The Perfect 7-Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary: Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire
A balanced one-week Northern Circuit itinerary with time for elephants, the Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro Crater.
7 min read
Why seven days works
Seven days is the sweet spot for a first safari: enough time to explore the Northern Circuit's highlights without feeling rushed, including at least two full days in the Serengeti. This sample itinerary can be adapted to any budget.
Day-by-day itinerary
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Arusha | Airport pick-up and relaxing evening at your lodge |
| 2 | Tarangire National Park | Elephant herds, baobab trees and predators |
| 3 | Lake Manyara or Karatu | Birdlife or a coffee farm and village walk |
| 4 | Central Serengeti | Drive via the Ngorongoro highlands; afternoon game drive |
| 5 | Serengeti | Full day exploring; optional balloon safari |
| 6 | Ngorongoro Crater | Morning crater descent; Big Five opportunities |
| 7 | Return to Arusha | Lunch and transfer to the airport or Zanzibar |
Seasonal variations
- December to March: spend Serengeti nights in Ndutu for calving season.
- July to October: consider flying to the northern Serengeti for river crossings.
- Short on time? Fly back from the Serengeti to save a long drive.
How to extend it
- Add 3–5 nights on Zanzibar's beaches.
- Add Lake Eyasi for a Hadzabe cultural visit.
- Add a Kilimanjaro trek before your safari.
Make it yours
Browse our 7-day packages or let us tailor this route for you. Every trip we plan is tailor-made. Share your dates, budget and interests with our Arusha-based team and we will send a personalised itinerary within 24 hours.
