7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Arrive and Drive to Tarangire National Park — The Elephant Paradise

The first day of the 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari marks the beginning of your deep immersion into Tanzania’s wilderness. Upon arrival in Arusha — Tanzania’s safari gateway city — your experienced driver-guide will welcome you and prepare for the transfer to Tarangire National Park, located in the Manyara region about three to four hours’ drive away.

Tarangire National Park, the sixth largest in Tanzania, derives its name from the Tarangire River which meanders through the park and serves as a vital source of water for wildlife during the dry season. This park is famed for its enormous elephant populations, which gather in large numbers along the riverbanks and waterholes from June to October, the ideal time for wildlife viewing on your 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari.

As you enter Tarangire, the landscape is characterized by expansive plains dotted with ancient baobab trees and dense acacia woodlands. The park offers a quieter, more intimate safari atmosphere compared to other parks, making it a favorite among travelers seeking authentic bush experiences. Along with elephants, you can expect to see lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and a multitude of antelope species.

Unique to Tarangire are the possibilities of night safaris, walking safaris, and even fly camping trips—exclusive experiences that allow guests to explore the wilderness in a more personal and adventurous way. Should you wish, our team at Decisive Safaris Africa Tours Limited can tailor these optional activities to enhance your 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari.

After an exciting afternoon game drive, enjoy a delicious lunch in the heart of the park. Your accommodation for the night is Tarangire Tortilis Camp, a luxurious tented camp offering authentic safari comfort amidst spectacular scenery. Relax with dinner under the stars, absorbing the sounds and sights of the African bush — the perfect welcome to your 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari.

• Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
• Accommodation: Tarangire Tortilis Camp (Luxury Tented Camp)
• Meals & Drinks: Lunch and dinner included; drinking water provided (other drinks excluded)

Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park — A World of Ecological Diversity

On day two of the 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari, begin your day with a hearty breakfast before traveling to Lake Manyara National Park, a stunning conservation area nestled beneath the towering cliffs of the Manyara Escarpment on the edge of the Great Rift Valley.

Lake Manyara is renowned for its rich ecological diversity within a relatively compact area. The alkaline soda lake itself spans approximately 230 square kilometers and supports a dazzling array of birdlife, most notably the iconic pink flamingos that flock to the shores during breeding seasons. This spectacular birdwatching opportunity is a highlight of your 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari.

The park’s habitats range from dense mahogany and acacia forests to open grassy plains and the lakeside environment. Lake Manyara is famous for its unique population of tree-climbing lions — a rare behavior that astonishes many visitors as they spot these magnificent predators resting high in the branches.

In addition to lions, the park supports large herds of elephants, wildebeests, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, impalas, and elusive leopards and hyenas. The rich primate population includes vervet monkeys and baboons, making the wildlife viewing experience diverse and engaging.

You will have the option to enjoy a game drive in the park or engage in alternative activities such as the Treetop Canopy Walk, a walking safari, or yoga sessions with breathtaking views overlooking Lake Manyara. These options provide refreshing ways to experience the park’s scenery and wildlife.

Accommodation for the night is at Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp, located within the park, providing comfort and convenience amidst nature. All meals are included today to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable stay during your 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari.

• Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park
• Accommodation: Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp (Comfort Safari Camp)
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided (other drinks excluded)

Drive Out from Lake Manyara to Lake Natron — The Untouched Wilderness

Day three of the 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari takes you beyond the more frequented safari destinations into the lesser-known but captivating wilderness of Lake Natron. After breakfast, depart from Lake Manyara and journey northwards towards Lake Natron, a remarkable destination rich in both natural and cultural significance.

Lake Natron is a soda lake famous for its intense alkaline waters, and is one of the largest breeding grounds for lesser flamingos in the world. Approximately 75% of the global population of lesser flamingos is born here, making the lake a critical habitat within the 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari itinerary.

This region is also notable for the presence of Hominid footprints preserved in volcanic ash—an important archaeological site offering insight into human evolution. The iconic Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, meaning ‘Mountain of God’ in Maasai, dominates the skyline as one of the few active carbonatite volcanoes globally, adding dramatic geological interest to the landscape.

Your accommodation tonight is at Lake Natron Camp, an eco-friendly establishment featuring just ten spacious tents and a natural spring-fed swimming pool. This camp blends comfort with sustainability, allowing guests to appreciate the raw beauty of the area while minimizing environmental impact.

Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for a relaxing sundowner or venture on a guided walk or mountain biking excursion through the surrounding wilderness. Adding a second night here can be recommended to fully explore the area’s unique landscapes and activities, extending your 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari experience.

• Main Destination: Lake Natron
• Accommodation: Lake Natron Camp (Eco-Friendly Tented Camp)
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided (other drinks excluded)

Morning at Lake Natron and Drive to Serengeti National Park — The Great Migration’s Realm

Your fourth day on the 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari begins with an early start to savor another activity at Lake Natron Camp. If you missed it the previous day, a morning walk along the soda lake’s shores is highly recommended to witness the feeding and nesting habits of the lesser flamingos, a truly captivating sight.

The lake flats around Natron provide varied environments, including small streams, hills, and alkaline pools, which support over 250 species of birds. Many of these species can be observed from the camp itself or during a short stroll nearby, making the birdwatching opportunities here exceptional within the 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari.

After this immersive morning experience, you will embark on a drive to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s premier wildlife destination known worldwide for its exceptional biodiversity and the legendary Great Migration. This migration is the world’s largest terrestrial mammal movement, with millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles crossing between Tanzania and Kenya’s Maasai Mara each year, a spectacle that defines the 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari.

Arriving at Kiota Camp, your home for the night in the Serengeti, you will find a comfortable high-quality tented camp with panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Relax and prepare for the full day of exploration in this iconic park on the following day.

• Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
• Accommodation: Kiota Camp (Comfort Tented Camp)
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided (other drinks excluded

Full Day on Safari in Serengeti National Park — Vast Landscapes and Abundant Wildlife

Day five of the 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari is dedicated entirely to the wonders of Serengeti National Park. Starting from Kiota Camp, you will spend a full day immersed in the diverse ecosystems of this expansive park, which extends over 14,750 square kilometers.

Contrary to the popular image of the Serengeti as endless grassy plains, the park contains a rich mosaic of habitats including acacia woodlands, riverine forests, soda lakes, and rocky kopjes. This ecological variety supports a phenomenal range of wildlife species throughout the year.

While the Great Migration is undoubtedly the Serengeti’s most famous event, the park offers spectacular wildlife viewing year-round. Predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs thrive here, alongside elephant herds, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, and many other species. Birdlife is equally impressive with hundreds of species including vultures, eagles, and ostriches.

Your experienced driver-guide will tailor the day’s game drives to follow the movements of wildlife, ensuring excellent chances for sightings and photographic opportunities. This day is a highlight of your 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari, offering a true wilderness adventure.

• Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
• Accommodation: Kiota Camp (Comfort Tented Camp)
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided (other drinks excluded)

Head South to Ngorongoro Crater Rim — The Volcanic Wildlife Sanctuary

After a morning game drive in Serengeti, day six of your 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari takes you southwards to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most iconic natural landmarks.

Your destination is Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp, an exquisite tented camp situated on the quieter eastern rim of the crater. The camp is ideally located near the Lemala Crater access road, enabling quick access to the crater floor—saving time and allowing you to arrive early for game viewing, unlike lodges farther from access points.

While the camp does not offer direct views of the crater itself, it is nestled within a beautiful acacia forest and often visited by local wildlife, adding a magical ambiance to your stay on the 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a collapsed volcanic caldera roughly 600 meters deep and 20 kilometers wide, hosting a dense concentration of wildlife including the Big Five and other rare species. This unique ecosystem is surrounded by spectacular crater walls that create a natural enclosure for animals, ensuring memorable wildlife encounters.

• Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
• Accommodation: Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp (Luxury Tented Camp)
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided (other drinks excluded)

Safari on Ngorongoro Crater Floor and Departure — The Grand Finale

The final day of your 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari begins with an early breakfast followed by a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a half-day game drive. The crater floor is a spectacular wildlife haven and one of the world’s most breathtaking safari locations.

Here, within the crater’s natural enclosure, you will encounter a diverse array of species including large herds of buffalo, warthogs, wildebeests, zebras, hippos, and elephants. Predators such as lions, hyenas, and jackals are also abundant, while the crater’s resident black rhinos provide an extraordinary highlight, as they are notoriously difficult to spot elsewhere in Tanzania.

This game drive is a fitting conclusion to your 7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari, showcasing the natural splendor and wildlife diversity of northern Tanzania.

After the game drive, you will begin your return journey to Arusha. Depending on your travel plans, you may connect with international flights or continue your African adventure, perhaps relaxing on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar.

• Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha
• Accommodation: None (End of tour)
• Meals & Drinks: Breakfast and lunch included; dinner not included; drinking water provided