7-Day Northern Tanzania Grand Safari
The complete northern experience — four parks, seven days, unforgettable wildlife
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive Arusha — Drive to Lake Manyara
Pick up from Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport and drive two hours to Lake Manyara National Park. Afternoon game drive along the park's famous groundwater forest, where troops of baboons and blue monkeys play in the canopy. Lake Manyara is one of Africa's most visually stunning parks — a ribbon of alkaline lake backed by the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment, famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Lake Manyara lodge or camp
Day 2 — Lake Manyara to Serengeti (via Ngorongoro Highlands)
Early departure through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands — cool forests, Maasai homesteads, and cattle herds on misty ridges. Stop at the Ngorongoro Crater rim for one of Africa's greatest views. Continue into the Serengeti in time for an afternoon game drive across the vast open plains. The sense of scale is like nowhere else on earth.
Serengeti tented camp
Day 3 — Serengeti Central — Seronera Valley
A full day in the Seronera Valley, the predator heartland of the Serengeti. The kopjes (rocky outcrops) shelter lion prides and provide perfect leopard lookout spots. Cheetah hunt on the open grasslands. The Seronera River sustains year-round wildlife even in the dry season. Morning and afternoon game drives with a bush lunch.
Serengeti tented camp
Day 4 — Western Corridor — Grumeti River (July–Sept: River Crossings)
Drive west to the Grumeti River area, where massive Nile crocodiles lurk in the murky water. From July to September, this is one of the most dramatic Great Migration river crossing sites in the world. Enormous wildebeest herds gather on the bank before plunging in, pursued by crocodiles. Year-round, the western corridor offers exceptional wildlife and fewer crowds.
Western Corridor or Seronera camp
Day 5 — Ngorongoro Crater Full Day
The highlight of the trip for many — a full day inside the Ngorongoro Crater. Descend 600 metres to the crater floor and spend the day exploring a self-contained ecosystem with extraordinary wildlife density. The crater holds roughly 25,000 large animals, including the Big Five. The rare black rhino is often spotted here — one of the last places in East Africa where rhino sightings are relatively reliable.
Ngorongoro rim lodge or return to Serengeti
Day 6 — Tarangire National Park
Drive to Tarangire for a full-day game drive. The Tarangire River is a magnet for wildlife — especially during the dry season when it's the only water source for miles. Herds of 200–300 elephants gather along the banks. The park's ancient baobab trees are among the most photographed in Africa. Watch for the unusual fringe-eared oryx and the striking yellow-necked spurfowl.
Tarangire camp or lodge
Day 7 — Morning Game Drive — Return Arusha
Final morning game drive before packing up and driving back to Arusha for lunch. Afternoon at leisure in Arusha — the safari town at the foot of Mount Meru, 300 km from Kilimanjaro. Browse the Maasai market for souvenirs, or relax at your hotel before departing.
Arusha overnight (own arrangements)
Included
- ✓All park and conservation area entrance fees
- ✓4WD safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- ✓Professional English-speaking guide
- ✓Full-board accommodation throughout
- ✓Airport transfers
- ✓Drinking water on all game drives
- ✓Ngorongoro Crater descent fee
Not included
- ✗International flights
- ✗Tanzania visa ($50 USD)
- ✗Travel insurance
- ✗Gratuities
- ✗Hot air balloon safari (optional add-on, ~$500)
- ✗Personal spending
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 7-day circuit better than 5 days?
Adding Lake Manyara and a fourth park day gives you time to slow down and spend a full day in Ngorongoro rather than a half-day, and adds Lake Manyara's unique tree-climbing lions and intimate birdlife. The extra time also reduces driving pressure so you can enjoy each park fully.
How much does a 7-day Northern Circuit safari cost in 2026?
A shared group safari starts around $2,400 per person. Private mid-range safaris typically run $3,500–$5,000 per person. Luxury lodges (Four Seasons, Singita, Sanctuary Retreats) range from $6,000–$12,000+ per person for the week. Park fees across four parks total roughly $350–$450 per person.
Should I add a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti?
It's one of Africa's great experiences — drifting silently over the Serengeti at dawn with wildlife below. It costs approximately $500–$600 per person and is most spectacular from July to October when the wildebeest are in the north. Book in advance as spots fill up quickly during peak season.
Which is better: Lake Manyara or Tarangire for the first game drive?
Both are excellent. Manyara is more dramatic visually — the lake, escarpment, and compact forest make for stunning scenery. Tarangire has higher wildlife density and the iconic baobabs. Most 7-day itineraries start with Manyara (closer to Arusha) and end with Tarangire for a strong wildlife finish.
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