7-Day Northern Tanzania Safari: Big Five, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Adventure

Karibu sana—welcome to Tanzania! Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where your Pita Safaris driver-guide will greet you warmly. Begin your journey with a scenic transfer to Arusha, the safari hub at the base of Mount Meru. Along the way, admire banana plantations, coffee farms, and the Northern Circuit’s iconic red-earth roads.

Check in at Kibo Palace Hotel, a comfortable midrange base with ensuite rooms, a sparkling pool, and lush gardens. Explore Arusha’s craft markets or relax with a refreshing drink before a delicious welcome dinner featuring Swahili and continental dishes.

Travel Tip: Arrive early to explore local art galleries or sample authentic Tanzanian coffee.
- Ready to start your best 7-day Tanzania safari? Rest well—the adventure begins tomorrow.

Distance: ~55 km | Drive Time: ~1 hour

After breakfast, explore Arusha National Park, a hidden gem for forest wildlife and spectacular landscapes. Enjoy a private 4x4 game drive spotting giraffes, Cape buffalo, zebras, and the rare black-and-white colobus monkeys. Birdwatchers will enjoy trogons, hornbills, and flamingos around Momella Lakes. Optional activities include canoeing or a guided forest walk. Return to Arusha for dinner and relaxation.

Photography Tip: Early morning light filters through Arusha’s misty forests—perfect for wildlife photography.
- Customize your experience with canoeing or guided walks with Pita Safaris expert guides.

Distance: ~40 km each way | Drive Time: ~45 minutes

Travel along the Great Rift Valley escarpment to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions and vast flamingo flocks. Explore acacia woodlands, floodplains, and the alkaline lake on a guided game drive. Spot elephants, hippos, and other wildlife before enjoying a lakeside picnic.

Stay at Kirurumu Manyara Lodge, perched above the Rift Valley with panoramic views.

Safari Moment: Sunset over the Rift Valley from your lodge deck is unforgettable.
- Lake Manyara is the perfect warm-up before your Serengeti big cats safari.

Distance: ~125 km | Drive Time: ~2.5–3 hours

Depart Lake Manyara, crossing the Ngorongoro Highlands en route to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s crown jewel. Stop at viewpoints for panoramic vistas of Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into the Serengeti with a game drive where wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles roam freely. Spot lions, cheetahs, and hyenas in this predator-rich ecosystem.

Check in at Serengeti Heritage Camp in central Seronera, featuring ensuite tents, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and the sounds of the savannah at night.

Did You Know? Serengeti means “endless plains” in the Maasai language.
- Dreaming of witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration? Serengeti offers incredible wildlife year-round.

Distance: ~250 km | Drive Time: ~6 hours (with stops & game drives)

Wake early for a sunrise Serengeti game drive, the prime time to spot predators. Observe lions with cubs, cheetahs scanning the horizon, or hyenas finishing a hunt. Continue exploring Seronera’s plains, rivers, and kopjes, home to giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and leopards. Enjoy a picnic under a shady acacia surrounded by wildlife.

Photography Tip: Capture Serengeti’s golden light for dramatic wildlife shots during early morning and late afternoon.
- Pita Safaris guarantees front-row wildlife experiences with expert guides.

Enjoy a short morning game drive before leaving the Serengeti. Travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing Maasai villages and highland scenery. Arrive at Ang’ata Ngorongoro Camp, near the crater rim, in time for a spectacular sunset over the caldera. Relax with tea or coffee and enjoy dinner.

Travel Tip: The crater rim can be chilly—bring a light sweater.
- Early starts tomorrow maximize wildlife sightings in the Ngorongoro Crater safari.

Distance: ~150 km | Drive Time: ~4–5 hours (with game drives)

Rise early for a Ngorongoro Crater game drive, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the Big Five and rare black rhinos. Explore the crater floor, observing lions near hippo pools, buffalo grazing, and flamingos coloring the soda lake pink. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch before ascending and transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your evening flight. Optional extra night in Arusha available.

Safari Reflection: From Arusha forests to Serengeti predators and Ngorongoro wildlife, you’ve experienced Northern Tanzania at its finest.
- Relive this adventure or bring friends—Pita Safaris crafts unforgettable East Africa safari experiences.

Distance: ~290 km | Drive Time: ~6–7 hours (with crater game drive)