7 Days | Arusha → Tarangire → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Lake Manyara
Overview
This is the safari that defines Tanzania. In seven days, you’ll traverse the country’s most iconic landscapes—from the baobab-dotted plains of Tarangire to the endless Serengeti, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara. Perfect for first-time visitors seeking the complete Northern Circuit experience.
Two full nights in Serengeti ensure you witness the golden light of sunrise and sunset over the plains.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival – Arusha
Jambo! Welcome to Tanzania.
Your adventure begins at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Your Blue Eagle representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha (approx. 1 hour).
This evening, join us for a welcome briefing and your first Swahili lesson. Meet your guide and fellow travelers, and let the excitement build.
- Accommodation:Arusha Coffee Lodge (or similar)
- Meals:Dinner
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
The Land of Giants and Baobabs
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park (approx. 2.5 hours). This is elephant country—herds of up to 300 gather along the Tarangire River. The landscape is dotted with ancient baobab trees, some over 1,000 years old.
Afternoon Game Drive: Your guide will position the vehicle for prime viewing as you search for:
- Massive elephant herds
- Lions resting in the shade
- Leopards draped in acacia branches
- The park’s famous pythons (if lucky)
Lunch: Picnic under a baobab tree—a true African moment.
Late afternoon, transfer to your lodge near the park.
- Accommodation:Tarangire Treetops (or similar)
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park
Into the Endless Plains
Morning game drive in Tarangire as the park awakens. After breakfast, we drive via the Ngorongoro Highlands to the Serengeti (approx. 4-5 hours including stops).
En Route Stop: Olduvai Gorge (optional) – Stand where humanity began. This archaeological site is where the Leakeys discovered some of the earliest human remains. ($45/person)
Enter the Serengeti through the Naabi Hill Gate. The landscape opens before you—endless grasslands stretching to the horizon.
Late Afternoon Game Drive: Your first introduction to the Serengeti. Look for lions, cheetahs, and the herds that define this ecosystem.
- Accommodation:Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (Central Serengeti)
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full Day Serengeti Exploration
Two Full Days in Serengeti – Day 1
Today is yours to explore. Your guide knows the Serengeti intimately and will track the action based on recent sightings.
Morning Game Drive: Depart after an early breakfast. The early morning light is perfect for photography, and predators are often still active.
Mid-Day: Picnic lunch at a designated site or under a shade tree.
Afternoon Exploration: Continue your search. Depending on the season, you might find:
- Year-round:Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes
- December-May (Southern Serengeti):Calving season – thousands of newborns
- June-November (Western/Northern):River crossing preparation
Sunset Sundowner: As the day ends, your guide will find the perfect spot for a sundowner—a cold drink in the bush as the sky turns orange and pink.
- Accommodation:Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (Central Serengeti)
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Two Full Days in Serengeti – Day 2 (Morning)
Early Morning Game Drive: Sunrise over the Serengeti is magical. The plains come alive as animals begin their daily routines.
Optional Add-On: Hot Air Balloon Safari ($500/person) – Replace your morning game drive with a balloon flight over the Serengeti. Float silently as the sun rises, then celebrate with a champagne breakfast in the bush. (Must be booked in advance)
After lunch, drive to the Ngorongoro Highlands (approx. 3 hours). Check into your lodge on the Crater Rim—the views are breathtaking.
- Accommodation:Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (or similar)
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Floor
The Eden of Africa
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater—often called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Nowhere else in Africa offers such density of wildlife in such a dramatic setting.
Full Day Crater Exploration:
- Black rhinos– Your guide will scan the open grasslands
- Hippos– Watch them wallow in the freshwater pools
- Flamingos– Thousands crowd the shores of Lake Magadi
- Lions– Often seen resting among the vehicle tracks
- Hyenas, zebras, wildebeest, and more
Lunch: Picnic by the hippo pool—expect grunts and splashes as you dine.
Late afternoon, ascend back to your lodge on the rim.
- Accommodation:Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (or similar)
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Lake Manyara to Departure
Tree-Climbing Lions and Farewell
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park (approx. 1.5 hours). This compact park offers diverse habitats—groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and the lake itself.
Morning Game Drive: Look for:
- Lions lounging in acacia trees (a Manyara speciality)
- Troops of baboons playing by the roadside
- Flamingos and pelicans along the shore
- Elephants in the forest
After lunch, transfer to Arusha (approx. 2 hours) for your departure flight, or continue to Zanzibar for your beach extension.
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
What’s Included
Inclusions | Exclusions |
Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof | International flights |
Professional English-speaking guide | Tanzania visa ($50-100) |
All park fees & government taxes | Travel insurance |
Bottled water during game drives | Tips & gratuities |
Flying Doctors emergency evacuation | Personal expenses |
All accommodation as specified | Alcoholic beverages |
Meals as indicated (B, L, D) | Optional add-ons |
Price per person
From $4900
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Duration | 7 Days / 6 Nights |
Destinations | Tarangire NP (1 night), Serengeti NP (2 nights), Ngorongoro Crater (2 nights), Lake Manyara (1 night) |
Group Size | Private (your party only) |
Accommodation | Luxury lodges & tented camps |
Best Time | Year-round (June-Oct for dry season, Dec-Mar for calving) |
Price | From $4900 per person |