7 Day Tanzania Big Five Safari – Iconic Wildlife Adventure
Experience the Big Five across Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara & Tarangire with expert local guides.
- Big Five Guaranteed
- Private 4x4 Safari
- Mid-range / Luxury Options
- Professional Guide
- TripAdvisor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Customizable Private Safari
- Local Tanzania Operator
- 24/7 Support
Safari Overview
The 7 Day Tanzania Big Five Safari takes you through Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations, including Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Overall, this well-paced itinerary is carefully designed to deliver excellent wildlife viewing while maintaining comfort and flexibility throughout the journey.
First, explore Tarangire National Park, which is famous for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Next, visit Lake Manyara National Park, well known for its tree-climbing lions and rich birdlife. After that, continue to the legendary Serengeti National Park, where, depending on the season, you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration alongside lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Finally, the safari ends at the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s best locations to spot the Big Five in a single game drive. Throughout the safari, you will travel in a private 4×4 vehicle with an experienced guide and stay in carefully selected lodges or tented camps, ensuring an authentic and memorable Tanzania safari experience.
7-Day Tanzania Big Five Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Start of Your 7 Day Tanzania Big Five Safari
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by your private safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. After a long journey, you can relax and settle in. Later, enjoy a detailed safari briefing that prepares you for the exciting days ahead on your Tanzania Big Five safari.
- Midrange Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge or Ilboru Safari Lodge
- Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephant Game Drive Safari
After an early breakfast, you will drive to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most underrated wildlife gems. Notably, the park is famous for its ancient baobab trees and the largest concentration of elephants in the country. During the dry season, wildlife gathers along the Tarangire River, attracting lions, leopards, zebras, and large herds of antelope.
Midrange Accommodation: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge (Stunning views of Lake Burunge)
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park – Tree-Climbing Lions & Birds
Following breakfast, the safari continues to Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Here, you will explore lush groundwater forests filled with baboons and monkeys. As the landscape opens, you may spot tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos, and thousands of flamingos along the alkaline lake shores.
Midrange Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge or Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park – Scenic Drive & Game Viewing
Today marks your journey into the legendary Serengeti National Park. Along the way, you will pass through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands, catching distant views of the Ngorongoro Crater. Soon after, the landscape transforms into vast, open savannahs where wildlife roams freely across the endless plains.
Midrange Accommodation: Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp or Heritage Luxury Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Serengeti National Park Full Day Safari – Big Cats & Great Migration
Enjoy a full day of game drives in the Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s richest wildlife ecosystems. Depending on the season, your guide will track the Great Wildebeest Migration, where massive herds move across the plains followed by predators. Even outside migration periods, the central Seronera region offers outstanding sightings of lions, cheetahs, and elusive leopards.
Activity: Optional Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safari.
Midrange Accommodation: Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – Big Five Game Drive Experience
After an early breakfast, you will depart Serengeti for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, descend over 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to its enclosed ecosystem, this is one of the best places in Africa to spot the endangered black rhino, completing your Big Five experience.
Midrange Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House or Rhino Lodge (on the rim)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Ngorongoro to Arusha – Safari Departure or Zanzibar Extension
Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the Ngorongoro Highlands. Thereafter, drive back to Arusha, passing through Maasai villages and vibrant local markets. By mid-afternoon, you will arrive in Arusha for your onward flight or optional extension to Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast
Important Note: If any listed accommodation is unavailable at the time of booking, an alternative property of similar or higher standard will be reserved. This guarantees that your comfort and safari experience remain exceptional.
Safari Cost
From $2890 - $3900 Per Person (Based on Two People Sharing)
Safari prices vary by season, accommodation level, and group size. Request a personalized quote for accurate pricing.
| ✔ What’s Included | ✖ What’s Not Included |
|---|---|
| Park entrance fees for all national parks and conservation areas | International flights |
| Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing | Visa fees |
| Services of a professional, English-speaking safari guide | Travel insurance |
| Full-board accommodation during the safari (breakfast, lunch & dinner) | Personal expenses |
| Game drives and activities as outlined in the itinerary | Alcoholic & soft drinks |
| Ngorongoro Crater service fee | Tips & gratuities |
| Concession fees (where applicable) | |
| Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers | |
| All government taxes and local levies | |
| Bottled drinking water during game drives | |
| Emergency evacuation cover (AMREF Flying Doctors) |
Why Book Your 7-Day Tanzania Big Five Safari with Kikwetu?
Booking directly with a local operator gives you better value and a more authentic safari experience
Local Expertise
Tanzanian-owned and operated with deep knowledge of our parks and cultures
Personalized Service
Tailor-made safaris, no mass tourism or fixed groups
Great Value for Money
Direct local pricing with no middlemen or hidden costs
Safe & Reliable
Trusted by international travelers with professional guides
Fast Communication
Quick, clear customer support via WhatsApp or email
Responsible Tourism
Supporting local communities and conservation efforts
Frequently Asked Questions: 7-Day Tanzania Big Five Safari
What is the best time of year to see the Big Five in Tanzania?
The best time for a Big Five safari is during the Dry Season (late June to October). During these months, vegetation is thin and animals congregate around permanent water sources like the Tarangire River and the Ngorongoro Crater floor, making them significantly easier to spot. If you want to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti, aim for July through September.
Can I really see all of the Big Five in just 7 days?
While wildlife sightings are never 100% guaranteed, this 7-day Northern Circuit itinerary offers the highest probability in Africa. You will likely see Lions, Elephants, and Buffalo in Tarangire and the Serengeti. The elusive Leopard is frequently spotted in the Seronera Valley, while the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the few places on earth where you can reliably see the endangered Black Rhino.
Is a private 4x4 safari better than a group tour?
For the best experience, we recommend a private 4×4 safari. A private vehicle allows you to start your day earlier (essential for cat sightings), stay at a sighting as long as you like, and enjoy the undivided attention of your professional guide. Our vehicles feature pop-up roofs for 360-degree photography and “window seat” guarantees for every traveler.
What should I pack for a 7-day Tanzania safari in 2026?
The most important rule is to pack light and use neutral colors (khaki, tan, or olive). Avoid dark blue or black, as they attract tsetse flies. Essential gear includes:
High-quality binoculars (8×42 is ideal).
A camera with a good zoom lens.
Warm layers for the chilly mornings on the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
A universal Type G (UK-style) power adapter.
Are park fees and taxes included in the safari price?
Yes. When you book with Kikwetu Cultural Adventures, your quote includes all National Park entry fees, Conservation fees, and the specific Ngorongoro Crater descent fee (which is nearly $300 per vehicle). We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden costs at the gate.
Ready to Experience Tanzania’s Big Five?
Your safari is fully customizable — travel dates, lodges, and pace can all be adjusted to suit you.
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