tHE PERFECT 7-DAY TANZANIA SAFARI ITINERARY

Tanzania Safari Itinerary / Image: @umlingo2020

If there's one bucket list experience that's on the list of even the most seasoned travelers, it's a safari through the national parks of Tanzania.

Naturally, most of you reading this are familiar with what these animal-spotting expeditions through East Africa are all about. However, you might be wondering what each day on an African safari through Tanzania actually entails.

Throughout this article, you'll find a day-by-day breakdown of what to expect on a classic Tanzania safari itinerary. We have based this article on one of our most popular safaris that our travelers love to do. This includes everything from where you'll find the majestic African lions to the many awe-inspiring stops included in your adventure.

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DAY 1

Typically most Tanzania safaris begin at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where the majority of travelers fly into. Kilimanjaro Airport is a centralized airport that isn’t too far from most national parks - this is why it’s favored by a lot of travelers. As soon as you arrive, you'll be greeted by your experienced tour guide before beginning the hour-long drive to the nearby city of Arusha. Arusha is famous for its coffee plantations as well as sitting humbly at the base of Mount Meru’s volcano. Fear not, Mount Meru’s volcano hasn’t erupted for more than 100 years. It’s also the perfect base for exploring the best of northern Tanzania.

The first day is generally quite relaxed. You'll spend the evening at your hotel, where you'll be introduced to your guide, enjoy a hearty dinner before your welcome talk to get you excited and prepared for the following week of expeditions.

DAY 2

Your first port of call on this Tanzania safari itinerary is a visit to the Great Rift Valley Escarpment Wall. This breathtaking formation is the Earth’s longest rift. This profoundly deep depression has soaring cliff walls that expand from Jordan in Asia to Mozambique in Africa. Many call it ‘A crack in the earth’ - it truly is an inspirational sight to see.

After you've spent some time admiring the views and capturing some incredible shots of the landscape, you'll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and begin your journey to the gorgeous Lake Manyara. Located in Lake Manyara National Park, this lake is famous for its resident flamingos, wildlife and the impressive ‘Treetop Walkway’.

As you venture along the 18-meter-tall canopies, you will get a unique view of the park from the tops of the trees. Your guide will also enlighten you about the park's iconic tree-climbing lions that only exist in Lake Manyara, its rare bird species, and astounding herds of elephants. The Treetop Walkway is 370 meters in length and is the longest of its kind in Africa, which makes this experience all the more exciting. Once you have completed the treetop walk, you'll be whisked away to make the two-hour car ride to the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater ahead of the third day on your safari itinerary for Tanzania.

If you're keen to dive a little deeper into lion conservation in northern Tanzania, you'll have the option to add an extra activity to your itinerary. An in-depth and informative talk with renowned organization - African People & Wildlife can be arranged for any interested and passionate travelers, during which you'll gain a more comprehensive understanding of how they are impacting lion conservation as well as how local communities and lions can peacefully coexist.

Tanzania Safari Itinerary / Ngorongoro Crater. Image: @jeffrey_lemond

DAY 3

The Ngorongoro Crater is where you'll spend most of the third day and one of the best places to see lions in Africa. This crater is among the largest inactive calderas on the planet, a title that's even more astounding when you take into account the mesmerizing wildlife that calls this part of Tanzania home.

Throughout the tour of the crater, you'll be awed by the captivating scenery and the remarkable varieties of wildlife that live within the confinements of the crater walls.

Having spent plenty of time observing the wild animals in action as well as learning about their behaviors, your guide will share stories of some of these magnificent and legendary animals that have become famous within Ngorongoro.

Before we depart the crater - we will take a moment to enjoy the most magnificent sunset over the horizon. After you've soaked up the views of the sky's pink and orange hues, you'll start to make your way back to your camp to reminisce on the wonderful days events.

Tanzania Safari Itinerary / Image: @acuriousape

DAY 4

Although pretty much every moment on your 1-week Tanzania itinerary will be magical, day 4 is especially thrilling as this is when you'll first visit the amazing Serengeti.

What you can expect to find in the Serengeti will vary depending on the timing of your visit. Those of you planning your safari between July to late October (the best time to safari in Tanzania) will be in time to witness the phenomenal Great Migration. During this time thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles stampede a long and eventful journey through the Serengeti and travel clockwise towards Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of fresh grazings and water. It’s a sight to behold and one that many travelers fly in for.

If you're hoping to arrive outside of these months, fear not, as you'll still have an incredible encounter with the park's enchanting residents. Your tour will include visits to the impressive Kopjes Rock Formations, fascinating cultural experiences and visiting the many watering holes, savannas and plains to observe crocodiles, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, black rhinos as they go about their daily lives. Every season in Tanzania offers a unique experience.

In the evening, enjoy watching the sun setting over the magnificent Serengeti. Get ready to prepare for the ultimate immersive safari experience - sleep under a blanket of stars whilst falling asleep to the sounds of the Serengeti in your very own private tent. This experience allows you to feel grounded to Africa’s earth, with only the canvas walls of the tent dividing you from the beauty of the savannah and its inhabitants.

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DAY 5

Day 5 of your Tanzania safari tour kicks off with an early rise to catch the sunrise as you make a journey through the park at dawn. Your sunrise game drive will set off in the direction of Ndutu Plains.

Because of the cooler temperatures in the early hours, many of the animals tend to be particularly active at this time, affording you the opportunity to witness these amazing creatures slowly come to life. It's common for lions to hunt for prey overnight, meaning you'll likely spot some of the animals the pride has captured the previous evening.

You'll continue to head toward the Ndutu Plains throughout the morning before partaking in a guided nature walk through the grassy landscapes. This part of the safari can feel a little unnerving, as you'll be wandering through the plains on foot, but you'll be perfectly safe in the hands of your guide. Enjoy this immersive experience watching wildlife on foot.

Ndutu is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including smaller animals like birds, butterflies, and other interesting insects. Your guide will share a wealth of information with you about the flora and fauna of the landscape, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions throughout the walk. At this point, you'll also be keeping your eyes peeled for lion spoors, which indicate their movements and direction of travel.

As this exciting day draws to a close, you'll start to make your way back to the lodge before dark.

Tanzania Safari Itinerary / Image: @antonytrivet

DAY 6

The excitement continues into the sixth day of your one week in Tanzania, as you'll have an action-packed day of hiking, wildlife spotting, and cultural experiences to look forward to.

First up is a visit to two of the most stunning spots within the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, the Olmoti Crater and the Munge Waterfalls. Led by your guide, you'll make the hike to the beautiful grass-covered crater, where you'll witness some of the most breath-taking views in Tanzania. Thanks to the lush green landscapes around the crater, it's not uncommon to find wildlife grazing in the area. Olmoti is home to elephants, baboons, flamingoes, hippos, lions, jackals, cheetahs, leopards and more, which you’ll hope to observe from a distance whilst hiking the region. During the course of your trek, you'll visit the powerful Munge Waterfalls shortly after reaching the crater.

Next is a trip to the village of Nainokanoka on the eastern base of Olmoti Crater. Here, you'll spend some time with the famous Maasai tribe. Throughout the afternoon, you'll be immersed in the Maasai culture as you visit a traditional local home, partake in their dance rituals, and examine their elaborate, handmade crafts and jewelry.

When the evening rolls in, you'll begin to head south as you make the journey to the village of Karatu, where you'll spend the final night of your trip.

DAY 7

Kick off day 7 with a hearty breakfast with your fellow explorers and recollect the incredible memories and experiences of your Tanzania safari before you start your journey back to the airport as your 7-day expedition comes to an end.

All our safaris in Africa benefit lion conservation as we donate a portion of your ticket to lion organizations we partner with. Before you go, you'll be given the opportunity to continue your impact towards lion conservation should you wish to maintain your support. There will opportunities to do so after you have completed the journey in full, leaving your footprint firmly and positively in Tanzania.

Tanzania Safari Itinerary / Image: @cedric

CONCLUSION

There you have it, the best Tanzania itinerary for a vacation of a lifetime!

Between hiking to cascading waterfalls, witnessing real-life lions at Ngorongoro, admiring the wildebeest of the Serengeti, and everything in between, this 7-day Tanzania safari itinerary has all the components of an unforgettable adventure.

We design customizable safaris to suit your desires, requirements and budget - get in touch with us here to inquire about your next safari.

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The Perfect 7-Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary