7-Day Tanzania Classic Safari
Tarangire elephants. Serengeti big cats. Ngorongoro Crater rhinos. Every member of the Big Five — in the country that does safari best.
Custom quote in 48 hours · No obligation
This is the safari we recommend to almost every first-time Tanzania traveller — and the one we run dozens of times a year. Seven days, three world-class national parks, every member of the Big Five, and a private 4×4 with a guide who actually knows where the cats hunt at sunrise. Mid-range, fair-priced, and built around your dates.
What you’ll experience
- Tarangire National Park — Africa’s densest elephant population, ancient baobabs, and tree-climbing lions in the dry season.
- Serengeti National Park — Three full days in the world’s most famous wildlife reserve. Big cats, the migration herds (year-round), endless plains.
- Ngorongoro Crater — A 260 km² volcanic caldera holding one of Africa’s last reliable populations of black rhino, plus everything else you came for.
- Lake Manyara — Optional add-on for tree-climbing lions and dramatic Rift Valley views.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Arrive Arusha
Land at Kilimanjaro International (JRO). Our driver meets you at arrivals and drives you (1 hour) to your boutique hotel in Arusha. Trip briefing over dinner — you’ll meet your guide for the next 6 days. Overnight: Arusha Coffee Lodge or similar.
Day 2 · Tarangire National Park
Drive 3 hours from Arusha to Tarangire — Tanzania’s quietest northern park, but home to the largest elephant herds in the country. Full afternoon game drive through the baobab-studded landscape. Overnight: Tarangire Sopa Lodge or Maramboi Tented Camp.
Day 3 · Tarangire to Central Serengeti
Early morning game drive in Tarangire, then transit via the Ngorongoro highlands to the central Serengeti (Seronera). This is leopard country — keep your eyes on the acacia trees. Overnight: Serengeti Sopa Lodge or Kati Kati Tented Camp.
Day 4 · Full day Serengeti
Sunrise game drive — the best time for cats. Mid-day siesta. Late afternoon drive into the western corridor or northern Serengeti depending on where the migration is. Overnight: Same camp.
Day 5 · Serengeti to Ngorongoro
Final morning in the Serengeti. Afternoon transfer up to the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Sunset views over the crater from your lodge. Overnight: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge or Rhino Lodge.
Day 6 · Ngorongoro Crater
Descend 600m into the crater for a full day of game viewing. Black rhino, elephants, lions, and around 25,000 large mammals concentrated in this UNESCO site. Late afternoon return to Arusha. Overnight: Arusha Coffee Lodge.
Day 7 · Departure (or Zanzibar extension)
Transfer to JRO for your international flight — or fly to Zanzibar for 4 days of beach (highly recommended).
What’s included
✓ Included
- ✅ All park & conservation fees
- ✅ 6 nights accommodation (mid-range lodges & tented camps)
- ✅ All meals on safari
- ✅ Private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-top roof
- ✅ Expert English-speaking safari guide
- ✅ All transfers including airport pickup & drop-off
- ✅ Bottled drinking water during all game drives
- ✅ Government taxes & service charges
✗ Not included
- ❌ International flights
- ❌ Tanzania visa ($50 e-visa)
- ❌ Travel insurance (mandatory)
- ❌ Tips for guide & staff (~$25–35/day total)
- ❌ Alcoholic drinks & soft drinks
- ❌ Personal expenses & laundry
- ❌ Optional activities (hot-air balloon, etc.)
Why book with Africa’s Wild Wonders
Tanzania-based
Born and run in Arusha. No middlemen. You deal directly with the team that runs your trip.
Expert guides
All TANAPA-certified. Most have 10+ years of experience. Speak fluent English.
Fair pricing
No hidden fees. No upselling. Honest quotes with everything itemised.
Flexible dates
Built around your schedule, not ours. Solo, couples, families — all welcome.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to do this safari?
This 7-day itinerary works year-round. June–October is peak dry season — best wildlife viewing, highest prices. January–March is calving season in the southern Serengeti — extraordinary for photographers. April–May is green season — lush, dramatic, and 30% cheaper. See our full guide to the best time to visit the Serengeti.
Is this safari good for first-timers?
Yes — it’s the itinerary we recommend most often to first-time travellers. It hits all three iconic northern circuit parks, you’ll see all of the Big Five, and the pacing is comfortable (no more than 4-5 hours of driving on transit days).
Can I add Zanzibar at the end?
Absolutely — and we strongly recommend it. A 1-hour flight from Arusha to Zanzibar gives you the perfect bush-to-beach combination. We can extend this 7-day safari to a full 11-day Tanzania trip seamlessly.
How much should I budget for tips?
Plan for around $25–35 per day total per traveller. That covers your guide ($20–30/day) and combined tips for camp staff ($10–15/day combined for the group).
What if I want a more luxurious version?
We can upgrade any part of this itinerary to luxury tented camps and boutique lodges. Pricing scales from $3,500 (mid-range) to $9,500+ per person for ultra-luxury at properties like Singita and Andbeyond.
Ready to plan your Tanzania safari?
Tell us your dates and group size — we’ll send you a custom itinerary with real numbers within 48 hours. Free, no obligation.
Request Your Free Quote →📧 info@africaswildwonders.com · ⏱ Reply within 48 hours
Related Reading
Background, planning tips, and context to help you make the most of this trip.
Day-by-Day Guide
7-Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary
A detailed walkthrough of the same northern circuit route this tour covers — useful for understanding what you’ll see each day.
Trip Planning
Best Time to Visit the Serengeti
How season affects wildlife sightings, weather, and crowds — pick the right month for your priorities.
Budgeting
What a Tanzania Safari Actually Costs in 2026
Where the money goes — park fees, vehicles, lodges — and how mid-range compares to luxury.