7 Days Classic Tanzania Safari

This private 7 day Tanzania safari combines a little culture, time at the foothills of Kilimanjaro and four of Northern Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife areas.

From Materuni Village and Tarangire’s elephant country to the endless plains of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, each day brings a different landscape and experience. And because your safari is completely private, there is room to slow down, stay with an interesting sighting and enjoy the journey at your own pace.

Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Tales of Tanzania Safaris representative will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you privately to your hotel in Arusha.

Nothing is planned for today. Settle in, enjoy dinner and rest after your international journey before your adventure begins the following morning.

Drive: Kilimanjaro Airport → Arusha | Approx. 55 km | 1–1.5 hours
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Materuni Village & Waterfall

After breakfast, travel towards the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Chagga village of Materuni.

Set at approximately 1,800 metres above sea level, Materuni offers a completely different side of Tanzania. Walk through farmland, banana and coffee plantations and lush vegetation towards Materuni Waterfall while your local guide introduces you to Chagga culture and everyday village life.

The walk to the waterfall takes approximately 40–45 minutes each way and includes some uneven terrain. On a clear day, you may also be rewarded with beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

After your visit, return to Arusha for a relaxed evening before safari begins tomorrow.

Drive: Arusha → Materuni | Approx. 130 km | 2.5–3 hours each way
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 3: Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, meet your private safari guide and drive to Tarangire National Park.

Tarangire is known for its ancient baobabs, large elephant population and the Tarangire River, which draws wildlife through the surrounding landscape.

Your first game drive will take you through the river valley and surrounding plains, with opportunities to encounter elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, lion and many other species.

Around midday, enjoy a hot lunch at Tarangire Safari Lodge before continuing your afternoon game drive. Later, leave the park and travel to Karatu for dinner and overnight.

Drive: Arusha → Tarangire | Approx. 110 km | 2–2.5 hours
Tarangire → Karatu: Approx. 70 km | 1.5–2 hours
Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 4: Journey to the Serengeti

After an early breakfast, travel through the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands and onward towards Serengeti National Park.

As the highlands give way to the vast Serengeti plains, the journey gradually becomes part of the safari. Once inside the park, there is no need to race towards camp — your guide can stop for wildlife and interesting sightings along the way.

Arrive at your tented camp later in the afternoon and settle in for your first evening in the Serengeti.

Drive: Karatu → Central Serengeti | Approx. 205 km | 4–5 hours, excluding wildlife stops
Accommodation: Tukaone Weavers Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 5: Central Serengeti

Today belongs entirely to the Serengeti.

You may choose an early start while the plains are still cool and wildlife is active, or enjoy breakfast at camp before heading out. With your own private vehicle and guide, there is deliberately no rigid timetable.

Explore the Seronera region’s open grasslands, river valleys and rocky kopjes in search of lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, giraffe and the many other species that make the Central Serengeti rewarding throughout the year.

Return to camp later in the day for a private bush dinner, a special way to enjoy your final evening in the Serengeti.

Accommodation: Tukaone Weavers Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater

Leave the Serengeti early this morning, enjoying wildlife along the way as you travel towards Ngorongoro.

From the crater rim, descend approximately 600 metres to the crater floor for up to six hours of game viewing with your private guide.

The crater’s grasslands, woodland, wetlands and lakes support an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including lion, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, elephant and spotted hyena. With some luck, you may also encounter the endangered black rhino.

Enjoy a picnic lunch during your time in the crater before ascending the crater wall and continuing to Karatu for the evening.

Drive: Central Serengeti → Ngorongoro | Approx. 145 km | 3–4 hours, excluding wildlife stops
Ngorongoro → Karatu: Approx. 45–60 minutes
Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner

Day 7: Lake Manyara – Farewell

After breakfast, make the short journey to Lake Manyara National Park for your final game drive.

Set beneath the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara offers a lovely contrast to the open landscapes you have experienced elsewhere. Its groundwater forest, woodland, wetlands and lakeshore provide habitat for elephant, giraffe, buffalo, baboon, blue monkey, hippo and abundant birdlife.

Enjoy lunch during your visit before beginning the journey back to Arusha.

Your safari ends on arrival in Arusha, where we say goodbye after seven days of experiencing very different sides of Northern Tanzania.

Drive: Karatu → Lake Manyara | Approx. 35 km | 45 minutes
Lake Manyara → Arusha: Approx. 120 km | 2–2.5 hours
Accommodation: None – end of tour
Meals: Breakfast & lunch

Safari Price – 2026 & 2027

US$2,800 per person
Based on 2 people travelling together on a private safari.                                                                                                                                      Prices are indicative and based on the itinerary and accommodations shown. As every Tales of Tanzania safari is privately tailored, the final price may vary depending on travel dates, accommodation availability and any changes you would like us to make.