?
Guides like Michael, Hillary, Steve, and Shirima are highly praised for their extensive knowledge of flora and fauna and their friendly, approachable manner.

What should I pack?
Bring light layers for cooler mornings, sunscreen, hats, and binoculars for wildlife viewing. Light gloves or a knit cap can be helpful during the crater visit.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, you can likely tailor some aspects, such as the focus on certain parks or activities, with prior arrangement.

Final Words

This 7-day Tanzanian safari combines the thrill of wildlife encounters with the comfort and organization needed for a memorable adventure. The combination of renowned parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, expert guides, and scenic landscapes makes it a strong choice for anyone eager to tick off the Big Five and experience Africa’s natural wonders firsthand. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply yearning for an authentic safari, this tour promises a journey worth every moment.