7-Day Northern Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Adventure

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your professional Pita Safaris driver-guide will greet you warmly with a cheerful karibu sana—Swahili for “welcome.” Begin your adventure with a scenic transfer to Arusha, the safari hub at the foot of Mount Meru, passing banana plantations, coffee farms, and Tanzania’s signature red-soil landscapes.

Check in at Kibo Palace Hotel, a comfortable midrange lodge with ensuite rooms, lush gardens, a sparkling pool, and a relaxing atmosphere. Depending on your arrival time, unwind by the pool or explore Arusha’s vibrant craft markets and local cafés.

Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring Swahili and international cuisine—your first taste of authentic Tanzanian hospitality.

Travel Tip: Ask your guide about hidden gems in Arusha, from art galleries to authentic Tanzanian coffee experiences.
- Pro Tip: Rest well—your Northern Tanzania Safari adventure begins tomorrow!

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

After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and scenic river landscapes—perfect for uncrowded wildlife photography.

Enjoy a full-day game drive along the Tarangire River, spotting lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and elephants. Bird enthusiasts can admire over 500 species. Pause mid-day for a scenic bush picnic lunch amidst the sounds of the wild.

In the late afternoon, check in at Lake Burunge Tented Lodge, offering lake views, cozy tents, and hot showers. Conclude your day with a chef-prepared dinner under the stars.

Photography Tip: Tarangire’s golden hour is ideal for dramatic wildlife and baobab shots.
- Experience Tanzania’s elephant kingdom with expert Pita Safaris guides.

Distance: ~120 km | Drive Time: ~2.5–3 hours

Travel to Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, via the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands (~6 hours with stops), passing Maasai villages and forested escarpments. Pause at the Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint for panoramic vistas before descending into the Serengeti plains, alive with wildlife: wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, lions, and cheetahs.

Check in at Serengeti Heritage Camp, a central tented camp featuring ensuite bathrooms, solar lighting, and comfortable beds.

Safari Moment: Sip a drink by the campfire as the sun sets over the endless Serengeti plains.
- Craving authentic wilderness? Pita Safaris guides ensure the best wildlife encounters.

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

Wake early for a sunrise game drive, the prime time to observe lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and elephants in action. Return for a bush or late breakfast before exploring Seronera’s rivers, kopjes, and savannahs, home to giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and elusive leopards.

Enjoy a picnic lunch beneath a shady acacia tree while surrounded by wildlife. Your guide tailors the day based on recent sightings to maximize encounters. Return to camp for a hot shower and bush dinner under the stars.

Photography Tip: Early mornings and golden hours provide perfect lighting for wildlife portraits.
- Track big cats and immerse yourself in Africa’s wild theater with Pita Safaris.

Explore the Serengeti Plains for opportunities to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal) or focus on resident predators. Begin with an early morning game drive in golden light, spotting elephants, lions, and cheetahs.

Return to camp mid-morning, then explore hidden valleys or predator hotspots identified by local expert guides. End the day with a celebratory campfire dinner.

Optional Experience: Hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti for a once-in-a-lifetime aerial safari.
- Witness Africa’s ultimate wildlife spectacle with Pita Safaris.

Depart the Serengeti for the Ngorongoro Highlands (~4 hours), where montane forests meet panoramic savannahs. Pass Maasai villages and scenic landscapes en route.

Check in at Ang’ata Ngorongoro Camp, perched near the crater rim. Spend a relaxed afternoon enjoying Tanzanian tea, short walks, or Maasai cultural experiences. Dinner features local flavors in the camp mess tent.

Did You Know? Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, hosting nearly 25,000 animals.
- Prepare for tomorrow’s grand crater safari.

Distance: ~150 km | Drive Time: ~4 hours

Descend early into Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five, hippos, flamingos, and rare black rhinos. Explore the crater floor and spot lions, buffalo, and abundant wildlife.

Pause for a scenic picnic lunch before ascending and transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport (~6–7 hours) or Arusha for an optional extra night.

Safari Reflection: From Tarangire’s elephants to Serengeti predators and Ngorongoro’s iconic crater, this Northern Tanzania Safari captures the best wildlife experiences in Tanzania.
- Ready for your next African adventure? Pita Safaris crafts unforgettable safari journeys.

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