7-Day Classic Northern Tanzania Safari

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations: Tarangire National Park → Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro Crater (overnight in Karatu or crater rim)
Safari Types: Private | Family-friendly | Honeymoon | Photographic (lodge or tented-camp options)
Starting Point/End: Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Overview

This is the perfect first-time Tanzania safari. Track elephants in Tarangire, spend two full days with big cats and vast herds in the Serengeti, and finish with a classic game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater floor. A private 4×4 Land Cruiser, pro guide, and handpicked lodges make it comfortable and flexible. Available year-round, with routing tweaked to follow wildlife movements.

Itinerary (Day by Day)

Day 1: Arrive Arusha

Meet & greet at JRO/Arusha. Transfer to your lodge, safari briefing, and time to relax by the pool or explore town.
Overnight: Arusha lodge (BB).

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

Drive to Tarangire (≈2.5 hrs). Game drives among giant baobabs and large elephant herds; look for lions, giraffe, zebra, and over 400 bird species. Sunset at the lodge.
Overnight: Tarangire area lodge/tented camp (FB).

Day 3: To Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Highlands

Scenic drive through the highlands into Serengeti’s endless plains with wildlife en-route. Optional stop at Olduvai Gorge (time permitting). Late-afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Serengeti lodge/tented camp (FB).

Day 4: Full-Day Serengeti

Unhurried morning and afternoon game drives. Follow big cats, watch for cheetah on open plains, and—season permitting—track the Great Migration herds.
Overnight: Serengeti lodge/tented camp (FB).

Day 5: Serengeti → Karatu / Ngorongoro Rim

Morning game drive, then continue to the Ngorongoro area. Enjoy views over the caldera and a cool-weather evening by the fireplace.
Overnight: Karatu or crater-rim lodge (FB).

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Tour

Early descent to the crater floor for a classic Big Five drive—black rhino, lions, buffalo, elephants, hippos. Picnic by the hippo pool; ascend in the afternoon.
Overnight: Karatu lodge (FB).

Day 7: Return to Arusha & Departure

Drive back to Arusha (≈3 hrs). Souvenir stop or optional activities (coffee tour / local market) if time allows. Transfer to JRO for your flight or extend to Zanzibar.