7-Day Essential Tanzania Safari
The classic northern circuit, done properly: Tarangire’s elephants, the Ngorongoro Crater, and two full Serengeti days with a balloon at dawn. Private 4x4, private guide, all the way.
The safari, day by day
- Day 1
Arrive Kilimanjaro → Arusha
Met at Kilimanjaro International (JRO) by your driver-guide and your private high-clearance 4x4, then a scenic transfer to a premium Arusha hotel. Unwind and settle in on full board.
4-star premium hotel, Arusha · Full Board
- Day 2
Tarangire → Karatu highlands
Southwest into the baobab kingdoms of Tarangire, famed for its huge elephant herds along the river. A comprehensive game drive with a picnic lunch in the wild, then up into the cool green highlands of Karatu.
4-star lodge, Karatu · Full Board
- Day 3
Ngorongoro → Serengeti plains
Journey through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area — all transit and park fees pre-arranged — and descend toward the endless Serengeti, arriving at your tented camp under a pristine sky.
Mid-range tented camp, Serengeti · Full Board
- Day 4
Full day in the Serengeti
A whole day in the world’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuary, your guide reading real-time movements for lion prides, cheetah, leopard in the riverine woodlands and vast plains game.
Mid-range tented camp, Serengeti · Full Board
- Day 5
Balloon safari & signature sundowner
Before dawn, a premium hot-air balloon flight drifting over the savanna, then a champagne bush breakfast on landing. An afternoon game drive closes with a private sundowner out on the open plains.
Mid-range tented camp, Serengeti · Full Board
- Day 6
Serengeti → Arusha
A reverse overland game drive back across the Northern Circuit — final wildlife through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro zones — arriving in Arusha by late afternoon for a relaxed final evening.
4-star premium hotel, Arusha · Full Board
- Day 7
Departure
A final breakfast, then a private transfer to Kilimanjaro International (JRO) for your onward flight.
What it costs
| Tier | 2 sharing | 3–6 guests | 6–12 guests | Single supp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-Range | $2,800 | $2,700 | $2,600 | $500 |
| Luxury | $3,500 | $3,400 | $3,300 | $750 |
Per person sharing a twin/double, full board. Children 5–12 at 75% sharing with parents; under 5 free. From-rates; a specialist confirms your exact quote and availability.
Included
Airport transfers · private 4x4 Land Cruiser with fridge, charging and pop-up roof · unlimited-mileage game drives · professional English-speaking guide · Arusha hotel nights before and after · all meals on safari (full board) · mineral water and soft drinks daily · all park and crater fees · AMREF Flying Doctors emergency-evacuation cover · all government taxes.
On request
Walking safari or Maasai village visit ($50 pp) · night game drive ($198 pp) · additional hot-air balloon flights ($599 pp, all fees included).
Excluded
International flights · alcoholic drinks · tips (≈$20 pp/day) · personal expenses · visa fees ($100 US / $50 non-US) · travel insurance · any government fee increases.
A feel for the camps & lodges
Mid-range to luxury tented camps and lodges, chosen with you and confirmed subject to availability. Representative images below; full galleries on enquiry.
Representative properties — subject to availability
Mid-Range: Arusha — Forest Hill / Kibo Palace / Gold Crest · Karatu — Octagon Lodge / Farm of Dreams / Eileen’s Trees Inn · Serengeti — Tortilis / Tukaone / Kati Kati / Tanzania Bush Camps / Mawe / Serengeti Heritage.
Luxury: Arusha — Mount Meru / Gran Meliá / Four Points · Karatu — Acacia Farm Lodge / Escarpment / The Castle · Serengeti — Enkirari Wilderness / Olkarien Eco Camp / Baobab Serengeti.