Arusha: 7-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro, & Serengeti Safari

Travelers dreaming of encountering the Big Five, witnessing the Great Migration, and exploring Tanzania’s stunning landscapes often seek a comprehensive safari experience. This 7-day tour from Arusha offers exactly that — a well-rounded journey that combines wildlife, culture, and breathtaking scenery, all wrapped into one memorable trip. While the price of $2,200 per person might seem steep at first glance, the value is clear when considering all included activities, expert guiding, and the chance to visit some of Africa’s most iconic parks.

What we love about this safari is how it balances adventure with comfort, offering private game drives in a 4×4 vehicle, knowledgeable guides with local insights, and a carefully curated itinerary that maximizes wildlife sightings. The chance to see the Big Five in Ngorongoro, the massive herds of elephants in Tarangire, and the seasonal spectacle of the Great Migration in Serengeti makes it a true wildlife lover’s dream. Plus, the addition of Lake Natron’s surreal landscapes and flamingos offers a unique contrast to the savannah.

However, travelers should note that this tour involves long drives and early mornings, typical of East African safaris. If you’re someone who values comfort and flexible schedules, this might be a consideration. The tour is best suited for those with a moderate level of physical activity, an interest in wildlife, and a desire for in-depth exploration without the hassle of planning each detail themselves.

This safari is a great fit for first-timers eager to tick off Africa’s most famous parks, wildlife photographers wanting stunning vistas, or anyone looking to combine wildlife viewing with cultural experiences like Maasai stops. It’s an authentic, value-packed adventure that captures the essence of Tanzania.

Contents show

Key Points

Wildlife Opportunities: Chance to see the Big Five, crocodiles, hippos, and seasonal migrations.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance spotting and understanding of wildlife and landscapes.
Diverse Landscapes: From savannahs and crater floors to volcanic lakes and waterfalls.
All-Inclusive Pricing: Covers park fees, accommodations, transportation, and guiding.
Remote & Unique Settings: Lake Natron’s surreal scenery and flamingo colonies stand out.
Long Drives & Early Mornings: Essential for maximizing time but demanding for some travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Arusha

Day 1: From Arusha to Tarangire National Park

The adventure begins after breakfast in Arusha, heading straight toward Tarangire National Park. Known for its massive herds of elephants and iconic baobabs, Tarangire offers an immediate sense of the wild. The game drives here are typically along the Tarangire River, which draws animals during the dry season, making sightings more predictable and rewarding.

Expect to see giraffes, wildebeests, buffaloes, and possibly lions lounging in the shade. Reviewers have highlighted the vibrant birdlife and the park’s lush, green backdrop—perfect for photography. One guide, James, was praised for his eagle-eyed spotting and local knowledge, making the early game drives both educational and exciting.

Day 2: From Tarangire to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After a morning game drive, you’ll leave Tarangire for the Ngorongoro highlands. Along the way, there’s an option to visit a Maasai boma, giving travelers a glimpse into local culture and traditions. The views of the crater rim are stunning, and most guests find the drive scenic and peaceful.

Arriving at your lodge near the crater’s edge, you’ll likely feel the anticipation build for the next day’s Ngorongoro Crater visit. The altitude and landscape change significantly here, offering a different kind of wildlife experience—roaming elephants, lions, and rhinos in a lush, volcanic setting.

Day 3: Exploring Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti

The highlight of day three is the descent into Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The dense concentration of wildlife here is staggering—it’s common to see black rhinos, lions, elephants, and hippos in the crater lake. One reviewer remarked, “The crater’s scenery is incredible, and the density of animals means every drive feels like a wildlife documentary.”

After a picnic lunch inside the crater, you ascend and continue your journey to the Serengeti, arriving in the late afternoon for a game drive in the Seronera area. The Serengeti’s vast plains are famous for predator sightings, especially lions and cheetahs. Guides often share stories of past sightings, adding a personal touch to the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Day 4: Full-Day Serengeti Adventure

This is the day to truly learn about Serengeti’s sprawling landscapes. With both morning and afternoon game drives, you’ll explore different habitats—from open plains to wooded areas. The Serengeti’s reputation as a wildlife haven is well-earned; sightings of lions stalking prey, cheetahs lounging, and herds of zebras and wildebeest are common.

If you’re visiting during the migration season, you might witness the spectacular movement of millions of animals. One traveler noted, “Seeing lions in the tall grass and the endless horizon of the plains is nothing short of breathtaking.” The guides, like Peter, are experts at tracking animals and sharing insights into their behavior.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Arusha

Day 5: From Serengeti to Lake Natron

Leaving the Serengeti behind, your journey takes you northeast through Loliondo and past Maasai lands toward Lake Natron. The drive offers volcanic scenery, with views of the Rift Valley and distant mountains. This part of the trip is more remote, and the landscapes are distinctly different—alkaline lakes, lava flows, and a stark beauty.

Arriving late afternoon, guests often remark on the surreal environment—an ideal spot for sunset photography and relaxing by the lake’s edge. The atmosphere here is peaceful yet wild, giving a sense of being somewhere truly untouched.

Day 6: Exploring Lake Natron & Waterfalls

A highlight for many is the early morning visit to Lake Natron’s flamingo colonies. The reddish waters, due to algae, create stunning photo opportunities, especially with flocks of flamingos feeding along the shoreline. The lake’s alkaline waters are an unusual, otherworldly sight.

Following this, a guided hike takes you to Ngare Sero Waterfalls, passing through lava canyons and springs—a refreshing contrast to the dry lake. The waterfalls are a tranquil retreat, perfect for cooling off after the trek. There’s also an optional cultural visit to a Maasai village, offering a personal look into local life.

Day 7: Return to Arusha

After breakfast, it’s time to head back to Arusha. The route through the Rift Valley provides stunning viewpoints and photo ops. Most guests appreciate the chance for a relaxed pace on the return, with optional stops along the way. Arriving in Arusha in the late afternoon, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or Kilimanjaro Airport, ending a week of incredible sights.

The Experience: What Sets It Apart

This safari’s strength lies in its well-balanced itinerary and expert guidance. The guides, including trusted names like James and Peter, are praised for their knowledge and friendliness—they make wildlife identification easy and share interesting facts that enrich the experience. The private 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs ensure unobstructed views and ample space for cameras and luggage.

Accommodations are included in lodges or tented camps, mostly with full-board meals, ensuring comfort after busy days on the move. Many reviews mention the delicious meals and warm hospitality at the lodges, which can be a relief after long days of game drives.

Park entry fees, crater descent fees, and other levies are included, removing the hassle of extra costs during the trip. The tour also covers bottled water during drives, making hydration easy amidst the dusty plains.

The Value of the Tour

At $2,200, this package offers a comprehensive experience combining wildlife, landscapes, and cultural insights. When you factor in all park and crater fees, transportation, and guides, the per-day cost remains competitive compared to doing a similar trip independently. Guests consistently stress the value of having experienced guides who know where and when to find animals, often increasing the chances of sightings.

While optional activities like hot air balloon safaris are not included, the core experience covers Tanzania’s most renowned parks in a relatively short time, which is ideal for travelers with limited time or those seeking a curated adventure.

Practical Tips

Pack comfortable shoes, hats, sunscreen, and camera gear to capture the scenery.
Prepare for early starts—game drives often begin at dawn for the best wildlife viewing.
Be aware that some areas might have limited mobile reception, so plan accordingly.
Respect local customs and wildlife regulations, keeping litter and noise to a minimum.
Consider travel insurance that covers health and trip cancellations, especially for remote areas.

The Sum Up

This 7-day safari from Arusha delivers a balanced mix of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural encounters. It’s perfect for those looking to tick off Africa’s iconic parks with the guidance of knowledgeable locals. The inclusion of park fees and quality accommodations makes it a straightforward and reliable choice for travelers wanting an immersive experience without the hassle of planning every detail.

While the journey involves some long drives and early mornings, the chance to stand in the Ngorongoro Crater, watch lions hunt in Serengeti, and see flamingos at Lake Natron is well worth it. If you’re after a genuine, value-packed Tanzania safari that combines adventure with comfort, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits first-timers, wildlife enthusiasts, and culturally curious travelers who want a full, authentic taste of Tanzania’s natural beauty. With expert guides and carefully curated stops, it’s a trip that will leave you with unforgettable memories and stunning photos.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The $2,200 fee covers all national park entry and conservation fees, full-board accommodation for six nights, private 4×4 safari vehicle, guiding services, game drives, bottled water during drives, all road transfers, and relevant levies like Ngorongoro Crater descent fees.

Are park fees and extras included?
Yes, all park entry fees, Ngorongoro Crater descent fees, and conservation charges are included, along with transportation and guiding. However, optional activities outside the itinerary, like hot air balloon safaris, are not.

What should I bring for the safari?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and suitable clothing. It’s also smart to pack binoculars for better wildlife viewing.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 6, especially if they have mobility or health concerns, due to the early mornings and long drives involved.

How long are the game drives?
Most game drives last several hours each day, often from dawn to late morning or early afternoon, with breaks for meals and rest.

Will I have internet or phone reception?
Some areas, especially Lake Natron and remote parts of the parks, may have limited or no mobile reception. It’s advisable to inform loved ones beforehand.

Can I book this tour with flexible payment options?
Yes, you can reserve your spot and pay later, offering flexibility as you plan your trip.

What kind of vehicle will I be in?
A private 4×4 vehicle with a pop-up roof ensures unobstructed wildlife viewing and space for photography.