7-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Itinerary – Tanzania

7-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Itinerary – Tanzania

This 7-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari adventure offers a deeper dive into Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife regions. It’s ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, immersive experience with time to explore both the vast Serengeti plains and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. With a mix of game drives, scenic views, and cultural moments, this itinerary balances wildlife viewing with comfort and flexibility.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

  • Arrival: Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. Meet and greet with your safari representative.
  • Transfer: Drive to your hotel or lodge in Arusha for a briefing and relaxation after your flight.
  • Activities: Optional visit to Arusha town, local markets, or cultural centers if you arrive early.

Overnight: Arusha (e.g., Arusha Coffee Lodge, Four Points by Sheraton, or similar)

Day 2: Arusha to Central Serengeti

  • Morning: After breakfast, catch a scheduled flight to Seronera Airstrip in the Central Serengeti, or drive (8 hours) with a picnic lunch en route.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy your first game drive across the legendary Serengeti plains. Spot lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, and possibly leopards or cheetahs.
  • Evening: Arrive at your luxury tented camp or lodge, enjoy dinner, and unwind under the stars.

Overnight: Central Serengeti (e.g., Serengeti Serena Lodge, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, or similar)

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti

  • Morning: Begin a full-day safari in the Serengeti. Depending on the season, follow the Great Migration herds or track resident predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs.
  • Lunch: Picnic in the bush surrounded by endless savannah.
  • Afternoon: Continue exploring areas like Seronera Valley or Moru Kopjes.
  • Optional: Add a hot air balloon safari with a bush breakfast (pre-booking required).

Overnight: Central Serengeti (same lodge/camp)

Day 4: Transfer to Northern or Southern Serengeti (Seasonal)

  • Morning: Drive or fly to either Northern Serengeti (July–October) for the Mara River crossings, or Southern Serengeti/Ndutu area (December–March) to witness calving season.
  • Afternoon: Game drive en route, stopping to view wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
  • Evening: Settle into your lodge or camp in the new region.

Overnight: Northern or Southern Serengeti (e.g., Lemala Kuria Hills, Ndutu Safari Lodge)

Day 5: Full-Day Safari in Northern or Southern Serengeti

  • Morning to Evening: Full-day exploration in your selected Serengeti region. Track the Migration if in season, observe predator-prey dynamics, or enjoy the peace of the remote wilderness.
  • Birdwatching and Photography: Take advantage of this day to capture sunrise, wildlife activity, and the golden hour in the Serengeti.

Overnight: Same lodge/camp as Day 4

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

  • Morning: After an early breakfast, enjoy a final Serengeti game drive as you begin the journey toward Ngorongoro.
  • Afternoon: Stop at Olduvai Gorge (optional), a world-famous paleoanthropological site.
  • Evening: Arrive at a lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater rim with panoramic views of the caldera.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater rim (e.g., Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, The Highlands, or similar)

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

  • Early Morning: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s best wildlife-viewing destinations.
  • Wildlife: Expect to see rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalos, hippos, flamingos, and hyenas, all within a self-contained ecosystem.
  • Lunch: Picnic at the hippo pool.
  • Afternoon: Ascend the crater and begin your return drive to Arusha or fly from Lake Manyara Airstrip.
  • Departure: Transfer to the airport or hotel for overnight, depending on your travel plans.

Safari Highlights

  • Explore three key Serengeti regions with time to witness the Great Migration
  • Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater—one of the best places to spot the Big Five
  • Optional hot air balloon safari and cultural visits to Olduvai Gorge or Maasai villages
  • Travel by road or air depending on time and budget
  • Comfortable accommodation ranging from luxury lodges to tented camps

This 7-day itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking an in-depth experience of Tanzania’s premier safari destinations. It can be customized to suit budget, travel season, or specific interests like photography, birding, or cultural interaction.