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7 Days Tanzania Wildlands Expedition Safari

7 Days Tanzania Wildlands Expedition Safari

Four Iconic Landscapes, One Remarkable Tanzania Adventure

7
DAYS
1
DESTINATIONS
GUESTS
Four iconic landscapes, one carefully crafted Northern Tanzania adventure. This 7 Day Tanzania Wildlands Expedition Safari is a private Tanzania midrange safari from Arusha designed for travelers seeking remarkable wildlife, comfortable accommodation, expert guiding, and excellent value. From the Mount Meru scenery of Arusha National Park and the Rift Valley habitats of Lake Manyara to the predator-rich plains of the Serengeti and the wildlife-filled floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, the journey brings together some of Tanzania's most celebrated safari destinations in one rewarding expedition. Arusha National Park sets the tone with a refreshing mix of montane forests, open grasslands, volcanic landscapes, and the scenic Momella Lakes beneath Mount Meru. Giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, antelopes, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and abundant birdlife can be encountered during the game drive, while the dramatic mountain backdrop adds a distinctive character to the opening days of your Northern Tanzania safari. From there, Lake Manyara National Park introduces a contrasting Great Rift Valley environment, where groundwater forests, acacia woodland, open plains, and lakeshore habitats support elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, flamingos, baboons, and diverse birdlife. The park's occasional tree-climbing lions provide another memorable wildlife highlight before the route heads toward the Serengeti. The sweeping plains of Serengeti National Park form the centerpiece of the expedition, with extensive game drives offering opportunities to encounter lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, and other iconic African wildlife. Depending on the season and movement of the herds, travelers may also witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, adding another extraordinary dimension to this Tanzania wildlife safari. The journey reaches its dramatic finale at the Ngorongoro Crater, where a half-day game drive takes you onto the floor of the ancient volcanic caldera. Lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, flamingos, and the endangered black rhino are among the wildlife you may encounter, surrounded by spectacular crater walls and highland scenery. Throughout the safari, a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof provides comfortable and flexible wildlife viewing alongside a professional English-speaking Tanzanian safari guide. Carefully selected midrange lodges and tented camps provide comfortable rooms, en-suite facilities, and quality hospitality between game drives. Well suited to couples, families, honeymooners, photographers, and first-time safari travelers, this 7 Days Tanzania Wildlands Expedition Safari combines diverse ecosystems, authentic wildlife encounters, comfort, and personalized service with Pita Safaris.

7-day private Tanzania midrange safari from Arusha

Four iconic Northern Circuit destinations in one journey

Arusha National Park game drive beneath Mount Meru

Scenic Momella Lakes, montane forests and open grasslands

Lake Manyara National Park wildlife and Great Rift Valley scenery

Tree-climbing lions, elephants, flamingos, hippos and abundant birdlife

Two nights in Serengeti National Park for extended wildlife viewing

Full-day Serengeti Big Five and predator safari

Opportunities to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and wildebeest

Seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration viewing opportunities

Ngorongoro Crater Big Five game drive

Potential black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo and hippo sightings

Spectacular Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Highlands scenery

Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

Comfortable midrange safari lodges and tented camps

Professional English-speaking Tanzanian safari guide

Optional Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari

Optional Olduvai Gorge and Maasai cultural experiences

Excellent opportunities for wildlife photography

Itinerary

Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arusha
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your midrange hotel in Arusha. Enjoy a relaxing evening and a safari briefing as you prepare for your exciting Northern Tanzania wildlife safari. If time permits, optional activities such as an Arusha town tour, coffee plantation visit, or cultural craft market experience can be arranged before your safari adventure begins.

Accommodation: Midrange Hotel in Arusha

Midrange Hotel in Arusha
Dinner
Arusha National Park
Arusha
Day 2: Arusha National Park

After breakfast, depart Arusha for the beautiful Arusha National Park, located beneath the dramatic slopes of Mount Meru. Enjoy a morning game drive through the park's diverse landscapes, including montane forests, open grasslands, and the scenic Momella Lakes. Keep watch for giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, antelopes, and black-and-white colobus monkeys while your professional safari guide introduces you to the area's rich wildlife and birdlife.

The park also provides spectacular views of Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest mountain and one of the most impressive landmarks in the Arusha region. After your game drive, return to Arusha for an afternoon of relaxation.

Accommodation: Midrange Hotel in Arusha

Midrange Hotel in Arusha
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Manyara National Park
Day 3: Arusha - Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive towards Lake Manyara National Park, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive through this diverse wildlife sanctuary, famous for its lush groundwater forests, large elephant herds, abundant birdlife, and seasonal flamingos around the alkaline lake.

Search for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, baboons, hippos, and the park's famous tree-climbing lions. Your expert safari guide will help you discover the unique wildlife and landscapes of Lake Manyara before continuing towards your midrange lodge in the Karatu or Manyara area.

Accommodation: Midrange Lodge in Manyara or Karatu Area

Midrange Lodge in Manyara or Karatu Area
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serengeti National Park
Day 4: Lake Manyara - Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, journey through the spectacular Ngorongoro Highlands towards the legendary Serengeti National Park. As you enter the Serengeti, the landscape opens into vast golden savannah plains where large herds of wildebeest and zebras roam alongside predators.

Enjoy a game drive en route to your midrange tented camp, with opportunities to encounter lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, cheetahs, and other wildlife. Depending on wildlife activity and arrival time, enjoy an afternoon or sunset game drive before returning to camp for dinner beneath the African sky.

Accommodation: Midrange Safari Tented Camp in Serengeti National Park

Midrange Safari Tented Camp in Serengeti National Park
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Full Day Serengeti National Park

Spend a full day exploring the magnificent Serengeti National Park on an extensive private game drive accompanied by your professional English-speaking safari guide. Explore the wildlife-rich Seronera Valley and surrounding plains in search of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, and abundant birdlife.

The Serengeti offers excellent opportunities to witness dramatic predator-prey interactions and the Great Wildebeest Migration, depending on the seasonal location of the herds. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your afternoon game drive. An optional sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safari can also be arranged for a spectacular aerial view of the Serengeti plains.

Accommodation: Midrange Safari Tented Camp in Serengeti National Park

Midrange Safari Tented Camp in Serengeti National Park
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ngorongoro Highlands
Day 6: Serengeti - Ngorongoro Highlands

Enjoy an early morning game drive in the Serengeti before breakfast, providing another opportunity to observe wildlife during the cooler and more active hours of the day. After breakfast, depart Serengeti and travel towards the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Depending on your interests and timing, an optional stop at Olduvai Gorge can be arranged to explore one of East Africa's most important archaeological sites. Continue towards your midrange lodge in the Karatu area or near the Ngorongoro Crater rim, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful highland scenery and prepare for the following day's crater safari.

Accommodation: Midrange Lodge in Ngorongoro Highlands

Midrange Lodge in Ngorongoro Highlands
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ngorongoro Crater
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha Departure

After an early breakfast, descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day Big Five game drive. Often described as one of Africa's greatest wildlife destinations, the crater provides an exceptional concentration of wildlife within its dramatic volcanic landscape.

Search for black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, flamingos, and other wildlife around the crater floor. Enjoy a picnic lunch in this remarkable natural setting before ascending from the crater and beginning your journey back to Arusha or onward to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Accommodation: Optional Midrange Hotel in Arusha

Breakfast, Lunch
Wildlife

Wildlife Experience


Key reserves, habitats, and wildlife encounters on this safari route

Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino & Buffalo

Excellent Serengeti predator viewing

Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal)

Tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara (seasonal sightings)

Black rhino experience in Ngorongoro Crater

Elephants, giraffes, zebras & wildebeest

Hippos, flamingos & abundant birdlife

Black-and-white colobus monkeys in Arusha National Park

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit


The ideal months for wildlife viewing and safari experiences in East Africa

Inclusions

Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof throughout the safari

Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide

Midrange hotel accommodation in Arusha

Comfortable midrange lodges and safari tented camps

Full board meals during the safari as specified in the itinerary

All scheduled private game drives as per the itinerary

Park entrance fees for Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Crater conservation and crater service fees

Bottled drinking water during safari drives

Airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport where applicable

Government taxes and statutory conservation fees

Exclude

International and domestic flights

Tanzania visa fees (where applicable)

Comprehensive travel insurance

Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and personal beverages

Tips and gratuities for your safari guide and lodge staff

Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti

Optional Maasai cultural village visit

Optional Olduvai Gorge visit

Personal expenses and souvenirs

Optional activities not specified in the itinerary

Plan Ahead

Travel Tips


Practical advice to help you prepare for a smooth and rewarding safari

  • Best time: June–October for excellent wildlife viewing and the Great Wildebeest Migration
  • January–March is an excellent period for the Serengeti calving season
  • Book early for July–October and festive-season travel to secure preferred midrange lodges and camps
  • Pack lightweight clothing, a warm jacket, hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes
  • Bring a camera, binoculars, spare batteries, and extra memory cards for wildlife photography
  • Carry some cash for gratuities, drinks, souvenirs, and optional experiences
  • Prepare for cool mornings and evenings around Ngorongoro Highlands
  • Consider a Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari for a spectacular sunrise experience
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


Common questions about this safari itinerary and travelling with Pita Safaris

What is included in the 7 Day Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Midrange Safari?
Private 4×4 safari vehicle, midrange accommodation, park and conservation fees, meals, scheduled game drives, bottled drinking water, airport transfers where applicable, and a professional English-speaking safari guide.
Is this a private or shared Tanzania midrange safari?
This itinerary is designed as a private Tanzania safari with your own 4×4 safari vehicle and dedicated professional safari driver-guide.
What wildlife can I expect to see during this Tanzania safari?
You can encounter the Big Five, lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, flamingos, monkeys, and numerous bird species.
When is the best time to visit Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater?
June–October is one of the best periods for dry-season wildlife viewing and the Great Wildebeest Migration. January–March is particularly rewarding for the Serengeti calving season.
Can I see the Big Five on this 7 Day Tanzania safari?
Yes. Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater offer some of Tanzania's best opportunities for Big Five wildlife viewing, although sightings can never be guaranteed.
How many nights are spent in the Serengeti?
This itinerary includes 2 nights in Serengeti National Park, allowing you more time for game drives and wildlife exploration in one of Africa's most famous ecosystems.
Can I add a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti?
Yes. An optional sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safari can be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability and operating schedules.

View all FAQs →

  • $ Per Person