Itinerary
Overview
Classic Safari Adventure
The 7-Day Tanzania Safari seamlessly combines the country’s most celebrated national parks with the refined comfort of the renowned Sopa Lodges—delivering an unforgettable blend of untamed beauty and well-earned relaxation. Your journey unfolds across Lake Manyara’s diverse terrain, where tree-climbing lions lounge in ancient figs; the Serengeti’s endless plains, alive with predators and migrating herds; the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with the Big Five; and Tarangire’s baobab-dotted landscapes, where massive elephant congregations gather. After each day’s adventures, retreat to the welcoming embrace of Sopa Lodges, where comfort and style await beneath African skies.
Itinerary
Day to day
Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Following breakfast in Arusha, you'll journey to Lake Manyara National Park for an immersive game drive through one of Tanzania's most visually stunning reserves. The park's dramatic mosaic of groundwater forests, open grasslands, and alkaline lakeshore creates a rich tapestry of habitats—prime territory for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and the park's legendary tree-climbing lions lounging in ancient fig branches. You'll pause for a picnic lunch amid the wild beauty before continuing your exploration. As the afternoon unfolds, you'll make your way to Marera Valley Lodge, where comfort and a good night's rest await.
What calls to you more—tracking those famous lions or soaking in the lakeside serenity?
Day 2: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Embalakai Authentic Tented Camp
Depart Arusha behind you as you journey toward the legendary Serengeti National Park. The drive winds through the lush farmlands of Karatu and ascends into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where sweeping highland views hint at the wild wonders ahead. Crossing into the Serengeti, you'll arrive in the central Seronera region—a landscape of golden grasslands stretching endlessly under big skies, already alive with wildlife. An afternoon game drive offers your first taste of this iconic ecosystem before you retreat to Embalakai Authentic Tented Camp, where the sounds of the bush provide the evening soundtrack.
Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Embalakai Authentic Tented Camp
Today unfolds entirely within the Serengeti's spellbinding expanse—a landscape synonymous with the annual Great Migration and renowned for its extraordinary concentration of predators. With the open plains stretching to every horizon, your game drives reveal the raw drama of life in the wild: prides of lions lazing in the golden grass, cheetahs scanning for opportunity, leopards draped in acacia branches, and hyenas patrolling the edges of the herds. Each moment brings new encounters, new stories. As the sun sinks low, you'll return to Embalakai Authentic Tented Camp, where a warm dinner and the night sounds of the bush await.
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater via Olduvai Gorge
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House
After breakfast, savor one final morning game drive in the Serengeti as the plains come alive with wildlife against the soft morning light. Then, begin your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, leaving the endless grasslands behind for the cooler highlands. En route, a fascinating stop awaits at Olduvai Gorge—one of the most important paleoanthropological sites on Earth, where the footprints of our ancient ancestors were discovered. Stand where humanity's story began before continuing to the lush Ngorongoro Farm House, where a warm dinner and comfortable night's rest await amid the coffee plantations.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Rise early and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater—a natural wonder often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World." This UNESCO World Heritage Site cradles one of Africa's most concentrated wildlife sanctuaries within its ancient walls. As your vehicle winds onto the crater floor, you'll enter a landscape teeming with life: black rhinos grazing near the marshes, elephants ambling across the grasslands, lions dozing in the morning sun, and hippos wallowing in the freshwater pools. Pause for a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, soaking in the surreal beauty surrounding you. In the afternoon, ascend from the crater and continue your journey to Tarangire National Park, where Tarangire Sopa Lodge awaits to welcome you for the night.
Day 6: Full Day in Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Today is yours to explore Tarangire National Park in depth—a landscape defined by colossal elephant herds and ancient baobabs that have stood sentinel for centuries. The life-giving Tarangire River winds through the park, drawing wildlife from across the region. During the dry season, this vital water source becomes a gathering place for thousands of animals: elephants spraying and bathing, buffaloes descending to drink, and giraffes moving gracefully along the banks. Predators follow close behind, making every moment along the river an opportunity for discovery. After a full day of immersion in this wild paradise, return to Tarangire Sopa Lodge for a well-earned dinner and an evening of relaxation beneath the stars.
Day 7: Tarangire to Arusha
On your final morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading into Tarangire for one last game drive—a final chance to watch elephants gather beneath ancient baobabs and drink in the African light. Then, the journey leads you back to Arusha, where lunch awaits at a local restaurant, followed by time to browse shops for souvenirs and keepsakes to carry home. From there, it's on to the airport for your departure flight.
What calls to you most on this last day—chasing one more wildlife encounter or hunting for the perfect memento?
What's Included?
- Accommodation: 6 nights in luxury tented camps and lodges.
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the safari.
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing, including airport transfers.
- Professional Guide: Services of an experienced, English-speaking safari guide.
- Park Fees: All national park entrance fees, including the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Game Drives: Daily game drives as per the itinerary.
Drinking Water: Bottled water during game drives. - Maasai Village Visit: A cultural visit to a Maasai village (if time permits on Day 7).
- Internal Flights: Domestic flight from Arusha to Serengeti (if applicable).
- Emergency Evacuation: AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation insurance.
What's Excluded?
- International Flights: Flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Visas: Entry visas for Tanzania.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
- Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, additional beverages, and laundry services.
- Optional Activities: Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., hot air balloon safari).
- Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic drinks at lodges and camps unless otherwise stated.
- Covid-19 Related Expenses: Any testing or quarantine costs related to Covid-19 regulations.